The Acting Company Theatre in Yuba City framed by a red-carpet entryway. The nonprofit performing-arts group recently unveiled its 2026 season, “Curtains Up: A Season of Classics,” featuring six productions led by returning and first-time directors across Northern California community theater. Photo courtesy of The Acting Company

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The Acting Company has announced its 2026 season, “Curtains Up: A Season of Classics,” a six-show slate spanning thrillers, musicals and family-driven storytelling.

The company said the season will blend “beloved stories and unforgettable characters,” featuring both returning directors and first-time directing debuts. Performances will run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $20. Season passes, actors passes and gift certificates are also available.

The season opens Feb. 20 with the 1950s thriller “Dial M for Murder,” written by Frederick Knott and later adapted into Alfred Hitchcock’s 1954 film. David Wheeler will direct the stage production, leaning into a modern-day character focus without losing the play’s trademark tension.

“Dial M for Murder remains one of the most enduring thrillers in American theatre – not a mystery, but a true thriller where the audience knows the killer from the start,” Wheeler said. “This new adaptation elevates the female characters while preserving the suspense that made Hitchcock’s film iconic.” He added the company is “proud to be among more than twenty-five theatres” presenting the production nationwide in 2026.

Christian De La Torre follows with his directing debut April 10, helming the musical “Cabaret.” De La Torre is a recent graduate of California State University, Fullerton and one of the first to complete its inaugural Devised Theatre Program. His post-graduate work includes solo showcases, movement and stage combat workshops, and musical and dramatic stage roles throughout Northern California.

“After seeing several productions of Cabaret, including the recent Broadway revival, I was inspired to bring this powerful story to The Acting Company,” De La Torre said. “Cabaret invites audiences into a glittering world that insists ‘Life is Beautiful,’ even as the truth says otherwise. It challenges us to consider how far we’re willing to go to protect our neighbors, even when it comes at a personal cost.”

Bob Cooner brings a homegrown story May 29 with his original play “Finding Oz,” inspired by the life and artistic reinvention of L. Frank Baum, author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Cooner is based in the Woodland theatre community and is debuting as a director this season.

“Just as The Wizard of Oz is a quintessential American fairy tale, Baum’s life is a quintessential American journey – full of ambition, reinvention, setbacks, and resilience,” Cooner said. “Finding Oz explores how one dreamer’s unstoppable optimism created a story that continues to captivate generation after generation.” He noted the production features nine performers portraying dozens of characters from Baum’s world and imagination.

For summer, Wheeler reunites with local director and journalist Shamaya Sutton, who will direct “Ah, Wilderness!” from July 17 to Aug. 9 written by the influential American playwright Eugene O’Neil. Based in 1906, “Ah Wilderness!” stands as Eugene's only comedy and is widely considered to be a precursor for modern American comedy and family-driven storytelling in television sitcoms. Sutton and Wheeler tried to mount the same play six years ago, but the production was canceled just eight days before opening due to COVID-19 public safety shutdowns.

“This will be the first time a work by O’Neill has ever been shown at The Acting Company,” Sutton said. “Im honored to debut the work of such a fundamental American playwright and hope that audiences enjoy it as much as I do.”

The season continues with Megan Shearer directing the dark-comedy stage classic “Arsenic & Old Lace” from Sept.18 - Oct.11. Shearer, board secretary and longtime participant in The Acting Company productions, steps into a first-time directing role.

“I chose ‘Arsenic & Old Lace’ because it was the first black-and-white comedy I ever saw, and it introduced me to Cary Grant’s unforgettable charm and timing,” Shearer said. “My vision is to honor everything audiences have always loved about this classic while welcoming a new generation to its wit, chaos, and irresistible charm.”

To close things out, veteran director Foster McManus will be turning to an old classic with a young heroine for the season's winter musical.

“I’m thrilled to be directing ‘A Little Princess' this season,” McManus said. “After having such a wonderful time bringing the vibrant characters of ‘Matilda’ to life in 2024, I wanted another family-friendly story with a heroine who embodies courage, imagination, and heart. This musical is a perfect opportunity to work with young performers, and I can’t wait to help them shine.”

The Acting Company said its 2026 season honors classic works while expanding creative perspective through both returning directors and fresh artistic voices. The company, located at 815 B St. in Yuba City, encouraged collaborators, performers and supporters to stay engaged through auditions, volunteer opportunities and patronage.

For more information readers can visit the company’s official channels, actingcompany.org, or contact the box office at 530-751-1100.