Hattiloo Theatre Announces Season 19 Productions
Editor's notes: This blog was written in February 2023 and last updated April 2025.
Editor's notes: This blog was written in February 2023 and last updated April 2025.
There's always something to experience at Hattiloo Theatre, I'll be providing any updates here:
- The theatre is hosting at 10-Minute Play Festival on April 24-27, 2025. Each play is ten minutes or less and features some of Shelby County’s best theater talent – writers, actors, directors and crew!
- See the amazing performance lineup for Season 19! With 2 plays being a regional premiere, this season is definitely one you can not miss!
- To avoid FOMO on sold out shows, I recommend you purchase a Season Subscription. Depending on your subscription tier, you'll get access to tickets one or two weeks before they go on sale to the public.
Season 19 Plays (2025-26)
JUBILEE (Regional Premiere)
July 25 - August 24, 2025
JAJA'S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING (Regional Premiere)
September 12 - October 12, 2025
MADAGASCAR
October 31 - November 9, 2025
IF SCROOGE WAS A BROTHER
November 28 - December 21, 2025
DREAMGIRLS
January 30 - March 8, 2026
MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
April 10 - May 10, 2026
Hattiloo Theatre has fueled my love for the arts for about a decade. Obviously, the outstanding production of each play and notoriety of being the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in the five surrounding states are what draw the crowd, but one thing I love about Hattiloo is the intimate theatre setting.
No matter how large their support grows, the play space remains the same. This allows the audience to not only feel emotions from the actors, but also from their neighbors. Sometimes I find my eyes wandering off to another viewer to observe how they are reacting to the performance.
There's so much culture at Hattiloo
Opening nights for the plays are always so special to me. I went to see Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery (from Season 16) on the premiere night. There were almost no seats left unfilled. I used to dance competitively, so I know how anxious an actor may feel right before a performance. It all seems organic at Hattiloo, as if there’s no such thing as acting. Words and body movements flow naturally.
Plays at Hattiloo feel so familiar to me. Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, in particular, left a warmth in my heart. The overall message was ‘it takes a village’— something my mom says almost daily when speaking about life.
Plays at Hattiloo Theatre feel personal
After the bow at the end of the performance, the actors head to the lobby to greet and thank the audience. This adds a personal touch to the whole experience. Recently, I’ve seen Hattiloo hosting special talk back sessions immediately after select performances. This allows the audience to speak directly to the actors and director about in-depth details regarding the play.
All though some plays are sold out for Season 17, you still have a chance to get tickets to performances down the line! I went to see The Color Purple and there were 13 empty seats (yes I counted) So if you really want to see the play, just show up in hopes you can snag an unclaimed seat. You might get lucky! I am looking forward to many more seasons as my momma and I have made it a tradition to watch the fantastic plays together.
Whether it's date night, an evening out with your parents or children, or a friendship rendezvous, Hattiloo Theatre is sure to be your favorite destination.
Be sure to subscribe to Season 18 plays so you'll never miss a sold out show. Check out the programs Hattiloo Theatre has for people of all ages. You can also audition to be in the plays—we’d love to see you on stage.
Keep in touch with Hattiloo Theatre on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Know more:
Visit their website
37 South Cooper Street
Shows on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.
General Admission: $30
Students/Seniors/Military: $25
