ASU Gammage announced its 2026-27 season recently, featuring a stacked lineup of classic musical favorites as well as a taste of contemporary theater.
The season will begin in September 2026 and showcase 10 touring Broadway musicals through August 2027.
Students can get discounted tickets at the box office prior to showtime. The prices vary depending on availability, but can dip as low as $15 for prime orchestra views.
Take advantage of your student discounts and experience a night on Broadway right in the heart of Tempe. Here are the top five shows you don't want to miss this upcoming season.
5. "Buena Vista Social Club"
In vibrant 1950's Havana, a group of young musicians find success in their community only to be split up by revolution. 40 years later, the band is reunited by an ambitious producer to finish what they started.
The musical is based on the 1997 album of the same name and inspired by true events.
As the newest Broadway show on this list, "Buena Vista Social Club" has already made strides in the theater scene with both Tony and Grammy wins. The production has become known for its soulful music and implementation of dance to connect with audiences.
Instead of becoming a stereotypical jukebox musical, "Buena Vista Social Club" shines as a genuine tribute to its namesake and its Cuban heritage.
"Buena Vista Social Club" will run from April 20-25, 2027.
4. "The Sound of Music"
After originally debuting on Broadway in 1959, this North American tour will revive "The Sound of Music." This show is a classic and perfect to cross off your theater bucket list if you haven't seen it yet.
This show boasts an iconic soundtrack and characters worth rooting for, not to mention its dozens of accolades. "The Sound of Music" movie is one of the most popular musical adaptations ever made.
The story follows a young Austrian nun as she wins over a broken family through music and her free spirit. However, the von Trapps must grapple with the decision to flee as they navigate the beginning of World War II.
Forever charming and still relevant 67 years after its opening, "The Sound of Music" will have "do-re-mi" stuck in your head once again.
It will run from June 22-27, 2026.
3. "Death Becomes Her"
"Death Becomes Her" has become an online sensation due to viral songs such as "Tell Me, Ernest" and "Hit Me." The musical comedy has 10 Tony nominations and one win for best costume design.
It is an adaptation of the 1992 cult classic film of the same name. Two frenemies attempt to murder each other in romantic rivalry, only to run into one issue: their immortality.
"Death Becomes Her" is over the top, campy and utilizes one-of-a-kind special effects that will leave you wowed. An optical illusion bullet-hole dress demonstrates creative genius in production.
The show satirizes beauty standards and toxic female friendships, all while delivering absurd dark humor.
This will be "Death Becomes Her's" debut at Gammage. You can catch it Aug. 24-29, 2027.
2. "The Outsiders"
After making its Broadway debut in 2024, this musical became an instant hit among audiences and critics. "The Outsiders" won four Tonys in 2024, including Best Musical, as well as two Drama Desk awards.
Ponyboy and his gang of Greasers navigate clashing social classes, violence and growing pains in a story that has always resonated with young audiences.
The new "Outsiders" musical features stunning choreography and innovative use of the stage, bringing S.E. Hinton's beloved novel to life. The soundtrack is full of folk-inspired ballads that highlight the show's emotional core.
The gritty topics of the novel aren't forgotten in this adaptation of "The Outsiders." All tragedy is on display for the audience to experience alongside their favorite characters — you'll leave sniffling, reminded to "stay gold."
This marks "The Outsiders" first national tour and its Gammage debut, from Jan. 26-31, 2027.
1. "The Phantom of the Opera"
From the moment the chandelier comes crashing down, audiences are sure to become immersed in the romantic and dark world of "The Phantom of the Opera."
As one of the longest-running and top-grossing musicals of all time, "Phantom" is widely regarded as Broadway's most beloved show. Andrew Lloyd Webber's original score will be brought to life by an all-new cast in this North American tour.
The classic melodrama is set in a luxurious 1880's opera house. A young singer becomes the object of obsession for the mysterious Phantom, who reigns terror over the performers.
The Phantom's iconic mask, hauntingly beautiful high notes and a grand set define "The Phantom of the Opera." The show has secured its legacy as a timeless Broadway favorite.
This will be "The Phantom of the Opera's" return to the Gammage theater after over a decade. It will run Sept. 16-Oct. 4, 2026.
Edited by Senna James, Jack McCarthy and Pippa Fung.
Reach the reporter at ajanusee@asu.edu and follow @lexijanusee on X.
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Lexi Janusee is in her second semester with the State Press. She is a freshman studying Journalism and Mass Communications with a minor in Theatre. Lexi also works for Blaze Radio, and is an on-air host for Open Mic.
