Singing with the Stars 2026

Duluth Playhouse invites the community to an evening of live performance and friendly competition in support of local theater at Singing with the Stars.

Now in its fourth year, the annual fundraiser brings local personalities to the stage for a musical showdown, raising funds for the School of Performing Arts, Duluth Playhouse productions and the NorShor Theatre. Equal parts performance and party, the event celebrates the artists, students and spaces that make theater possible in the region.

Champagne, savory bites and desserts are available throughout the evening.

The show includes a reprise performance from 2025 Champion Sara Cole, along with a sneak peek of the Playhouse’s upcoming Youth Theatre production of Seussical Jr. Before the winner is announced at the end of the night, Duluth Playhouse will unveil its 2026-2027 Main Stage season, giving guests the opportunity to renew their subscriptions or become new season members.

At the center of the event is a competition featuring Broadway-inspired performances by Aubrey Hagen (Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce), Brielle Bredsten (Duluth News Tribune), Hope Olson (148th Fighter Wing), Jonathan Thunder (visual storyteller and artist), Joseph Zastrow (Bell Bank), Justin Liles (WDIO-TV), Pez Davila (Neighborhood Youth Services), Shaina Nickila (Coldwell Banker Realty), Zach Arrington (Cirrus Aircraft), and Erik and Erin Sather (Essentia Health).

Celebrity judges include Duluth Playhouse’s former artistic director Phillip Fazio, Laura Lee of Northern News Now, and last year’s winner Sara Cole of Lake Superior YMCA, who will offer commentary.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available online at duluthplayhouse.org or by visiting the box office at the NorShor Theatre, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by calling 218-733-7555.