Lee University Theatre will present four productions during its 2026-27 season, featuring stories drawn from history and fables and exploring themes of human nature.

“We’re excited to bring four very different productions to our audiences this year,” said Dr. Christine Williams, chair of Lee’s Department of Communication Arts and professor of theatre. “Our fall productions are rooted in history and invite us to consider the choices people make in difficult circumstances, while our spring productions draw on fables and storytelling to explore timeless questions about human nature. Together, these productions offer plenty of opportunities for our audiences to be entertained and challenged.”

The season will begin with “Mary and Myra” by Catherine Filloux. The drama follows Mary Todd Lincoln, widow of President Abraham Lincoln, during her confinement in an insane asylum and her efforts to regain her freedom with the help of her friend Myra Bradwell, the first female lawyer in Illinois. Performances are scheduled for Sept. 25-26 and Oct. 1-3.

The season will continue with “Radium Girls” by D.W. Gregory on Nov. 6-7 and 12-14. Based on true events, the play follows a group of factory workers who suffer mysterious illnesses after being exposed to radium, once hailed as a medical miracle. The production explores the consequences of corporate responsibility, scientific discovery, and the pursuit of justice.

The spring semester will open with “Fools” by Neil Simon on Feb. 12-13 and 18-20. Set in a small Russian village plagued by a curse of “chronic stupidity,” the comedy follows a new schoolteacher who has 24 hours to break the curse before he falls victim to it himself.

Lee Theatre will conclude the season with “The Old Man and the Old Moon” by PigPen Theatre Co. on April 2-3 and 8-10. The musical follows the Old Man, caretaker of the moon, who leaves his familiar routine behind when his wife is drawn away by a mysterious melody. His journey takes him on an unexpected adventure as he chooses love and change over duty and routine.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children, seniors, and students and are available on Eventbrite.com beginning two weeks prior to each event. Tickets may also be purchased at the Communication Arts Box Office during the week of each production and beginning one hour before curtain time. Group ticket sales also are available through the box office.

“Mary and Myra,” “Fools,” and “The Old Man and the Old Moon” will be performed in the Buzz Oates Blackbox Theatre in Lee’s Communication Arts Building, located at the corner of Church Street and Central Avenue. “Radium Girls” will be performed in Lee’s Dixon Center Auditorium, located at the corner of Church Street and 11th Street.

“Mary and Myra” is produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals. “Radium Girls” is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. “The Old Man and the Old Moon” is produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

For more information about Lee Theatre, visit leeuniversity.edu/theatre, call the box office at (423) 614-8360, email [email protected], or follow LeeU Theatre on Facebook or lee_theatre on Instagram.