By: Caroline Pease | Published: January 15, 2026
As winter fades and the spring semester begins, Kean students can look forward to another season of standout performances, powerful storytelling, and world-class artistry. Kean Stage’s spring 2026 calendar brings a diverse mix of theatre, music, and lectures designed to inspire, challenge, and entertain the campus community. From a poignant one-man play about generational trauma to Broadway divas, award-winning performers, and student-driven theatre productions, this semester’s lineup promises something meaningful for everyone.
Dedication Featuring Roger Peltzman
Kean Stage opens the season with Dedication, a moving one-person performance by New York–based pianist, actor, and playwright Roger Peltzman. The show arrives at Wilkins Theatre on January 25 at 3 p.m., bringing with it an international reputation for emotional impact and exceptional craft.
Premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2022, Dedication earned four-star reviews for its blend of narrative, music, and visual storytelling. Peltzman recounts the harrowing journey of his family fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, weaving together blues riffs, classical compositions, and deeply human moments of humor and grief. At the center of the story is the memory of his uncle, Norbert Stern, a brilliant young pianist murdered in Auschwitz at just 21. Through performance, Peltzman forms a spiritual “relationship” with the uncle he never met, using music to bridge generations of trauma.
Since its debut, Dedication has traveled from London to Brussels, Berlin, and the United Nations headquarters—an extraordinary accomplishment for a theatrical work. Tickets range from $28–$42, and audience members are invited to stay for a post-show talkback with Peltzman to further explore the history and artistry behind the piece.
Good Witch / Bad Witch: The Broadway Witches
Broadway fans will not want to miss Good Witch / Bad Witch, a concert event featuring two powerhouse vocalists from the hit musical Wicked, just on the tail end of the film adaption’s final chapter releasing this past November. The show arrives at Enlow Recital Hall on February 7 at 7:30 p.m., promising an evening of showstopping duets, soaring solos, and unforgettable theatrical sparkle.
The concert stars Alyssa Fox, celebrated for her definitive portrayal of Elphaba on Broadway, and Alli Mauzey, a veteran Glinda whose comic timing and vocal finesse have dazzled audiences for years. Fox brings more than a decade of experience with Wicked, including her contributions to the upcoming film adaptation, while Mauzey’s Broadway résumé spans Hello, Dolly!, Cry-Baby, Hairspray, and Kimberly Akimbo.
Together, the two offer a dynamic performance of empowerment anthems, emotional ballads, and the iconic songs that made Wicked a cultural phenomenon. Tickets range from $53–$68, with discounts available to students and staff.
Nate Burleson: President’s Distinguished Lecture Series
On February 12 at 4:30 p.m., Emmy Award–winning broadcaster and former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson will speak at the North Avenue Academic Building as part of President Repollet’s Distinguished Lecture Series.
Burleson brings a uniquely multifaceted career, co-host of CBS Mornings, analyst on The NFL Today, Nickelodeon host, and an accomplished former professional athlete. His work across sports, entertainment, and journalism has earned national recognition, including multiple Sports Emmy Awards.
At Kean, Burleson will share insights from his 11-season NFL career, his transition into media, and his experiences breaking new ground in sports broadcasting. The lecture is open to the public, with the first 100 tickets free to Kean students, faculty, and staff. Accessibility accommodations, including ASL interpreters and sensory bags, will be available.
Urinetown: A Kean Theatre Production
The Kean Theatre Department brings satirical flair to the stage this semester with Urinetown, running February 20–28 at Wilkins Theatre. Directed by Joshua Feliciano-Sanchez Moser, the production offers a witty, sharp-edged commentary on capitalism, environmental collapse, bureaucracy, and the absurdities of modern life.
Set in a drought-stricken city where citizens must pay to use public restrooms, Urinetown follows a young idealist who decides he’s had enough. With its clever music by Mark Hollman and a script by Greg Kotis, the show balances humor and social commentary in a way that remains eerily relevant. Tickets range from $11–$16, with student discounts available.
An Evening with Joshua Henry
GRAMMY-winning Broadway star Joshua Henry will take the stage at Enlow Recital Hall on February 22 at 7 p.m. Known for his Tony-nominated performances in Carousel, Violet, and The Scottsboro Boys, Henry has long been recognized as one of the most dynamic vocalists and actors on Broadway.
In addition to his celebrated run as Aaron Burr in Hamilton, Henry has appeared on screen in tick, tick…BOOM! and Apple TV’s SEE, and he recently earned another GRAMMY for the Into the Woods revival cast recording. His Kean performance will feature selections from his acclaimed solo album GROW alongside Broadway favorites. Tickets range from $58–$88.
The Bald Soprano: Theatre of the Absurd at Bauer Boucher
Beginning April 10 and running through April 18 at the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center, Kean Theatre will present Eugène Ionesco’s absurdist classic The Bald Soprano, translated by Tina Howe and directed by E. Teresa Choate.
The play’s surreal conversations, looping dialogue, and eccentric characters highlight the comedy—and chaos—of misunderstanding. Audiences follow two couples, a maid, and a fire captain as they navigate a world where logic dissolves and language collapses. For anyone who has ever felt confused by daily life, The Bald Soprano offers theatrical catharsis with a humorous twist. Tickets range from $11–$16.
Get Up, Stand Up! with Joshua Henry
Later in the season, Joshua Henry returns—this time in concert—with Get Up, Stand Up! on February 22 at 7 p.m. at Enlow Recital Hall. This high-energy musical experience celebrates decades of soul, R&B, and Broadway classics, showcasing Henry’s ability to transition effortlessly from Nina Simone to Sam Cooke to Stephen Sondheim.
The show highlights Henry’s extraordinary vocal range and storytelling power, offering a lively journey through the songs that shaped American music. Attendees can expect both beloved standards and original selections from Henry’s own catalogue. Tickets range from $58–$88.
Conclusion
Kean Stage’s spring 2026 season promises a rich blend of emotional storytelling, Broadway brilliance, student artistry, and dynamic live performance. Whether you’re seeking thought-provoking theatre, inspirational lectures, or unforgettable musical experiences, this semester’s lineup offers something to spark curiosity and lift spirits—making it a must-see season for every member of the Kean community.
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