In March, Texas Performing Arts hosted its third annual Broadway in Austin announcement event to unveil the new 2026/27 Season. More than 900 guests filled Bass Concert Hall, buzzing with anticipation as TPA revealed its biggest season yet—a record-breaking 11 productions direct from Broadway, including seven Austin premieres and the returns of unforgettable fan favorites. Kicking off in September with Mrs. Doubtfire, audiences can experience a spectacular lineup of titles such as the runaway hit Buena Vista Social Club, Alicia Keys’ new musical Hell’s Kitchen, and epic stagings of The Phantom of the Opera and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child—both huge productions full of theater magic.
The celebratory evening was hosted by Bob Bursey, TPA’s Executive & Artistic Director, alongside Lauren Reid, President of the John Gore Organization. Guests were treated to surprise appearances and unforgettable live performances from Broadway talent, including Max Sangerman (A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical), Kelsee Kimmel (Hell’s Kitchen), and Nasia Thomas (Death Becomes Her).
Adding a behind-the-scenes perspective, Trevor Scott of CBS Austin’s We Are Austin sat down with Ana Lara, Associate Producer of Hell’s Kitchen and Chief of Staff to Alicia Keys. Their conversation offered an inside look at the creative vision and collaboration behind bringing a brand-new Broadway production to life.
During the event, TPA’s Education & Engagement team awarded the second annual Educator of the Year Award to Natalia Luna, Co-Director of Dance at Lamar Middle School. This award honors a local educator whose work has made lasting impact on students’ artistic education. Providing access to world-class live performance is central to TPA’s mission and this recognition reflects its dedication to fostering creativity, curiosity, and opportunity across the region.
We’d like to thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us! We are excited to see you at Bass Concert Hall for another captivating Broadway season!