Xavier University Theatre Launches Alumni Theatre Company
with THE GUYS, Sept. 10-12
(CINCINNATI, Aug. 24, 2026) – Xavier University Theatre launches its 2026-27 season, and the premiere production of the Xavier University Alumni Theatre Company, with Anne Nelson’s poignant play The Guys. The play runs Sept. 10-12.
In the days following the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, a New York City fire captain seeks a writer’s help to create eulogies for the firefighters lost in his unit. As they share stories of courage, humor and everyday life, the men behind the uniforms come vividly to life, and an unexpected friendship forms. Warm, heartfelt and deeply inspiring, this true story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the connections that help us heal. The Guys is a moving and uplifting drama presented to mark the 25th anniversary of September 11.
“Like so many others, I watched the events of September 11 unfold on live television. I remember what felt like a shared moment when the world realized that everything had changed,” said Stephen Skiles, chair of Xavier’s Department of Music and Theatre. “It is difficult to believe it is now 25 years since the events of that terrible day. It felt important to commemorate that time in our history and to pay respects to the individuals lost that day. And it felt equally appropriate to bring back some of our alumni to tell this vital story. I’m proud to be launching this new venture with Anne Nelson’s beautiful play.”
“One of the greatest responsibilities and honors of storytelling is to give voice to those who can no longer be heard. With The Guys, we have an obligation to remember September 11 with humanity at its forefront,” said Kelsey Schwarber, a 2021 Xavier Theatre alumna and director of The Guys. “Twenty-five years later, The Guys reminds us that our words are our tools: imperfect, and because of that, innately human. They bring us together, and they can bring life off the page, out of the textbook and beyond the headline, but only if we give them that power. They remind us that history is not simply something that happened, but rather something that happens to people. When we tell the stories of The Guys, we remember them not only for how they were lost but also for how they lived. We make history human.”
Sean Moss, who graduated in 2026 and who plays Nick in the production, echoes Schwarber’s comments about the humanity of the show. “The Guys is a beautiful and artistic testament to all the families that were deeply impacted by the terrorist attacks on 9/11,” he said. “However, this story doesn’t end in tragedy. As Anne Nelson beautifully said, this show ends with a recognition of the endurance of our common humanity.”
Sarah Malarney, a 2023 Xavier Theatre alumna who plays Joan, said, “Coming back to Xavier University Theatre feels like coming home in a sense. Being back in the spaces that helped shaped me gives me the chance to reflect on what I’ve learned, how much I’ve grown and the type of art I want to be part of. Being with fellow alumni who are all in different stages of post-grad life is a gift. Whether our years at Xavier overlapped or not, we cannot help but feel a kinship with each other and a shared goal of creating honest and moving art.”
The design team includes Xavier University junior Luke Heetderks (sound designer) and sophomore Tylen Gordon (prop designer). The show is stage managed by junior Anna Meister with technical direction by Joe Leonard. Stephen Skiles serves as producer.
Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 10, at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 11, and at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. Tickets are available now. They are $10 for adults and $5 for Xavier students, faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, visit https://xaviertheatre.ludus.com.
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