New Ballroom-Inspired Musical XTRAVAGANZA to Premiere at Baltimore Center Stage

Baltimore Center Stage’s upcoming season includes a series of new works, notably the new musical XTRAVAGANZA, inspired by the legendary New York City Ballroom artists (who are currently the inspiration for Cats: The Jellicle Ball).

XTRAVAGANZA, directed by Stevie Walker-Webb, follows a community of Black and Latine artists who built a community of resilient chosen families through the 1980s and 1990s New York City Ballroom scene, championing the beauty of self-expression while facing the extraordinary marginalization. The work features an original score by Khiyon Hursey inspired by the sounds of ‘80s and ‘90s pop, House, and Ballroom hits.

The title draws inspiration from Ballroom pioneers within the House of Xtravaganza, who helped bring Ballroom culture and vocabulary to the mainstream, serving as featured performers and choreographers in Madonna’s Vogue music video and Blonde Ambition world tour. XTRAVAGANZA, in association with 1000% Productions and Broadway Music Group, runs May 7–June 13, 2027.

BCS’ 2026-2027 season includes 10 shows, beginning in August with new satire Bocking, directed by Stevie Walker-Webb and written by Preston Crowder. This wild comedy runs August 14–September 8 at BCS before a planned Off-Broadway run. It follows a set of embarrassed parents sent to their children’s principal’s office regarding some innocent in-class repetition of what is heard at home.

Following Backings is Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, directed by Annie Tippe. Tony Award winner Benanti brings her sold-out Off-Broadway show to Baltimore audiences September 17–26, where she looks back on her life and career with humor and some original songs.

Mama I’m A Big Girl Now runs October 2-4, starring Kerry Butler, Laura Bell Bundy, and Marissa Jaret Winokur. The trio, all original cast members of Hairspray, has a combined 16 Broadway shows between them. They bring their experience together onstage for an unforgettable night of Broadway tales and powerhouse vocal performances.

Holiday musical CHARMZ: The Other Reindeer, A Motown Inspired Christmas Musical runs November 13–December 27, directed by Melody A. Betts and Victor Musoni. The new musical follows Charmz, a little reindeer with big dreams to shine as bright as the more notable Rudolph. The Motown-inspired music features original songs written by Nygel D. Robinson (currently seen Off-Broadway in Mexodus).

In association with the Philadelphia Theatre Company, BCS will present a new production of Liberation January 16–February 7, 2027. Directed by Obie Award winner Taibi Magar and written by Tony Award nominee Bess Wohl, Liberation follows a group of women during the Second Wave feminist movement, who meet weekly to discuss how they can change their lives. 

PETE the CAT runs October 31 and November 1, bringing the popular children’s book character to life onstage with direction and choreography by Tony Award nominee Dan Knechtges. Another family-friendly production, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!, runs April 3–4, 2027 and follows the silly, musical antics of children’s book classic character, the Pigeon.

Tony Award winner Betty Buckley looks back on her extensive stage and screen career into an intimate concert performance at BCS for two nights only on January 22 and January 23, 2027.

August Wilson’s King Hedley II, directed by Ken-Matt Martin, runs March 11–April 11, 2027. This rarely staged show follows King, a man struggling to find his purpose in a world that has given him few resources to succeed. This production runs as part of the citywide Baltimore August Wilson Celebration, continuing BCS’ commitment to spotlighting Wilson’s legacy and illuminating his Century Cycle, 10 plays that explored Black life in America.

For more information on Baltimore Center Stage’s upcoming season, visit Centerstage.org.