Plan-B announces 26-27 season, including 20th anniversary revival of Carol Lynn Pearson’s ‘Facing East’
Salt Lake City’s Plan-B Theatre Company is leaning into both its legacy and its future with the announcement of its 36th season, a lineup that blends a landmark revival, new works, and continued investment in emerging and diverse voices, many of which resonate deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences.
At the heart of the 2026–27 subscription series is a 20th anniversary revival of Facing East by Carol Lynn Pearson, returning to the stage where it first premiered in 2006. Running October 22 through November 8, 2026, the production revisits the story of a Mormon couple grappling with the suicide of their gay son and their unexpected meeting with his partner. The play, long considered a cornerstone of queer Utah theater, explores faith, grief, and acceptance — topics that remain as poignant today as they were two decades ago
The season also features the world premiere of Radio Hour Episode 18: The Land of Oz, written by Debora Threedy and adapted from The Marvelous Land of Oz, the second of L. Frank Baum’s 14 original Oz books. Presented as a live radio drama on December 16, 2026, the production is a collaboration with KUER’s RadioWest and will be broadcast live, with audiences serving as the in-studio crowd. The family-friendly show reimagines Oz in chaos following Dorothy’s departure, blending nostalgia with inventive storytelling.
Rounding out the subscription series is What the Phở?, a romantic comedy by Wendy Dang, running March 4–21, 2027. Developed through the company’s Script-In-Hand program, the play centers on two young people working in their families’ Vietnamese restaurants as they navigate identity, ambition, and connection. The production reflects Plan-B’s ongoing commitment to elevating stories from underrepresented communities.
Beyond its mainstage offerings, Plan-B continues its expansive educational and community programming. The company’s Free Elementary School Tour, now in its 14th year, will premiere Snail Mail by Melissa Leilani Larson. Touring schools statewide from September 2026 through May 2027, the play follows two best friends facing separation and change, introducing younger audiences to live theater through themes of friendship and resilience. Free public performances will also be offered.
Meanwhile, the Script-In-Hand Series returns for its 22nd season, providing Utah playwrights with the opportunity to present works-in-progress. This year’s lineup includes Unearth a Story, a collaborative showcase featuring writers from the company’s Theatre Artists of Color Writing Workshop, as well as additional readings still to be announced. The series continues to serve as a creative incubator, often shaping works that later move to full production.
Subscriptions for the three-show series are priced at $63, with single tickets available for $25 ($15 for students).
As Plan-B Theatre enters its 36th season, the company once again demonstrates its unique role in Utah’s cultural landscape: producing work that is locally rooted, socially engaged, and unafraid to center LGBTQ+ stories alongside broader narratives of identity, family, and change.
More information at planbtheatre.org
