APPLETON, Wis. — The party is roaring on in the Fox Cities. Fox Cities Performing Arts Center released its 2025-26 lineup, jam-packed with Wisconsin premieres, Broadway hits, unique speakers and more. 

First up in the center’s Broadway series is Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” which runs from Oct. 21 to 26, 2025, to start off the season with a pinch of magic and a touch of romance.

"I think this enchanting tale as old as time is going to come to life in such a wonderfully spectacular way that audiences just have not experienced in so long," Maria Van Laanen, president of Fox Cities PAC, said. "The magic of Disney and their ability to bring these enchanting tales to life in a way that mystifies and creates awe for audiences of all ages is sure to be a treat." 

“The Book of Mormon” will then head to Appleton from Nov. 18 to 23, 2025. The Wisconsin premiere of “Hell’s Kitchen” runs at Fox Cities PAC from Dec. 16 to 21, 2025.

The Broadway production of "Hell's Kitchen." (Marc J. Franklin)

“Hamilton” will then kick off 2026, showing at the venue from Feb. 3 to 15, coinciding with the country’s 250th birthday year. “Kimberly Akimbo,” a five-time Tony-winner, follows suit and will be at the Fox Cities PAC from March 3 to 8, 2026.

A.D. Weaver as George Washington and company in "Hamilton." (Joan Marcus)

The Wisconsin premiere of “The Great Gatsby” roars into Appleton from April 14 to 19, 2026, followed by “& Juliet,” rounding out the season from June 2 to 7, 2026.

"I think what's fascinating about [our two Wisconsin premieres, 'Hell's Kitchen' and 'The Great Gatsby,'] is they take something that's familiar and make it completely new," Van Laanen said. "'Hell's Kitchen' uses the songbook from Alicia Keys, an incredible Grammy award-winning artist, but the way that the songs are woven throughout to tell this story of ... coming of age and finding her way, it completely sheds a new light and meaning behind some of these wonderful songs.

"'The Great Gatsby,' people are super familiar with F. Scott Fitzgerald's wonderful novel. It's been brought to life in a lot of different ways and to see this story — the abundance and the roaring parties — come to life on stage right in front of you here in the Fox Cities is going to be a fantastic time." 

Samantha Pauly (center) and the cast of the Broadway production of "The Great Gatsby" (Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman)

Current Broadway season subscribers will be automatically renewed for the 2025-26 Broadway season. Subscribers will be emailed with details. Those interested in purchasing a subscription may do so, here. Individual show tickets will be made available to the public at a later date. 

Rachel Simone Webb as Juliet and Michael Canu as Romeo in "& Juliet." (Matthew Murphy)

“A Beautiful Noise” and “MJ The Musical” round out the current theater season. 

Fox Cities PAC also released its lineup for its Bold Arts Alive! Series, which allows audiences "of all ages to dive into diverse cultural and artistic experiences spanning eras and continents."

"The wonderful thing about the Bold Arts Alive! Series is that the spirit of discovery is at the very core of what we focus on when we bring this series together. It provides an opportunity for people to explore diverse cultures and artistry through dance, classic tales and concerts," Van Laanen said. 

The series will feature the following titles next season: 

• The Lord Chamberlain’s Men tour of "Hamlet," Oct. 29, 2025
• "Masters of Illusion – Believe the Impossible," Oct. 30, 2025
• Soweto Gospel Choir's "PEACE," Nov. 6, 2025
• "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas" by Chip Davis, Dec. 9, 2025
• Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s "Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales," Jan. 15, 2026
• Drum TAO, March 13, 2026
• Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, May 1, 2026

The venue announced its Menasha Corporation Spotlight Series Monday night, too. As a part of this series, artists who specialize in a variety of mediums will deliver performances offering an intimate experience, as audiences are near the performers.

"The Menasha Corporation Spotlight Series provides an opportunity for people to laugh, listen and learn with performers who are sharing their stories through music and one-person shows," Van Laanen said. 

The series will feature the following titles: 

• "Sacred Winds," music performance, Sept. 14, 2025
• Lucas Bohn's "Lesson Plans to Late Night," comedy performance, Nov. 14, 2025
• "Reunion in Song: 10 Years of Center Stage," cabaret performance, Jan. 10, 2026
• Randy Otto's "Winston Churchill: The Blitz," one-man performance, Jan. 13, 2026

Finally, Fox Cities PAC released its Viewpoint Speaker Series lineup for the upcoming season.

"What I love about the speaker series is it's our ticket to explore the world around us through these incredible adventurers and photographers," Van Laanen said. "We get to hear these stories that help challenge the way you move through life and how you think about the world around you." 

Next season's speakers include: 

• Ronan Donovan, "Exploring our Wild Nature: Wolves, Chimps & Gorillas," Nov. 11, 2025
  
• Mireya Mayor, "Pink Boots and a Machete," Jan. 27, 2026
• David McLain, "Blue Zones: Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity," April 28, 2026

Van Laanen also stressed that she doesn't want anyone in the community to feel like the upcoming season of performances is out of their reach because of a physical disability or financial hardship. 

"We work really hard to make sure that we can ensure that these experiences are available to everyone. ... We seek to identify and reduce any barriers that may exist to attending performances here at the center," she said. "We offer programs and services for individuals with physical, hearing, visual or financial limitations, as well as those with sensory sensitivities, working hard to make sure that the center is truly a multi-cultural gathering place for all." 

Find information on specific accessibility services at the center, here. Information about community support, donated tickets and initiatives can also be found on its website. 

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misspelled Lucas Bohn's name. This has been corrected. (March 26, 2025)