While I love writing about Delaware’s scenic state parks, peaceful beaches and quaint downtowns, there are some days and nights when we just want to bask in cool air conditioned comfort. And that can be even better when you’re experiencing live theatre! With that in mind, here’s a rundown of some of the great shows coming to Delaware’s stages this month and next.
IN NEW CASTLE COUNTY
The City Theatre Company in Wilmington hosts Fearless Improv, featuring edgy comedy and all kinds of unexpected delights on August 14th at 8 p.m. at Wilmington Brew Works. Learn more at https://www.city-theater.org/.
The Everett Theatre in Middletown presents an evening of naughty cabaret on August 8th and 9th at 7:30 p.m. Learn more at https://www.simpletix.com/e/after-dark-cabaret-ii-tickets-221370.
Copeland Hall in Wilmington presents Direct from Sweden: The Music of Abba, where you’ll experience all of the greatest hits on September 4th. Learn more at https://www.thegrandwilmington.org/productions/8870-the-music-of-abba/.
The Candlelight Theatre in Wilmington is the place for cool Jimmy Buffet nostalgia with Escape to Margaritaville, a funny and upbeat musical running now through August 24th. Learn more at https://candlelighttheatredelaware.org/2025-season-main-stage-shows/.
Opera Delaware presents Puccini Portraits, with beloved selections from the famed composer’s La fanciulla del West and Madama Butterfly at the Ethel Sayre Recital Hall on September 12th at 7:30 p.m. and September 14th at 2 p.m. Learn more at https://operade.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/events/a0SPr0000021ROPMA2
The University of Delaware’s Resident Ensemble Players will present Every Brilliant Thing, a play about the human spirit by Duncan Macmillan and featuring Jonny Donahoe from September 5th through September 21st. Learn more at https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/theatre-and-dance/resident-ensemble-players/productions/every-brilliant-thing/.
The Smyrna Opera House features Footloose, running from now through September 20th. Learn more at https://smyrnaoperahouse.org/events/.
The Playhouse on Rodney Square in Wilmington presents Motown Magic, featuring the best of Smokey Robinson, the Temptations, the Jackson Five, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin and others on September 13th at 7:30 p.m. Get the details about this show and others at https://www.thegrandwilmington.org/venues/the-playhouse/.
The Queen in Wilmington welcomes psychic mind-reader Peter Antoniou on August 14th at 8 p.m. Learn more at https://thequeenwilmington.com/events/peter-antoniou-pretty-psychic-tour/
The Baby Grand in Wilmington presents a matinee performance of “Japanese Storytelling with Magical Masks, Mime and Music” by Kuniko Yamamoto at 1 p.m. on September 13th. Learn more at https://www.thegrandwilmington.org/productions/9055-kuniko-yamamoto/.
IN KENT COUNTY
The Kent County Theatre Guild in Dover presents Pie in the Sky, a two-woman play about love, life, and afterlife on September 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th, with a matinee performance on September 21st. Learn more at https://www.kctg.org/pieinthesky.
IN SUSSEX COUNTY
Clear Space in Rehoboth is all about musical theatre in August, with performances of Hairspray, Beautiful, the Carol King Musical and Rent. Get the details at https://www.clearspacetheatre.org/our-shows/2025-season/.
The Dickens Parlour Theatre in Ocean View is a great place for dinner at a show with more than a dozen comedy, cabaret and magic headliners performing all through August and September. Learn more at https://dickensparlourtheatre.com/calendar/.
First State Ballet Theatre is offering a free night of classical and modern performances at Freeman Arts Pavilion in Selbyville on August 27th at 7 p.m. Get the details at https://www.freemanarts.org/events/2025/ballet.
The Second Street Players bring a family-friendly performance of Villain School to Milford’s Riverfront Theatre on August 29th and 30th at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on August 31st. Learn more at http://www.secondstreetplayers.com/aboutVillainSchool.html.
The Milton Theatre in Milton offers one of the most extensive show schedules in Delaware, with performances of High School Musical and tributes to greats including Pat Benatar, Kansas and Styx, Kenny Rogers, John Fogerty, REO Speedwagon, the Beach Boys, Motown and Sinatra’s Rat Pack and concerts by local band Hot Sauce along with stand-up comedians, a psychic and a drag show. Learn about all these August shows at https://www.miltontheatre.com/events/.