Little Theatre of Manchester unveils 2026 season featuring musicals, dramas, and Neil Simon comedy

The Cast of Little Theatre of Manchester’s 2025 production of 9 TO 5 – The Musical. Photo by Chris Heustis.

Little Theatre of Manchester (LTM), Connecticut’s oldest continuously operating community thatre, has announced the complete lineup for its 2026 Season, five productions centering around the theme of “The Search for Truth.” The subscription series consists of a Neil Simon farce, a gripping legal classic, a powerful family drama, and two upbeat musicals.

Subscriptions to LTM’s 2026 Season at Cheney Hall go on sale November 7, 2025 with single tickets going on sale on December 15, 2025. Subscriptions, tickets and more information can be found 24/7 at CheneyHall.org/Season, by visiting the LTM box office, or by calling (860) 647-9824 during normal business hours. Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4pm. Cheney Hall is located at 177 Hartford Road in Manchester.

Little Theatre of Manchester Executive Director Dwayne Harris states, “I’m thrilled to invite theatre lovers and novices alike to join us for the 2026 Season — our 35th at Cheney Hall! This season is built around one of the most universal themes in theatre, and in life: the search for truth. This year, our productions shine a light on characters who must grapple with illusion and reality, lies and honesty, fear and courage. Each story asks the same essential question: What happens when the truth can no longer be ignored?”

Rumors

By Neil Simon

February 6–22, 2026

What happens when a dinner party begins with a missing host, a mysteriously-injured deputy mayor, and four frantic couples scrambling to avoid scandal? Pure Neil Simon brilliance!

Rumors is a fast-paced farce packed with mistaken identities, escalating lies, and laugh-out-loud mayhem. As secrets pile up and reputations hang in the balance, the characters weave a tangled web of cover-ups that spiral hilariously out of control. Join us for a night of elegant suspense and uproarious comedy, where everyone has a secret and no one is who they seem. With Simon’s razor-sharp dialogue and outrageous physical comedy, this madcap evening proves that a little lie can lead to a very big (and side-splitting!) problem.

Once on This Island

Book & Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens | Music by Stephen Flaherty

April 10–26, 2026

Love, gods, and destiny collide in this vibrant Caribbean musical fable full of heart, music, and magic.

Journey to a Caribbean island alive with rhythm, color, and spirit in the Tony Award–winning musical Once on This Island. Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Little Mermaid, this beautiful fable follows Ti Moune, a peasant girl whose love for a wealthy boy sets her on a path shaped by the mighty island gods. Through trials of passion, sacrifice, and destiny, Ti Moune’s story reveals the enduring truths of love and faith. Bursting with vibrant music and dance, this joyous and deeply moving tale celebrates the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top October events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to concerts across the state — and grab this season’s hottest Connecticut merch!

The Waverly Gallery

By Kenneth Lonergan

June 5–21, 2026

Step into the Waverly Gallery, a small space that is much more than a place to display art; it’s the heart of a family.

From Academy Award–winning writer Kenneth Lonergan comes a tender, devastating portrait of a family in transition. The Waverly Gallery centers on Gladys, the spirited owner of a small Greenwich Village art gallery, whose sharp wit and fierce independence begin to fade as dementia sets in. Her family, caught between love and frustration, must navigate the heartbreaking challenges of watching her slip away. Both poignant and unexpectedly funny, this Pulitzer Prize finalist is an unforgettable exploration of memory, compassion, and the ties that hold us together when everything else begins to change.

12 Angry Jurors

Adapted by Sherman L. Sergel

July 31 – August 16, 2026

Twelve strangers. One room. A young man’s life in the balance.

The pulse-pounding, edge-of-your-seat legal thriller 12 Angry Jurorsthrusts the audience into the pressure cooker of a jury deliberation room. At first, the verdict seems obvious—but when one juror begins to question the evidence, simmering prejudices and personal conflicts boil over into a fierce battle of wills. Tense, timely, and gripping to the last word, this modern classic is a riveting study of justice, integrity, and the power of a single voice to stand against the crowd.

The Prom

Book & Lyrics by Chad Beguelin | Book by Bob Martin | Music by Matthew Sklar

November 6–22, 2026

From the creative minds behind The Book of Mormon and The Drowsy Chaperone.

The Tony Award–nominated Broadway hit The Prom proves a little glitter can change the world. When Emma, a small-town high school senior, is banned from bringing her girlfriend to prom, a troupe of eccentric Broadway stars swoops in, determined to save the day—and themselves. What follows is a riotous clash of small-town values and showbiz ego, set to a dazzling score filled with infectious songs and high-energy dance numbers. Both hilarious and heartwarming, The Prom is a celebration of love, acceptance, and being true to yourself. Get ready to laugh, cheer, and leave the theatre singing!

Season sponsors for Little Theatre of Manchester at Cheney Hall include Tires International, Woodland Gardens, and Connecticut State Office of the Arts.

Share your Manchester experience with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here for the latest news in Manchester
Click here for the upcoming events in Manchester
Click here for the latest news in Hartford County
Click here for the upcoming events in Hartford County

Don’t miss

• Mohegan Sun’s Annual Tree Lighting to feature Earth, Wind & Fire’s Philip Bailey & Ralph Johnson on December 7th
• Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering & Events
• Measure for Measure and A Midsummer Night’s Dream to run in repertory in July-August 2026 during the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

October events at Fairfield Theatre Company

October is packed with live entertainment at Fairfield Theatre Company and beyond, bringing a mix of music, theater, and seasonal celebrations. From legendary performers and fresh new voices to fundraisers, family shows, and Halloween favorites, there’s something for everyone this month. Whether you’re catching an intimate concert, rocking out with a high-energy band, or getting into the spooky spirit, these upcoming events showcase some of the best performances and community gatherings of the season.

October 2025 calendar of events
October 30 – Thriller Thursday

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering

AMG Catering and Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is offering a fall series of cooking classes designed to celebrate seasonal flavors and global cuisine. Each class combines hands-on instruction with perfectly paired beverages, from wine and beer to creative cocktails, as participants learn to prepare a variety of savory and sweet dishes. From autumn-inspired comfort foods to festive holiday treats, these classes provide an interactive, fun experience for home cooks of all skill levels. Join AMG this fall to sharpen your culinary skills, explore new flavors, and enjoy delicious meals in a vibrant, social setting. Click here for more information.

October events at PeoplesBank Arena

10/26 – UCONN Women’s Basketball vs Southern Connecticut State
10/28 -UCONN Men Basketball vs Michigan State
10/29 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/31 – Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Celebrate Connecticut nostalgia with our Vintage Merritt Parkway and Wilbur Cross Parkway collection! Honoring the classic exit numbers, these designs pay tribute to the iconic parkways that connect communities across the state. Explore a variety of items including T-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, mugs, tote bags, decorative pillows, and blankets, all with free shipping. Perfect for Connecticut residents, collectors, and road trip lovers who want to showcase their state pride. Each piece captures a timeless piece of local history while adding style to your wardrobe or home.

Vintage Merritt Parkway Exits
Exit 27 • Exit 28 • Exit 29 • Exit 31 • Exit 33 • Exit 34 • Exit 35 • Exit 36 • Exit 37 • Exit 38 • Exit 39 • Exit 40 • Exit 41 • Exit 42 • Exit 44 • Exit 46 • Exit 47 • Exit 48 • Exit 49 • Exit 50 • Exit 51 • Exit 52 • Exit 53 • Exit 54

Vintage Wilbur Cross Parkway
Exit 55 • Exit 55B • Exit 56 • Exit 57 • Exit 58 • Exit 59 • Exit 60 • Exit 61 • Exit 62 • Exit 63 • Exit 64 • Exit 65 • Exit 66• Exit 67 • Exit 68N-E • Exit 68W

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates November with All Star Sumo, John Legend & a season like no other

ICYMI: Our top 5 most visited stories of the week

Little Theatre of Manchester unveils 2026 season featuring musicals, dramas, and Neil Simon comedy