Musical Theatre West
Upcoming MTW Productions at the Carpenter Center
For nearly three decades, Musical Theatre West has proudly called the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center its home. As one of Southern California's premier regional theatre companies, MTW is dedicated to bringing Broadway-caliber productions to Long Beach.
Tickets to our resident company's performances are available from Musical Theatre West's website, musical.org.
Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story
July 11–27, 2025
Before the “Million Dollar Quartet” got together to make music history, one man was emerging as the face of rock ‘n’ roll, and his name was Buddy. Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story explores the life and music of one of rock 'n' roll's pioneers, from his humble beginnings in Lubbock, Texas, to his meteoric rise to fame. With hits like "Peggy Sue" and "That'll Be the Day," this musical captures the essence of Buddy's unique sound and enduring legacy, and will leave you toe-tapping and hand-clapping all the way home!
Hello, Dolly!
October 17–November 2, 2025
Put On Your Sunday Clothes, because Dolly is coming to the Carpenter Center! Hello, Dolly! follows the larger-than-life matchmaker Dolly Levi as she meddles in the romantic affairs of the city's elite in turn-of-the-century New York City. This Broadway classic is full of wit, charm, and show-stopping dance numbers galore. With iconic songs like "Before the Parade Passes By," “It Only Takes a Moment,” and, of course, the title song, Hello, Dolly! is a joyous celebration of love, life, and the indomitable spirit of one legendary woman.
Man of La Mancha
February 13 – March 1, 2026
Bold, theatrical, and timelessly relevant, Man of La Mancha is a masterwork of musical theatre that explores the thin line between reality and illusion. Set in the dungeons of the Spanish Inquisition, playwright and tax collector Miguel de Cervantes mounts a passionate defense of his life’s work by transforming his fellow prisoners into the characters from the beloved story of Don Quixote. With its stirring score, including the iconic anthem “The Impossible Dream,” Man of La Mancha challenges us to see the world not as it is, but as it should be.
In the Heights
April 10 – 26, 2026
Before Hamilton took the world by storm, Lin-Manuel Miranda used his real life as inspiration to create In the Heights, a vibrant, Tony Award-winning musical that pulses with the rhythm of the streets and the heart of a community. Set in New York’s Washington Heights, this exhilarating story follows a neighborhood as they dream of escape, belonging, and a future full of promise. Through a score infused with hip-hop, salsa, and soul, this musical celebrates the hopes that propel us forward as one neighborhood strives to hold onto its roots while reaching for something more.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
July 10 – 26, 2026
Go Go Go JOE! Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a dazzling celebration of hope, resilience, and the power of dreams. Based on the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers, and his multicolored coat, this high-energy musical follows Joseph’s journey from betrayal to triumph as his unshakable belief in his dreams leads him to greatness. With an unforgettable score that spans genres from pop to rock to jazz, this vibrant, heartwarming show explores how dreams can change the course of fate and reveal the true potential within us all.
Little Women
November 6 – 22, 2026
Every generation has their version of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless novel Little Women. The March sisters’ story of growing up and chasing their dreams has impacted audiences of all ages, and this musical version will make the next generation fall in love with Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy, and the beautiful world they inhabit. With a soaring score and poignant lyrics, Little Women captures the hope, love, and personal sacrifice that shape the March sisters’ journey, reminding us all that no dream is too big when you have the support of those you love.
