One of New Jersey’s most celebrated theater institutions is preparing for a season of blockbuster productions even as it enters the final stage of a sweeping multi-million-dollar renovation project.
Paper Mill Playhouse has announced its 2026-2027 season, featuring four crowd-pleasing productions: Mary Poppins, Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor, Million Dollar Quartet, and Dear Evan Hansen. The lineup will run from November 2026 through June 2027 while the renowned Millburn theater undergoes major upgrades as part of its ambitious Next Act Campaign.
The season arrives at a pivotal moment for the Regional Theatre Tony Award-winning organization. Following the conclusion of its current production of West Side Story in June, construction crews will begin rebuilding the theater’s front-of-house and lobby spaces. The project represents the final phase of the $48.8 million Next Act Campaign, a long-term initiative designed to modernize the entire Paper Mill campus.
Despite the ongoing renovations, audiences will still be able to enjoy performances throughout the season. Theatergoers will enter directly into the auditorium, where the orchestra level’s 800 seats will remain available. The mezzanine section, however, will be temporarily closed until construction is completed in September 2027.
Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee said the upcoming season reflects the theater’s commitment to presenting stories that entertain, inspire, and bring communities together.
The season kicks off with Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, running from November 18, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Featuring beloved songs such as “A Spoonful of Sugar” and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” the musical promises family-friendly magic throughout the holiday season.
Next comes Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor, a classic comedy known for mistaken identities, backstage chaos, and nonstop laughs. The award-winning farce will run from January 27 through February 21, 2027.
Additional productions include the rock-and-roll sensation Million Dollar Quartet and the emotionally powerful Broadway hit Dear Evan Hansen, rounding out a season designed to appeal to a wide range of theater lovers.
The announcement comes as Paper Mill celebrates other milestones, including the grand reopening of the newly renovated F. M. Kirby Carriage House Restaurant. The upgraded venue features expanded seating, extended operating hours, and new event spaces designed to enhance the visitor experience.
With more than 200,000 audience members attending performances annually, Paper Mill Playhouse continues to solidify its reputation as one of the nation’s premier regional theaters. As renovations move toward completion, the theater is positioning itself for a new era while continuing to deliver world-class productions to New Jersey audiences.