REDLANDS, Calif. — The Redlands Theatre Festival has announced its 2026 summer season, featuring five productions, two nights dedicated to new works and a special concert performance at the outdoor amphitheater in Prospect Park.
The season, which runs June 26 through Aug. 1, will emphasize comedy while exploring themes of identity, community and human connection, according to festival organizers.
"This season leans into comedy not just for entertainment, but as a way of navigating complexity," Artistic Director Shannon Cabanilla Galuszka said in a statement. "Each play asks: How do we live together? And the answer, again and again, is through laughter, empathy, and a willingness to be changed."
The season opens with One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean, directed by Shannon Galuszka with music direction by Kobe Darby. The farce follows a man attempting to serve two employers simultaneously, creating a series of mistaken identities and comic mishaps.
Also featured is Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus, directed by Jennifer Lawson. The play offers a contemporary reimagining of the 1869 Powell Expedition through the Grand Canyon, challenging traditional historical narratives.
Karen Zacarias' Native Gardens, directed by Tamara Griffey, examines cultural differences and neighborhood tensions through a dispute between neighbors over a garden boundary.
Noël Coward's supernatural comedy Blithe Spirit, directed by Pamela Lambert, explores romance and relationships when a séance unexpectedly brings the past back to life.
The season concludes with The Drowsy Chaperone, directed by Lisa Lyons with music direction by Kelsey Cauldren. The Tony Award-winning musical comedy celebrates the golden age of Broadway through a self-aware and comedic lens.
In addition to the mainstage productions, the festival will host its fourth annual New Works series on July 14 and July 21. The staged readings showcase emerging artists and include question-and-answer sessions with directors, cast members and, in some cases, playwrights.
A one-night concert featuring Teen Music Workshop is scheduled for July 27. The performance will include singers, musicians and dancers from the nonprofit youth arts organization.
Performances will be held Tuesday through Sunday evenings at the Prospect Park amphitheater, 1170 Cajon St. Shows begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets and additional information are available at rtfseason.com.
