Robin Hood and Dracula among popular characters taking to stage
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
What do Robin Hood, Miss Marple, Roaring ’20s Chicago, Dracula, and Anne of Green Gables have in common?
They’ll all be featured as part of the Oregon Cabaret Theatre’s 2026 season – five shows that make up what Cabaret directors are calling “a season of heroes, villains, and make believe.”
“Robin Hood”
Opening the Cabaret’s 2026 season will be, “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood.” Rick Robinson, the theater’s managing director, says the play is “packed with thrills, romance, laughter, and immortal characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian.” “Sherwood” will open January 23 and play through March 29.
Robinson explains the show as: “An enduring story of a hero of the people who takes on the ruthless powers that be, Ken Ludwig’s take on the Robin Hood legend is a timeless adventure for young and old.”
“Miss Marple: The Murder at the Vicarage”
The scene will shift for the Cabaret’s spring show, the Agatha Christie mystery thriller, “Miss Marple: The Murder at the Vicarage.”
While investigating a murder, Miss Marple, Christie’s legendary sleuth, quickly discovers the whole village seems to have had a motive to commit the recent murder of Colonel Protheroe. “Miss Marple” opens April 10 and runs through June 7.
“Chicago”
The classic Broadway musical, “Chicago,” will run through the summer from June 19 through August 30. The Kander and Ebb classic Broadway musical takes place in the Chicago during the Roaring ‘20s.
In the play, Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap … until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Arrested and sent to prison, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess,” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream” — fame, fortune and acquittal.
“Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors”
The Cabaret’s fall offering will be the lightning-fast, quick-change comedic thriller, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors.” When her sister Mina falls ill with a mysterious disease of the blood, Lucy Westfeldt and her fiancé, Jonathan Harker, enlist the help of famed female vampire hunter Doctor Jean Van Helsing.
“Audiences get to find out what happens when you put the camp of ‘The Rocky Horror Show,’ the broad comic strokes of Mel Brooks, and the theatrical hijinks of ‘The 39 Steps’ in a blender,” Robinson said.
“Dracula” will run from September 11 to November 8.
“Anne of Green Gables”
Featured for the holiday season will be the timeless classic, “Anne of Green Gables.”
Robinson said the Cabaret production is adapted for the stage from the novel by Lucy Maude Montgomery. In the play, Anne Shirley, an orphan mistakenly sent to live with Matt and Marilla Cuthbert of Green Gables, navigates friendships, school, and the challenges of adolescence in her new home. Anne’s lively imagination leads to both mishaps and triumphs as she grows up on Prince Edward Island in what Robinson said is a “new theatrical version featuring lively original music. A perfect heartwarming treat for the holidays.”
“Anne of Green Gables” will run from November 20 to December 31.
“The most incredible thing about theater is bringing the community together to experience exciting, transformative, and entertaining stories, and I’ve long been passionate about the collaboration of creative artists necessary to bring you, our supportive patrons, high quality productions that take you on an emotional journey,” artistic director Valerie Rachelle said in announcing the season. “Our 41st season is a line-up of these types of productions — filled with action, adventure, mystery, music, heroes, villains, and nostalgia.”
Subscriptions and ticket information
The Cabaret is offering three types of subscriptions in 2026. A V.I.P. Subscription is $189 for all five regular shows. The Matinee Subscription is $179 for five shows on any matinee, including Thursday matinees. A Mini Subscription is $129 for any three regular season shows.
Information about 2026 season subscriptions is available online at oregoncabaret.com; by phone at 541-488-2902; by mail at P.O. Box 1149 Ashland OR 97520; or in person at 241 Hargadine St. in Ashland.
Tickets for shows from Monday through Thursday are $52 for A level price seating, $45 for B level price seating, and $32 for C level price seating. Tickets for Friday through Sunday shows are $59 for A level price seating, $52 for B level price seating, and $36 for C level price seating. Saturday and Sunday matinees are scheduled for all shows in 2026 along withselect Thursday matinees.
The Cabaret also offers fine dining featuring a full menu of starters, dinners, brunches, beer, wine, beverages, and desserts. And because the Cabaret has its full liquor license, cocktails are also available before or during the show. Reservations are required for dinner or brunch. Food and beverages are not included in the ticket price. Reservations are not necessary, however, for starters, desserts, or beverages.
The Cabaret also offers a 15% ticket discount for groups of 12 or more as well as discounted group dining packages.
The Cabaret Box Office is located at First & Hargadine streets in Ashland. Call 541-488-2902 for open hours, or order online at www.oregoncabaret.com.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at [email protected].
