by Walter M. Mayes, Artistic Director
What if I told you that the next season’s story begins before the curtain rises on this one? While audiences are anticipating the Abbey bells, singing nuns, and adorable Von Trapp children of our 2025/26 season-opener, The Sound of Music, I’m already deep in the next act—reading scripts, tracking rights, and assembling the puzzle that will become South Bay Musical Theatre’s ‘26-’27 season. At first glance, planning a season might seem like picking your favorite shows and hoping for the best. In truth, it’s a nuanced, months-long process—one that blends artistic passion with financial strategy and deep respect for the tastes and expectations of our loyal patrons.
Our audiences at SBMT know what they like—and we listen. They want the kind of musicals that have stood the test of time: name-brand titles, golden-age classics, as much dancing as possible, and scores so familiar you can hum along before the overture finishes. That knowledge is a gift, but also a responsibility. Our ticket sales fund our future, and while my heart may long to program a hidden gem or overlooked masterpiece, I have to weigh those desires against the very real need to fill seats. Still, part of my job as Artistic Director is to challenge and inspire—to produce a lesser-known title here and there, to stage a concert version of something unexpected, to offer opportunities to the range of talent we have at our disposal, and to reflect the evolving landscape of musical theatre within the bounds of what our organization can do well.
This year’s lineup—our 63rd season—embodies that balancing act. We’re leading off with The Sound of Music, the most beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical of all time. It’s a story our community treasures, and we’re thrilled to bring it to life with a full cast and orchestra. In winter, we move to Little Women, a title that blends the classic with the contemporary, introducing a newer work that still holds a familiar place in the hearts of many. Spring will bring a surprise that I can’t tell you about until September—another Broadway favorite that meets our standards for excellence and community connection. Around these anchors, we’ve built in two concert events: Let It Show: A Broadway Holiday Celebration and On the Twentieth Century: In Concert, both designed to give audiences a taste of something fresh in a digestible and delightful format.
At SBMT, none of this happens alone. We rely on a team of passionate creatives, designers, volunteers, and supporters who make these shows possible. From late-night production meetings to hammering sets at our shop in San Jose, to welcoming you with a smile at the Saratoga Civic Theatre, it’s a labor of love shared by many.
For me, this work is deeply personal. I’ve spent my life in the theatre, never losing the thrill of watching a great story unfold on stage. I’ve stood in the back of the house and felt the breath of a captivated audience, heard the gasps, the laughter, the silence that comes when something real is happening in the dark. I believe that live theatre is one of our last communal experiences—and planning a season is my way of keeping that tradition alive, while ensuring it stays vibrant, relevant, and sustainable.
I hope you’ll join us for Season 63. Whether you’re a longtime subscriber or a first-time guest, there’s something here for you. Buy a Season Pass for the best seats and most significant savings, and while you’re at it, add a concert or two to your calendar. If you want to get involved behind the scenes, we welcome your time, talent, and heart. And if you’re considering auditioning, don’t wait—Little Women auditions are coming up in September. Together, let’s bring the magic of live theatre to life, one season at a time.
Putting a season together is like solving a crossword puzzle; all the pieces need to fit together. (Photo illustration by Doug Hughes.)
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