Save the date(s) for the Jensen Center!
Expanded slate of theatrical productions coming in 2026-27
Left to right: But Why Bump Off Barnaby?, Puffs, and Bye Bye Birdie are just three of the shows in the Dallas and Edith Pankowski Theater at the Jensen Center in the next few months.
By Brent Frankenhoff
Beginning with Variety Productions’ community theater performances of But Why Bump Off Barnaby? October 8 to 11, the Dallas and Edith Pankowski Theater at the Jensen Community Center is extra busy over the coming months with a multitude of theatrical performances.
But Why Bump Off Barnaby? is the second play directed by Kenny Voss. Written by Rick Abbott, the production is a fast-paced murder mystery/comedy filled with eccentric characters, suspicious motives, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, and plenty of laughs. Reserved seating is $15 per person or $27 with an all-you-can-eat hors d’ouevres add-on. Tickets are available by texting (715) 340-8078 or emailing vpjgtix@gmail.com
Due to the closing of the Sentry Theater for an extended period, the Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater (cwACT) has booked the theater for two performances, beginning with The Shadow Box, November 19 to 22. Written by Michael Cristofer and directed by Susan Edgren, the show is an impressionistic drama that explores the lives, relationships, and emotions of three terminally ill patients and their loved ones as they confront mortality with honesty, courage, and moments of humor. Showtimes are 7 p.m. November 19-21 and 2 p.m. on November 22. Season ticket bundles can be ordered at cwact.org/tickets. Individual tickets will be available once the online box office opens October 19 at cwact.ticbooth.com, and any remaining tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes before showtime. The Shadow Box is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
The Point Dance Ensemble returns to the Jensen Community Center in mid-January for its annual Choreography Showcase. The ensemble will spend several evenings in mid-January rehearsing and preparing, culminating in a performance on January 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, visit pointdance.org.
The Tomorrow River Community Charter School’s eighth-grade class will hold its annual dinner theater fundraiser with an evening performance January 22 and a matinee on January 23 with rehearsals at the Center during the week preceding those dates. More details and ticketing information will be released as the show dates get closer.
Members of cwACT will host a fundraiser the evening of January 23 as they prepare to compete in the first stage of the American Association of Community Theater’s AACTFest 2027, being hosted by the Wisconsin Association of Community Theaters (WACT). Christopher Bongen is directing Anyone Can Dance written by Sean Baker and produced by special arrangement with Off the Wall Plays. Local actors Dave Hanlon and Carrie Dreger are starring. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour featuring live music by A Joyful Little Band, along with drinks, a 50/50 raffle, and raffle baskets. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by raffle drawings and a discussion about the show and the AACTFest competition.
Following that show, the group will return to present Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic over two weekends, February 5 to 7 and February 12 and 13. The story, written by Matt Cox, focuses on the acquaintances of a well-known lightning-bolt-scarred wizard and their adventures as his classmates. The February 5, 6, 12, and 13 performances are at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee February 7. Puffs (Two-Act Edition) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
The 2027 Amherst High School Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, is scheduled for March 11 to 14 with rehearsals in the theater throughout late February and early March. Presented by Variety Productions, showtimes and ticket sales will be announced in early 2027.
Variety Productions also has two more programs planned for 2027: a children’s musical in mid-May and a community musical in late July. Additional details, including audition information, will be announced in the Spirit and online in the coming months.
And that’s not all! The Jensen Center Performing Arts program also has an exciting concert season on the way for 2026 and 2027. Click on the link to learn more.