From gothic horror to Christmas miracles, Las Cruces Community Theatre’s upcoming season will take audiences on a journey through the emotional and the absurd – all without leaving the city’s vibrant downtown.
Come From Away
The company’s 64th season opens in August with “Come From Away,” Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Tony-winning folk-inspired ensemble musical based on the true story of how the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed and cared for nearly 7,000 airline passengers stranded in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks.
Directed by Katalina Hadfield and a creative team whose 2025 staging of “Cabaret” played to sold out crowds, “Come From Away” explores themes of resilience and humanity against the backdrop of one of America’s darkest moments. Performances run Aug. 7-23. Auditions for “Come From Away” will take place June 7 and 8 at the theater, 313 N. Main St. Audition details are available at lcctnm.org/auditions.
Dracula
Leaning into the contrast between humanity and darkness, October’s offering is Steven Dietz’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” directed by Jason Wyatt. Playwright Dietz’s setting of the literary classic doesn’t shy away from the suspense and atmosphere of Stoker’s 1897 gothic masterpiece but streamlines the storytelling through flashbacks – and is widely considered the best theatrical adaptation of the tale. Performances run Oct. 2-18.
Miracle on 34th Street
To light up the Christmas season downtown, LCCT brings back “Gypsy” director Constance Hasapopoulos to helm “Miracle on 34th Street,” a musical stage adaptation of the classic 1947 film written by “The Music Man” composer Meredith Wilson and featuring holiday favorite “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.”
To make sure Las Cruces families don’t have to choose between seeing this seasonal favorite and attending the city’s tree-lighting and other events, LCCT will offer 2 p.m. Saturday matinee performances during the show’s first two weekends, instead of its usual evening performances. Performances run Dec. 4-20.
“There are just so many wonderful holiday events downtown during December, we don’t want our patrons to have to choose,” said longtime LCCT board member Janet Beatty Cold. “With this schedule change for our holiday show, families can spend the afternoon with us getting in the Christmas spirit and stick around for the tree-lighting, movies and other activities. It’s our gift to our community.”
Little Women
In February, LCCT turns the page to another stage adaptation of a classic novel – this time, the soaring musical setting of Luisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” with music by Jason Howland, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and book by Allen Lee.
Directed by Chelsey Juenemann, who followed up 2025’s hit production of “Clue: On Stage” at LCCT with a picture-perfect staging of “The Curious Savage” in April, “Little Women” presents the lives of the familiar March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – interspersed with whimsical melodrama scenes from Jo’s short stories. Performances run Feb. 5-21, 2027.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
Next, LCCT’s lineup takes a turn for the absurd with Tom Stoppard’s surreal black comedy “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead,” directed by Gus David Sanchez. Set in the wings of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Stoppard’s Tony-winning Broadway debut centers two minor characters from the Bard’s seminal work and uses them to explore the conflict between art and reality, the absurdity of life, and the limitations of free will. Performances run April 2-18, 2027.
In the Heights
Bookending the season is another modern classic from the brilliant mind of Pulitzer-, Tony-, Olivier-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning “Hamilton” composer Lin-Manuel Miranda. “In The Heights” was Miranda’s first foray into Broadway stardom, and will bring what may be LCCT’s first large ensemble cast comprised entirely of Latine and Black actors, under the direction of Luis Alfonso Castro, whose previous LCCT directing credits include “Sister Act” and Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” opening May 29 to close out the 2025-26 season. “In The Heights” runs June 4-20, 2027.
“I’m so happy to be able to tell a story that centers Hispanic people and their stories in a meaningful, authentic way,” Castro said. “Las Cruces is the perfect community for this show, and I believe it has the potential to welcome new audiences into the theatre while sharing a story about family, love, unity, and perseverance – an incredibly timely and meaningful message for today.”
Season passes
Season passes for Las Cruces Community Theatre will be available starting Friday, May 29, online at lcctnm.org or by calling 575-523-1200. At just $106 for adults and $86 for seniors, students, and active military for all six productions, season passes offer a 20% discount over individual show tickets, which will be available starting July 1.
Single tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, students and active military, $12 for children 3 to 17, and $5 for limited student rush tickets, when available.
Performances for most productions begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sundays. For more information about the 2026-27 season, upcoming auditions, volunteer opportunities, or to join the LCCT mailing list for updates, visit lcctnm.org.
