MERRIMACK REPERTORY THEATRE
Welcome to our 47th Season!
For decades, MRT has proudly brought bold storytelling to the Merrimack Valley from our historic theatre in downtown Lowell. Whether you are a long-time subscriber, an emerging theatre lover, or somewhere in between, this season at MRT offers five dynamic shows which promise to entertain, inspire, and connect us all.
At MRT, our mission is simple: to build community through the power of theatre. When the lights go down, we leave our everyday world behind and for a special moment in time, we are transported to some place new. Alongside one another, and just steps from our actors, our community gathers to witness the full spectrum of humanity. It’s not just theatre. It’s laughter, chills, music, drama, and connection. It’s truly magic.
Our season kicks off in October with Misery, a theatricalized adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel.
Featuring MRT favorite Karen MacDonald, this chilling production promises a spinetingling, scream-inducing experience you won’t forget. Get ready for a shin-splitting good time!
Following that, toes get a tappin’ with iconic music in Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny . This electrifying production features five incredibly talented actor-instrumentalists who masterfully embody Johnny Cash’s voice and spirit, taking audiences on an unforgettable ride through his life’s greatest challenges and triumphs.
The new year greets us with the effusive comedy Kevin Kling: Unraveled, a heartfelt and hilarious performance filled with Kling’s singular humor and sharp wit. Kling’s storytelling blends humor, insight, and genuine warmth, making Unraveled not just a comedy but an uplifting experience that resonates long after you leave the theatre.
Commissioned by MRT, Kween shines a spotlight on a talented Lowell High School student seizing her moment as a slam poet. This powerful story celebrates the vibrant creativity and resilience of Lowell’s Khmer community, inviting audiences to witness a new generation rising up and making their mark.
We end our 2025-26 season with a ground-breaking collaboration, A Khmer Swan Lake, featuring the internationally renowned Angkor Dance Troupe. Drawing inspiration from the timeless classical ballet, this world premiere reimagines the story by seamlessly blending traditional Khmer dance, costumes, and music. Join us this season! Your support allows us to continue sharing powerful stories and creating unforgettable theatre experiences right here in our community.
We’re grateful to have you with us on this journey.
In Community,
Courtney Sale
Nancy L. Donahue Executive Artistic Director
(FRONT COVER) ALL PHOTOS BY MEG MOORE/MEGPIX.COM (l-r) Kalean Ung in rehearsal for Letters from Home. MRT Audience Members, Kathryn Van Meter, Production of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe 2025-26 SEASON ARTWORK BY AMANDA GALLANT.
CHILLING CLASSIC
MISERY
BY WILLIAM GOLDEN, BASED ON THE NOVEL BY STEPHEN KING
OCTOBER 15 – NOVEMBER 2, 2025
“I am your number one fan.”
Following a wintry car accident, notable author Paul Sheldon is rescued by Annie, his “number one fan.” What begins as a rescue turns into a nightmare as Annie’s obsession takes hold. Based on King’s terrifying novel that inspired the Oscar winning �ilm, this production will have you on the edge of your seat.
RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH
CREATED BY RICHARD MALTBY, JR & CONCEIVED BY WILLIAM MEADE
NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 14, 2025
“All your life, you will be faced with choice. You can choose love or hate... I choose love.”
Get ready for a rollicking musical ride. RING OF FIRE brings the celebrated sound of the Man in Black on stage with a genre-spanning mix of rock & roll, country, and gospel. Featuring timeless hits like “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” and many more, this dynamic production explores the life, struggles, and triumphs of one of America’s most legendary artists.
KEVIN KLING: UNRAVELED
CREATED BY KEVIN KLING
JANUARY 21 – FEBRUARY 8, 2026
COURAGEOUS COMEDY
“Thereʼs the
trip
you plan and the trip you take.”
Kevin Kling has led a typically incredible life and has been telling about it for almost �ifty years. As a nationally acclaimed storyteller and NPR regular, Kling is constantly looking for patterns, connections, the surprising intersections that connect us to each other and to the world. With a heartfelt ode to love and apologies to the gods, Kling unravels the tangled threads that have guided him to an unexpected destination.
HOMETOWN HEROINE
KWEEN
BY VICHET CHUM
FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 15, 2026
MRT COMMISSION & WORLD PREMIERE
"Step into your legacy."
Set in Lowell, this joyful journey follows Soma, a queer Cambodian American teenager, �inding her voice and stepping into her legacy. When Soma posts a video performing her own poetry about the struggles she’s facing including her father’s deportation, it quickly goes viral. Now, Lowell High School’s spoken word contest approaches, and Soma must decide if she’s brave enough to step up to the mic. Told with humor, heart-forward characters, and culminating in the biggest Khmer cultural event of the season, Kween explores all the ways we author our path home.
DANCE THEATRE
A KHMER SWAN LAKE
CREATED BY ANGKOR DANCE TROUPE
APRIL 8 – APRIL 26, 2026
“A tale of love and betrayal.”
Join us for a collaboration with the internationally recognized Angkor Dance Troupe (ADT) in a groundbreaking adaptation of the classic story. This production blends Western ballet with Cambodia’s Robam Kenore traditional dance style, bringing the timeless themes of love, betrayal, and sacri�ice to life through Cambodian dancers and musicians. A partnership between ADT and MRT, this unique performance bridges cultures and celebrates Lowell’s vibrant performing arts community.
YOU MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE!
At Merrimack Repertory Theatre, every moment on stage begins with you.
Your support brings powerful stories to life—stories that spark conversation, reflect our shared humanity, and deepen our connection to one another. From bold new works to reimagined classics, every production is rooted in our mission to build community through theatre.
This season, we continue to celebrate local voices, cultural collaboration, and the transformative power of live performance.
WE INVITE YOU TO BE PART OF THE JOURNEY AHEAD.
As a cornerstone of the Merrimack Valley’s arts scene, MRT is proud to create space for joy, discovery, and reflection. Together, we nurture a thriving, creative region full of life and possibility.
And we can’t do it without you.
By adding a gift to your subscription, you help MRT grow—bringing unforgettable theatre to more people across our community. Thank you for being part of our story.
JANUARY 17-18, 2026 – 2PM BASED ON THE CLASSIC CHILDREN'S BOOK BY P.D.EASTMAN
“Look at those dogs go!”
Come along with these delightful dogs as they drive, swim, play baseball and make their way to the big dog party — all in a lively blend of English and Spanish. Like a pop-up book that comes to life, GO DOG GO! • VE PERRO ¡VE! is a heart-warming spectacle of music, color, language and delight, appealing to all ages.
This playful bilingual production was adapted for the stage by Allison Gregory and Steven Dietz with compositions by Michael Koerner. Spanish translations by Ana Maria Campoy.
PHOTO BY MEG MOORE/MEGPIX.COM (l-r) Vanessa Waugh, Katie Wiitala;Gabriella Navarrete; Peter Carranza; Bronte Ryan in Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”
2025-26 SEASON
“It’s great to have a theatre so close...makes it easy to enjoy an afternoon or evening out. The size of theatre makes it an intimate experience.” - MRT Audience Member
At MRT, every seat feels like the best seat in the house. From powerful dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, our upcoming season is packed with stories which promise to entertain, inspire and bring us together, right here in your own backyard.
FULL SEASON SUBSCRIPTIONS - STARTING AT JUST $119
See all 5 plays and get the very best value, seats, and perks. Perfect for those who want it all!
4-PLAY & 3-PLAY CUSTOM PACKAGES - STARTING AT JUST $75
Build your own season! Choose 3 or 4 shows that excite you and create a schedule that ts your lifestyle.
• Save over single ticket price
• Enjoy early access and great seats
• Flexibility with subscriber bene ts
MRT FLEX PASSES - $55 PER PASS (MINIMUM 3)
Ultimate exibility - no dates, no pressure.
Buy a bundle of tickets now, choose your shows and dates later.
• Use your passes however you like – all at once or spread out
• Great for gifting or sharing with friends
• Same MRT magic, even more freedom
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS - STARTING AT $27 (IN PERSON/BY
PHONE)
Want to try just one show? Individual tickets are perfect for spontaneous nights out, date night, or introducing someone new to MRT.
Please Note: All prices include a processing fee of $9 per subscription. Online orders are subject to a $6 order fee. If you have any questions about subscribing, please call the Rockland Trust Bank Box Office at 978-654-4678. The Box Office is open Tuesday-Friday, 11am-4pm. Visit mrt.org for full details.
