Murder On The Orient Express

September 19 – October 11, 2026

• By Agatha Christie
• Adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig
• Directed by Kelly Thornton
• Produced in Partnership with Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre

Agatha Christie’s greatest literary whodunnit comes to the stage. Detective Hercule Poirot has boarded the luxurious Orient Express along with a cabin full of mysterious characters from the beautiful Countess and boastful Mrs. Hubbard to the brash Colonel Arbuthnot and aristocratic Princess Dragomiroff. After a shocking murder in the night, the legendary detective must use his keen eye and attention for detail to gather the evidence and solve the case to catch the murderer in their midst. Along the way he uncovers secrets, clues, motives and hidden identities in this story of revenge and justice.

Age Recommendation: 14+

The Great Gatsby

October 31 – November 22, 2026

• By F. Scott Fitzgerald
• Adapted for the stage by Erin Shields
• Directed by Daryl Cloran

Step into the glittering excess of the Jazz Age, where champagne flows, flapper dresses shimmer, and music drifts through the night until dawn. At the center of it all stands the opulent mansion of mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby, whose legendary parties draw eccentric New Yorkers from every corner of the city. Yet for all the spectacle, Gatsby himself remains an enigma. Driven to reunite with his long-lost love Daisy, Gatsby risks everything to reclaim a dream that may no longer exist. Iillusion and reality collide in this tragic stage adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, re-envisioned by Canadian playwright Erin Shields and brought to life with a live jazz band.

Age Recommendation: 14+

Annie

January 30 – March 7, 2027

• Book by Thomas Meehan
• Music by Charles Strouse
• Lyrics by Martin Charnin
• Original Broadway Production Directed by Martin Charnin
• Based on “Little Orphan Annie” ®
• By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC
• Directed and Choreographed by Julie Tomaino

Set in 1930s New York City, this beloved musical follows an endlessly optimistic orphan determined to find her family and her place in the world. Escaping a grim orphanage run by the formidable Miss Hannigan, Annie finds unexpected adventure, loyal friends, and a new home with the larger-than-life billionaire Mr. Warbucks, his warm-hearted secretary, and a scrappy dog named Sandy. Brimming with heart, humour, and iconic songs including “Tomorrow” and “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” this timeless story celebrates hope, resilience, and the power of chosen family.

Age Recommendation: 6+

Sense and Sensibility

February 20 – March 14, 2027

• By Jessica B. Hill & Daryl Cloran
• Based on the Novel by Jane Austen
• Directed by Daryl Cloran
• Produced in Partnership with Theatre Calgary

A fun and fresh adaptation of the Jane Austen classic comes to the Citadel. After the loss of their father, the Dashwood sisters—sensible, subdued Elinor and the passionately emotional Marianne—must navigate gossip, society and the trials and tribulations of love and family. When suitors, both suitable and otherwise, start courting the Dashwood girls, the sisters must blend sense with sensibility to protect their hearts and their reputations. Full of heart and bristling with wit, this is a boldly unique reimagining of this much loved romantic comedy.

Age Recommendation: 12+

The Comeback

March 27 – April 18, 2027

• By Trish Cooper and Sam Vint
• Directed by Eric Coates
• Produced in Partnership with the National Arts Centre Indigenous Theatre (Ottawa)

When Jesse and Adam fall in love, life speeds up fast. An unexpected pregnancy brings two families together, Métis and settler, creating big laughs, surfacing buried history, and revealing plenty of heart. Adam’s family is loud, loving, and shaped by generations of historical injustice, while Adam searches for his own voice. When he turns to playwriting, everything comes to the surface. Inspired by stories from the playwrights’ own lives, this smart, funny, and deeply human comedy celebrates love, identity, and the beautiful chaos of family.

Age Recommendation: 16+

Come From Away

May 8 – June 6, 2027

• Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
• Directed by Ashlie Corcoran
• Produced in Partnership with Arts Club Theatre Company (Vancouver)

When a worldwide travel disruption leaves 7,000 passengers stranded, the small town of Gander, Newfoundland welcomes them with open hearts. Fear and uncertainty give way to friendship, generosity, and unexpected connections. Inspired by true events, this Tony-nominated musical celebrates the power of community and the kindness that emerges in difficult times. Filled with memorable songs and moving stories, it is a heartfelt reminder of the strength of ordinary people and the extraordinary ways we can care for one another.

Age Recommendation: 12+

Our Little Secret

A True, New Musical

October 15 – October 25, 2026

• Written by and Starring Noam Tomaschoff
• Music by Ryan Peters
• Creative Producer Russell Citron
• Directed by Adam Pascal

Our Little Secret is the hilarious, moving, and completely true story of Noam Tomaschoff’s discovery that he wasn’t an only child, and he actually had more than 35 siblings around the world. Blending comedy, drama, and addictive music, Our Little Secret will leave you laughing, crying — and seeing your family in a whole new light.

Age Recommendation: 12+

Mrs. Krishnan's Party

January 15 – February 6, 2027

• By Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis
• Directed by Justin Lewis
• Indian Ink Theatre Company, New Zealand

Step into the colourful back room of Mrs. Krishnan’s store, where food simmers, music flows and Mrs. Krishnan is throwing a party like no other. She eagerly awaits her son’s return from school to complete the Onam celebration but plans quickly take an unexpected turn, and suddenly, we’re all part of the festivities! Experience this immersive theatre adventure as the Rice Theatre transforms into the back room of a neighbourhood corner store, alive with cooking, spontaneous dancing, and tender moments that capture the joys and challenges of the immigrant experience. It’s a lively celebration of family, food, and community where no two nights are the same. The New Zealand Herald hails it as “a joyful, highly theatrical celebration.”

Age Recommendation: 10+

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

July 4 – August 2, 2026

• Music & Lyrics by William Finn
• Book By Rachel Sheinken
• Conceived by Rebecca Feldman
• Additional Material by Jay Reiss
• Directed by Mieko Ouchi

The Tony Award–winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious celebration of words, competition, and growing up. In the high-stakes world of a spelling bee, six awkward adolescent champions face off as emotions run from A to Z. With each word spelled, the pressure rises and more than a trophy is on the line. Packed with clever wordplay, infectious songs, and laugh-out-loud humour, this fast-paced musical races to the finish with heart and charm. Six competitors enter but only one can be crowned champion of the bee.

Age Recommendation: 12+

A Christmas Carol

November 21 – December 24, 2026

• By David van Belle
• Based on the novella by Charles Dickens
• Directed by Lianna Makuch
• Originally Directed by Daryl Cloran

Hard-hearted and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge will have a Christmas Eve like no other when he’s visited by three Ghosts on a mission to melt his cold heart and help Scrooge find the joy and love in family, friends and Christmas. Charles Dickens’ classic tale reimagined with all the glamour and flair of the mid-1900s by David van Belle captures the spirit of the season this Christmas. Join The Citadel tradition that celebrates all that is merry and bright this season.

Age Recommendation: 6+