MT. CARROLL, Ill. — As summer plans begin to take shape, Timber Lake Playhouse is inviting audiences to be part of a milestone year in 2026 – its 65th Anniversary Season at the Theatre in the Woods.
For 65 years, Timber Lake Playhouse has welcomed generations of theatergoers to its wooded hillside outside Mount Carroll, where stories unfold beneath open skies and applause echoes through the trees. The 2026 season celebrates that legacy with a vibrant mix of beloved musicals, dynamic storytelling, and continued investment in new work.
The 65th Anniversary Mainstage Season opens with Godspell (May 29 – June 7), followed by the sweeping epic Les Misérables (June 12 – 28). July features the electrifying Cabaret (July 3 -12) and the family favorite Shrek The Musical(July 17 – Aug. 2). In August, audiences can experience the high-stakes musical Hands On A Hardbody (Aug. 7 – 16), followed by the premiere of The Mermaids (Aug. 21 – 30), the newest installment in the ongoing Andy Bro New Works Commission series.
“My third season as Artistic Director feels like the moment where vision and tradition fully intersect. As we celebrate 65 years in the woods, this lineup embraces the scale of epic storytelling, the intimacy of character driven work, and the excitement of a brand new piece handmade just for you. It is the most personal season we have programmed in my time, because it reflects both the theatre I inherited and the theatre we are building together.” said Artistic Director Tommy Ranieri.
Founded in 1961, Timber Lake Playhouse has grown into a professional producing organization known for Broadway-caliber performances presented in a uniquely natural setting. What continues to define the experience, however, is the gathering itself – neighbors, families, and visitors sitting together under the trees to share laughter, music, and storytelling in real time.
Before launching into its 65th Anniversary Mainstage Season, Timber Lake Playhouse will host three special spring events designed to bring audiences together and build anticipation for the summer ahead: “Peace In The Valley: A Tribute to the Gospel Recordings of Johnny Cash & Elvis Presley,” starring Jonny Lyons (April 18); “Felix and Fingers: Dueling Pianos” (April 25); and “Jason Hudy: Mesmerizing Magic” (May 16).
Following the anniversary season, Timber Lake Playhouse will present a special fall production, Constellations by Nick Payne (Sept. 4 – 13). This intimate, contemporary drama will be offered as a stand-alone event, extending the theatre’s programming beyond the traditional summer calendar.
For many patrons, attending Timber Lake Playhouse is more than an evening out; it is a tradition that spans generations. Parents who once attended as children now return with their own families, creating new memories while celebrating a beloved cultural institution’s 65th year.
Season subscriptions and individual tickets for the 65th Anniversary Mainstage Season are currently available. Patrons are encouraged to plan early for what promises to be a celebratory summer of music, storytelling, and shared experiences in the Theatre in the Woods.
““We now welcome grandparents who first attended as children. That kind of generational connection doesn’t happen by accident – it happens because the experience stays with you.”, H. Russ Brown, Executive Director said. “That shared legacy – the magic of live performance in this extraordinary setting – is what we celebrate this season.”
Season subscriptions are on sale now for $180 for adults, a savings of more than 30% compared to purchasing individual tickets. With this exciting lineup, 2026 subscriptions are expected to move quickly. To reserve seats, call the TLP box office at (815) 244-2035 or visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org
About Timber Lake Playhouse:
Timber Lake Playhouse is Illinois’ longest-running professional summer theatre, producing a diverse array of performances from iconic musicals to new works. TLP fosters community engagement and artistic excellence and seeks a visionary leader to help sustain and grow its reputation as a cultural cornerstone of the region. Timber Lake Playhouse is a Tier 8 Small Professional Theatre with Actors’ Equity Association.
