Photo by Ron Heerkens, Jr. / Goat Factory Media Entertainment, LLC
Broadway in the Finger Lakes Returns
to the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse
Josh Katzker, Director of Marketing for The REV Theatre Company
As the calendar turns from May to June, all the indicators of summer in the Finger Lakes are there: The sun is shining. The sky is blue. The average temperature is rising. The trees are leafing out. The lakes are dotted with boats. The restaurants are seating guests outdoors.
And at Emerson Park, steps away from the northern shore of Owasco Lake, as the sun begins to consider dipping below the western horizon, people are gathering outside the century-old Merry-Go-Round Playhouse for the first performance of The REV Theatre Company’s summer musical theatre season.
Since 1971, seeing a musical at the Playhouse has been a beloved summer pastime, not just for residents of Cayuga County, but for our neighbors across the Finger Lakes and visitors to the region from across the United States and the world. Over the last 55 years, the productions have grown from modest performances in the unairconditioned shell of a carousel house to Broadway-caliber spectacles in a fully professionalized (and climate-controlled!) theatre.
As the summer of 2026 begins, The REV is preparing another slate of dynamic musicals, but the Playhouse has already been buzzing with activity. This winter and spring, The REV officially launched its new Concert Series, which supplements their musical productions with one-off concert performances. In February, The REV welcomed “Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years,” a tribute to the music of Simon & Garfunkel. They followed that up with performances in May by “Elton Rohn,” North America’s premier Elton John tribute, and a Bob Seger tribute act called “Forever Seger: The Silver Bullet Experience.” On July 23, The REV will welcome Jimmy Moses, better known as the “Stage Door Medium,” who will lead audiences through live readings in what he promises will be “an evening of genuine connection and undeniable proof from our loved ones who’ve passed.” In October, once the mainstage season has closed, “ABBA Revisited” and “The Rat Pack is Back!” will fill the Playhouse with familiar tunes that audiences have loved for years.
Of course, the primary attractions at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse are The REV’s musicals, which are regularly acclaimed for their artistic execution. With Broadway-level talent on stage and behind the scenes, it’s no surprise that audiences are regularly blown away by what they see on stage.
Presenting the 2026 Musical Season
The REV’s 2026 season features four dynamic musicals that feature something for everyone.
The season opens in June with A Bronx Tale. Originally a one-man show written and performed by Chazz Palminteri and then adapted into a now-classic film directed by and starring Robert De Niro, A Bronx Tale is a streetwise musical comedy that transports audiences back to the Bronx in the 1960s where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. It features a doo wop score by Tony and Academy Award-winning composer, Alan Menken and is a faithful adaptation of the film so many have grown to love. Running June 3-20, A Bronx Tale is recommended for patrons aged ten and up and is rated PG-13 for strong language and mild violence.
In July, The REV will take us from the Bronx to the jungles of Africa for the stage adaptation of a timeless and beautiful story about love, identity, and belonging – Disney’s Tarzan. A soaring musical with a heart-pumping score by rock legend Phil Collins, Tarzan is a deeply human story about a young man at odds with the world that raised him and the world that lies beyond. Full of action, humor, and heart, Tarzan is a special show for the whole family. See it July 8-25.
The third show of The REV’s 2026 season already has audiences buzzing – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Carousel. A gripping tale of hope, redemption, and the power of love, Carousel was voted Time Magazine’s best musical of the 20th century. Featuring perhaps their most iconic song, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel is the classic American musical, spanning heaven and earth in its exploration of human frailty, resilience, and the power of forgiveness. As announced in May, this production, running August 12-29, will be lead by Broadway, West End, and opera star Zachary James in the role of Billy Bigelow. It is rated PG.
The season wraps up September 16-October 3 with the ultimate tribute to 80’s rock anthems and power ballads – Rock of Ages. Featuring a small-town girl, a city boy, some romance, and some of your favorite 80’s hits, Rock of Ages is packed with energy, humor, and all the rock hits that defined a generation. It’s the perfect night out for music lovers who also enjoy a show! Rock of Ages is rated PG-13 for crude language, adult references, and sexual innuendo.
Theatre is Good for Your Health
If the titles and the quality aren’t enough to convince you to make The REV part of your summer plans, here are two more things to consider:
First, these aren’t “bus and truck” shows that travel the country. The REV produces each of their shows from scratch. Costumes and props are built and rehearsals are held in their North Street office and studio spaces, while the sets are constructed in their scene shop near Emerson Park. Everything is built in Cayuga County for residents and visitors to Cayuga County.
Second, a recent study found that engaging with arts and culture can slow biological aging as much as exercise! After a full day of hiking or boating or wine tasting or taking advantage of any of the myriad daytime activities Cayuga County has to offer, isn’t it wonderful to know that you can top it off with another activity that is good for you?
Set the Stage for a Great Night Out
Finally, The REV has a number of restaurant partners in and around Auburn that offer dinner specials to theatre goers. For example, Prison City is offering a prix-fixe menu at the Armory 1859 on State Street. Balloons offers a special 10% to diners headed to The REV. Lasca’s, Moro’s Table, Parkers 129 are also great pre-show options for sit down dining in Auburn. If you’re looking for something quick before a matinee, Auburn Bagel Company and Mesa Grande Taqueria have you covered. Need something sweet? Try Reese’s Dairy Bar in Aurelius. If you’re coming from out of town, Fields Restaurant at Skaneateles Fields is an excellent option, as is Potters Farm to Fork in Port Byron. There are also many other wonderful options to choose from in the area. Be sure to check them out!
The summer of 2026 is going to be one to remember, so be sure to come out to the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse to see one of The REV’s productions and spend an evening at the theatre nourishing your body and your mind – you’ll be glad you did.