(CINCINNATI, March 16, 2026) – Xavier University Theatre celebrates its 100th program production and final show of the 2025-2026 season with SPRING AWAKENING, running April 10-18.
SPRING AWAKENING is an exhilarating rock musical about the challenges and discoveries of growing up. The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, it follows a group of students navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood through a powerful story of youth, rebellion, and self‑discovery. A landmark work, SPRING AWAKENING energizes audiences with its fusion of morality, exploration, and rock‑and‑roll.
Stephen Skiles, Chair of the Music & Theatre Department and director of this year’s production, shares his excitement for this important achievement: “Over the decades, hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and guest artists have participated in theatre at Xavier. Our 2025–26 season is a celebration of the people who have dedicated countless hours and endless passion, both on and off the stage. First produced at Xavier Theatre in 2015, SPRING AWAKENING will mark the 100th production since the start of the new Theatre degree in 2013, and we can think of no better way to celebrate than by revisiting some of our most memorable productions from those first years, including SPRING AWAKENING.”
Senior Leo Jenkins (he/him), who plays Moritz, reflects on the significance of the show and the honor of it being the program’s 100th production: “For me, SPRING AWAKENING is a story about young people who are not listened to; who are not seen as mature enough to learn about the things that truly matter as they grow up. With Moritz, you see someone trying his best but is continually let down by the adults in his life and pushed to his limits. That story alone is incredibly powerful. The fact that we are presenting this musical again for our 100th production only reinforces how relevant the message still is today.”
Regan Utrup (she/her), an alum and one of the production’s assistant directors, describes the impact of returning to the Xavier Theatre community: “Assistant directing SPRING AWAKENING at Xavier has been an impactful continuation of my theatre education and a meaningful return to the place where I learned my craft. Working on this piece has reminded me that even in a world where information is instantly available at the touch of a screen, it remains vital to understand the dangers of misinformation and ignorance, especially for the younger generations shaping our future. I strongly encourage people to experience this story, its message, and of course, Duncan Sheik’s rockin’ score.”
Senior Sean Moss (he/him), who plays Melchior, reflects on his final year with Xavier Theatre: “Being part of Xavier Theatre’s 100th production since the major began is an honor. I can’t imagine a better show to be part of during my senior year. SPRING AWAKENING, though set in late‑19th‑century Germany, carries tremendous weight today, and it’s a story I’m thrilled to help tell. It also means the world to me that my last show here at Xavier is directed by Stephen Skiles. There is no one I would rather work with as my time here comes to a close.”
The cast also includes seniors Brookelyn Duncan (Adult Female) and Ben Hunt (Otto/Ulbrecht); juniors Luke Heetderks (Ernst/Reinhold), Gracie Phlipot (Thea), Cohen Rice (Adult Male), Brianna Starkey (Ensemble), Jamie Swisshelm (Ilse), and Bri Willingham (Martha); sophomores Olivia Burklow (Ensemble), Molly Ciuci (Ensemble), Tylen Gordon (Hanschen/Rupert), Taylor Mattingly (Wendla), and Anya Sperber (Martha); and first‑years Enzo Battaglia (Georg/Dieter) and Sophie Mullins (Ensemble).
The production is directed and produced by Stephen Skiles, with music direction by Scot Buzza. The design team includes Joe Beumer (Lighting & Set Designer), Jessica Pitcairn (Costume Designer), Jason Sebastian (Sound Designer), and Joe Leonard (Technical Director). Additional technical and design team members include Xavier Theatre alum Kelsey Schwarber (Assistant Director); Jaime Israel (Assistant Costume Designer); Hannah Barbee and Devyn Wallace (Costume Crew); Anna Meister and Nita Rajagopalan (Sound Team); alum Alec Schneider (Master Electrician); Nicole Grace (Light Board Operator); and Josi Pietrzyk and Loften Cooper (Spotlight Operators). The show is choreographed by Xavier alum Jenna Treinen. The stage manager is Anna Hittepole, with assistant stage managers Ellie McKenna and Annaliese Monahan.
Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on April 10, 11, 17, and 18, with matinee performances at 2:00 p.m. on April 12 and 18. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for Xavier students, faculty, and staff. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, visit: https://xaviertheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200515469
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 