Press Release
Orlando Family Stage 24-25 Season Announcement
An exciting lineup of shows for audiences of all ages. ...
Learn More| For Immediate Release (Orlando, FL) Wednesday, May 28, 1:00PM ET –
Today, Orlando Family Stage announced a preliminary schedule of performances and programs for its 2025-2026 season. December 2025 marks 100 years since Orlando Family Stage was founded in 1925 as Orlando Little Players, and the company will honor and celebrate its Centennial over the course of two seasons. The 2025-26 Orlando Family Stage’s professional season is one of engaging, enriching theatrical adaptations of beloved children’s books, where characters and stories leap off the page and screen to the stage in real life. These seven shows, including five musicals, promise entertaining, educational, and heartwarming experiences for young people with their friends and families. For details, see the calendar listing section below. Additional shows and Centennial events will be announced later in 2025. “Our 2025-26 professional season highlights community, friendship, and literacy throughout with shows based on books,” said Artistic Director, Jeffrey M. Revels. “These shows are our building blocks with which we strive to create a place for young people and families to find joy in an environment which nurtures empathy and helps them navigate life’s obstacles. In recent years following the pandemic, we have seen that our children have been set back a bit in social and academic skills. With Orlando Family Stage classes, productions, Theatre for the Very Young, and school programs, we share stories and create events that help move them forward on their paths and developmental journeys. We create this special place within our greater Orlando and Central Florida community which allows us to be better together and learn from one another.” This season is grounded with stories that begin with a spark: a question, a dream, a moment of fear or wonder, then grows into something bigger. Through laughter, music, and unforgettable characters, our stages explore what it means to be brave, to care deeply, and to act with kindness. From tiny triumphs to epic journeys, each production is a celebration of young people (and clownfish) leading with heart and courage. At Orlando Family Stage, we believe children are not only the leaders of tomorrow – they are the heroes of today. The coming season is full of bold adventures, big feelings, and the kind of magic that only live theatre can bring. 2025–26 Professional Season OverviewOrlando Family Stage’s 2025–26 season brings beloved children’s stories to life through seven dynamic productions, including four musicals and five based on books. These stories promise fun, meaningful experiences for young people and their families all year long. Highlights include the bilingual, high-energy Go, Dog. Go! • ¡Ve Perro, Ve! in September and the spooky fun of Goosebumps The Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium in October. Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show returns with award-winning magician Tony Brent, and the holidays shine bright with A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage. In 2026, we continue with Tiara’s Hat Parade, based on the book by Kelly Starling Lyons, and the adventurous new musical Lilly and the Pirates. The season concludes with Disney’s Finding Nemo (TYA Version), featuring new music by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Each title reflects our commitment to engaging, high-quality theatre for children and families. Additional details of each production are listed below. Youth AcademyOrlando Family Stage’s Youth Academy program is a vibrant and engaging space where young creatives can ignite their passion for theatre. Through dynamic classes and workshops led by experienced instructors, students build essential skills in acting, singing, dancing, and technical theatre while growing in confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Every Youth Academy experience is designed to inspire self-expression and provide meaningful opportunities to shine on stage. In the 2025–26 season, Youth Academy will offer exciting after-school experiences for middle schoolers in both the Spring and Fall, along with a summer production for middle and high school students. Each performance is fully produced with professional scenic, lighting, sound, staging, and costumes, because we believe young people deserve theatre experiences that are just as inspiring and polished as those created for adults. We will share this exciting announcement soon, so stay tuned! Theatre for the Very YoungOrlando Family Stage’s Theatre for the Very Young program invites our youngest audience members and their grownups into playful, immersive experiences created specifically for early learners. Through joyful, sensory-rich performances and interactive events, young children are encouraged to explore, imagine, and connect. In the 2025–26 season, families can look forward to a full lineup of early childhood offerings. These include Baby & Me sessions, Toddler Story Strolls, and stage productions crafted to support early learning goals and developmental milestones. Each experience is designed to nurture curiosity, spark imagination, and create meaningful first moments in the theatre. Titles and dates will be announced soon. Florida Children’s Book FestivalFlorida Children’s Book Festival (February 20 to 22, 2026). This inaugural event promises to be a joyful celebration of imagination, creativity, and the power of storytelling to connect us all. Hosted at Orlando Family Stage, presented in partnership with Writer’s Block Bookstore, this series of community events brings together nationally recognized authors, beloved characters, and families from across Central Florida for a weekend of discovery and delight. Festival-goers can enjoy storytime readings, hands-on creative experiences, author signings, character meet-and-greets, and panel discussions that bring books to life on stage and beyond. As part of the festival, audiences are invited to experience two inspiring, Orlando Family Stage theatrical productions: Lilly and the Pirates, a swashbuckling adventure about bravery and books, and Tiara’s Hat Parade, a heartfelt story of creativity, family, and finding your voice. Designed with fun and learning in mind, the Florida Children’s Book Festival champions literacy, representation, and access to books, especially for Florida’s youngest readers. With programming in English and Spanish, activities for all ages, and special appearances by the artists and authors behind the stories, this is more than just a book fair- it is a space where families can gather, read together, dream together, and celebrate the stories that help shape who we are. With GratitudeThe 2025-2026 Season is Presented by AdventHealth for Children. The season is also supported by United Arts of Central Florida (UCF) and Orange County Arts and Cultural Affairs. Tiara’s Hat Parade is sponsored by Universal Orlando Foundation. Orlando Family Stage Centennial Sponsors include: UCF, Orange County, United Arts of Central, Orange County Cultural Affairs, and many more to come. 2025-2026 Calendar ListingAs of May 28, 2025. All titles and dates are subject to change. Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve! Field trips: September 4 – October 3, 2025 Adaption of P.D. Eastman’s classic 1961 children’s book Go, Dog. Go! A tail-wagging bilingual adventure full of color, music, and joyful celebration for all ages! Come along with these delightful pups as they drive, swim, play baseball, and make their way to the big dog party, all in a lively blend of English and Spanish. Like a pop-up book that comes to life, Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve! is a heart-warming spectacle of music, color, language and delight, appealing to all ages. With dialogue in both English and Spanish and plenty of expressive, physical storytelling, this show is easy to follow and enjoy, whether you speak English, Spanish, or another language entirely. Perfect for early learners, first-time theatre-goers, and families looking for a joyful shared experience, Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve! is sure to have audiences howling with delight. Originally adapted for the stage by Allison Gregory (previous Orlando Family Stage productions Junie B. Jones in BOO… and I Mean It!, Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook, and Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad Mad Treasure Hunt) and Steven Dietz, named one of the 20 most-produced playwrights in America by American Theatre Magazine, this bilingual musical version premiered at Chicago Children’s Theater in 2025 and was commissioned by Seattle Children’s Theatre in Seattle, WA. “Like a pop-up book that comes to life.” Pip-Squeak: An Anti-Bullying Magic Show
Because of his small size as a child, Tony was bullied in the cafeteria, in the gymnasium, on the playground, and generally anywhere there were no adults present. Now using comedy, amazing magic tricks, juggling, and a coat-rack loaded with costumes, Tony gently and humorously teaches children how to cope with being bullied. In addition, children learn to recognize the signs of bullying and whether or not they too might be guilty of bullying.
Based on R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium This Halloween, step into the eerie, over-the-top world of Goosebumps with a musical mystery that is just the right amount of spooky! This new musical brings R.L. Stine’s signature mix of suspense and silliness to the stage. Perfect for kids, tweens, and grown-ups who remember reading by flashlight. Horror fans Brooke and Zeke are thrilled to be starring in a mysterious show called The Phantom, and not the least bit frightened by the old legend that the play is cursed. But when strange, eerie messages start appearing and a masked menace starts disrupting rehearsals, they begin to wonder: what if there really is a ghost haunting their school, determined to stop the show? Prepare to get goosebumps as they race to solve the mystery in this thrilling, and chilling, new musical, based on the classic series by R.L. Stine. Book and Lyrics by John Maclay (previous Orlando Family Stage productions Geronimo Stilton: Mouse in Space and Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever) and Music and Lyrics by Danny Abosch (previous Orlando Family Stage productions Fancy Nancy The Musical)
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage Field trips: November 13 – December 19, 2025 By Charles M. Schultz (by special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Lee Mendelson) Celebrate the season with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and friends in this heartwarming holiday classic! After a nearly sold-out run in 2024, this heartwarming holiday favorite is back to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Peanuts and the 60th Anniversary of the animated television classic! Based on the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning TV special that first aired in 1965, A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage brings the beloved Peanuts gang to life in a joyful adaptation filled with music, laughter, and timeless charm. As Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of the season, his friends remind us all what really matters: kindness, connection, and one very small tree. With the iconic Vince Guaraldi score, beautiful simplicity, and a gentle message of hope, this stage production delivers holiday magic across generations. Whether you are introducing your children to the Peanuts gang for the first time or reliving your own childhood memories, A Charlie Brown Christmas offers something special for every member of the family. A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz, Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson. Stage Adaptation by Eric Schaeffer. By Special Arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson
“The perfect holiday treat, especially for young children and adults young at heart.” – Broadway World Tiara’s Hat Parade Field trips: February 9 – 20, 2025 Based on the book by Kelly Starling Lyons, Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell A joyful celebration of creativity, community, and a daughter’s love that lifts everyone higher. This brand-new play was commissioned by Orlando Family Stage in partnership with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, South Carolina Children’s Theatre, Children’s Theatre of Madison, and The Rose Theater. Tiara is always ready to strike a pose as her momma’s favorite hat model, twirling through their family’s hat shop and bringing each creation to life with stories and sparkle. But when a new store opens in town and the family business begins to struggle, Tiara sees her momma’s confidence start to fade. With determination and heart, Tiara takes the lead, reminding her community just how powerful one small act of kindness can be. Based on the beloved picture book by prolific children’s author Kelly Starling Lyons, Tiara’s Hat Parade is a joyful celebration of creativity, community, and the bond between a mother and daughter. More than just a story about hats, it is about artistry, purpose, and what happens when a child sees someone she loves losing hope and steps in to lift them up. Perfect for families looking for a story that inspires and uplifts, this production is full of style, grace, and the reminder that dreams never go out of fashion, especially when we chase them together. Book by Kelly Starling Lyons and illustrated by Nicole Tadgell, adapted for the stage by Paige Hernandez (a Top 10 most produced Theatre for Young Audiences playwright last season). Lilly and the Pirates Field trips: February 16 – March 13, 2025 Public performances: February 20 – March 15, 2025 Based on the book by the same title by Phyllis Root This brand-new musical was developed by Orlando Family Stage in partnership with First Stage (Milwaukee, WI). A fearless, funny adventure about books, bravery, and the wildest pirates you will ever meet. Lilly is ten years old and worried about just about everything. To keep her concerns at bay, she diligently records them in her worry book. While her non-worrying scientist parents set off in search of a rare fruit fly, Lilly stays behind with her eccentric great-uncle, a retired librarian with a few secrets and disappearing books. But when news arrives that her parents are shipwrecked, Lilly must confront her biggest fear –water– and set sail for the legendary Shipwreck Islands. Along the way, she battles doubts, discovers courage, and outsmarts a band of hilarious, treasure-obsessed pirates who may or may not be as fearsome as they seem to save her parents. Lilly and the Pirates is a whimsical musical adventure filled with swashbuckling humor, clever wordplay, and unexpected heart. It’s a story about bravery, the quiet kind that grows when we do the thing we thought we could not. It is also a joyful ode to books, libraries and access to books, and the power of story to guide us when the map runs out. Perfect for families who love mystery, adventure, and a plucky underdog, this production is a celebration of imagination, curiosity, and the wild journeys that begin with one bold step. Adapted for the stage by John Maclay (previous Orlando Family Stage productions Geronimo Stilton: Mouse in Space and Nancy Drew and Her Biggest Case Ever), Will Eno (Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright) and Brett Ryback (Arthur & Friends Make A Musical!) Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo Field trips: April 7 – May 8, 2026 An epic undersea adventure about courage, connection, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child.
Marlin is an anxious clownfish who will do anything to protect his son, Nemo. But when Nemo is captured and taken far from home, Marlin must brave the entire ocean, complete with sharks, jellyfish, and sea turtles, to bring him back. Along the way, he meets unforgettable characters like the endlessly optimistic Dory and the totally chill Crush, who help him realize that sometimes the biggest risks bring the biggest rewards. Perfect for kids and grown-ups alike, Disney’s Finding Nemo is a colorful, heartfelt story about growing up, letting go, and the unbreakable bond between parent and child. Whether you know every line from the movie or you are diving in for the first time, this undersea journey is a splash for the whole family. Based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo written by Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds and directed by Andrew Stanton. Book, Music, and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Book Adaptation for the stage by Lindsay Anderson, Music & Orchestrations Adapted, Arranged by Myrna Conn.
“A magical, immersive adaptation that beautifully captures the spirit of a family favorite.” – KC Parent Magazine All Programming, Dates, and Ticket Prices are Subject to Change
About Orlando Family StageOrlando Family Stage in partnership with the University of Central Florida, is a professional theatre with a mission to empower young people to be brave and empathetic by creating quality theatrical experiences. With its first performances in 1926, Orlando Family Stage is the eighth iteration of the original theatre company and has operated for the past 25 years as Florida’s only professional theatre dedicated to young audiences. Orlando Family Stage’s award-winning Youth Academy provides classes and camps for students, along with professional development opportunities for teachers. Housed in a three-theatre complex in Orlando’s Loch Haven Park, Orlando Family Stage is also home to the University of Central Florida’s MFA in Theatre for young Audiences graduate program. Orlando Family Stage exists on the traditional land of the Timucua and Seminole peoples past and present. With gratitude, we honor the land itself and its stewards throughout the generations. To learn more, visit orlandofamilystage.com/ and orlandofamilystage.com/about/our-history/. Ticket and Box Office InformationTickets & Membership Member Pre-Sale Access
Learn more and become a member to unlock these benefits and give your family unforgettable theatre experiences. Box Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm* # # # Media Contacts: Zac Alfson, Senior Director of Marketing, [email protected] Justin J. Holden, National Media Inquiries, [email protected] |
