What begins as a thoughtful discussion of books quickly becomes something far more revealing in The Book Club Play, a smart, sharply funny comedy by acclaimed playwright Karen Zacarías.
Quick Facts
- Dates: January 28 – February 15, 2026
- Location: TheatreSquared, 477 W. Spring St., Fayetteville
- Showtimes: Performances are Tuesdays–Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM.
- Prices: $25–$71
- Tickets and Information: (479) 777-7477 or https://www.theatre2.org/the-book-club-play
From left to right: Shannon Leigh Webber, Alex Lydon | Credit: Wesley Hitt
Ana’s cherished book club is thrown off balance when a documentary crew begins filming their meetings, capturing not only opinions about literature but long-held assumptions, unspoken tensions, and surprising truths. With the arrival of a bold new member, unexpected book selections, and a healthy dose of chaos, The Book Club Play offers a witty and heartfelt look at friendship, identity, and what happens when people start reading between the lines.
"I hope this play unlocks joy, laughter, and recognition for a lot of people," says director Rebecca Rivas, Artistic Producer at TheatreSquared. "The show celebrates community while also asking what it really takes to listen to one another with generosity. The world we’re building in this production mixes the intimacy of a living room with a big screen experience. It’s a fun piece that we’re excited to share."
Praised by critics as "a delightful, fresh comedy … distinctive, sharp and exceptionally well written" (Talkin’ Broadway), The Book Club Play has also been described as "a celebration for all booklovers everywhere," with audiences saying that by the end, "you honestly feel like part of the book club" (BroadwayWorld).
Extending the Conversation Beyond the Stage
Reflecting the play’s themes of connection, dialogue, and shared experience, TheatreSquared has paired The Book Club Play with a robust slate of public programs.
Meet the Director
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM
A pre-show conversation with director Rebecca Rivas as part of TheatreSquared’s Meet the Creative Team series.
The Book Club Play Book Fair
Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
A free, all-day literary celebration featuring author readings, Q&A sessions, book signings, bookish vendors, and more—open to the public.
Script Circle
Sunday, January 8, 2026 at 12:30 PM
An interactive discussion in TheatreSquared’s Community Room exploring the script and themes of The Book Club Play.
Book Club Trivia Night
Wednesday, February 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM
A friendly trivia night celebrating books, authors, and literary culture. Teams or solo players are welcome.
Book Club Walk
Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM
A free, outdoor gathering combining audiobooks, conversation, and a group walk along the Lower Ramble trail. Meet in the TheatreSquared Commons.
Drag Book Bingo
Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM
A lively evening of bingo, bookish prizes, and drag performances. Admission is free; bingo cards are $5 each, purchased at the event.
Cast & Creative Credits
The Book Club Play features an ensemble cast of Michael Allyn Crawford, Na’Tosha De’Von, Ricardo Enrique, Talley Gale, Alex Lydon, and Shannon Leigh Webber.
The production is directed by Rebecca Rivas, with scenic design by Patrick Blanchard, costume design by Jennifer McClory, lighting design by Ebony M. Burton, sound design by Adrienne Johnson, properties design by Brodie Jasch, projections design by PA Worthington, and production stage management by Merit Glover.
Access Ticket Program
Through T2’s Lights Up! For Access program, supported by the Walmart Foundation, SNAP benefit recipients can purchase $1 tickets, while students and patrons under the age of 30 can purchase $15 tickets. Fully subsidized, free tickets are also available for clients of a number of local community service organizations. For more information, visit theatre2.org/lights-up.
Show Sponsors
About TheatreSquared
TheatreSquared’s signature offering of bold new plays in an intimate setting at 477 W. Spring St in downtown Fayetteville, AR has driven its growth to become the state’s largest theater, offering more than 350 performances annually in an intimate setting. The playwright-led company is one of mid-America’s leading laboratories for new work, having launched more than 70 new plays. Offering far-reaching access and education programs and an open-all-day gathering space, the Commons Bar/Café, TheatreSquared remains rooted in its founding vision, that "theater—done well and with passion—can transform lives and communities."
Major funding for the TheatreSquared Season 20 is provided by the Walton Family Foundation; the Walmart Foundation; the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation; the Windgate Foundation; the Shubert Foundation; the Simmons Family Foundation; the Tyson Family Foundation; the American Theatre Wing; the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Endowment for the Arts; Arts Midwest; Bob and Becky Alexander; Jane Hunt; Cece Box and Ric Cooper; Barbara Shadden; and Todd Simmons and Melissa Hall Simmons.
Marketing support for TheatreSquared Season 20 is provided by Experience Fayetteville, the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Fayetteville Flyer, 3W Magazine, CitiScapes, KUAF, 5NEWS, MailCo USA, iHeart Radio, NWA Daily, and ROARK.