Marco Island Center for the Arts is turning up the laughter for the 2026–2027 season at Arts Center Theatre with a lineup packed full of wit, farce, mystery, satire, and laugh-out-loud comedy. From eccentric families and backstage disasters to clever thrillers and outrageous spoofs, the upcoming season promises audiences an unforgettable year of entertainment on Marco Island.
“This season celebrates the joy of live theatre through comedy in all its forms,” said Hyla Crane, Executive Director. “Whether it’s through Southern charm, backstage chaos, or over-the-top physical comedy, each production offers audiences a chance to laugh, connect, and escape.”
The season opens November 5–22, 2026, with “Packing Up Polly” written by Leslie Kimbell and directed by Hyla Crane, a heartfelt comedy that balances humor and humanity as one family navigates the challenges of caregiving, aging parents, and the unpredictable moments that bring families together.
Holiday audiences will enjoy the whimsical charm of “FLOAT,” written by Patricia Kane and directed by Amy Saad, running December 9–20, 2026. Filled with humor, heart, and imaginative storytelling, the production offers an uplifting theatrical experience during the festive season.
Suspense and comedy collide January 7–24, 2027, in Ira Levin’s legendary thriller “Deathtrap,” directed by Paula Keenan. Packed with plot twists, razor-sharp dialogue, and dark comedic undertones, the Broadway hit keeps audiences laughing one moment and gasping the next.
February 4–21, 2027, brings the outrageous Southern comedy “The Red Velvet Cake Wars” by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten, and directed by Cheryl Duggan. Audiences will meet the delightfully eccentric Verdeen cousins as family rivalries, wedding chaos, and small-town antics spiral into comedic mayhem.
The laughs continue March 4–21, 2027, with “Sandbag, Stage Left (Or One Dead Dolly)” written by John Anthony, and directed by Marlene Strollo, a fast-paced backstage murder mystery that affectionately spoofs community theatre life. Filled with theatrical mishaps, quirky characters, and nonstop surprises, the comedy is a love letter to the chaos behind the curtain.
Closing the season April 1–18, 2027, is Patrick Barlow’s wildly inventive comedy adaptation of “Ben Hur” directed by Joan Gerberding. This over-the-top theatrical spoof transforms the epic biblical tale into a hysterical romp complete with outrageous sight gags, rapid costume changes, and brilliantly absurd humor.
Located in the Marco Town Center to the right of the Marco Brewery with a red door, Arts Center Theatre continues to bring dynamic live theatre experiences to Southwest Florida audiences with productions that entertain, inspire, and bring the community together.
Season Tickets will go on sale June 15, 2026, and individual tickets will become available for purchase June 30, 2026.
For more information, visit https://www.marcoislandart.org/arts-center-theatre/ or contact the box office at 239-784-1186.
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