Little Lake Theatre Company has announced its 2026 season, Home Is Where the Heart Is, 10 productions that explore how people build, reshape, and rediscover home. The lineup spans classic musicals, contemporary comedies, and galvanizing dramas, underscoring Little Lake’s mission to create theatre that unites and uplifts its community.

The 2026 season also marks a new chapter in the theatre’s growth and outreach. Little Lake is proud to become the resident and anchor theatre company at the Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute (CECI), where select productions and educational programming will take place in a newly restored 580-seat theater on their Canonsburg campus.

“While we will perform our first show at CECI in December 2026, Little Lake Theatre will maintain its historic lakeside home and continue to produce the majority of our season at the heart of our operations since 1949,” said Patrick Cannon, Little Lake Theatre Artistic Director. “The partnership with CECI represents an expansion, not a relocation, allowing Little Lake to reach new audiences while preserving the intimate, in-the-round experience that defines the Lake’s identity.”

Building upon its long history as an educational theatre, Little Lake is launching the Little Lake Theatre Academy, a new umbrella for all classes, camps, and youth programming. The Academy will eventually operate year-round, with classes and workshops offered both at Little Lake’s lakeside home and in CECI’s dedicated classroom spaces.

“CECI is a new entrant into the local cultural scene. We strive to provide a high quality space for Broadway shows, concerts and other types of performances,” said Tony Colaizzo, head of CECI’s Board of Directors. “Strategic collaboration with LLTC is a catalyst for increased cultural vitality in Canonsburg, Washington County and the region. We are excited about both the performances and the theater academy helping us achieve our mission.”

Little Lake is also expanding its large-scale community collaborations. In 2026, the theatre will present the 2nd Annual Broadway at the Ballpark — moving from its debut with the Washington Wild Things in 2024 to Highmark Stadium, in partnership with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds & Riveters. The season will also include an outdoor performance of The Wolves at the stadium, further blending the worlds of sport and theatre in a unique celebration of teamwork, artistry, and community.

“Theatre has always been about connection between artists, audiences, and the communities we serve,” said Cannon. “Every theatre has a home, and ours keeps finding new ways to welcome people in. This next chapter widens our circle. Partnering with CECI and with the Riverhounds and Riveters lets us meet audiences where they are, from our beloved lakeside stage to a 500-seat proscenium stage to a stadium under the lights. The work remains the same: tell great stories, invite everyone in, and make our community stronger.”

Managing Director Patti Knapp said the announcements follow another landmark year for the company. Little Lake Theatre has already surpassed its record-breaking 2025 season, setting new highs in attendance, subscriptions, and community engagement, further proof that theatre thrives when it reflects and serves its community.

“After celebrating a remarkable 77th season, we are thrilled to look ahead to a year of productions that showcase the extraordinary talent and passion of our artists, musicians, stage crew, technicians, volunteers, patrons, subscribers and supporters,” said Knapp. “This community makes it possible for Little Lake Theatre to thrive.”

2026 Season: Home Is Where the Heart Is

The Wizard of Oz

By L. Frank Baum | Music & Lyrics by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg | Adapted by John Kane for the RSC

April 2–19

Follow the yellow brick road to a timeless family adventure.

Dial “M” for Murder

By Frederick Knott | Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher

April 30–May 17

A stylish reimagining of a classic thriller.

Access: Audio-described performance

Pickleball

By Jeff Daniels

May 28–June 14

A sharp, laugh-out-loud new comedy set on the court.

A Few Good Men

By Aaron Sorkin

June 25–July 12

A courtroom drama that crackles with intensity.

Frozen Jr.

Music & Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez | Book by Jennifer Lee | Based on the Disney film

July 23–August 2

A magical youth production about courage and sisterhood.

Access: Sensory-friendly performance

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B

By Kate Hamill

August 13–30

A rollicking, fast-paced comedy-mystery.

Access: ASL Performance

Big Fish

Book by John August | Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa | Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Pictures film

September 10–27

A sweeping musical about fathers, sons, and the stories that shape us.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors

By Gordon Greenberg & Steve Rosen | Based on Bram Stoker’s novel

October 8–25

A frightfully funny twist on a classic tale.

The Wolves

By Sarah DeLappe

November 5–22

A fierce, funny portrait of a girls’ indoor soccer team.

Partnership: Outdoor performance at Highmark Stadium with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds & Riveters

White Christmas

Music & Lyrics by Irving Berlin | Book by David Ives & Paul Blake | Based on the Paramount Pictures film

December 3–20

The holiday favorite returns- this year in collaboration with CECI in their newly renovated theatre.

Returning Special Events

• 3rd Annual Farmer McDowell’s Play in a Day — a 24-hour new-work sprint featuring local artists.

• 2nd Annual Broadway at the Ballpark — presented at Highmark Stadium in partnership with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds & Riveters, following its debut with the Washington Wild Things.

• Plus: an additional performance of The Wolves at Highmark Stadium.

Tickets and subscriptions for the 2026 season go on sale November 11 at 9:00 PM at littlelake.org.

About Little Lake Theatre

Founded in 1949, Little Lake Theatre Company is one of Western Pennsylvania’s oldest continuously operating community theatres. Located just outside Pittsburgh, Little Lake is dedicated to creating inclusive, high-quality productions and educational opportunities for artists and audiences of all ages. The company continues to expand its reach through innovative partnerships and a steadfast commitment to making theatre a home for everyone.

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