One hundred years ago, a stage in Birmingham began telling stories that would shape generations. This month, the Virginia Samford Theatre honors that legacy as it launches its 2026-2027 Centennial Season, a celebration of a century spent bringing live theatre, storytelling, and artistic experience to Alabama audiences—and of the countless local artists who found their voice within its walls.
The historic season of Virginia Samford Theatre (VST) kicks off Sept. 17 with the world premiere of Growing Up With Atticus, a new theatrical experience created by and starring Mary Badham, who played Scout Finch in the Academy Award-winning film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, alongside Cecilia Peck, daughter of Gregory Peck, whose portrayal of Atticus Finch remains one of the most iconic performances in American film history.
Running Sept. 17-27, the production explores the legacy of Atticus Finch and the lasting relevance of the values at the heart of Harper Lee’s novel. Through personal reflections, film clips, and live conversation, Badham and Peck will examine how storytelling can inspire empathy, understanding, and social change.
“Reaching our 100th season is a moment of tremendous pride for everyone who has been part of Virginia Samford Theatre’s story,” said Philip Mann, executive director of Virginia Samford Theatre. “For a century, the theatre has been a place where artists, audiences and our community come together through the power of storytelling. This season celebrates where we’ve been, while also embracing the bold, creative future that lies ahead.”
The choice of opening production was deliberate, according to Sam Torres, VST’s director of marketing and communications.
“As we considered how to launch our centennial season, we wanted to begin with a production that reflects the very heart of what theatre does,” Torres said. “Growing Up With Atticus explores the lasting impact of a story that continues to shape conversations across generations. It is a celebration of empathy, humanity, and the extraordinary ability of stories to connect us, making it the perfect opening production for our Centennial.”
For a hundred years, VST has served as a cultural cornerstone for Birmingham, shaping generations of artists and audiences through live theatre. The Centennial Season honors that legacy while looking ahead, with a lineup spanning classic musicals, contemporary dramas, and special events:
- Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill: A Musical Voyage | Oct. 8-18, 2026
- Something Rotten! JR. | Nov. 19-22, 2026
- Sean of the South: Christmas Show | Dec. 10-20, 2026
- Spring Awakening | Feb. 4-14, 2027
- The Real Thing | March 11-14 & 18-21, 2027
- Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom | April 15-18, 2027
- La Cage aux Folles | June 17-27, 2027
- Crazy for You | July 29-Aug. 1, 2027
“Every production this season was selected with intention,” Mann said. “From beloved classics and groundbreaking musicals to powerful dramas and a world premiere event, these stories reflect who we are as a theatre and what we hope to inspire in the next generation of artists and audiences. We believe this centennial season honors our legacy while inviting our community to imagine what’s possible for the next 100 years.”
Tickets and season packages are available at Virginia Samford Theatre’s box office and online.
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