Harlequin Productions kicked off its 36th season on Saturday, August 1, with a gala that started with cocktails at Altitude 15 and ended with a multimedia reveal at the State Theater in downtown Olympia.

The 2027 lineup, themed "Fact/Fiction," includes seven shows.

Producing Artistic Director Aaron Lamb and emcee Beth Doglio presented the season to a crowd that had gathered first at Altitude 15 for a reception featuring food from Bite Me Catering, live jazz from award-winning band Eden Lane, a silent auction, and a wine toss. At 7:30 p.m., attendees walked to the State Theater at 202 4th Ave. E for the announcement, which included guest appearances by Harlequin company members, artists, and designers.

The format was new this year. In past seasons, the entire gala took place at the State Theater. This time, Harlequin split the evening between the Altitude 15 reception and the theater presentation, according to BroadwayWorld.

General admission tickets for the gala were $90, or $70 for existing subscribers.

Harlequin has performed at the State Theater since 1991 and offers accessibility options including closed-captioned performances, large-print and Braille programs, and audio-described shows. Every production includes at least one "Pay What You Can" date.

When Lamb introduced the 2026 "Home/Land" season in his artistic statement in August 2025, he wrote: "How do we transform this land into a home big enough for everyone?"

Next up at the State Theater: a Bold Voices staged reading of Sweat on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, followed by Barefoot in the Park opening Friday, August 21. Subscriptions and individual tickets are available at harlequinproductions.org/season-2027 or by calling the box office at (360) 786-0151, Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m.