Broadway at The National just handed DC theatergoers a reason to plan their entire fall.
Single tickets for five productions: Maybe Happy Ending, Mamma Mia!, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, and Waitress are officially on sale now, as of noon today, Friday, July 17. The lineup runs from early October through mid-December, perfectly timed for conference season and holiday visits.
DYK? The National opened in 1835 and remains the nation’s oldest venue still presenting touring Broadway, three blocks from the White House and steps from Metro Center. Book early, because the best seats at this house go fast!
‘The Notebook’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’ Warm Up the Stage First
You do not have to wait until October, either. The Notebook, the musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ tearjerker, runs August 18–30, and Dirty Dancing follows September 29 through October 4.
‘Maybe Happy Ending’ Brings the Reigning Best Musical to DC
The six-time Tony winner, including Best Musical, plays a tight one-week engagement October 6–11. Directed by Tony winner Michael Arden, Maybe Happy Ending follows a chance encounter that sparks connection and maybe love, told through characters exploring what it means to be human — even though they are not. One week means limited chances, so lock this one in first.
‘Mamma Mia!’ Returns for a Three-Week 25th Anniversary Run
From October 27 through November 15, the ABBA-powered favorite gets the longest run of the fall. A bride invites three men from her mother’s past to a Greek island on the eve of her wedding, and the 25th Anniversary Tour delivers pure feel-good momentum with weekend matinees across three full weeks. Halloween night at 7:30pm may be the most fun seat in DC!
‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’ Remixes a Holiday Classic
November 17–22, Tchaikovsky meets turntables. Choreographed by Tony and Olivier nominee Jennifer Weber, The Hip Hop Nutcracker moves the classic tale to contemporary New York City with a dozen dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and digital graffiti visuals. Thanksgiving-week visitors should note the Sunday matinee closes the run.
‘Hell’s Kitchen’ and ‘Waitress’ Carry the Season Into December
Alicia Keys’ autobiographical hit Hell’s Kitchen, a New York Times Critic’s Pick, runs November 24 through December 6 with matinees over Thanksgiving weekend — ideal between museum stops. Then Sara Bareilles’ beloved Waitress serves its 10th Anniversary tour December 8–13, a warm and funny final course before Hamilton takes over December 16 for the holidays.
Buy Tickets Now and Start Planning for the 2026-27 Season
Tickets are on sale at BroadwayAtTheNational.com or the box office, the theatre’s only official ticket source. Groups of 10 or more save on most performances via groupsales@broadwayatthenational.com.
Get excited for what comes next: Oh, Mary! arrives February 9, 2027, with The Bodyguard, Operation Mincemeat, Just in Time, A Beautiful Noise, The Who’s Tommy, and Jersey Boys rounding out the 2026-27 season. Check the website and start planning ahead!
The Washington Lobbyist tracks DC’s theater calendar so travelers, convention goers, and locals can plan the perfect night out — bookmark us for your next great evening on Pennsylvania Avenue!
Feature image: The cast of ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ on Broadway. Credit: Marc J. Franklin.
