Good and bad. Right and Wrong. Sanity and madness. Ballet Memphis explores the link between opposing forces throughout its 38th season, starting with a classic. 

Coming soon: a prize-winning drama from a local playwright, a theater company’s first musical production and free Shakespeare performances around town.

With a variety of shows and entertainers, the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center announces its new season opening later this month.

Whether it’s a 10-minute play, the story of jazz club in Detroit or a classic Shakespearean tale, Memphis theaters’ September lineup has a taste of everything. 

The Memphis theater community gathered for the 40th Ostranders annual local theater awards, where the Playhouse on the Square leader received a lifetime achievement honor.

“For almost 30 years, our community has benefited from its commitment to GPAC and the value it adds to our city’s culture, economy and quality of life,” City of Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo said.

The 40th Ostranders, which will be held Monday, Aug. 26, will honor Playhouse on the Square’s executive producer as well as other notable productions and performances.

The top 10 finalists in the 2024 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest returned for the final round of competition at the Graceland Soundstage on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. Photographer Brad Vest captured the action. Who won? Read on! 

As a popular musical adds performances, our August theater will keep you up-to-date on all the shows around town. 

The Memphis theater group will present a series of free performances around Memphis and West Tennessee this fall. It will also host plays and other theatrical events at its newly renovated Tabor Stage throughout the year. 

Emerald Theatre Co. will bring a flurry of 10-minute plays, a yuletide sing-along, a musical from the creator of “Rent” and a black comedy about what it means to be a “man” in Hollywood.

Playwright Jeremy O. Harris selected a piece by Keegon Schuett from more than 2,000 entries from 55 countries to win the 2024 Yale Drama Series Prize. Schuett is a graduate of Collierville High and the University of Memphis.

The tour will be Saturday, July 27, ending with a live performance at Overton Park Shell by Elvis Presley tribute artist Finley Watkins. “This is where, arguably, rock ’n‘ roll hit the world stage.”

A native of Memphis, Doherty moved to Los Angeles with her family at age 7 and, within a few years, became an actor.

Four shows open in July with topics ranging from opera to Greek tragedy to pop music to new works but all are women-centric. 

Also in July, Texas rappers take the Minglewood Hall stage, a New Orleans jazz band comes to The Green Room at Crosstown Arts, and celebrated rockers play Minglewood and Radians Amphitheater.

A local production this weekend will feature playwrights, directors and actors aiming to create six new plays in the span of 24 hours. 

Muralist Brandon Marshall said he designed the Hickory Hill images to inspire drivers and bus riders with uplifting pictures of “a strong cultural asset for the city.”

Horseback rides and the chance to hear live music were some of the ways attendees enjoyed themselves during the Tone Juneteenth Festival. 

Playwright and Memphis theater stalwart Howell Pearre wrote 46 plays during his life, and his longtime friend will direct one of his dramatic, Southern tales in Pearre’s honor.

One event, Tone’s music festival, features Memphis rap legend Juicy J and Memphis producer HitKidd.

Quark Theatre is known for thoughtful and provocative shows that challenge the audience. But one thing the company has not done is a musical. 

In June, Memphis theaters will perform a familiar fairy tale, a slick con-man’s life story, a Dolly Parton musical and more.

The Memphis-based company begins its 2024-2025 season with the return of its free Memphis Dance Festival Saturday, Sept. 21 — which is also National Dance Day. 

“That was the rite of passage from what we call a man of Morehouse to a Morehouse Man,” said Ekundayo Bandele, founder and CEO of Hattiloo Theatre.