Blackfriars Theatre, located in Rochester, has officially announced the schedule for its upcoming 77th season. The unveiling took place during a press conference held on Monday, March 30, 2026.

A Season Designed to Spark Conversation

Executive Director Mary Tiballi Hoffman shared insights into the selection process for the new season. She emphasized the thematic focus of the chosen productions.

Hoffman stated that the selected shows are designed to initiate dialogue among attendees. She described the lineup as featuring productions that are simultaneously funny, provocative, and profoundly relevant to contemporary audiences.

Challenging Expectations

According to Hoffman, this season aims to push boundaries and encourage active engagement from the audience. She noted that the programming “challenges expectations and invites audiences to lean in.”

The announcement mentioned a production involving contributions from several creators, including book, music & lyrics by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel, and Jim Wan.

Other Local News Briefs

In other local news, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that no serious injuries resulted from a multi-vehicle collision on Monday. The incident involved 11 vehicles on Interstate 590.

Additionally, the Irondequoit Town Board took action regarding a struggling commercial property. The board voted on Monday to officially declare a troubled shopping plaza on East Ridge Road a public nuisance, leading to partial shutdowns.

Finally, a former police dog in Greece, N.Y., who sustained injuries during a training exercise, has successfully transitioned to a new home.