By James Ijames

Directed by donnie l. betts

Thursday, March 26, 2026 – April 19, 2026

Aurora Fox Mainstage Theatre

AURORA FOX REGIONAL PREMIERE!

 Playwright James Ijames reinvents Shakespeare’s masterpiece with his new drama, a delectable comic tragedy. Juicy is a queer, Southern college kid, already grappling with some serious questions of identity, when the ghost of his father shows up in their backyard, demanding that Juicy avenge his murder. It feels like a familiar story to Juicy, well-versed in Hamlet’s woes. What’s different is Juicy himself, a sensitive and self-aware young Black man trying to break the cycles of trauma and violence in service of his own liberation. From an uproarious family barbecue emerges a compelling examination of love and loss, pain and joy. Winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this first-run production is a must-see.  

RECCOMMENDED FOR: 14+ 

TICKETS:

$17- 45

Call the Box Office for Industry Discount or for group ticket prices.

303-739-1970

*City of Aurora charges a $2 per ticket processing fee

By James Ijames

Directed by donnie l. betts

Thursday, April 16, 2026—10:00am

Aurora Fox Mainstage Theatre

AURORA FOX REGIONAL PREMIERE!

 Playwright James Ijames reinvents Shakespeare’s masterpiece with his new drama, a delectable comic tragedy. Juicy is a queer, Southern college kid, already grappling with some serious questions of identity, when the ghost of his father shows up in their backyard, demanding that Juicy avenge his murder. It feels like a familiar story to Juicy, well-versed in Hamlet’s woes. What’s different is Juicy himself, a sensitive and self-aware young Black man trying to break the cycles of trauma and violence in service of his own liberation. From an uproarious family barbecue emerges a compelling examination of love and loss, pain and joy. Winner of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, this first-run production is a must-see.  

RECCOMMENDED FOR: 14+ 

TICKETS:

$15

*City of Aurora charges a $2 per ticket processing fee

Music by Jeanine Tesori, Lyrics and book by Brian Crawley

Based on “The Ugliest Pilgrim” by Doris Betts 

Directed by Ben Raanan

Thursday, June 4, 2026 – June 28, 2026

Aurora Fox Mainstage Theatre

Winner of the Drama Critics’ Circle Award and Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical when it premiered Off-Broadway in 1997, and then on to a Tony-nominated Broadway debut in 2014 with a revised version, Violet is a moving musical featuring show-stopping anthems, ranging from American-roots to folk to gospel. With a score from Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Shrek; Fun Home) and book and lyrics by the acclaimed Brian Crawley (A Little Princess), Violet is inspired by the short story, The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts, astounding critics and audiences alike in two separate decades. 

RECCOMMENDED FOR: 14+ 

TICKETS:

$17- 45

Call the Box Office for Industry Discount or for group ticket prices.

303-739-1970

*City of Aurora charges a $2 per ticket processing fee

Music by Jeanine Tesori, Lyrics and book by Brian Crawley

Based on “The Ugliest Pilgrim” by Doris Betts 

Directed by Ben Raanan

Thursday, June 25, 2026—2:00pm

Aurora Fox Mainstage Theatre

Winner of the Drama Critics’ Circle Award and Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical when it premiered Off-Broadway in 1997, and then on to a Tony-nominated Broadway debut in 2014 with a revised version, Violet is a moving musical featuring show-stopping anthems, ranging from American-roots to folk to gospel. With a score from Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Shrek; Fun Home) and book and lyrics by the acclaimed Brian Crawley (A Little Princess), Violet is inspired by the short story, The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts, astounding critics and audiences alike in two separate decades. 

RECCOMMENDED FOR: 14+ 

TICKETS:

$15

*City of Aurora charges a $2 per ticket processing fee

FoxLight Theatre Lab 2026, formerly known as Little Foxes, is a reimagined full-day summer theater camp designed to inspire and develop the next generation of artists. This three-week program, priced at $599, will run from July 6 to July 25 (Performances July 23 – 25) and is open to teens in grades 7 through 12, including rising seventh graders and recent graduates. Registration opens in early 2026. Led by professional theater artists, FoxLight Theatre Lab emphasizes production-centered learning.

Students will gain hands-on experience as they bring a Broadway hit to life. All roles played by FoxLight students – every student who registers will be cast, ensuring an inclusive and rewarding experience. Space is limited, making this an exciting opportunity for teens to participate in a transformative summer theater experience. FoxLight Theatre Lab is a production-centered youth theater program that provides students with hands-on experience in performance, collaboration and creative storytelling. The program emphasizes ensemble work and culminates in a final presentation for family and friends.

To Register- please check out here and be sure to fill out our information form HERE

Scholarship opportunities are available. Please email [email protected] to discuss.

Foxlight Theatre Lab deposit. Please pay the deposit of $50 to secure your spot for this summer.