Center Theatre Group's bold new season blends drama, comedy and L.A. spirit
Center Theatre Group has unveiled its upcoming season, blending bold storytelling with light-hearted relief. The lineup includes a mix of world premieres, comedies, and thought-provoking dramas—all chosen to reflect the spirit of Los Angeles. Artistic director Snehal Desai described the selection as carefully curated, much like an album's tracklist, to balance depth and entertainment. The season will open with the world premiere of The Turning, an original folk thriller musical by Zack Zadek. Set in California's Sequoia groves, the show carries what Desai calls a 'very L.A. vibe'. This production marks the first of several new works, reflecting the company's growing investment in developing fresh stories, especially musicals.
For lighter moments, audiences can look forward to comedies like *Destiny of Desire*, *Oh, Mary!*, and *Dog Man: The Musical*. These shows aim to provide a welcome break from midterm election stress, offering humour and escapism. Among the heavier hits is *Fences*, the final play in August Wilson's Century Cycle. Scheduled for 2027 at the Mark Taper Forum, it will close the current season while also launching the 60th anniversary celebrations. The decision to stage *Fences* came from associate artistic director Lindsay Allbaugh, with Desai's approval, though no director has been named yet. Other standout productions include *John Proctor Is the Villain*, a play exploring identity and history, and *Boop! The Musical*, a summer closer designed to leave audiences on a high note. Desai emphasised the season's focus on works that challenge and define American identity, featuring voices that are both bold and fearless.
The upcoming season mixes new musicals, sharp comedies, and powerful dramas. By investing in fresh talent and diverse stories, Center Theatre Group aims to engage audiences with both reflection and joy. Performances will run across its venues, with The Turning kicking things off and Boop! The Musical wrapping up the summer.
