Inside the Arsht Center’s 2026-27 Season

By Megan Fitzgerald

From Broadway blockbusters and world-renowned classical artists to dance, comedy and performances created specifically with Miami audiences in mind, the Adrienne Arsht Center’s 2026-27 season offers a little bit of everything.

The lineup brings major names including Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Yuja Wang, Common, John Mulaney and Patti Smith to Miami, alongside Broadway favorites, innovative collaborations and returning community traditions.

Dale Edwards, chief programming officer at the Arsht Center, shares some of the season’s highlights, unexpected picks and performances audiences may want to put on their calendars.

When you look at everything coming to the Arsht Center during the 2026-27 season, what do you think best captures the spirit of this year’s programming?

The spirit of the Arsht’s programming is artistic excellence through variety and representation. I’ll point out a few programs that I believe demonstrate this idea. First, we just hosted the national press opening for the Broadway touring production of Buena Vista Social Club. It was a perfect moment for the city and community. Then there’s something more intimate, like Zoetic Stage’s production of The Inheritance, Part Two in our 200-seat Carnival Studio Theater, followed later in the season by Pippin and John Proctor Is the Villain. We also have the return of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. And in June, we’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of CommuniTEA Dance, our annual free Pride celebration that brings South Florida’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies together for music, connection and celebration. We really run the gamut of artistic experiences.

Broadway is always a major draw, but the Arsht Center’s calendar extends well beyond touring musicals. What are some of the performances or artists this season that you’re especially excited to introduce to Miami audiences?

I’m very excited for pianist Yuja Wang to make her Arsht debut in the spring. I’m also looking forward to Common backed by Nu Deco Ensemble in November. I love the blending of those two genres.

Miami has such a distinctive cultural identity. Are there performances this season that feel particularly connected to the community or that you think will resonate especially strongly with South Florida audiences?

Two productions that pop into my mind are Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía as part of our annual Flamenco Festival and An Evening with Itzhak Perlman. I’d also add CommuniTEA Dance, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this season. For a decade, it has created a space at the Arsht specifically for South Florida’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies to come together during Pride Month. That sense of community and celebration feels very Miami.

What are some of the biggest names or highly anticipated productions coming this season?

The classical season is chock-full of high-profile musicians: Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman and Yuja Wang. We also have Common, John Mulaney and Patti Smith. On the Broadway side, there’s Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, which brings one of the most beloved musicals back to the stage.

One of the fun things about looking through a new season is finding something you weren’t expecting. What are a few shows on this year’s calendar that might surprise audiences or encourage them to try something completely different?

Common with Nu Deco Ensemble is something completely new that was made for the Arsht. We are excited about bringing those two worlds together. I’d also point to William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet Film in Concert. It celebrates the 30th anniversary of Baz Luhrmann’s iconic film with the movie on the big screen while a 12-piece ensemble performs that unforgettable soundtrack and score live. It’s part movie, part concert and a completely different way to experience a film so many people grew up loving.

If you could put one show on the radar of someone who might otherwise skip right past it, which one would you choose, and what would you tell them about it?

A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical is something I would encourage people to try out, especially if they think they don’t know his music. He wrote so much more than “Sweet Caroline”!