WILKES-BARRE — Joell Yarmel, executive director of the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, said this week that 40 years ago, a group of dreamers believed that live performance could transform a community.
“As we celebrate our 40th season, we’re excited to share a year that honors our history while continuing to create new opportunities for audiences of all ages,” Yarmel said.
The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts has announced the release of its 2026-27 Season Brochure — marking the organization’s landmark 40th season and unveiling a year filled with exciting performances, community initiatives, film programming, and special anniversary celebrations.
Yarmel said the season reflects the Kirby Center’s enduring commitment to entertainment, education, and service, while honoring the vision that transformed a historic movie palace into one of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s premier cultural destinations.
“Today, as we recognize our 40th season as the F.M. Kirby Center, we honor not only the programs that lit our stage, but the generations of artists, audiences, volunteers, donors, and supporters who made those moments possible,” Yarmel said. “As you explore the season ahead, we’re excited to welcome you to a special year that celebrates our past and looks ahead to the future of live entertainment in our community.”
Yarmel said the important milestone will be celebrated with a special documentary, curated by the Kirby Center’s Marketing Director, Neil Prisco, premiering on the F.M. Kirby Center’s 40th anniversary, Sept. 19, 2026.
“This film dives into the rich history of where we came from and those that have blazed the trail to the great success we are today,” Yarmel said. “This event is open to our entire community and free of charge. You have made us who we are — and we can’t think of a better way to honor this occasion than alongside each of you.”
Yarmel said the Kirby Center will pay homage to the original movie house that the beautiful building once was by featuring The Honesdale National Bank’s Big Screen Summer Series free for children 12 and under, showing six movies in the Curtis Montz Film series, and screening timeless favorites like Mary Poppins and The Godfather in our Classic Film Series. All of these movies will be shown on the upgraded 20k-plus lumen projector, made possible by the generosity of The Luzerne Foundation.
Yarmel said the stage will come alive with performances by Derek Hough, Brit Floyd, and Ray LaMontagne. Families will create memories at Sesame Street Live! Elmo’s Got the Moves in October, while the tradition of the NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet continues in December.
The Kirby Center’s Signature Series will offer a culturally stimulating evening with Arrested Development as they sing and speak to their representation of eclectic and vibrant African sounds, while National Geographic Live gives our audience the chance to trek alongside penguins at the bottom of the world with ecologist Dr. Heather Lynch.
“But the best way to celebrate our 40th anniversary is by doing what we do best — giving back to our community,” Yarmel said. “This summer, we’re partnering with the United Way of Wyoming Valley to offer the inaugural Camp United at the F.M. Kirby Center — a free eight-week summer series centered on literacy, learning, and enrichment, designed to keep children engaged, curious, and connected during the summer months.”
Yarmel said the Kirby Center celebrated 10 sellout performances, including Steve Winwood, Louis C.K., Jerry Seinfeld, Dark Star Orchestra, and Chicago. The venue welcomed 7,000 local students free of charge through the Laux Young People’s Theater Series, donated 1,000 tickets to local charities and children’s organizations, greeted local trick-or-treaters in our spooky Box Office Halloween party, and hosted a free and moving concert by the United States Army Field Band that honored our local heroes.
“We are proud of the work we have done and the work we will build upon in the years ahead,” Yarmel said. “We have set the bar high, and we’re excited to continue exceeding expectations.”
Building on a record year
The announcement follows one of the most successful years in the Kirby Center’s history.
During the previous season, the theater generated an estimated $14 million economic impact, hosted 10 sold-out performances, welcomed more than 7,000 students through educational programming, donated 1,000 tickets to local charities and youth organizations, and presented numerous free community events.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
