The 7 Secrets Of The Gaslight Theatre Tucson: What’s New For The 2025-2026 Season And Why It’s Tucson’s Best Dinner Show

As of December 10, 2025, The Gaslight Theatre in Tucson, Arizona, remains the undisputed king of family-friendly entertainment, consistently voted the city's Best Theater for its unique blend of musical comedy and slapstick melodrama. The excitement is currently building for the next major production, which is scheduled to run through the holiday season and into the new year, solidifying the venue’s reputation as a must-see destination on East Broadway Boulevard.

This iconic Tucson institution, a true local gem, offers a theatrical experience unlike any other in the Southwest, combining a hilarious, original show with an all-American dinner menu served right at your seat. From the talented cast of actors and directors to the historic connection with Little Anthony’s Diner, there are more than a few reasons why this venue has captivated audiences for decades, and its 2025-2026 season is already a hot ticket.

The Gaslight Theatre: A Quick Biography and Key Entities

The Gaslight Theatre is more than just a venue; it is a cultural landmark in Tucson, known for its commitment to original, audience-interactive musical comedy melodramas. Its story is deeply rooted in the local community and the vision of its founder.

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• Founding Year: 1977
• Original Concept: Started by a small group of University of Arizona (U of A) drama students.
• Founder & President: Tony Terry Jr.
• Current Location: 7010 E Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, Arizona (at the corner of Broadway and Kolb Road).
• Signature Style: Musical Melodrama, featuring family-friendly comedies, audience participation, and a mix of popular old and new songs.
• Associated Dining: Little Anthony's Diner, providing the classic dinner theatre experience.

The Creative Forces Behind the Melodrama Magic (Key Personnel)

The success of the Gaslight Theatre relies on a dedicated team of writers, directors, and performers who keep the tradition of high-energy, campy entertainment alive. Key figures in the creative team include:

• Co-Director & Writer: Mike Yarema
• Co-Director & Choreographer: Katherine Byrnes
• Writer: Peter Van Slyke
• Scenic Designer: Tom Benson
• Lighting & Sound: David Darland
• Notable Performers: Jacob Brown, Jake Chapman, Todd Thompson, Heather Stricker, Janée Page, Erin Thompson, and Brian Hale.

The 2025-2026 Season: What’s Currently Playing and Coming Soon

The Gaslight Theatre runs five different shows per year, switching out productions to keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors and locals. The schedule is typically anchored by a major holiday show that spans the end of the year.

The highly anticipated holiday-season production for the 2025-2026 season is currently underway. While the specific title of the main melodrama is often a closely guarded secret until closer to the premiere, the run dates have been confirmed, making it the freshest information available for planning your visit.

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The current major show is scheduled to run from November 6, 2025, through January 4, 2026. This extended run covers the entire Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's period, making it a perfect family tradition. The theatre also hosts various musical concerts throughout the year, featuring talented local and touring acts like Clay Whittington, The Manhattan Dolls, the Bad News Blues Band, The Tributaries, and Every Era.

7 Secrets to the Unforgettable Gaslight Dinner Theatre Experience

The Gaslight Theatre is not just a place to see a show; it’s an immersive dinner theatre experience. The combination of high-energy performance and casual dining is a formula that has kept audiences returning for over 45 years.

1. The Melodrama Formula is Timeless

The core of the Gaslight experience is the musical melodrama. These are campy, original comedies—often parodies of classic genres like Westerns or sci-fi—that feature a clear hero, a villain, and a damsel in distress. The audience is actively encouraged to participate, cheering for the hero and loudly booing the villain. This unique, participatory style is the foundation of the theatre’s success.

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2. Dinner is Served Right at Your Table

Unlike many dinner theaters that feature a buffet, The Gaslight Theatre offers a full menu served by the cast and crew right at your table. This creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The menu is casual and family-friendly, featuring classics like pizza, hot dogs, chili, burgers, and popcorn, all designed to be enjoyed during the show.

3. The Little Anthony’s Diner Connection

The theatre is physically connected to the famous Little Anthony's Diner, a 50s-style family restaurant. This partnership is a key part of the overall experience. While the theatre has its own menu, patrons often visit the diner before or after the show for classic homestyle favorites, ice cream, or an out-of-this-world burger.

4. The Musical Medley is a Surprise Hit

Each melodrama is a musical comedy, but the songs are often popular hits from various eras, given a comedic twist to fit the plot. The second act of every show typically features a high-energy musical concert or medley that showcases the cast's impressive vocal and instrumental talents, often covering songs from the last 42 years of entertainment.

5. The Gaslight Family is Real

The theatre is known for its tight-knit company, which includes a core group of dedicated actors, directors, and writers. Many of the performers have been with the theatre for years, creating a sense of continuity and "family" that is palpable on stage and contributes to the high quality of the productions.

6. New Season Packages are Available Now

For the dedicated fan, the Gaslight Theatre offers ticket packages, such as the 6-pack subscription, which is valid for the entire 2025-2026 season and expires in July 2026. These packages are the best way to ensure you don't miss any of the five annual main-stage shows or the special concert events.

7. It's Voted Tucson's Best for a Reason

The Gaslight Theatre has repeatedly been voted Tucson’s Best Theater and Best Entertainment Company, a testament to its consistent quality and unique entertainment value. Its formula of affordable, family-friendly fun, combined with a full dining experience, makes it a beloved staple of the Southern Arizona cultural scene.