Springer announces Walk of Fame star and 2026-27 season’s shows with new venue
On the night the Springer Opera House celebrated its 155th anniversary and announced the shows for its 2026-27 season, the historic State Theater of Georgia also presented the newest star on its Walk of Fame and reminded folks about the debut of its new performance venue.
Located on the sidewalks adjacent to the theater, the Springer honors individuals whose dedication, generosity, and leadership have left a lasting mark on the institution’s legacy.
“Each engraved star represents more than a name,” the Springer’s news release says. “It represents decades of advocacy, volunteerism, artistic contribution, and belief in the power of live performance to transform a community.”
This year’s honoree is Debbie Anderson, who retired in 2024 after 26 years as the Springer’s musical director.
“Her commitment has strengthened the theatre’s mission, expanded its reach, and helped ensure that the Springer remains a vibrant cultural cornerstone in Columbus and beyond,” the news release says. “The star presentation serves as both tribute and promise, honoring the past while reinforcing the responsibility to guide the next chapter of the theatre’s history. “
The PATIO will debut next season at the Springer
Next season will feature the expansion of the Springer’s footprint as it debuts a new performance venue, The PATIO (The Pierce Anderson Theatre in the Outdoors), named in honor of retired Springer poducing artistic director Paul Pierce and the late Springer education director Ron Anderson,
“This outdoor performance space will create fresh opportunities for immersive storytelling, community gatherings, and innovative productions under the Georgia sky,” the news release says.
Danielle Patterson-Varner, CEO and executive producer of the Springer, said in the news release, “The PATIO expansion is a declaration of our future. We are investing in spaces and stories that will serve our community for generations to come.”
Springer Opera House shows for 2026-27 season
The Springer’s 2026-27 season comprises 13 productions, including musicals, dramas, performances for children, Theatre for the Very Young and a special surprise bonus production exclusively for season ticket holders
“Selecting a season is both strategic and artistic,” Springer artistic director Keith McCoy said in the news release. “We consider our audience, our community, and the cultural moment. Then we build a lineup that stretches us creatively while honoring what our patrons love. It’s a privilege to direct professionally trained actors, many of whom are union-affiliated and committed to excellence. That level of artistry elevates every rehearsal and every performance.”
“Dreamgirls” (Sept. 18-27): The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical follows the rise of a sensational girl group as they navigate the highs and heartbreaks of fame in the golden age of Motown. Show times and dates:
- 7 p.m. — Sept. 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26
- 2 p.m. – Sept. 20 and 27
“Covenant” (Oct. 16-24): Two years after his sudden disappearance, struggling guitarist Johnny “Honeycomb” James returns to his small town as a blues star, sparking rumors that he may have made a deal with the devil to attain his musical genius. Show times and dates:
- 7 p.m. — Oct. 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24
- 2 p.m. — Oct. 18
“Disney’s Frozen: The Musical” (Nov. 28-Dec. 20): A global cinematic phenomenon and now a local holiday tradition, this production is back by popular demand. Show times and dates:
- 7 p.m. — Nov. 28, Dec. 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19
- 2 p.m. — Nov. 28, 29, Dec.. 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20
“12 Dates of Christmas” (Dec. 11-20): After a sudden breakup, Mary navigates a year of disastrous dates and holiday mishaps in search of a new happily-ever-after. Show times and dates:
- 7 p.m. — Dec. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19
- 2 p.m. — Dec. 13 and 20
“The Mountaintop” (Jan. 22-31): After delivering his iconic final speech in Memphis, Tennessee, the Rev.Martin Luther King Jr. retires to his room at the Lorraine Motel, only to be confronted by a mysterious maid with a startling revelation. Show times and dates:
- 7 p.m. — Jan. 22, 23, 28 and 30
- 2 p.m. — Jan. 24 and 31
“Pretty Woman: The Musical” (March 12-21): Reimagines the 1990 romance movie with a Broadway ode to Beverly Hills glamour. Show times and dates:
- 7 p.m. — March. 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20
- 2 p.m. — March 14, 20 and 21
“Shakespeare in Love” (April 23-May 2): This adaptation of the Academy Award-winning movie brings The Bard back from the screen to the stage in this tale of passion and wit, following a young Will Shakespeare as he struggles with writer’s block, only to find his muse in the courageous Viola de Lesseps. Show times and dates:
- 7 p.m. — April 23, 24, 29, 30 and May 1
- 2 p.m. April 25 and May 2
“Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” (May 13-15): Under the stars on the Springer’s new outdoor stage, The PATIO, join this tribute to Billie Holiday, featuring her songs and stories Show time and dates:
- 7 p.m. — May 13, 14 and 15
Springer’s 2026-27 Children’s Theatre Series
“Corduroy” (July 17-July 26): Corduroy’s button is missing, and he can’t go home with kindhearted Lisa without it. Based on the beloved children’s classic, this teddy bear takes a rollicking ride up an escalator and romps through a department store. Show times and dates:
- 7 p.m. — July 17
- 2 p.m. — July 18, 19, 25 and 26
“Ready, Set, Rocket!” (Nov. 7-15): Blast off with Cosmo on a high-speed mission to the stars. In this cosmic adventure, a hurried young rocketeer discovers that rushing isn’t always the fastest way to his dreams. Show times dates:
- 11 a.m. — Nov. 7 and 14
- 2 p.m. — Nov. 8 and 15
“Pete the Cat” (Feb. 27-March 7): When this groovy blue cat meets the Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking — except for Jimmy, the most organized second-grader on the planet. Join Jimmy and Pete on a world-traveling mission of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus. Show times and dates:
- 11 a.m. — Feb. 27 and March 6
- 2 p.m. — Feb. 27, 28, March 6 and 7
“Quack-A-Moodle-Doo!” (May 1-9): Join a shy little duck during her very first day on this farm as she tries out every voice imaginable to fit in with the crowd. From barnyard choruses to brave new discoveries, Waddles soon learns that the best voice of all is her own. Show times and dates:
- 11 a.m. — May 1 and 8
- 2 p.m. — May 2 and 9
This story was originally published March 13, 2026 at 9:33 AM.
