Festival 56

08/30/2026

First up for Festival 56's Sound Stage is Bugz Benson! Bugz Benson dives deep into the world of vintage rock n roll to deliver a spellbinding performance of classic songs. Inspired heavily by the psychedelic rock of the late 1960’s and 1970’s rock, Bugz lives in the world of timeless classics and retro vibes. Join us at the Grace Theater September 19th!

Get your tickets here: https://onthestage.tickets/show/festival-56/6a89fbf58b7258783aef67e1/tickets

08/08/2026

08/07/2026

Join us tomorrow for our final cabaret of the season! "Thank You For the Music" - this is your opportunity to say 'goodbye' to our 2026 summer company and hear what's in store for 2027! Tickets are only $15. Head to festival56.com for tickets.

08/06/2026

HURRY! Only three more chances to catch our final production of the 2026 season: Anastasia!
Tonight at 7:30
Friday at 7:30
Saturday at 2:00
Tickets can be purchased online at festival56.com or by calling the box office at 815-879-5656.
Reserve your seats now before it's too late!

08/03/2026

Thanks to all who came out last night to our reading of a new work by playwright Maryanne Boaz - this was the first time her new play “Security Contact” was read aloud in front of an audience!
Following the reading, Maryanne joined us via zoom for an insightful talk back led by Director of the new work and company member, Will Karls

At Festival 56, along with presenting large-scale musicals, plays, and Shakespeare, we aim to foster earlier career artists - such as directors and playwrights; providing them with a platform to launch their careers. Our New Works initiative holds up that exact value.

08/02/2026

Join us tonight at 7:30 at The Grace for a staged reading of a new work by playwright Maryanne Boaz. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $10. Stay after for a talkback with the playwright.
Security Contact is suitable for mature audiences due to strong language and adult themes.

08/01/2026

Last night, we opened our final main stage production of our 2026 season: Anastasia!
This spectacular musical, Anastasia is the story of Anya, a young woman who may be the lost Grand Duchess. Her journey takes her from post‑revolution Russia to Paris, where she seeks family, love, and the truth about her past. Featuring songs like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” it’s a sweeping tale of adventure and discovery. Suitable for all ages. (Photo credit: Angela Dunlap)

08/01/2026

Last night, we opened our final main stage production of the 2026 season: Anastasia!
This spectacular musical, Anastasia is the story of Anya, a young woman who may be the lost Grand Duchess. Her journey takes her from post‑revolution Russia to Paris, where she seeks family, love, and the truth about her past. Featuring songs like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” it’s a sweeping tale of adventure and discovery. Suitable for all ages. (Photo Credit: Angela Dunlap)

07/30/2026

We are seeking volunteers to assist with striking our set for our Shakespeare in the Park on August 2nd at 2PM. If you are able to help out, contact [email protected].

07/30/2026

The Comedy of Errors, our free Shakespeare in Soldiers & Sailors Park closed last night. A true sitcom-style play, this production blended contemporary music (self-accompanied by our actors), slapstick humor, and traditional stock characters to help resolve the chaos that occurred in Ephesus. Thank you to everyone in our community who came out to support us this summer. (Photo credit: Angela Dunlap)