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.
The series begins April 18 at 7:30 p.m. with “Peace In The Valley: A Tribute to the Gospel Recordings of Johnny Cash & 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 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 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, and 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, and 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), and a brand-new about Mermaids by Billy Recce (Aug. 21 - 30), the newest installment in the theatre’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.
Founded in 1961, Timber Lake Playhouse is Illinois’ oldest continuously operating professional summer theatre and has welcomed audiences to its unique outdoor setting for more than six decades.
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.
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.
Mission Statement:
To provide the best expression of theatre arts to the regional community by presenting creative works that entertain and inspire, while helping aspiring artists transition to the profession.
