BLOOMSBURG – AUGUST 4 – An iconic Christmas tale and a hysterical Hitchcock adaptation are among the five shows slated for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble’s 48th season, with tickets going on sale on Monday, August 4th.
BTE will return to The 39 Steps, an adaptation by Patrick Barlow from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock based on the novel by John Buchan, on Thursday, September 25th, after previously staging the comedy for its 36th season. Accused of murder and on the run in the Highlands, Richard Hannay must clear his name by proving the existence of a devious spy ring! But, of course, clearing your name is never easy, especially when there are antics and capers afoot. Directed by guest artist James E. Ofalt, The 39 Steps is a delightful, four-person, slapstick adaptation of a Hitchcock classic perfect for fans of the Pink Panther movies and the Reduced Shakespeare Company. “It’s no mystery why this affectionate parody is still delighting audiences,” says London Theatre magazine! BTE will also honor that love with an opening night fête, the Film Noir Gala. Tickets include a themed dinner, seats for the premiere performance of The 39 Steps, and a dazzling post-show auction. Tickets are $125.00.
BTE resident artist and director Aaron White brings A Charlie Brown Christmas to BTE for the first time from November 28th through December 28th! Playwright Eric Schaeffer and composers Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson have translated Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson’s 1965 television adaptation of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved Peanuts comic strip from screen to stage. When Charlie Brown isn’t feeling the Christmas spirit, his (not professionally licensed) psychiatrist, Lucy Van Pelt, appoints him director of her nativity play. It turns out Charlie Brown isn’t the only one who doesn’t understand Christmas. Nostalgic and sweet, A Charlie Brown Christmas celebrates community, earnestness, and the unconventional. Even “the crankiest Scrooge” will feel “nostalgic” after watching, said The Cape Cod Chronicle. Journey Bank will sponsor the production.
Last autumn, audiences left abuzz after BTE’s staged reading of Radiant Vermin by Philip Ridley. Now, the full production of this adult dark comedy will be BTE’s first show of 2026, running from January 29th through February 8th. A too-good-to-be-true government program offers the expectant Swifts a palatial house for free. The fine print: The dilapidated house lacks basic utilities. All renovations fall on them. All renovations must attract other homebuyers to the area. Discretion is mandatory. For the impoverished Swifts, renovating will be an uphill battle…until an accident late one night. Morality, personhood, and greed clash in this satire, which The New York Times called “nasty and energetic fun.” Nora Gair, who helmed last season’s Misery, returns to direct.
Next, BTE will journey into the home of the March sisters in Heather Chrisler’s adaptation of Little Women, directed by Sarah Elizabeth Yorke. In their attic, the four March sisters spent their youth playing make-believe games spun by creative and rebellious Jo. Over the years, their paths diverge as they strive to forge their own identities and accomplishments. But even apart, the sisters will always find their way back to each other during times of great loss, creative frustration, love, and fulfilled ambitions. This fresh adaptation will run from April 9th through 26th, 2026.
The Summer Family Series ends Season 48 with Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”, a musical adventure based on the Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems, with the book and lyrics by Mo Willems and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma. “Bestus” friends Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig get a party invite from the singing, swinging Squirrelles. What could go wrong? This totally won’t be the end of their friendship….right? Directed by Aaron White, Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play” will run July 16th through August 2nd, 2026. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International and was originally written and performed for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ 2013-2014 season.
Tickets for each show launch on Monday, August 4th, at bte.org. Read the following page and the attached collateral for a list of full show credits, taglines, show sponsors, and additional information.
Since 1978, BTE has been sharing professional theater with central and eastern Pennsylvania communities.
2025-26 Season:
FALL:
The 39 Steps
Adapted by Patrick Barlow
From the novel by John Buchan
From the movie by Alfred Hitchcock
Licensed by ITV Global Entertainment Limited
And an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon
Directed by James E. Ofalt
Sept. 25 – Oct. 12, 2025
Four actors. 150 characters. One love story-road trip-murder mystery-spy plot to be unraveled.
The 39 Steps adapted by Patrick Barlow from the movie by Alfred Hitchcock from the novel by John Buchan will start the 48th season on Thursday, September 25th. Accused of murder and on the run in the Highlands, Richard Hannay must clear his name by proving the existence of a devious spy ring! But, of course, clearing your name is never easy, especially when there are antics and capers afoot.
HOLIDAY:
A Charlie Brown Christmas
By Charles M. Schulz
Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson
Stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer
Special Arrangement by Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson
Directed by Aaron White
Nov. 28 – Dec. 28, 2025
Sponsored by Journey Bank
The littlest tree can make the biggest difference.
When Charlie Brown isn’t feeling the Christmas spirit, his (not professionally licensed) psychiatrist Lucy Van Pelt appoints him director of her nativity play. It turns out Charlie Brown isn’t the only one who doesn’t understand Christmas. Nostalgic and sweet, A Charlie Brown Christmas celebrates community, earnestness, and the unconventional. Even “the crankiest Scrooge” will feel “nostalgic” after watching, said The Cape Cod Chronicle.
WINTER:
Radiant Vermin
By Philip Ridley
Directed by Nora Gair
Jan. 29 – Feb. 8, 2026
A dream home everyone is dying for.
A too-good-to-be-true government program offers the expectant Swifts a palatial house for free. The fine print: The dilapidated house lacks basic utilities. All renovations fall on them. All renovations must attract other homebuyers to the area. Discretion is mandatory. For the impoverished Swifts, renovating will be an uphill battle…until an accident late one night. Morality, personhood, and greed clash in this satire The New York Times called “nasty and energetic fun.” This play left the PlayTastings audience buzzing, and we promise you will be too.
SPRING:
Little Women
By Heather Chrisler
Directed by Sarah Elizabeth Yorke
April 9 – 26, 2026
A classic story reborn through memory, imagination, and heart.
In their attic, the four March sisters spent their youth playing make-believe games spun by creative and rebellious Jo. Over the years, their paths diverge as they strive to forge their own identities and accomplishments. But even apart, the sisters will always find their way back to each other during times of great loss, creative frustration, love, and fulfilled ambitions.
SUMMER FAMILY SERIES:
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”
Based on the Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems
Published by Hyperion Books for Children
Book and lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com. This play was commissioned by and first produced at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Directed by Aaron White
July 16 – Aug. 2, 2026
Bestus friends 4ever???
Big Laughs, Bestus Friends, and a Flippy Floppy Good Time!
“Bestus” friends Gerald the elephant and Piggie the pig get a party invite from the singing, swinging Squirrelles. What could go wrong? This won’t be the end of their friendship, right? Based on the Elephant & Piggie books by Mo Willems, Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is a musical romp for the whole family!