Orlando Family Stage launches centennial with world premiere of The Best Halloween Ever

Orlando Family Stage is opening a world premiere adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s The Best Halloween Ever Oct. 10-Nov. 1, 2026, in Orlando as part of its 100th year. The production launches locally before becoming available to theaters nationwide through Concord Theatricals.

Why it matters: - Orlando Family Stage is using its centennial to do what it has long tried to do: develop new work in Orlando and send it to theaters nationwide. - The production gives Barbara Robinson’s Herdmans a first-ever stage outing, expanding a familiar family story into live theater for young audiences. - The premiere reinforces Orlando Family Stage’s role as one of the nation’s largest professional theaters for young audiences.

What happened: - Orlando Family Stage is presenting the world premiere of The Best Halloween Ever from Oct. 10 through Nov. 1, 2026. - The new stage adaptation is based on Barbara Robinson’s novel and is written by Jahnna Beecham and Skye Hillgartner. - Dimitri Vogt Toscas is directing the production. - The show debuts in Orlando before becoming available to theaters nationwide through Concord Theatricals. - Field trip performances run Oct. 5-30, 2026. - Public performances run Oct. 10-Nov. 1, 2026. - The venue is Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803. - Tickets are available at OrlandoFamilyStage.com or by calling (407) 896-7365.

The details: - Orlando Family Stage was founded in 1926 as the Orlando Little Players. - The theater says it has spent a century developing new work with playwrights and releasing it beyond Central Florida. - The Herdmans are appearing onstage for the first time in this production. - Beecham’s earlier musical adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, co-written with Malcolm Hillgartner, has had nearly 300 productions since its 2016 premiere at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. - The play was developed with Orlando Family Stage through a reading at the inaugural Florida Children’s Book Festival in February 2026. - That festival was hosted by the theater and drew thousands of Central Florida families. - Workshops shaped the script with Artistic Director Jeff Revels, Toscas and Orlando Family Stage performers. - Orlando Family Stage also points to its Youth Academy, school-based arts programs across Central Florida and its partnership with the UCF MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences. - Accessibility options include ASL-interpreted, audio-described and relaxed performances, with the full schedule posted at accessibility information.

Between the lines: - The premiere fits Orlando Family Stage’s broader strategy of centering original work, rather than relying only on established titles. - The company is framing the show as both a centennial celebration and proof of its development model. - The local debut followed a workshop process, which suggests the production was built to travel after Orlando rather than remain a one-off event. - The company is also tying the premiere to audience-building work for children and families, especially through school and youth programming.

What's next: - Orlando Family Stage will continue the show’s run through Nov. 1, 2026. - Concord Theatricals will make the play available for other theaters after the Orlando premiere. - The theater is directing audiences to its accessibility page for updated performance options and schedules.

The bottom line: - Orlando Family Stage is marking 100 years by turning a local premiere into a potential national title.