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Lincoln Center Theater Announces 2025-26 Season Featuring Whoopi Goldberg Legacy Revival, Kerry Washington, Kara Young, and Joshua Henry
New York, NY - July 23, 2025 — Lincoln Center Theater (LCT) has unveiled its 2025-26 season lineup, ushering in a new era of theatrical innovation and representation under the leadership of newly appointed Artistic Director Lear deBessonet. The upcoming season features a dynamic combination of classic revivals, world premieres, and culturally significant reimaginings that spotlight Black artistry and legacy on some of New York’s most iconic stages.
At the forefront of the announcement is The Whoopi Monologues, a bold reinterpretation of Whoopi Goldberg’s groundbreaking 1984 solo show. The production will star Kerry Washington and Kara Young, bringing multi-generational talent to a transformative theatrical experience. Directed by Whitney White, the production reimagines Goldberg’s original work for a contemporary ensemble format, while preserving its raw authenticity and trailblazing spirit. Performances begin July 7, 2026, at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater.
Broadway Revival of Ragtime Launches Season at the Vivian Beaumont Theater
The 2025-26 season will open with a major Broadway revival of Ragtime, beginning previews on September 26, 2025, and officially opening on October 16. The production will star Joshua Henry as Coalhouse Walker Jr., Caissie Levy as Mother, and Brandon Uranowitz as Tateh. DeBessonet, who directed the critically acclaimed New York City Center production, returns to helm this expansive new staging.
Described as one of the most culturally resonant American musicals of the 20th century, Ragtime addresses themes of racial tension, immigration, and identity—making its return to Broadway both timely and urgent.
Off-Broadway Highlights Include U.S. Premieres and Holiday Revival
At the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, the Off-Broadway lineup will include:
Kyoto, a U.S. premiere from the Royal Shakespeare Company, co-directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, explores global diplomacy through the lens of environmental crisis. Previews begin October 8, with opening night on November 3, 2025.
Amahl and the Night Visitors returns as a holiday favorite, reimagined under the direction of Kenny Leon, and featuring Grammy Award-winning opera star Joyce DiDonato. Performances run December 16, 2025 - January 4, 2026.
The Whoopi Monologues will serve as the Off-Broadway season finale, honoring Goldberg’s legacy through new interpretation, casting, and generational storytelling.
Claire Tow Theater (LCT3) Presents Diverse New Voices
The Claire Tow Theater, home to LCT3, will present an eclectic slate of new works:
The Comedy Series, launching in October 2025, will feature rotating comedic artists such as Jenny Slate, Ziwe, and Marcia Belsky.
Night Side Songs, a new musical from The Lazours, will explore themes of insomnia, memory, and solitude, opening February 14, 2026.
A Woman Among Women, written by Julia May Jonas, will debut May 16, 2026, delivering a provocative exploration of feminine power structures in spiritual spaces.
LCT3 continues its mission of nurturing emerging talent while presenting stories that push boundaries and engage contemporary audiences.
Free Cultural Events and Community Engagement
Lincoln Center Theater will also offer several free and public-facing initiatives to broaden access and deepen engagement:
A silent disco listening party for Warriors, the new album by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, will be held July 30 on the Lincoln Center Plaza.
A series of “Come & Sing” choir events, curated by Tony Award-winner Jeanine Tesori, will invite public participation in large-scale musical experiences in various citywide locations.
These programs aim to foster connection through shared artistic expression and celebrate the inclusive spirit of the institution’s evolving mission.
Leadership and Vision for a New Chapter
Artistic Director Lear deBessonet enters her first season with a focus on expanding the scope and visibility of untold stories. With a programming slate that uplifts both classic works and new voices, the 2025-26 season reflects a commitment to cultural relevance, racial equity, and bold theatrical storytelling.
“This season signals a recalibration of what Broadway and Off-Broadway can look and feel like,” noted industry observers following the announcement. “It places legacy and experimentation on equal footing.”
About Lincoln Center Theater
Lincoln Center Theater is one of the most prominent producing theaters in the United States, with a reputation for developing and presenting innovative work across Broadway, Off-Broadway, and LCT3 stages. The theater continues to serve as a platform for some of the most acclaimed artists of the modern era, while fostering the next generation of talent through education and outreach.
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