TheatreSquared is bringing a bluegrass twist to a Russian literary classic this summer. Eugene Onegin — A Bluegrass Musical runs June 10 through June 28, 2026 at the Fayetteville theater, marking the production’s regional premiere after being developed at the 2024 Arkansas New Play Festival. The musical reimagines Alexander Pushkin’s verse novel as a distinctly American folk production, blending the story of the jaded aristocrat Eugene Onegin and his tragic relationship with Tatiana and Lensky with bluegrass instrumentation and original songs. Sarah Gancher, the Obie Award-winning creator of Russian Troll, wrote the music, book, and lyrics. She adapted the 19th-century Russian source material — which follows a disillusioned dandy who rejects a young woman’s love, only to regret it years later — into a contemporary Appalachian setting. Rachel Chavkin, known for directing the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, directs the production. She previously worked with Gancher on that musical’s development. The creative team includes music supervision by Liam Robinson, who also handled arrangements and orchestrations alongside Todd Sickafoose. Steph Paul serves as choreographer. Sickafoose is a Grammy-nominated composer and arranger known for his work with artists including Ani DiFranco, Tribe, and the indie rock band Anders. Robinson is a composer, music director, and arranger whose credits span theater and recordings. This marks the second consecutive season TheatreSquared has featured work from Gancher, following the Arkansas New Play Festival’s development of the piece. The festival, held annually in Fayetteville, provides developmental support for new works by emerging and established playwrights. Season subscriptions for TheatreSquared’s 21st season are currently available, with single tickets for Eugene Onegin expected to go on sale in the coming weeks. The theatre is located at 417 W. Mountain Street in Fayetteville. For more information, visit theatre2.org.
Source: TheatreSquared Fayetteville
