The Argyle Theatre just unveiled a packed new season of musicals

By Sam Desmond

From the biblical B.C. era, to the soulful songwriting of the 1960s, The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village is rolling out a 2025-26 Main Stage season loaded with musicals designed to appeal to both families and seasoned theatergoers.

Evan Pappas, artistic director of the Argyle Theatre for the past seven years, spoke with Greater Long Island about curating the lineup.

“This year we got all five of our first choices,” said Pappas. “A lot of times a show will be playing in Manhattan or a tour will be launched and we won’t be able to secure the rights for a musical.”

Pappas credited the bold and ambitious programming to the returning talent in the Argyle’s growing family of actors and artists — including many young performers who will be featured in “Annie” and “Newsies.”

“The young ones are like sponges. They just absorb everything and are happy to learn. They’re at the beginning of their careers so to see them wide-eyed and hungry, thrilled and excited, but also scared, is familiar to those of us who have made a career in this field,” he said.

A former actor, Pappas made the transition to directing — a shift that has given him a deeper understanding of the many elements that create an unforgettable performance, from choreography and set design to props and lighting.

He also noted the Argyle’s growing role in revitalizing Babylon Village as a hub for the arts on Long Island.

“The caliber of the productions has gotten so strong and our base has grown by leaps and bounds,” he said. “We’re showing audiences that they don’t need to go to Broadway for a Broadway quality show — they can see one right here on Long Island. It’s wonderful [to see] the repeat theater-goers who’ll watch the same show multiple times in a run, and seeing husbands enjoying the theater.”

Sister Act

The season kicks off Sept. 18 with “Sister Act,” running through Oct. 26.

Popularized by the early ‘90s film starring Whoopi Goldberg, the musical follows disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, who disguises herself as a nun while hiding from a gang after witnessing a murder.

“I’ve heard the dance numbers be described as ‘boy band dancing nuns,’” said Pappas.

Annie

Next up is “Annie,” the classic tale of an optimistic orphan girl and the eccentric characters who surround her. “Annie” runs Nov. 13 through Jan. 4.

“‘Annie is iconic! I saw it in 1979 and it was indelibly etched into my brain! Although set in New York City, there is such a middle of America theme to ‘Annie’. We don’t mess with it. We don’t reinvent it. It’s like Mamma Mia, people want to see it the way they know it,” he said.

Newsies

Following “Annie” is “Newsies,” running Jan. 29 through March 22. Also set in New York City, it tells the story of Jack Kelly and his fellow newsboys rising up against exploitative newspaper barons.

“‘Newsies’ has a lot of acrobatic tap dancing on newspapers,” said Pappas.

The Prince of Egypt

On April 16, The Argyle presents the Long Island premiere of “The Prince of Egypt,” based on the DreamWorks animated film. The story follows Moses and Ramses, raised as brothers, who are torn apart by destiny — one to rule, the other to lead a people to freedom.

With no stage version to replicate, The Argyle’s design team is building the show’s elaborate set from scratch.

The production includes five songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning “When You Believe.” The show runs through June 7.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Closing out the season is “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” from June 25 through Aug. 30. The show charts King’s rise from Brooklyn teenager Carole Klein to a pop songwriting legend.

“Who doesn’t love Carole King?” said Pappas.

Audiences can expect to hear hits like “You’ve Got a Friend,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”

Tickets and season packages starting at $345 are available now at The Argyle Theatre at Babylon Village website.