Islander
The first show is the Arizona premiere of Islander, running January 11 – January 28, 2024. Winner of Best New Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Islander is a musical showcase of epic storytelling, intimately staged with a contemporary Scottish folk-inspired score as dramatic as the Scottish coastline. Islander is conceived and directed by Amy Draper, with associate direction by Eve Nicol. The book is written by Stewart Melton and music and lyrics are by Finn Anderson.

Two performers create a world of characters while weaving, building, and layering their voices through the ingenious incorporation of live looping technology. This innovative approach produces a mesmerizing and immersive auditory soundscape that transports your senses and stirs your imagination. Don’t miss this internationally acclaimed hit that tells the story of a community in peril and two young people finding connection inside it. The New York Times calls it “Mystical and beautiful.” The Daily Beast touts that “Islander is really gorgeous—sharp, moving, funny.”

The Woman in Black
Next up, running February 8-25, 2024, is the Arizona premiere of The Original London production, The Woman in Black, one of the longest-running plays on the West End. The Woman in Black is a bone-chilling drama, skillfully adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from Susan Hill’s renowned 1983 novel. Mallatratt’s ingenious stage adaptation breathes life into this acclaimed ghost story, capturing its essence with masterful precision. With nothing more than a sheer fabric, a wicker skip, and a door, Mallatratt conjures an entire world, inviting generations of young audiences to immerse themselves in the transformative power of theater: the boundless realm of their own imaginations.

The New York Times calls it “Ingenious.”  “The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter” (Daily Telegraph). This adaptation is a brilliantly successful study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror that brought audiences to the edge of their seats for more than three decades in the West End.  “One of British theatre’s biggest – and scariest – hits” (The Guardian).

Mariachi & Folklorico Festival
In partnership with Maestra Vanessa Ramirez, the Herberger Theater Center and C.A.L.L.E. de Arizona will present the inaugural Mariachi & Folklorico Festival on March 2, 2024. Experience the rich cultural history of Mexico through vibrant music and dance. The event will feature several world-renown Mariachi bands and performers, along with a dazzling array of folklorico dancers from Ballet Folklorico Quetzalli-AZ.

Mad Hatter the Musical
Closing out the season is the exciting world premiere of Mad Hatter the Musical running May 1 – May 19, 2024. Mad Hatter the Musical is a thrilling and unforgettable new production that will bring new life to familiar characters as a prequel to Alice in Wonderland. Interwoven with a powerful musical score, the story begins on the dark and gritty streets of London where we follow the broken soul of a young man named Franklin Magellan, aka Mad Hatter.

We bear witness to the heartbreaking trials that befall him until he discovers the solace of Wonderland—a realm free from the burdens of anguish and sorrow. However, when his newfound sanctuary comes under threat, Franklin’s obsession with Wonderland drives him to the brink of madness, compelling him to go to any lengths necessary to remain within its enchanted confines, even if it means challenging the notorious Queen herself.

Full casting and creative teams for all productions will be announced at a later date.

Flexible  Season Ticket Subscriptions available! Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Season Subscriptions go on sale May 22, with tickets to the general public available in September. Season subscriber benefits include access to the best available seats before the general public, best available prices of the season, invitation to special events and experiences, and free ticket exchanges. For more information, visit HerbergerTheater.org or call 602.252.8497.