THE YORK THEATRE ANNOUNCES 2025–2026 SEASON
World Premieres, Legendary Choreography, a Bold New Take on a Classic Tale and Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala
New York, NY (July 22, 2025) – The York Theatre (Joseph Hayward, Producing Artistic Director) proudly unveils its 2025–2026 season which includes a dynamic lineup that spans the emotional immediacy of real-world events, the iconic rhythms of Broadway dance, and the timeless sweep of literary revenge. Featuring THIS IS NOT A DRILL, GOTTA DANCE with AMERICAN DANCE MACHINE, and MONTE CRISTO, the lineup includes two world premieres and one spectacular dance revue, reaffirming The York’s mission to develop, produce, and celebrate musical theatre.
Tickets are on sale now for all performances, which take place at The Theater at St. Jean’s (entrance on 150 East 76th Street, just east of Lexington Avenue. Elevator on Lexington between 76th and 75th, just south of St. Jean’s.) For more information, please visit www.yorktheatre.org.
“This season celebrates what makes The York so unique: championing new voices while honoring the iconic artists who paved the way,” said Joseph Hayward, Producing Artistic Director. “Everyone deserves the chance to experience live theatre, which is why we’re committed to keeping ticket prices affordable. We can’t wait to share these exceptional stories with you — and to continue making The York the place where musicals come to life.”
THIS IS NOT A DRILL
World Premiere Musical
September 9 - October 11, 2025
Book by Holly Doubet & Joseph McDonough
Music & Lyrics by Holly Doubet, Kathy Babylon & John Vester
Music Supervisor: Paul Bogaev
Music Director: David John Madore
Directed and Choreographed by Gabriel Barre
Based on terrifying true events that creator Holly Doubet experienced, THIS IS NOT A DRILL takes audiences inside the surreal chaos of a morning in 2018, when an emergency alert warned Hawaii residents and visitors of an incoming missile attack. As fear grips the island, strangers and loved ones alike are forced to confront their mortality and their humanity. Set to a soaring and heartfelt score, this powerful new musical tells the story of connection, compassion, and what truly matters when time stands still.
GOTTA DANCE with AMERICAN DANCE MACHINE
Presented in Association with Riki Kane Larimer
A Celebration of Broadway’s Legendary Choreography
November 25, 2025 - December 28, 2025
Conceived by Nikki Atkins
Music Director: Eugene Gwozdz
Directed by Nikki Atkins and Randy Skinner
GOTTA DANCE with AMERICAN DANCE MACHINE, presented in association with Riki Kane Larimer, honors the timeless art of musical theatre dance on stage and film. Featuring inspired reconstructions from musicals such as West Side Story, A Chorus Line, Pippin, Singin’ in the Rain, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and more, this joyous celebration brings to life the work of choreographers like Bob Fosse, Jerome Robbins, Gene Kelly, Michael Bennett, Susan Stroman, Billy Wilson, and others. Experience the steps and spirit that have defined generations of Broadway dance.
MONTE CRISTO
World Premiere Musical
March 10, 2026 - April 5, 2026
Music by Stephen Weiner | Book & Lyrics by Peter Kellogg
Orchestrations by David Hancock Turner
Choreography by Marcos Santana
Direction by Peter Flynn
A sweeping musical adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ beloved novel. Monte Cristo tells the epic story of a man wrongfully imprisoned who returns richer, wiser, and bent on vengeance. But as his carefully orchestrated plan unfolds, he must face the ultimate question: is justice enough without love?
Developed in The York’s New2NY series, this production reunites the writer of Desperate Measures (Drama Desk winner for best music and lyrics) and the team that brought you Penelope for a thrilling tale of revenge, redemption, and enduring romance.
NOW ON SALE! From real-life urgency to historic homage and classic intrigue, The York Theatre’s 2025–2026 season promises unforgettable stories, rich music, and a deep celebration of the musical form.
Single tickets, priced at $50 for premium and $35 for standard, can be purchased here. A limited number of subsidized $25 tickets are available for each performance to students, patrons under 40, artists, seniors, and first responders.
SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE: Become a York Member today and get 10-20% off on tickets for the upcoming season! The York Theatre is offering a new York Membership Pass, an exclusive membership package for as low as $100 with benefits that include discounted tickets to York Theatre productions and 10% off all food and drink at the West Bank Café. The York Priority Membership Pass is available for only $175, with additional perks, including acknowledgment on the website. Additionally, the York Premium Membership Pass, priced at $250, includes additional discounts on tickets and recognition in the program.
York Membership Passes can be purchased online here or by calling the Box Office at 862-235-0938 or emailing Emily Drossell at boxoffice@yorktheatre.org during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
AND INTRODUCING OUR NEW PATRON PROGRAM: Become a York Patron starting at $1,000 to receive complimentary tickets to all of our MainStage productions, an Invitation to exclusive patron and donor events, including one-night-only artists' receptions, workshops, and exclusive talkbacks, and more! Information on all patron levels can be found here.
Save the date: November 10th, 2025 at 6 p.m., The 33rd Annual Oscar Hammerstein Award Gala will take place at The Edison Ballroom. The evening will honor four-time Tony Award-winning director Jerry Zaks (Hello, Dolly, The Music Man, Guys and Dolls) with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Musical Theater and former York Board President, librettist and lyricist, Joan Ross Sorkin (Black Swan Blues, Bordello, Dandelion) with The York Theatre Founders' Award.
The York Theatre, “Where Musicals Come to Life,” is the only theatre in New York City—and one of the very few in the world—dedicated to developing and fully producing new musicals, as well as preserving notable shows from the past. For over five decades, York’s intimate, imaginative style of producing both original and classic musicals has resulted in critical acclaim and recognition from artists and audiences alike. Since 1997, The York has focused on new musicals in its Mainstage Series—most of which are world, American, or New York premieres—by some of the field’s most esteemed creators, and has also helped launch the careers of many talented new writers. Over 45 cast recordings from York Theatre productions are now available, including its acclaimed revival of Closer Than Ever (2013 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Revival). Commercial transfers of such York premieres as The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!), Souvenir (Tony Award Nomination for actress Judy Kaye), and Jolson & Company, and revivals of Pacific Overtures and Sweeney Todd (four Tony Nominations including Best Revival) have all showcased the importance of The York and its programs.
The York is the recipient of an Emmy Nomination, special Drama Desk Award for “Developing and Producing New Musicals,” a special Outer Critics Circle Award for “50 Years of Producing New and Classic Musicals.” The York is currently producing at The Theatre at St. Jean’s at 76th Street and Lexington Avenue.
www.yorktheatre.org | www.facebook.com/yorktheatrecompany
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