The Kennedy Center unveiled its 2025–2026 theater season, which will feature a vibrant lineup of Broadway blockbusters and family-focused productions.
The programming expansion reflects a major strategic shift under the leadership of its president, Richard Grenell, as part of a broader initiative backed by President Donald Trump to reshape the nation’s cultural institutions and steer the Kennedy Center toward financial recovery and mainstream appeal.
“America’s premier arts institution deserves programming that resonates with the masses,” Grenell told the Washington Examiner. “We’re proud of the Kennedy Center’s new season and confident the public will be as well.”
Introducing the Kennedy Center’s 2025–2026 Theater Season!
Get ready for a spectacular lineup that blends beloved classics with bold new productions. From the laugh-out-loud hijinks of Spamalot to the dazzling spectacle of Moulin Rouge! The Musical, this season offers… pic.twitter.com/QWJNaeTPRJ
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) May 19, 2025
The new season will include three Tony Award-winning Best Musicals — The Outsiders, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Monty Python’s Spamalot — along with other popular titles such as Chicago, Back to the Future, and Mrs. Doubtfire. The family-friendly offerings include the return of Bluey and the debut of Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE.
Broadway season highlights
- Monty Python’s Spamalot (Dec. 16, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026)
- Chicago (March 31 – April 5, 2026)
- Moulin Rouge! The Musical (June 16 – July 5, 2026)
- Back to the Future (July 7 – 19, 2026)
- Mrs. Doubtfire (July 14 – Aug. 2, 2026)
- The Outsiders (July 28 – Aug. 16, 2026)
Family and specialty shows
- Champions of Magic (Nov. 18 – 23, 2025)
- Shamrock Tenors Christmas Show (Nov. 25 – 30, 2025)
- Improvised Shakespeare Company (Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 2025)
- Bluey (June 24 – July 5, 2026)
- Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE (June 25 – July 26, 2026)
Find your joy!
The Kennedy Center’s 2025–2026 Performances for Young Audiences season invites kids—and kids at heart—on unforgettable journeys through theater, music, and dance.
From laugh-out-loud adventures to thoughtful, creative storytelling, this season is packed with… pic.twitter.com/gtHXrRvehz
— The Kennedy Center (@kencen) May 19, 2025
Trump hosted the Kennedy Center Board at the White House on Monday evening. The dinner, held in the State Dining Room, came months after Trump dismissed the previous board members and announced he would serve as the center’s chairman. Board members now include White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi, second lady Usha Vance, and singer Lee Greenwood.
The programming overhaul reflects Grenell’s efforts to broaden the Kennedy Center’s cultural reach and economic viability, with an emphasis on widely accessible and family-oriented content.
A significant cultural milestone under Grenell’s leadership was also announced: the return of the prestigious Stuttgart Ballet to the Kennedy Center for the first time in over 30 years. The news was met with overwhelming enthusiasm online.
We are excited to announce:https://t.co/GTxwvSSWaY
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) May 19, 2025
“Great news! And I think this is just the beginning of a beautiful renaissance at the Kennedy Center under your guidance,” one user posted on X.
Another said, “So glad you are restoring class to the Kennedy Center!”
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“Very classy. Grenell is currently the president of the Kennedy Center,” another user said. “This is amazing news … such a beautiful event!”
As the Kennedy Center shifts toward a more mainstream and financially sustainable programming strategy, many are saying this is the beginning of a revitalization, one rooted in accessibility, quality, and renewed public engagement.