A powerful coming-of-age story, “The Outsiders” will open the Five Star Bank 2025-26 Broadway Season at Shea’s Performing Arts Center’s Buffalo Theatre, ushering in a season filled with musical re-imaginings of celebrated works.
Adapted from the famed novel by S.E. Hinton and film by Francis Ford Coppola, the show won four 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
“It’s exciting that Buffalo audiences will be the first to see ‘The Outsiders’ as it begins its national tour,” says Brian Higgins, president and CEO of Shea’s Performing Arts Center. “The tour will ‘tech’ in Buffalo, meaning they’ll basically build the show in Buffalo, and we’ll have over 100 members of the cast and crew and company in Buffalo rehearsing before the tour begins.”
From Sept. 17 to 23, audiences will be transported to 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade and their fellow outsiders must navigate gang rivalries and a world threatening their futures.
“When you read a book, it’s something you do in isolation. When you attend an adaptation of a book to stage, you’re experiencing that with a community,” says Higgins. “It’s an interaction between audience and cast, and the beauty of the theatre complements the excitement that is occurring on stage.”
The singing and dancing continue with:
The Notebook (Oct. 7-12): Music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson bring to life the yearning and passions of a star-crossed romance between debutante Allie and mill worker Noah. Based on the bestselling 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks, their enduring love story spans decades.
Wicked (Nov. 12-30): So much happened before Dorothy dropped in! The witches of Oz are at the center of this wildly popular musical. Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel and inspiration for the blockbuster 2024 movie, “Wicked” is a magical, record-breaking, award-winning show that has enchanted audiences around the world.
‘Twas The Night Before…By Cirque Du Soleil (Dec. 17-28): The internationally acclaimed circus company’s first holiday show creates a winter wonderland blending dance, acrobatics and whimsy. Inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas,” the story follows young Isabella and her father as they rediscover the joy and magic of the season.
Kimberly Akimbo (March 17-22): Dealing with a rare disease, Kimberly finds her life complicated by a crush, a dysfunctional family and some “slightly illegal” activities as her 16th birthday approaches. Music by Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home”) with lyrics and book by creator David Lindsay-Abaire (“Rabbit Hole”) combine for what The New Yorker named a “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show.” It was the winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Musical of 2023.
Water For Elephants (April 14-19): During the Great Depression, Jacob hops a train and joins a traveling circus. Adapted from Sara Gruen’s best-selling novel, the musical follows Jacob’s journey through adventure, tragedy and romance. Rich Entertainment Group is a producer of this show.
Suffs (June 2-7): The American women’s suffrage movement inspired this Tony Award-winning new musical. “It’s both entertaining and a lesson for all of us,” Higgins says. “Throughout our history, greater numbers of people have been enfranchised with the right to vote. The retelling of that struggle is important, because you appreciate the outcome that much more.”
Season subscription packages are available online or by visiting the box office. Groups of 10+ can call 716-829-1153.
