Broadway at The National 2026–27 Season: Hamilton, Mamma Mia!, and More Coming to D.C.

Taji Mag was invited to the Broadway at The National’s 2026–27 Season Reveal last week, and I’ll be honest—it was a pleasant surprise to see what’s coming to D.C. The night was hosted by the talented Victor Clayton, who opened with a ballad performance of “If I Ain’t Got You” from Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen. And trust—he absolutely killed it. The crowd was locked in, with people around me (including myself and my guest) completely wowed, and a few even singing along.

I’ve wanted to see Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway for a while, but scheduling never worked out. So, hearing it’s coming to D.C.? Yeah, I’ll be there. If Clayton’s performance is any indication of what the show delivers, I might even be back for a second viewing.

Next up was Just in Time, a musical centered on the life of Bobby Darin and his rise from teen idol to global star. We got a preview of a few performances, along with a reminder that the show will feature music from his catalog—something that should resonate with audiences who appreciate that era.

And then there was a moment for the Whitney Houston fans, myself included. The Bodyguard is coming to D.C., bringing with it songs we all know and love. When “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” played during the showcase, the energy in the room shifted immediately. People were moving, singing—it felt like a concert for a second. If the full production carries that same energy, this could be one of those shows audiences show up for and stay talking about after.

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical was another standout announcement. Created by the British comedy group SpitLip—David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts—the show has built a strong reputation for blending humor with history. It’s already won Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards and continues to get praise for its writing, performances, and inventive staging. It feels like one of those productions that sneaks up on you and becomes a favorite.

Then there’s Dirty Dancing, the stage adaptation of the iconic 1987 film. Directed by Lonny Price—who fans will remember from the original movie—the production leans into nostalgia while bringing that story to life in a new way. We even got a pre-recorded message from Price, building anticipation for its D.C. run. Early reactions describe it as a crowd-pleasing experience, and honestly, that tracks.

Maybe Happy Ending feels like one of the more unique shows in the lineup. Created by Will Aronson and Hue Park, it follows two helper robots as they navigate connection, loneliness, and what it means to feel something real. From what we saw and heard, it’s intimate despite its futuristic premise. The show has already earned recognition from the Drama Desk Awards and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and it’s easy to see why. It’s the kind of story that doesn’t try to overwhelm you; it just stays with you. As one review put it, “a tender, inventive musical that finds beauty in the smallest moments.”

And then came the biggest announcement of the night—Hamilton. Yes, the award-winning musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda is coming to D.C. next season. You already know what that means; tickets are going to move fast. From “My Shot” to “Satisfied” to “The Room Where It Happens,” this is one of those shows people show up for, no matter how many times they’ve seen it.

Some of the additional titles coming to The National include MAMMA MIA!, The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Waitress, Oh, Mary! (D.C. premiere), A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, The Who’s Tommy, and Jersey Boys. It’s a lineup that really covers everything.

With so many performances happening between The National and the Kennedy Center, and with more people looking for experiences outside of the movie theater, this feels like the perfect time to get out and catch a show. Whether you’re going with friends, on a date, or with family, there’s something here for everyone. And you never know, you might end up seeing the next big star before they break out.

The best part? You’re getting that Broadway-level experience right here in D.C., without having to book a flight, train, or hotel in New York, which isn’t always easy (or cheap) these days.

Get your tickets here.