By Guy Gardner

Theatre in the Park, one of the nation’s largest outdoor community theatres, has unveiled its 2026 season, celebrating 57 years of providing high-quality, affordable musical theatre. This year’s lineup brings back beloved classics, introduces new premieres and hosts a major community celebration: the Johnson County World Cup watch party events.

The season opens in March with the TIP INDOOR premiere of “Nunsense” (March 13-29), a wildly funny musical comedy featuring the Little Sisters of Hoboken, who stage a variety show fundraiser to cover some... unexpected burial costs. The nuns will arrive at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, for the show opening March 13.

In May, the outdoor amphitheater of Theatre in the Park, 7710 Renner Road, in Shawnee Mission Park comes alive with “Shrek the Musical” (May 22-30). Last seen on the TIP stage in 2015, this fairy tale adventure follows our favorite grumpy ogre, his talkative sidekick, a princess with secrets and an ensemble of quirky storybook characters on a journey filled with heart and hilarity.

Next, “Oklahoma!” (June 5-13) returns to the TIP stage after nearly two decades. With its unforgettable music and sweeping prairie backdrop, this Rodgers and Hammerstein favorite brings classic Americana to life with all the charm, grit and humor that have made it a musical theatre staple.

Beginning June 16 and running through July 19, JCPRD’s Theatre in the Park will transform into a World Cup watch party destination. In partnership Johnson County Government, the theater will be equipped with a new large-scale LED screen for select match viewings.

In July, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” (July 24 to Aug. 1) takes the stage with its fierce humor and workplace shenanigans.

Last seen on the TIP stage in 1986, the story follows J. Pierrepont Finch as he navigates his way up the corporate ladder with the help of a tiny book titled…you guessed it… “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

August brings a brand-new title to the TIP stage with the premiere of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (Aug. 14-22). Inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic novel and featuring music by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, this powerful and poignant production tells the story of Quasimodo, Esmeralda and the search for belonging in a divided world.

Whether at the outdoor amphitheater in Shawnee Mission Park or inside the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, Theatre in the Park continues to bring professional-caliber community theatre to audiences across Johnson County and beyond.

For tickets, showtimes and sponsorship opportunities, visit theatreinthepark.org. For the latest updates on the Johnson County World Cup watch party events, visit JCRPD.com/WorldCup.

Guy Gardner is the Fine and Performing Arts Associate Artistic Director at JCPRD.