Athenaeum Center Announces Fall 2026 Season on Dante Day

Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture announces its Fall 2026 Theatrical Season, led by Dante 360 and It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. Subscription packages are now on sale.

The announcement follows a successful 2025–26 Season, highlighted by the U.S. debut of Bernadette, The Musical, and builds on the organization’s growing momentum in producing new and original work.

The announcement coincides with Dante Day, the international celebration of Dante Alighieri, and reflects Athenaeum Center’s ongoing connection to Dante’s work, visible in the Historic Main Stage where a depiction of Dante and Beatrice crowns the proscenium.

“This season marks an important step in how we continue to shape our work at Athenaeum Center,” said Executive Director Lawrence Daufenbach. “It reflects a growing clarity in what we are building and the kind of work we are committed to presenting.”

The Fall 2026 Season brings together works that explore guidance, mercy, and renewal through story and performance. Anchored by two returning productions, the lineup continues Athenaeum Center’s commitment to presenting art that invites reflection and meaningful engagement.

Dante 360: November 13–15, 2026

Created and co-written by Executive Director Lawrence Daufenbach with Dr. Elizabeth Lev, Dante 360 was the first production produced by Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. Returning for its fifth staging, the work presents a multimedia journey through The Divine Comedy. Guided by Virgil, audiences move through Hell and Purgatory as Dante’s vision of justice, mercy, and redemption unfolds.

The production brings the text to life in an immersive format that makes the work immediate and accessible for contemporary audiences, continuing Athenaeum Center’s ongoing engagement with Dante’s legacy.

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play: December 11–31, 2026

A holiday tradition returns for its fourth season. Staged as a 1940s live radio broadcast, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play features vintage microphones, live sound effects, and an ensemble cast performing the classic story of George Bailey.

When George reaches a breaking point, he is met by Clarence, who reveals the impact of his life on those around him. The story offers a reminder that belonging is discovered through relationships and care for others.

Additional Programming
Additional programs will be announced as part of the Fall 2026 Season. These events will include music, poetry, and film that expand on the season’s themes. Subscribers will receive early access and first notice when tickets become available.

Subscriptions and Tickets
Subscription packages for the Fall 2026 Season are now available. Packages include access to both productions. Subscribers receive up to 20 percent off ticket prices, free ticket exchanges, and early access to additional programming as it is announced. Additional benefits include discounts on companion tickets and concessions.

Student and group sales open March 25, 2026. Interested groups and student organizations may contact the Athenaeum Center box office for booking and availability.

Single tickets for individual performances will be released at a later date.
For more information or to purchase subscriptions, visit athenaeumcenter.org or call (312) 820-6250.

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