Regent Center for Performing Arts Premieres 2026-2027 Theatre Season
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (Sept. 28, 2026) — The Regent Center for Performing Arts invites the community to enjoy its 2026-2027 theatre season lineup, featuring four productions spanning mystery, comedy, classic tragedy, and musical theatre.
For over 30 years, Regent University Theatre has produced shows of the highest caliber, with passionate artists breathing life into stories from every genre for all audiences. This season’s shows each present a central theme: revelation of the heart.
“This season’s shows are about finding out who someone really is. We spend our lives guessing at each other from the outside. Theatre is one of the few places you get to watch the inside come out,” said Simon Tarr, MFA, Ph.D., Dean of Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts. “This brings a redemptive character to these stories, since ‘man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7). When theatre is at its best, it allows us to see what characters can’t yet see about each other.”
The season’s productions are as follows:
Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express
- Dates: Oct. 2-4 & 9-11, 2026
- Location: Dede Robertson Theatre
Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning, it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer — before he or she strikes again.
Mr. Dickens’ Hat
- Dates: Dec. 4-6 & 11-13, 2026
- Location: Studio Theatre
- Written and Composed by: Michael Hollinger
In a cozy Victorian shop sits the hat of Charles Dickens, the one he famously used to carry water to victims of a train wreck. When a pair of bumbling thieves plots to steal it, young Kit sets out to foil their plan, save the hat, and free her father from debtors’ prison. This warm winter’s tale is filled with charming carols, lovable characters, and loads of good cheer!
Antigone
- Dates: Feb. 12-14 & 19-21, 2027
- Location: Studio Theatre
- Written by: Sophocles
- Adapted by: Emily Mann
The civil war has ended. Two rival brothers lie dead. King Creon declares that one shall receive a hero’s burial; the other will remain disgraced and unburied at the city gates. Antigone, sister of the fallen brothers, finds the decree an offense to the gods and acts at great cost. What happens when one must choose between human law and divine law? This bold reimagining of a classic Greek myth poses provocative questions about justice and mercy for a contemporary audience.
Cinderella
- Dates: April 16-18 & 23-25, 2027
- Location: Dede Robertson Theatre
- Music by: Richard Rodgers
- Book and Lyrics by: Oscar Hammerstein II
A pumpkin coach, a fairy godmother, and a glass slipper — the recipe for the world’s most famous fairy tale. This timeless enchantment is reborn with dazzling sets, lavish costumes, and a soaring score — allowing you to savor the magic long past the stroke of midnight. Experience this inspiring tale of resilience and the transformative power of kindness.
World-Changing Performances All Season Long
Regent University Theatre patrons are invited to become 2026-2027 season subscribers, receiving exclusive benefits that include:
- 15% off regular ticket prices
- Preferred seating
- 10% off additional adult-priced tickets
- Two drink vouchers per subscription
- Ticket exchange options for different dates of the same production*
*Exchanges are based on ticket availability and may take place up to one hour before your original curtain time.
Those who wish to make their mark and support the Regent Center for Performing Arts can join the Curtain Campaign. Gifts can equip tomorrow’s Christian artists while earning a personalized seat plaque on display in the Dede Robertson Theatre for 10 years. For more information, visit regent.edu/curtaincampaign.
“This year I pray that our theatre season and the entire Regent Center for Performing Arts can be a blessing,” said Tarr, “and that while thinking, laughing, and struggling along with the performers on stage, audiences may walk even closer to the Lord.”
For more information about ticket purchases, showtimes, and Regent University Theatre, visit regent.edu/theatre.
About Regent University
Founded in 1977, Regent University is America’s premier Christian university, with nearly 14,000 students studying on its 100-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online worldwide. The university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in more than 150 areas of study, including business, communication and the arts, counseling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, leadership, nursing, healthcare, and psychology. Regent University has been ranked the No. 1 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in Virginia for 14 years in a row (U.S. News & World Report, 2026) and the No. 2 Top Military Friendly® School in the nation (Military Friendly® Schools, 2024-2025).
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