LINCOLN, NH — NCCA at Jean’s Playhouse proudly announces its 40th Anniversary Season, an ambitious and celebratory lineup of performances and special events spanning winter, spring, summer, and fall of 2026. Marking four decades of inspiring, educating, and creating magic in the White Mountains, the 2026 season honors the organization’s legacy while looking boldly toward the future.
The celebration begins in February with Year Two of CRANK THE HEAT: Winter Band Series, expanding on the overwhelming success of its inaugural season. This winter’s lineup features top-tier tribute bands, including The Great Escape (Journey Tribute Band) on February 7, Crazy On You (Heart Tribute Band) on February 14, and Wooden Horse (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute Band), returning by popular demand for two nights, February 20 and 21. The series concludes with Little Lies (Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band) on February 28.
Adding even more glamour and excitement to the winter season is the debut of the Fire & Ice Festival, accompanying Wooden Horse on February 20 and 21. This immersive experience will feature outdoor ice sculptures, dazzling and colorful lighting, ice bars and lounges, food offerings, and the unique ability to watch and hear the band both inside the theatre and outdoors via live projection. The Fire & Ice Festival promises to be the hottest event during the coldest time of year in the White Mountains.
The festivities continue into St. Patrick’s Day weekend, with the return of theJordan TW Trio performing Celtic music on March 14. The Playhouse then launches its first mainstage musical of the year with the bizarrely delightful BAT BOY: The Musical, running March 20–22. Based on the infamous National Enquirer story of a half-bat, half-boy, this cult-classic musical is the perfect weird and wonderful follow-up to last year’s Nunsense, marking only the second March musical in Playhouse history and presented as a limited engagement.
Spring brings the return of StageSetters, NCCA’s youth education program, with performances on May 8 and 9, showcasing talented Granite State children guided by the Playhouse’s professional staff. Laughter takes center stage on Memorial Day Weekend, May 23, with the kickoff of the North Country Comedy Series.
Summer arrives with a full slate of fan-favorite events and blockbuster productions. Comedian Juston McKinney returns for his annual Fourth of July comedy show, this year offering two performances on July 3 and July 4. IMPACT Fairytale Theatre opens on July 8, running Wednesday mornings through August 12, delighting audiences of all ages.
Mainstage musical theatre shines brightly as NCCA presents the smash hits Hairspray and Footloose, running in repertory from July 9 through August 22. Both high-energy productions feature young protagonists with a passion for dance and a determination to change their communities—and the world—for the better.
A highlight of the anniversary year will be the 40th Anniversary Gala on August 7, a special evening celebrating the extraordinary journey of the North Country Center for the Arts and the countless artists, patrons, and community members who have made its success possible.
The fall season ushers in the 5th Anniversary of GHOST LIGHT, the Playhouse’s acclaimed interactive haunted experience, running October 9–31. And the year concludes with cherished traditions, including A Christmas Carol: The Musical Ghost Story, December 11–20, followed by the final North Country Comedy Series on December 27, and the iconic Warren Miller Film on December 30.
With an unparalleled mix of concerts, theatre, comedy, education, and special events, the 2026 season stands as a testament to 40 years of artistic excellence and community impact.
“This is truly a very special year for NCCA,” said Executive Artistic Director Joel Mercier. “From the Papermill Theatre to Jean’s Playhouse, we have worked tirelessly to honor and expand the legacy of our company. Through both challenges and successes, we are incredibly proud of where we stand today and deeply excited about what the future holds in terms of growth and expansion.”
Mercier was recently joined by Development Manager John Moynihan, who is helping to strengthen community relationships, expand business partnerships, and further develop NCCA’s popular Encore Alliance Membership program, which offers meaningful benefits and rewards to patrons who commit to ongoing support.
Tickets for select winter, spring, and summer events are now on sale. For more information, tickets, and membership details, please visit www.jeansplayhouse.com.
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About North Country Center for the Arts
North Country Center for the Arts (NCCA) is a nonprofit performing arts organization based in Lincoln, New Hampshire, dedicated to inspiring, educating, and entertaining audiences through professional theatre, concerts, special events, and arts education programs. With a legacy spanning over 40 years—from the historic Papermill Theatre to Jean’s Playhouse—NCCA continues to serve the White Mountains region with high-quality live performance while fostering community connection and artistic growth year-round.