Across social media platforms, musicals like “Wicked” and “Hamilton” dominate feeds, yet student attendance at regional theatres doesn’t accurately reflect the increased interest in theatre arts. Due to a lack of effective advertising, many Northeastern students have no idea about productions happening right next door to campus. The Huntington Theatre, for one, is only a block away from Krentzman Quad. Here are five shows this season in the Boston area with student pricing between $16 and $30 per ticket.
“Wonder”
Based on the novel “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio and the Lionsgate and Mandeville film of the same name, this new work will make its out-of-town tryout debut at the American Repertory Theater, or ART, Dec. 9 through Feb. 8, 2026. “Wonder” follows Auggie Pullman, a 10-year-old boy with a visible facial difference, as he and his family navigate bullying and belonging at a new school.
The all-new pop-inspired score of “Wonder” highlights themes of imagination, kindness and cruelty. With music by Grammy award-winning pop duo A Great Big World and script by world Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl, this family-favorite story shows promise for a Broadway transfer. The American Repertory Theater at Loeb Drama Center offers advance tickets for students and those under 25 for $30 plus fees (available via email, phone or in person), as well as rush tickets at $20 with no fees for same-day purchases by phone or in person.
“Black Swan”
Following Broadway-faring runs of “Gatsby: An American Myth” and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” choreographer Sonya Tayeh returns to the ART to present “Black Swan” — an original musical adaptation of the 2010 critically acclaimed film. With the book by Jen Silverman and music by Dave Malloy, the psychological horror-thriller examines obsessive ballerina Nina Sayers, who works at the New York City Ballet as she competes for the lead role in “Swan Lake,” and her eventual unraveling.
The most hyped of the ART season, running May 26, 2026, to June 28, 2026, rumors describe the original Malloy score as a combination of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Radiohead. Also at the Loeb Drama Center, advance student tickets are $30 plus fees, while rush tickets are $20.
“Fun Home”
Playing from Nov. 14 to Dec. 14, the Huntington Theatre brings to life Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori’s 2013 five-time Tony-winning musical based on Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir. Directed by Logan Ellis, the nonlinear narrative chronicles young lesbian Alison coming to terms with both her own and her father’s sexuality. This emotional rollercoaster of a musical grapples with themes of complex familial relations, suicide and acceptance. The Huntington offers student tickets for $25 plus fees using code “DISCOUNT” at checkout with a student ID required at the box office.
“Eureka Day”
Coming off the high of winning the 2025 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, Jonathon Spector’s satire “Eureka Day” explores the limits of corporate-speak when a measles outbreak sends a progressive California private school into pandemonium. The subsequent chaos makes for a side-splitting mirror of wholly modern debates on vaccines and social justice. Directed by Margot Bordelon, this comedy runs from May 29, 2026, to June 28, 2026, at The Huntington. Students can get $25 tickets by entering code “DISCOUNT” online and showing a student ID when picking them up.
“Kween”
Cambodian American playwright and author Vichet Chum debuts his original play “Kween,” adapted from his 2023 novel of the same title, at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre from Feb. 25, 2026, to March 15, 2026. “Kween” explores how Soma Kear, a young slam poet and queer Cambodian American, juggles newfound internet virality and the deportation of her father. Chum’s celebration of identity comes to life onstage in Lowell, about a 45-minute Commuter Line ride away from Boston. Merrimack Repertory Theatre offers $16 student tickets by selecting student pricing at checkout and showing a student ID at the box office.
As Broadway and touring prices skyrocket, supporting local theatres while utilizing student benefits is a great way to access quality art for affordable prices. Most theatres require student ID at pickup, so remember to bring your Northeastern ID. Remember to check theaters’ websites regularly, as many release day-of rush tickets or post last-minute discounts on social media.
