Centennial Season Announced!

Theater lovers’ hearts rejoiced on Saturday night in celebration of Schenectady Light Opera Company’s 100th Anniversary Season Announcement, marking a tremendous milestone for the theater.

The audience inside the Franklin Street theater that is the home of Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC) was treated to a special event to announce the highly anticipated 2026-2027 season of shows that will mark the 100th Anniversary.  The Centennial Season Kickoff, the first fundraising event of this milestone year, included musical performances to introduce the directors of each of the five shows that will run from September 2026 through May 2027.

Kicking off the season in September will be Jekyll & Hyde, the musical adaptation of Robert Lous Stevenson’s novel of the same name, which explores the duality of human nature. The story of scientist Dr. Jekyll and his sinister alter ego, Mr. Hyde grappling between aspects of “good” and “evil” is conveyed through a captivating score that blends elements of rock and pop with classic musical theater elements and dramatic storyline that grapples between good and evil.  Jake Goodman was introduced as the director of this production, after years of working with SLOC as a performer. 

In November, students of SLOC will bring to life the classic tale of The Hunchback of Notre Dame under the direction of Sharon Greene.  Made famous by the popular Disney animation, this musical follows Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame who has been isolated from the outside world.  With songs from the film combined with new numbers for the stage, “Hunchback” is a show about love, acceptance, and the struggle for identity. This ambitious work comes on the heels of other celebrated youth productions for the company, including Hadestown in 2025 and Mean Girls in 2024.

While the director of the production slated for January 2027 was announced to be Mani Velvet McCalmon, a veteran performer, choreographer, and director for SLOC, audiences were treated to a playful bit of mystery surrounding the show’s title.  Due to contractual obligations, the title for this production is being kept under wraps until summer 2026, but members of the company presented a delightful lineup of musical numbers for shows that almost made the cut for the Centennial Season.  If the talent displayed during the performances for the night were any indication, the winter production is sure to be an impressive addition to the season.

The March production will be Stephen Sondheim’s Company, a musical comedy under the direction of Melissa Putterman-Hoffmann.  Company tells the story of Bobby, a single man in New York City struggling to navigate the complexities of his romantic relationships with the help of his well-meaning circle of married friends. While other works by Sondheim have been presented in recent years by SLOC, this production was reported to be one of the most requested shows by audiences and artists alike.

Capping off the anniversary year, SLOC will be presenting a hilarious show that pays homage to the theater, and more specifically musical theater, Something Rotten.  Set in the heyday of Sir William Shakespeare, Something Rotten is the story of the Bottom Brothers, struggling playwrights on a quest to create a play that might rival the Bard.  With the help of a soothsayer, they create the first musical through a series of comedic twists and theatrical mishaps.  Under the direction of SLOC veteran Molly Waters, the final show in the 100th Anniversary Season is a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek love letter to musical theater and the many artists, playwrights and musicians who paved the way for the genre.

“We are truly honored to be part of a community with such a vibrant and storied theatrical legacy” said SLOC’s board president John Meglino. “It is the unwavering passion, creativity, and deep-rooted sense of connection that have empowered organizations like SLOC, Proctors, and Schenectady Civic Players to flourish for over a century. We celebrate and thank our incredible patrons, donors, and volunteers whose dedication has kept the spirit of community theater shining brightly through the years. With pride and gratitude, we look ahead to continuing our tradition of exceptional musical theater in an inclusive and welcoming environment for generations to come.”

The event, which was hosted by Centennial Committee Chair Heather-Liz Copps, included not only performances of shows in the upcoming season, but announcements regarding the recently announced renovations planned for the theater.  Audiences were given a first glimpse of architectural designs for the venue at 427 Franklin Street to make the theater more ADA accessible.  Plans showed accessible designs for the stage and backstage areas, an expanded lobby to eliminate stairs at the lobby’s main entrance, and increased rest rooms with additional ADA spaces.  Plans also included the addition of a new marquee to identify the theater and an on-site set facility among other features.

Season subscriptions and Flex passes are already available HERE! Don’t miss out on this incredible season!