THEATER
January 18, 2026
African American Theater Preview
7:00 PM
Admission: $28+
Celebrate the rich and diverse season of African American theater in the Triangle! The Triangle Friends of African American Arts is bringing together several performing arts organizations to showcase the wonderful African American plays and musicals that will hit the stages in 2026. This special evening will include dramatic readings, songs and scenes from upcoming performances.
Raleigh Little Theatre
301 Pogue Street, Raleigh
www.raleighlittletheatre.org
January 23 - February 1, 2026
You Wouldn’t Expect
Admission: $23.31+
Written by local playwright Marilynn Anselmi, You Wouldn’t Expect delves into the dark history of the North Carolina Eugenics Program—a government-sanctioned initiative that forcibly sterilized thousands of individuals deemed “unfit” to reproduce, often targeting poor, Black, and disabled communities. This production is a rare opportunity to engage with a story rooted in North Carolina’s own past. Co-Production with Reclaiming Our Time Productions
North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
7713-51 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh
(919) 866-0228
www.nract.org'
January 28 - February 15, 2026
Primary Trust
Admission: $20+
Build your story, one connection at a time
When Kenneth’s life of quiet routine— a bookstore job and happy hour mai tais—is suddenly upended, he is confronted by an unfamiliar world of possibility. Come with us on this sweet, moving exploration of trust, transformation, and the unexpected ways we find each other.
PlayMakers Repertory Company
120 Country Club Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
www.playmakersrep.org
February 5 - 22, 2026
Red Pitch
The southeast premiere of a red-hot play about futbol, friendship, and coming of age in a constantly shifting world. This critically acclaimed play originated at London’s Bush Theatre before transferring to the West End in April 2024.
Burning Coal Theatre
224 Polk St., Raleigh
919) 834-4001
www.burningcoal.org
February 13 - March 1, 2026
Pipeline by Dominque Morisseau
Nya, an African American public high school teacher, sees struggling kids funneled from detention to suspension to expulsion to juvie. She’s enrolled her own son in private school in hopes of avoiding this pipeline, but he’s on the verge of being kicked out. A teacher–and mother–fights for her son’s future as the world pulls him away.
The Justice Theater Project at Umstead Park UCC
8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh
(919) 264-7089
www.thejusticetheaterproject.org
February 17 - 22, 2026
Hell's Kitchen
Admission: $52+
The Hit Broadway Musical from Global Superstar Alicia Keys: Ali is a 17-year-old girl full of fire – searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world. How she finds them is a New York City coming-of-age story you've never felt before –HELL’S KITCHEN, a new musical from 17-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys, whose new songs and greatest hits about growing up in NY inspire a story made for Broadway.
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
(919) 680-2787
www.dpacnc.com
February 20 - March 8, 2026
August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Admission: $32.50+
Journey back to 1911 in August Wilson’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece, Joe Turner’s Come & Gone. This PG-13 historical drama follows a group of African Americans searching for freedom, family, and identity in a new century. Filled with Wilson’s poetic storytelling, rich characters, and the rhythms of African American heritage, the play is a moving exploration of the quest for belonging.
Pure Life Theatre at William Peace University/Leggett Theatre
15 E Peace St, Raleigh
www.purelifetheatre.com
March 13 - 29, 2026
Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope
Admission: $23.31+
A Tony nominee, this dynamic mixture of rock, calypso and ballads features a dozen singer-dancers in 20 numbers. In revue-style format, Don't Bother Me... explores the African American experience through vibrant song and dance.
North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
7713-51 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh
(919) 866-0228
www.nract.org
September 4 - 13, 2026
When Fear Knocks, Faith Opens the Door
Admission: TBA
In Detroit, a pastor risks his family's savings to revive his church. Although the congregation thrives, he must confront his faith, fear and his family's future.
Agape Theatre Project at Burning Coal Theatre
224 Polk St., Raleigh
www.agapetheatreproject.com
January 18, 2026
African American Theater Preview
7:00 PM
Admission: $28+
Celebrate the rich and diverse season of African American theater in the Triangle! The Triangle Friends of African American Arts is bringing together several performing arts organizations to showcase the wonderful African American plays and musicals that will hit the stages in 2026. This special evening will include dramatic readings, songs and scenes from upcoming performances.
Raleigh Little Theatre
301 Pogue Street, Raleigh
www.raleighlittletheatre.org
January 23 - February 1, 2026
You Wouldn’t Expect
Admission: $23.31+
Written by local playwright Marilynn Anselmi, You Wouldn’t Expect delves into the dark history of the North Carolina Eugenics Program—a government-sanctioned initiative that forcibly sterilized thousands of individuals deemed “unfit” to reproduce, often targeting poor, Black, and disabled communities. This production is a rare opportunity to engage with a story rooted in North Carolina’s own past. Co-Production with Reclaiming Our Time Productions
North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
7713-51 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh
(919) 866-0228
www.nract.org'
January 28 - February 15, 2026
Primary Trust
Admission: $20+
Build your story, one connection at a time
When Kenneth’s life of quiet routine— a bookstore job and happy hour mai tais—is suddenly upended, he is confronted by an unfamiliar world of possibility. Come with us on this sweet, moving exploration of trust, transformation, and the unexpected ways we find each other.
PlayMakers Repertory Company
120 Country Club Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
www.playmakersrep.org
February 5 - 22, 2026
Red Pitch
The southeast premiere of a red-hot play about futbol, friendship, and coming of age in a constantly shifting world. This critically acclaimed play originated at London’s Bush Theatre before transferring to the West End in April 2024.
Burning Coal Theatre
224 Polk St., Raleigh
919) 834-4001
www.burningcoal.org
February 13 - March 1, 2026
Pipeline by Dominque Morisseau
Nya, an African American public high school teacher, sees struggling kids funneled from detention to suspension to expulsion to juvie. She’s enrolled her own son in private school in hopes of avoiding this pipeline, but he’s on the verge of being kicked out. A teacher–and mother–fights for her son’s future as the world pulls him away.
The Justice Theater Project at Umstead Park UCC
8208 Brownleigh Drive, Raleigh
(919) 264-7089
www.thejusticetheaterproject.org
February 17 - 22, 2026
Hell's Kitchen
Admission: $52+
The Hit Broadway Musical from Global Superstar Alicia Keys: Ali is a 17-year-old girl full of fire – searching for freedom, passion and her place in the world. How she finds them is a New York City coming-of-age story you've never felt before –HELL’S KITCHEN, a new musical from 17-time Grammy® Award winner Alicia Keys, whose new songs and greatest hits about growing up in NY inspire a story made for Broadway.
Durham Performing Arts Center
123 Vivian Street, Durham, NC
(919) 680-2787
www.dpacnc.com
February 20 - March 8, 2026
August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Admission: $32.50+
Journey back to 1911 in August Wilson’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece, Joe Turner’s Come & Gone. This PG-13 historical drama follows a group of African Americans searching for freedom, family, and identity in a new century. Filled with Wilson’s poetic storytelling, rich characters, and the rhythms of African American heritage, the play is a moving exploration of the quest for belonging.
Pure Life Theatre at William Peace University/Leggett Theatre
15 E Peace St, Raleigh
www.purelifetheatre.com
March 13 - 29, 2026
Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope
Admission: $23.31+
A Tony nominee, this dynamic mixture of rock, calypso and ballads features a dozen singer-dancers in 20 numbers. In revue-style format, Don't Bother Me... explores the African American experience through vibrant song and dance.
North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
7713-51 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh
(919) 866-0228
www.nract.org
September 4 - 13, 2026
When Fear Knocks, Faith Opens the Door
Admission: TBA
In Detroit, a pastor risks his family's savings to revive his church. Although the congregation thrives, he must confront his faith, fear and his family's future.
Agape Theatre Project at Burning Coal Theatre
224 Polk St., Raleigh
www.agapetheatreproject.com