Lineup includes the much-requested return of Noises Off, the Utah premieres of Come From Away and Dear Evan Hansen, and the world premiere musical Ten Brave Seconds
[SALT LAKE CITY, UT, MARCH 25, 2025] — Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC), Utah’s premier professional theatre company in residence at the University of Utah, announces its 2025-2065 season lineup, which offers a diverse mix of Utah and world premiere musicals, contemporary plays, and the return of a much-requested farce. Additionally, the company introduces a new season ticket structure, which allows patrons to build their own season package of three, four, five, or a full season of six productions (with progressively larger discounts as the number of productions increases).
“We are absolutely thrilled to announce a season that celebrates the best of what PTC has to offer. From the Utah premieres of Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, and 2 Pianos 4 Hands to the fast-paced hilarity of Noises Off and the intimate storytelling of King James, this lineup is truly special,” said PTC Artistic Director Karen Azenberg. “We’re also excited to introduce audiences to Ten Brave Seconds, a powerful new musical making its world premiere on our stage. It’s a season full of unforgettable moments — we can’t wait to share it with you!”
PTC kicks off its 64th Season with the Utah premiere of the comedy 2 Pianos 4 Hands in the Meldrum Theatre. Running September 12-27, 2025, 2 Pianos 4 Hands is widely-regarded as one of the most successful Canadian plays of all time—having been staged on five continents. The play follows Ted and Richard, two boys who aspire to become famous classical pianists. Musical wizardry and roaring comedy combine as these two savants play classical, pop, and everything in-between, all the while portraying dozens of characters that took part in their quest for musical greatness.
The company will then present the Utah premiere of the winner of the 2017 Tony Award for Best New Musical, Dear Evan Hansen. Winner of a total of six Tony Awards, Dear Evan Hansen features a a book by Stephen Levenson, a score by Pasek & Paul (The Greatest Showman, A Christmas Story – The Musical, La La Land), and is a deeply moving and timely coming-of-age story about vulnerability, identity, and the longing for connection. Dear Evan Hansen will be presented October 24-November 8, 2025 in the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
From December 5-20, 2025, PTC will produce one of its most popular titles—albeit one that has not been on the PTC stage in nearly 20 years: Noises Off by Michael Frayn. Often hailed as one of the greatest farces ever written, Noises Off sees onstage antics collide with backstage hijinx—in a zany tribute to “theatre-people” everywhere. Noises Off will be presented this holiday season at the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
PTC will kick off 2026 with Ten Brave Seconds, a world premiere musical from Will Van Dyke—an in-demand composer and musical director both on and off Broadway, and PTC alum Jeff Talbott, whom PTC audiences will know from his work as playwright (The Messenger) and as an actor (The Lehman Trilogy). The heartwarming coming-of-age/coming-out story will be presented January 30-February 14, 2026 at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
PTC will then present King James by Rajiv Joseph from March 20-April 4, 2026 in the Meldrum Theatre. King James is a funny and deeply poignant story about two friends whose lives are forever shaped by their shared devotion to their idol: LeBron James.
Concluding the season, from April 24-May 9, 2026, is the heartwarming Come From Away onstage at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre. Nominated for seven Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards, Come From Away features book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. When the world stood still on 9/11, an unexpected resilience unfolded in a remote Canadian town. Come From Away, a powerful and uplifting musical based on true events, tells the story of 38 diverted flights carrying nearly 7,000 passengers who found themselves stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland.
SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets to the 2025/2026 Pioneer Theatre Company Season will be made available to new and returning subscribers beginning Thursday, March 27, 2025. In addition to a Full-6 subscription, PTC will offer patrons the chance to build their own season subscription—allowing for customizable Pick-3, Pick-4, and Pick-5 packages of the patron’s choosing. A tiered discount system will make tickets cheaper based on the volume of tickets purchased. PTC will also continue to offer a special half-price Senior subscription (good for a Full-6 package exclusive to Saturday matinee performances).
Also new to the 25/26 Season is the PTClub Membership. Exclusive to patrons age 35 or under, PTClub offers membership to patrons for one $50 initiation fee (per season). That membership gives the PTClub Member access to 50% discounts for all six 2025/2026 Season productions—plus a 20% discount on additional tickets for friends and family—as well as access to exclusive Member events throughout the year.
PTC’s Rush Pass subscriptions (including Gold Rush and Duet Rush offerings) will once again be available, and go on sale Monday, May 19, 2025.
“This coming season is going to be a great one for PTC audiences—Karen has programmed some incredible titles that continue to bolster Pioneer Theatre Company’s reputation as an important player in the American theatre sector,” said PTC Managing Director Adrian Budhu. “And at the same time, we’re continuing our efforts to make theatre part of the lives of the next generation of theatregoers through exciting new ticketing offerings—with even more customizable season ticket package options and a new program for patrons 35-and-under, PTClub. Patrons can also look forward to the return of our Curtain Call for All initiative, reaffirming our commitment to making theatre truly accessible—removing financial barriers for everyone. There is a lot to look forward to next season.”
New and returning subscribers are encouraged to renew/subscribe via PioneerTheatre.org, by calling 801-581-6961, or in person during the upcoming productions of A Case for the Existence of God (playing at the Meldrum Theatre at the Einar Nielsen Field House from March 28-April 12) and Waitress (playing May 2-17 at Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre). Single tickets will be available starting Wednesday, August 6th.
PRESS CONTACT
Joshua Black
Director of Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
INTERVIEWS
Artistic Director Karen Azenberg can be made available for additional commentary, should that be of interest. Please contact Joshua Black to arrange.
VENUE INFORMATION
Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC) is located in the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre AND the Meldrum Theatre at the Einar Nielsen Field House
Main PTC Box Office:
Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City
801-581-6961
Open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM., Mon. – Fri.
ABOUT PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY (PTC)
Now celebrating its 63rd season, the award-winning PTC is Utah’s premiere professional theatre company and a leading arts organization of the West. Led by Artistic Director Karen Azenberg and Managing Director Adrian Budhu, PTC presents world-class productions that celebrate diversity in culture and society, and serve as the connecting bridge between art and scholarship as an affiliate of the University of Utah. Notable productions include the regional premieres of Les Misérables, Sting’s The Last Ship, and Frank Wildhorn’s The Count of Monte Cristo, as well as the world premieres of Shucked (the first-ever Broadway tryout in Utah), A Distinct Society by Kareem Fahmy, Alabama Story by Kenneth Jones, The Messenger by Jeff Talbott, and Ass by Ellen Simon. For more information, visit PioneerTheatre.org.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION INFORMATION
2 Pianos 4 Hands — Utah Premiere
by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt
September 12-27, 2025
Meldrum Theatre at the Einar Nielsen Field House
Play
Amidst determined parents, quirky teachers, endless hours of practice, stage nerves, fierce competition, and the pursuit of excellence, Ted and Richard grew up as devoted “piano nerds.” Musical wizardry and roaring comedy combine as these two savants play classical, pop, and everything in-between, all the while portraying dozens of characters that took part in their quest for musical greatness. It’s a theatrical experience not-to-be-missed!
“Both honest and artistically magnificent, 2 Pianos 4 Hands is definitely worthy of a standing ovation that never seems to end.” — Chicago Theatre Review
2 Pianos 4 Hands is produced by permission of the Playwrights and Marquis Literary (Colin Rivers) www.mqlit.ca.
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Dear Evan Hansen — Utah Premiere
Book by Steven Levenson
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
October 24-November 8, 2025
Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre
Musical
Winner of 6 Tony Awards, the Grammy Award and the Olivier Award for Best Musical
Evan Hansen has always felt like he’s on the outside looking in, his severe anxiety making it hard to connect. But when tragedy strikes his community, he unexpectedly finds himself at the heart of a growing misunderstanding—one that offers him a chance to reinvent himself. Dear Evan Hansen, winner of both Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical, is a deeply moving and timely coming-of-age story about vulnerability and the longing for connection.
“A breathtaking knockout of a musical.” — The New York Times
“An anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.” — NBC Nightly News
DEAR EVAN HANSEN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
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Noises Off
by Michael Frayn
December 5-20, 2025
Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre
Play
There’s no business like show business? Often hailed as one of the greatest farces ever written, Noises Off sees onstage antics collide with backstage hijinx—in a zany tribute to “theatre-people” everywhere. And as hard as it may be to believe, Noises Off has not been seen at PTC for nearly 20 years! Join us this holiday season for a healthy dose of slamming doors, backstage drama, and a rogue plate of sardines. This brilliantly-crafted comedy delivers non-stop laughter and classic theatrical mayhem!
“The most dexterously realized comedy ever about putting on a comedy. A spectacularly funny, peerless backstage farce. This dizzy, well-known romp is a festival of delirium.” – The New York Times
“Noises Off” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.ConcordTheatricals.com
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Ten Brave Seconds — World Premiere
Music & Lyrics by Will Van Dyke
Book & Lyrics by Jeff Talbott
January 30-February 14, 2026
Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre
Musical
Following in the tradition of Shucked, A Distinct Society, The Messenger, and others, PTC is proud to present a groundbreaking world premiere.
Mike is having a very big day. He’s been holding onto a secret for awhile, and today his secret is totally coming out. It’s also a big day for the country – huge decisions are being made all over, and at the center of it is one family teetering on the brink of . . . everything. Ten Brave Seconds is a bright and vital new musical, infused with infectious pop melodies and rooted in a big-hearted examination of one day in the life of a kid, a family and a community stepping bravely from the dark unknown into the daylight together.
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King James
by Rajiv Joseph
March 20 – April 4, 2026
Meldrum Theatre at the Einar Nielsen Field House
Play
LeBron James isn’t just a basketball superstar—he was Cleveland’s hero. As one of the greatest players in NBA history, his impact on the city was undeniable throughout his years on the court. In King James, Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo) crafts a funny and deeply poignant story about two friends whose lives are forever shaped by their shared devotion to their idol. Exploring the power of sports, loyalty, and human connection, King James brings the spirit of athleticism back to the Meldrum Theatre in the Einar Nielsen Field House.
“Game on! King James is just the ticket!” — Daily Beast
“Exuberant and terrific!” — The Wall Street Journal
“King James” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service imprint. (www.Dramatists.com)
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Come From Away — Utah Premiere
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
April 24-May 9, 2026
Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre
Musical
Nominated for 7 Tony Awards and winner of 4 Olivier Awards—including Best New Musical
When the world stood still on 9/11, an unexpected resilience unfolded in a remote Canadian town. Come From Away, a powerful and uplifting musical based on true events, tells the story of 38 diverted flights carrying nearly 7,000 passengers who found themselves stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. Undaunted by logistics and language barriers, the people of Gander welcomed the stranded travelers into their community with open arms, recognizing that we’re all part of a global family. Don’t miss PTC’s “guaranteed-to-restore-your-faith-in-humanity” Utah premiere!
“A hit and a masterpiece! Joyous, uplifting and plenty of humor.” — Herald Sun
“Beautifully gives people a reason to come to the theatre and come together” — Chicago Tribune
“Takes you to a place you never want to leave.” — Newsweek
COME FROM AWAY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
