Center Stage Theatre in Idaho Falls is unveiling an expansive lineup for 2027 that blends beloved classics with contemporary Broadway fare, offering theatergoers a diverse mix of musicals and dramatic productions throughout the year.
The season opens with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s iconic children’s novel. Director Ally Rockland will helm the production, which draws from the original book as well as both the Gene Wilder and Tim Burton film versions. “Whether it’s the original Roald Dahl book, the Gene Wilder classic, or the Tim Burton reimagining, we can all agree that this story captures our imagination effortlessly and memorably,” Rockland said of the anticipated opener.
Following the spring premiere, Center Stage will mount an extended run of Les Misérables, the revolutionary-era musical that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. The production will feature 40 performances and employ double-casting to accommodate the ambitious scope of the classic work. Director Justin DaBell, who is helming the show, expressed his personal connection to the material. “The first musical I fell in love with was Les Mis. It’s just so good, and so special to so many people,” he noted.
Fall Production Grounded in Recent History
The autumn slate includes Come From Away, a musical rooted in the true events of September 11, 2001. Director Kelsey Gillian will lead the production, which centers on the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. When air traffic over the United States was halted following the terrorist attacks, 38 commercial aircraft were diverted to the remote Canadian community, which mobilized to shelter and assist nearly 7,000 stranded passengers. The show dramatizes how residents opened their homes and hearts during an unprecedented crisis, capturing a moment when ordinary people demonstrated extraordinary compassion.
Holiday Cheer and Future Announcements
Rounding out the 2027 season is a festive holiday musical based on a beloved film, following the character Ralphie Parker as he pursues a Red Ryder BB gun. Justin DaBell returns to direct this seasonal offering, which promises to bring warmth and nostalgia to the theater during the winter months.
Center Stage has announced that details regarding the summer 2027 production will be forthcoming, leaving room for additional surprises in the theater’s comprehensive annual calendar.
The announced slate reflects the theater’s commitment to programming that ranges from timeless material to works that resonate with contemporary audiences and tackle significant historical moments. By mixing family-friendly adaptations, Broadway staples, and emotionally substantive musicals, Center Stage aims to serve diverse theatrical tastes across Bonneville County.
The extended run of Les Misérables and the double-casting approach signal the theater’s confidence in drawing sustained audience interest while providing opportunities for expanded company rosters—a model that can energize local performing talent and support the broader artistic community in Idaho Falls.
What Comes Next
Theater patrons should watch for ticket information and performance dates as the organization moves closer to the 2027 season. The announcement of the summer production should arrive in coming months. For those interested in community cultural offerings beyond theater, Idaho’s Oldest Professional Rodeo Returns to Idaho Falls This Week with Free Family Kickoff Event provides another layer of regional entertainment during the coming weeks.