Before launching into its 65th Anniversary Season this summer, Timber Lake Playhouse will welcome audiences back to the Theatre in the Woods this spring, with three special, one-night events–featuring music, comedy, and magic. Tickets for all spring events and the 2026 season are available now. For more information or to reserve seats, visit www.TimberLakePlayhouse.org or call 815-244-2035.
The series begins Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. with “Peace In The Valley: A Tribute to the Gospel Recordings of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley,” starring Jonny Lyons. The concert celebrates the spiritual recordings of two of America’s most iconic performers, bringing together beloved gospel classics, associated with both Cash and Presley in a powerfully moving evening of music.
The following week, on Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m., the high-energy duo Felix and Fingers brings its acclaimed Dueling Pianos show to Timber Lake Playhouse. Known for their interactive performances, the musicians invite audience members to request songs spanning decades and genres, creating a lively night of music, comedy, and sing-along fun.
The spring series concludes Saturday, May 16, at 7:30 p.m. with “Jason Hudy: Mesmerizing Magic.” Hudy, an internationally recognized illusionist and entertainer, blends sleight of hand, storytelling, and audience participation, in a performance that promises surprises and unforgettable moments.
“These spring events are a wonderful way to welcome audiences back to Timber Lake Playhouse ahead of our 65th Anniversary Season. Each one offers something totally unique. Jonny Lyons is one of our most beloved returning artists and is bringing a brand new act to our stage. Felix and Fingers gives the audience the chance to shape the evening’s music in real time. Jason Hudy is a world class entertainer I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with closely, at theme parks and on Le Cabaret Rouge aboard MSC Cruises. Together, these events offer a sneak peek at the level of exclusive, high caliber entertainment still to come this year at Timber Lake Playhouse,” said Artistic Director Tommy Ranieri.
Following the spring events, Timber Lake Playhouse will present its 65th Anniversary Mainstage Season, opening with “Godspell” (May 29 – June 7.) The season continues with “Les Misérables” (June 12 – 28); “Cabaret” (July 3 – 12); “Shrek The Musical” (July 17 – Aug. 2); “Hands On a Hardbody” (Aug. 7 – 16); “The Mermaids” by Billy Recce (Aug. 21 – 30), the newest installment in Timber Lake’s Andy Bro New Works Commission series.
In addition, Timber Lake Playhouse will present the special fall production “Constellations” by Nick Payne from Sept. 4 – 13.
About Timber Lake Playhouse
Timber Lake Playhouse is Illinois’ longest-running professional summer theatre, producing a diverse array of performances from iconic musicals to new works. TLP fosters community engagement and artistic excellence and seeks a visionary leader to help sustain and grow its reputation as a cultural cornerstone of the region. Timber Lake Playhouse is a Tier 8 Small Professional Theatre with Actors’ Equity Association.