DAYTON, OHIO:  The Human Race Theatre Company has announced its 2016–17 season, featuring two musicals and four plays.

“Thirty seasons—it’s hard to believe,” said president and artistic director Kevin Moore in a statement. “It’s a great milestone and a testament to the support of our audiences—many of whom, like me, have been with the Human Race since our start in 1986.”

The season will begin with the return of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Sept. 8–Oct. 2), with book by Hugh Wheeler, and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, about a barber seeking revenge in 19th century London.

Next up will be Tom Dudzick’s Hail Mary! (Nov. 3–20), a comedy about an aspiring nun who teaches unorthodox views on God to third graders at a Catholic elementary school.

Just in time for the holidays will be the return of The Santaland Diaries (Dec. 8–17), adapted by David Sedaris from Joe Mantello, about an elf-gone-bad helping Santa through the holiday shopping rush at Macy’s.

Following will be the world premiere of Eric Ulloa’s 26 Pebbles (Feb. 2–19, 2017), about the 26 lives that were taken at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.

The season will continue with Ernest Thompson’s On Golden Pond (April 6–23, 2017), about a family forced to open wounds and rediscover relationships while at their lakeside summer home.

Next will be the return of Anne of Green Gables (June 1–25, 2017), with book, music, and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, based on the book by Lucy Maud Montgomery, about an orphaned girl who changes the lives of her adoptive family on their farm on Prince Edward Island.

The Human Race Company, founded in 1986, is committed to developing new work, fulfilling artists residencies, providing educational programs, and bringing professional theatre to Dayton.