Special to Independent Newsmedia
Black Theatre Troupe will open its 2025–2026 season in September, with a mix of classics and new discoveries that explore resilience, connection, and transformation in its 56th season.
The Troupe, founded by Helen K. Mason in 1970 as a space for underserved artists to share the Black experience, Black Theatre Troupe began performing small plays, poetry readings, and musical performances in a community center in Phoenix’s historic multi-cultural Eastlake Park.
The upcoming season will feature poignant dramas, vibrant musicals, and the Troupe’s holiday tradition, all of which illuminate the Black experience in America, the theater states.
“This season is a celebration of humanity in all its joy and complexity,” David Hemphill, Black Theatre Troupe executive director, shared in a press release. “We’re inviting audiences to laugh, cry, reflect, and rise with these stories.”
2025–2026 SEASON
Sept. 5-21
“Grace and Glorie”: By Tom Ziegler
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
Glorie, a former high-powered New York City executive and her family move to the south. In her role as a hospice volunteer, she grows close to an illiterate elderly farm woman. Set in Virginia, Grace and Glorie is a touching and funny story of two ordinary women and their extraordinary stories.
Oct. 17–Nov. 2
“Caroline, or Change”: Book and lyrics by Tony Kushner, music by Jeanine Tesori
Tempe Center for the Arts
The time is 1963 in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Caroline Thibodeaux, an African-American mother of three, works for a Jewish family. She and their 8-year-old son Noah find themselves in the middle of a family conflict during the Christmas and Chanukah holidays. Combines gospel and the sounds of Motown.
Dec. 5-14
“Black Nativity”: By Langston Hughes
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
Last season’s sold out holiday event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes returns to the stage for a special engagement. A company of singers, actors, dancers and musicians deliver its message of joy, hope, victory and liberation.
Feb. 6-22, 2026
August Wilson’s “Jitney”
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
Written in 1979 as the first of the 10 works in the “American Century Cycle,” August Wilson’s collection of plays that span decades to document African American experiences in the 20th century.
Set in 1977 Pittsburgh during the frenzy of “urban renewal” the play follows the personal struggles of five cab drivers as their jobs, futures and their cab stand are threatened as the city is shutting down businesses.
March 27-April 12, 2026
“Three Sistahs”: Story by Janet Pryce, book and lyrics by Thomas W. Jones II, music by William Hubbard
Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center
In this musical inspired by Anton Chekov’s “Three Sisters,” Irene, Marsha and Olive Bradshaw reunite to reveal and reconcile their past and present. On this night they share the promise for the future.
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All performances — except “Caroline, or Change” — will take place at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, located at 1333 E. Washington Street in downtown Phoenix. “Caroline, or Change” will be presented at the Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway.
Season Flex Passes are now available, offering four-play, three-play, and two-play packages at $159, $129, and $89, respectively. Passes can be used in any combination for any play or any seat, excluding “Black Nativity,” which is not eligible for Flex Pass redemption.
Passes and single tickets available at blacktheatretroupe.org or by calling 602-258-8128.
“Black Nativity,” the annual holiday event by Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes, will return to Black Theatre Troupe Dec. 5-14 at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center.
(Photo by Laura Durant, provided by Black Theatre Troupe)