8 theater productions to see in Birmingham this August

Reviewed by: Pat Byington

Reading time: 6 minutes

LinkedIn
All Nighter
“All Nighter” at Terrific New Theatre is running now until Sunday, August 9. (Steven Ross for Terrific New Theatre)

August brings a dynamic lineup of live performances to stages across the Birmingham metro area. From classic musical revivals and youth productions to provocative new plays and impactful world premiere staged readings, local venues offer a variety of performances this month.

Here are eight theater arts shows performing in Birmingham this August.

1. “Barbecue” at Theatre Downtown

Theatre Downtown presents the Alabama premiere of “Barbecue,” written by Robert O’Hara and directed by Marc Raby.

The story begins as the O’Mallery siblings gather in a public park under the guise of a family picnic to stage an intervention for their sister Barbara. Armed with whiskey, pills and a Taser, the family’s chaotic plan takes an unexpected turn when the play resets mid-show with an entirely different cast. The production examines family dynamics, media stereotypes and racial politics through a satirical lens.

2. “All Nighter” at Terrific New Theatre

  • When: Running now until Sunday, Aug 9
    • Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30PM
    • Sunday matinees at 2:30PM
  • Where: Terrific New Theatre, 2112 5th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Audience: No rating — collegiate themes, mature language + drug use
  • Cost: $30 + taxes/fees

Terrific New Theatre continues its mainstage run of “All Nighter” through the first full week of August.

Set during the final week before college graduation, five senior roommates lock themselves in a campus ballroom for one last marathon study session. Fueled by caffeine, stress and Adderall, the night quickly devolves into a dark, fast-paced comedy as secret hookups, stolen items and long-held grievances unravel their friendship before sunrise.

3. “Grease” at Virginia Samford Theatre

The STARS youth program at Virginia Samford Theatre closes out its summer production of “Grease” during the first weekend of August.

Set at Rydell High in the 1950s, the rock ‘n’ roll musical follows the romance and high school reunion of Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski. The show features energetic choreography and classic numbers including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin'” and “You’re the One That I Want.”

4. “Shrek The Musical” at Homewood Theatre

Homewood Theatre presents a summer youth production camp performance of “Shrek The Musical.” The stage adaptation of the hit animated film follows the journey of an ogre who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona alongside his loyal companion, Donkey. The show brings fairytale characters, humor, and lively musical numbers to the Homewood stage.

5. “Bill Bugg and Friends Part 9” at Homewood Theatre

Homewood Theatre kicks off its 2026–2027 season with its annual cabaret showcase, “Bill Bugg and Friends Part 9.” Bill Bugg and guest vocalists perform a selection of Broadway show tunes and American standards backed by a live combo band.

6. “Buried Voices: A World Premiere Staged Reading” at Terrific New Theatre

Terrific New Theatre will host a two-night world premiere staged reading of “Buried Voices,” a new play by Alabama playwright Melanie van Betten Jeffcoat.

Set in 1902 Alabama, the narrative centers on an ambitious Black janitor and activist who is stripped of his right to vote and joins forces with Booker T. Washington and a New York attorney to mount a legal challenge against political powerhouses and the KKK.

All ticket proceeds benefit the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium. Both performances are followed by a panel discussion on voting rights in America featuring Senator Merika Coleman, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Archibald, civil rights attorney Faya Rose Touré, voting rights advocate John Paul Taylor and playwright Melanie van Betten Jeffcoat.

7. “Come From Away” at Red Mountain Theatre [$7 DISCOUNT CODE]

  • When: Friday, Aug 21–Sunday, Sept 20
    • Thursday–Saturday at 7:30PM
    • Saturday + Sunday matinees at 2PM
    • Preview Wednesday, Aug 19 at 7:30PM
  • Where: Red Mountain Theatre (Cromwell Theatre), 1600 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
  • Audience: Ages 13+
  • Cost: General adult admission starts at $40 + taxes/fees | BhamNow readers save $7 off adult tickets with code NOWSAVE7

Red Mountain Theatre presents the local debut of the Tony Award-winning musical “Come From Away.”

Based on real events surrounding the September 11 attacks, the show chronicles the arrival of 38 international flights diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. The town’s residents welcomed 7,000 stranded travelers, fostering community and solidarity during a moment of global crisis. The production runs 100 minutes without an intermission.

8. “The Cemetery Club” at South City Theatre

South City Theatre presents Ivan Menchell’s comedy-drama “The Cemetery Club.” The story centers on three Jewish widows in Forest Hills, Queens, who meet monthly for tea before visiting their husbands’ graves. The group’s long-standing routine and bond are tested when a local butcher enters the picture and begins courting one of the women.

LinkedIn
Mary Helene Hall
Mary Helene Hall

Breaking Content Producer. Casual birder + enjoyer of the Alabama outdoors. Frequent coffee shop patron. Ravenous reader. Previously @ AL.com, Georgia Trust for Local News, Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Get in touch at maryhelene@bhamnow.com.

Articles: 455

You might also like