Ritz Theatre announces upcoming season

TIFFIN — The Ritz Theatre has announced the schedule for its 2026-2027 season. Michael Strong, executive director, said the lineup is "full of a lot of interesting things, funny things." "Big name" country music singer Chris Jansen will perform October 2, Strong said, followed by John Anderson on October 26. Anderson has had five number one songs in his career, Strong said. Other notable country music performances will include Greg West, The Ultimate Aldean; The Super Tramps, A Tribute to Supertramp; and Jake Hoot, 2026 The Voice: Battle of Champions winner. Popular rock group Warrant will take the stage April 10, Strong said, and "exceptional pianist" Thomas Pandolfi will return to The Ritz May 27. Strong said he is excited to bring The Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue to Tiffin this year. The Golden Girls, he said, actually are four men in drag who perform as the Golden Girls. The show is somewhat "risqué," he said, but will appeal "to anyone who loves the Golden Girls." Another unique event coming to The Ritz this season is an appearance by the 3 Red Neck Tenors, who are operatically trained performers who live in a trailer park. The show will feature country music and more, Strong said. "I've wanted to bring this in for years." Tentatively, subscription renewals begin July 13, new subscriptions begin July 27, flex packages (three or more shows) begin August 3, and single event tickets begin August 10. Ticket prices, subscription packages and sponsors for all events will be announced before July 13. Strong also said The Ritz Theatre has launched a capital campaign with the goal of raising $1 million. The first capital campaign in 12 years, he said, funds raised will be used for building maintenance, bolstering the Ritz's endowment accounts, operations, and purchasing equipment. Strong said he is confident the goal will be reached, since The Ritz is "so important to the community." Both one-time gifts and longer-term pledges are welcome, he said, and The Ritz is seeking volunteers to assist with the campaign. A complete list of events announced by The Ritz is below. Chris Janson Friday October 2, 2026 – 7:30 PM Chris Janson is a platinum-selling American country music singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his high-energy live performances and harmonica-forward style. He has charted multiple No. 1 country hits, including the 3x Platinum track "Buy Me a Boat," "Good Vibes," "Fix a Drink," and "Done". The Golden Girls The Laughs Continue Sunday, October 4, 2026 – 2:00 PM Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is a parody stage show that brings the beloved Miami roommates into the modern era. Written by Robert Leleux, the play imagines the iconic characters adapting to contemporary times with a hilarious twist, featuring Sophia on bail, and Blanche and Rose launching a senior dating app. Friday Night Live Oct. 23, Nov. 13, Dec 18 - 2026 Jan 15, Feb 5, Mar. 12, April 9, May 14 - 2027 (Fridays – 7:30 PM) The National Theatre at The Ritz will host an eclectic selection of artists in an unplugged performance environment. Each Friday Night Live will feature two or three regional entertainers who are passionate about the opportunity to showcase their talents. Monday Night at the Movies Mondays – 7:00 PM Come Back, Little Sheba (1949) – Oct. 19 The Fountainhead (1949) – Nov. 23 The Shop Around the Corner (1940) – Dec. 14 A Star is Born (1954) – Jan. 11 Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) – Feb. 15 I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932) – Mar. 22 Vertigo (1958) – April 12 Bringing Up Beauty (1938) – May 17 John Anderson Friday, October 26, 2018 - 7:30 PM John Anderson is best known as an American country music singer and songwriter who helped lead the "new traditionalist" movement in the early 1980s. With a rich, soulful baritone voice and a distinctive southern drawl, he has charted over 40 singles on the Billboard country charts, including five number-one hits: "Swingin'," "Wild and Blue," "Black Sheep," "Straight Tequila Night," and "Money in the Bank". Greg West The Ultimate Aldean Friday, November 6, 2026 - 7:30 PM Greg West is the front man and creator of The Ultimate Aldean, widely celebrated as the "World's Greatest Tribute to Jason Aldean". Recognized by major industry names like Live Nation, West is famous for his incredible visual and vocal likeness to the country superstar. The Super Tramps A Tribute to Supertramp Saturday, January 16, 2027 – 7:30 PM Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, this nine-piece tribute band captures the essence of Supertramp's iconic sound with amazing accuracy. With a repertoire that spans the band's diverse material, from classic hits to hidden gems, they transport audiences through a journey of timeless music. Hits include "The Logical Song," "Breakfast in America" and "Goodbye Stranger." LMOA Comedy Fest Saturday, January 23, 2027 – 7:30 PM For more than a decade, The Ritz has built a tradition of bringing three or four of the funniest comedians from across the country to their stage every January. Join us again this year as the laughs continue. The StepCrew Friday, March 5, 2027 – 7:30 PM The StepCrew is a dynamic Canadian percussive dance and music production. Founded by Cara Butler and the Pilatzke brothers (Jon and Nathan), the group famously blends three styles of percussive dance: Irish stepdance, Ottawa Valley stepdance and modern tap dance. The performance highlights both the similarities and differences in these dance styles. The dancers often fuse these techniques together, sometimes engaging in playful, rhythmic "competitions" on stage. Jake Hoot 2026 The Voice: Battle of Champions Winner Saturday, March 16, 2027 – 7:30 PM Jake Hoot is an American country music singer and songwriter best known as the Season 17 winner of NBC's The Voice in 2019. Coached by Kelly Clarkson, he won the competition and returned to the show in 2026 for The Voice: Battle of Champions. Warrant Turn Up the Good Times Tour Saturday, April 10 - 7:30 PM Warrant is the iconic American glam-metal band from Hollywood's Sunset Strip. The current lineup features lead vocalist Robert Mason alongside classic members Joey Allen (guitar), Erik Turner (guitar), Jerry Dixon (bass), and Steven Sweet (drums). Hits include "Cherry Pie," "Heaven" and "Uncle Tom's Cabin." 3 Red Neck Tenors Friday, April 16, 2027 – 7:30 PM The 3 Redneck Tenors are a musical comedy trio that combines world-class, classically trained vocal performances with down-home, mullet-wearing comedic antics. Often described as "Duck Dynasty meets Carnegie Hall," their shows feature soaring operatic vocals paired with a healthy dose of clean, self-deprecating humor. Thomas Pandolfi Saturday, May 27, 2027 – 7:30 PM Thomas Pandolfi is one of the leading pianists of our time, hailed as a "phenomenon." He began his career early while at Juilliard, where the young prodigy caught the attention of Vladimir Horowitz - who would become his mentor - and legendary composer Morton Gould. 2026-27 Ritz Players Season Come from Away Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein October 17, 18, 24 & 25 - 2026 Audition Dates - August 2 & 3, 2026 Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International Almost, Maine Play by John Cariani February 12, 13, 19, 20 & 21, 2027 Audition Dates: January 3 & 4, 2027 Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals The Laramie Project By Moises Kaufman May 7, 8, 15 & 16, 2027 Audition Dates: March 21 & 22, 2027 Presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Something Rotten! Music & Lyrics by Karey Kirkpatrick & Wayne Kirkpatrick Book by Karey Kirkpatrick & John O'Farrell July 16, 17, 24 & 25 - 2027 Audition Dates: May 23 & 24, 2027 Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. 2026 Ritz Teen Thespian Guild American History in 60 November 21 & 22, 2026 - 7:30 PM November 23, 2026 - 2:00 PM A comedic, lightning-fast one-act play by Jeremy Desmon that races through major American milestones from Christopher Columbus to the Great Depression. Vote? November 21 & 22, 2026 - 7:30 PM November 23, 2026 - 2:00 PM "Vote?" is an educational, time-traveling drama by Eric Coble that explores the historical struggle to build the American electorate.