For its 14th season, BrightSide Theatre has announced a slate of ever popular shows from Broadway and beyond. The season will open in October with the stage version of the campy and hilarious THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW. This cult rock musical inspired by science fiction and horror B-movies from the 1930s to the 1960s debuted in 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. It was adapted into the film THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW in 1975 and became a midnight movie favorite for years. Though its original Broadway engagement lasted just 45 performances, the revival in 2000 played for over one year, and a new Broadway revival has been announced for Spring 2026. The story follows a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, who stumble upon the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter's castle, leading to a night of bizarre and thrilling events. BrightSide Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass will stage THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW for the Halloween season, from October 24 through November 9, 2025, in The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall on the campus of North Central College in Naperville. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW press opening will be Friday, October 24 at 7:30 pm.
BrightSide’s first production of 2026 will be a concert performance of PHANTOM, with a score by Maury Yeston, composer of the musicals TITANIC and NINE. Though the Andrew Lloyd Webber version of the Gaston Laroux novel THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA beat this PHANTOM to Broadway, and stayed there for over three decades, this version with a book by Arthur Kopit has enjoyed over 1000 productions around the world. Yeston calls it “the greatest hit never to be performed in Broadway.” A hauntingly beautiful take on the tale of the Phantom of the Opera, this musical offers a deeply emotional and romantic reimagining of the novel, offering a deeper exploration of the phantom's past, set to Yeston’s mesmerizing score. PHANTOM IN CONCERT will be performed from January 9 to 18 in the Madden Theatre at North Central College in Naperville. The PHANTOM IN CONCERT press opening will be January 9, 2026, at 7:30 pm.
Following PHANTOM in BrightSide’s 2025-26 season will be PRIVATE LIVES, Noël Coward’s sharp, sophisticated comedy of passion and wit! When former lovers Elyot and Amanda unexpectedly reunite during their honeymoons with new spouses, sparks fly in this timeless exploration of love, desire, and chaos. PRIVATE LIVES is one of the most popular comedies ever, having been revived numerous times on Broadway and in London’s West End ever since its 1930 premiere. Additionally, it has been adapted many times for films, TV and radio. PRIVATE LIVES will play from April 10-26 in The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College. The PRIVATE LIVES press opening will be Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7:30 pm.
Concluding BrightSide’s “Just for the Fun of It” season will be THE PRODUCERS, the longest running Broadway musical comedy ever. Mel Brooks’s musical, adapted from his 1967 film of the same name, follows the hapless producers Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they attempt to stage the biggest flop in history—only for their ridiculous musical, “Springtime for Hitler,” to become a surprise hit. THE PRODUCERS ran on Broadway for six years, keeping audiences in stitches with its combination of visual and verbal humor, inventive and hilarious production numbers, and catchy songs. THE PRODUCERS will play from June 12-28, 2026, in The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall. THE PRODUCERS press opening will be Friday, June 12 at 7:30 pm
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, PRIVATE LIVES, and THE PRODUCERS will be performed in the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville. PHANTOM IN CONCERT will be performed in North Central College’s Madden Theatre at 171 Chicago Avenue in Naperville, Tickets are $37.00 for adults and $32.00 for students and seniors. Season subscriptions and individual show tickets will be on sale on July 1, 2025 at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497).
The season theme of “For the Fun of It” will be just as applicable to the two musicals of the BrightSide Youth Theatre Project to be performed during the 2025-26 season. These condensed versions of hit Broadway musical tailored for young performers and audiences will be directed by BrightSide Education Manager De Haddad. The Project’s young performers will appear from October 25 to November 2 in The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall with THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL YOUTH EDITION, based on the popular Nickelodeon TV series, with songs by a multitude of legendary pop artists. The kids will be back in February with LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. Elle Woods’ empowering journey from fashionista to Harvard Law star in this upbeat musical packed with heart and humor. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. will be performed at Yellow Box Theatre, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville, from February 20-28, 2026. Tickets for BrightSide Youth Theatre Project shows are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students will be on sale beginning in September and January respectively at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497).
LISTING INFORMATION
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
Music, lyrics, and book by Richard O’Brien
Directed by Jeffrey Cass
October 24 – November 9, 2025
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm.
Press Opening Friday, October 24 at 7:30 pm
The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville 60540
Tickets $32 - $37, available beginning July 1 at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497)
Step into a world of glitter, fishnets, and rock ‘n’ roll with THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW! This cult classic is a wild ride packed with outrageous characters, unforgettable songs, and over-the-top theatrical flair. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering it for the first time, this electrifying musical promises a night of pure, unfiltered fun. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Halloween season.
PHANTOM IN CONCERT
Book by Arthur Kopit, Music and Lyrics by Maury Yeston
Based on Gaston Leroux’s novel THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
January 9-18, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm, Saturday matinee on January 25 at 2 pm
Press Opening Friday, January 9 at 7:30 pm
Madden Theater, North Central College, 171 Chicago Ave in Naperville
Tickets $32 - $37, available beginning July 1 at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497)
Experience the haunting romance of PHANTOM IN CONCERT, the stunning musical by Maury Yeston (NINE and TITANIC) and Arthur Kopit, inspired by Gaston Leroux’s classic novel. This elegant concert presentation showcases the lush, melodic score and sweeping storytelling that set this version apart from all others. With its rich orchestrations and deeply human characters, PHANTOM offers a poignant and powerful take on the legendary tale of love, obsession, and music beneath the Paris Opera House. A must-see for musical theatre lovers and romantics alike.
PRIVATE LIVES
By Noel Coward
April 10 – 26, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm.
Press Opening Friday, April 10 at 7:30 pm
The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall
North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth in Naperville
Tickets $32 - $37, available beginning July 1 at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497)
Wit, charm, and scandal collide in Noël Coward’s sparkling comedy PRIVATE LIVES. When a divorced couple unexpectedly reunites while honeymooning with their new spouses, chaos—and hilarity—ensues. With razor-sharp dialogue and timeless sophistication, this classic play is a deliciously clever look at love, passion, and the fine line between romance and rivalry.
THE PRODUCERS
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music & Lyrics by Mel Brooks
June 12-28, 2026
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm
No performance Friday, June 19. Additional performance Thursday, June 18.
Press Opening Friday, June 12 at 7:30 pm,
The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall
North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth in Naperville
Tickets $32 - $37, available beginning July 1at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497)
Get ready to laugh until it hurts with THE PRODUCERS, Mel Brooks’ outrageous musical comedy about two schemers trying to stage the biggest Broadway flop of all time—only to accidentally create a smash hit! With show-stopping numbers, over-the-top characters, and non-stop laughs, this Tony Award-winning favorite is a riotous celebration of theatre itself. This side-splitting comedy will leave you roaring with laughter and applauding for more!
BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE YOUTH PROJECT SHOWS
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL YOUTH EDITION
Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg
Book by Kyle Jarrow
Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau
Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, and T.I.; and songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley; additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton, additional music by Tom Kitt.
Directed by De Haddad
October 25 – November 2, 2025
Saturdays at 11 am & 2 pm, Sundays@ 6 pm
The Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall. North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth in Naperville
Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students, available at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497) beginning in September 2025
Condensed version of the hit Broadway musical tailored for young performers and audiences. Dive under the sea for a wild and whimsical adventure with SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, and the rest of Bikini Bottom as they band together to save their home from impending disaster' When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR.
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, Book by Heather Hach
Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture
Directed by De Haddad
February 20-28, 2026
Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 5 pm
Yellow Box Theater
1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville IL 60540
Tickets are $20 for Adults and $15 for Students, available at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497) beginning in January 2026.
Condensed version of the hit Broadway musical tailored for young performers and audiences. Elle Woods is more than just pink and pretty-she's smart, determined, and ready to prove everyone wrong! Follow Elle’s empowering journey from fashionista to Harvard Law star in this upbeat musical packed with heart and humor.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle's boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she's not "serious" enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-and-dance personal essay and charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser, Paulette, along the way, Elle finds that books and looks aren't mutually exclusive. As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realizes that law may be her natural calling after all.
BIOS
Jeffrey Cass (Artistic Director/Director, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW) is a Joseph Jefferson Award Nominee and has successfully directed over 30 Productions for BrightSide Theatre, most recently PIPPIN, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, CHESS IN CONCERT, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and GYPSY. He also played “Edna” in BST’s production of HAIRSPRAY. He holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theater Performance from Roosevelt University. He previously served as the Producing Director for Circle Theatre where he directed eight productions, including THE WHO’S TOMMY (6 Joseph Jefferson Nominations including Best Musical and Best Director).
De Haddad (Director, THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL YOUTH EDITION & LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL, JR.) has been directing in and around the western suburbs for nearly two decades. Graduating with a BFA in Musical Theater from Millikin University, De brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the stage. Notable directing credits include SPAMALOT, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, SHE KILLS MONSTERS, and THE HOBBIT. At BrightSide, De has directed hits like JEKYLL AND HYDE IN CONCERT, MEAN GIRLS, JR., SISTER ACT, JR., THE LION KING, JR., and FINDING NEMO, JR. She also serves as BrightSide Theatre's Youth Project Education Manager.
ABOUT BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE
BrightSide Theatre (Jeffrey Cass, Artistic Director and Julie Ann Kornak, Executive Director) is committed to Enlighten, Educate, and Entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe. A unique blend of award-winners, premieres, modern works and timeless classics meant to reflect upon and inform our community inhabit BrightSide’s stage. For more information on BrightSide Theatre, please visit www.BrightSidetheatre.com.