The McCallum Theatre's Broadway lineup for the 2026-2027 season is a pop playlist come to life onstage. This season is all about staging audience favorites — and if you don't know one of the shows, the source material is so familiar, chances are high you'll know either the plot or some of the music.
In recent years, the Palm Desert venue has made touring musicals a highlight of its season, giving audiences a chance to see major productions without having to travel to Los Angeles or New York. McCallum Theatre CEO Yvonne Bell said musicals are important because "they are a way into the theater."
"It's the music, it's a night out with friends, it's a new experience, it's seeing something totally brand new, and I think those live experiences are really
special. It's not like anything you can see on screen. It's not like going to the movies. It's a fully enveloping experience, and it's a great thing to share with friends and family," Bell said.
During a recent interview with The Desert Sun, Bell offered a hint about next year's 2027-28 season, saying there will be several touring productions coming that have been on Broadway and won Tony Awards, but she couldn't specify which.
"What I love about these productions and what the producers and touring companies are finding is that we represent a really great geographical area to sit down prior to going on to the Midwest and to the East Coast. If something plays in Los Angeles or something plays in Orange County or San Diego, this is a perfect overnight for an eight-performance week, and we're getting some really good shows," Bell said.
Here are the Broadway productions that will be at the McCallum Theatre during the 2026-2027 season. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit mccallumtheatre.org.
'& Juliet'
Who said that Shakespeare can’t be fun? “& Juliet” is the jukebox reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragic love story “Romeo & Juliet,” and asks the question: What would have happened if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? She decides to start new and find love again on her terms.
This musical, created by “Schitt’s Creek” writer and producer David West Read, also features some pop songs you'll recognize, such as Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone,” Britney Spears’ “...Baby One More Time,” and more.
If you go: Tuesday, Oct. 27 -Sunday, Nov. 1. Tickets start at $64.
'The Who’s Tommy'
This musical based on the 1969 classic rock opera album by The Who tells the story of Tommy Walker, who witnesses his father shoot his mother's lover, causing him to become mute, deaf and blind. But Walker begins to emerge from his state of distress when he becomes a pinball wizard. The breakthrough causes him to restore his awareness and gain a religious-like following.
The Who’s guitarist Pete Townshend wrote “Tommy,” exploring themes and experiences such as trauma, healing, family, fame, and self-discovery.
If you go: Tuesday, Nov. 24-Sunday, Nov. Nov. 29. Tickets start at $64
'The Wiz'
In 2024, “The Wiz” returned to Broadway after 40 years. The 1974 musical reimagines “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” through Black culture, and features a score with soul, gospel, rock and funk music. Some of its popular original songs include “Ease on Down the Road,” “Home,” and “Believe in Yourself.”
If you go: Tuesday, Dec. 8-Sunday, Dec. 13. Tickets start at $64.
'The Bodyguard'
This musical adaptation of the 1992 film starring Kevin Costner and the late Whitney Houston has never appeared on Broadway, but it did on London’s West End from 2012 to 2014, and again in 2016-2017. It features many of Houston’s songs such as "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” “How Will I Know,” “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” and, of course, Houston's version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”
If you go: Tuesday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 21. Tickets start at $64.
'The Sound of Music'
Few musicals match the classic status of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music.” Iconic songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and the title song are among the most recognizable tunes ever written. The 1965 film adaptation won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
If you go: Wednesday, May 5-Sunday, May 9. Tickets start at $64.
'Mamma Mia'
“Mamma Mia” is the jukebox musical told through the music of ABBA. Set on a Greek island, the story is a daughter’s quest on the eve of her wedding to discover the father she’s never known, which involves three men from her mother’s past.
If you go: Tuesday, June 1-Sunday, June 6. Tickets start at $64.
Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Broadway is headed to greater Palm Springs this season: What to see
