Tag Archives: Xavier University Theatre

October 16, 2025 · 5:05 pm

THE CRUCIBLE Runs Nov. 14-22

THE CRUCIBLE
Xavier University Theatre
Nov. 14-22
Gallagher Student Center Theatre [Evanston]

Directed by Regina Pugh

In Salem in the late 1600s, a group of young girls accuse others of witchcraft sparking an alarming series of events. The leaders of the church respond with suspicion and put those accused on trial for their lives ultimately leaving a town in fear, and the man at the center of it all questioning his faith and morality. One of the greatest American plays of all time and winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, this heart-pounding drama is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society.

  • Fri-Sat, Nov. 14-15 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 16 at 2pm
  • Fri, Nov. 21 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 22 at 2pm & 7:30pm

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September 16, 2025 · 7:56 pm

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Runs Oct. 16-19

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Xavier University Theatre
Oct. 16-19
Gallagher Student Center Theatre [Evanston]

Directed by Suann Pollock
Choreographed by Jenna Treinen

Ever wanted to fit in? Ever thought that second place wasn’t good enough or that winning could finally help you figure out who you are? THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is the story of a group of socially awkward kids finding joy, heartache and a purpose competing at the regional spelling bee. Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk awards for best book, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience!

  • Thu-Fri, Oct. 16-17 at 7:30pm
  • Sat-Sun, Oct. 18-19 at 2pm & 7:30pm

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May 20, 2025 · 3:31 pm

2025-2026 Season Announced by Xavier University

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Oct. 16-19
Gallagher Student Center Theatre

Directed by Suann Pollock
Choreographed by Jenna Treinen

Ever wanted to fit in? Ever thought that second place wasn’t good enough or that winning could finally help you figure out who you are? THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is the story of a group of socially awkward kids finding joy, heartache and a purpose competing at the regional spelling bee. Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk awards for best book, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience!

THE CRUCIBLE
Nov. 14-22
Gallagher Student Center Theatre

Directed by Regina Pugh

In Salem in the late 1600s, a group of young girls accuse others of witchcraft sparking an alarming series of events. The leaders of the church respond with suspicion and put those accused on trial for their lives ultimately leaving a town in fear, and the man at the center of it all questioning his faith and morality. One of the greatest American plays of all time and winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, this heart-pounding drama is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society.

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) [REVISED]
Feb. 12-15, 2020
Gallagher Student Center Onstage Theatre

Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips

All 37 Plays in 97 Minutes! An irreverent, fast-paced romp through the Bard’s plays, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE: (ABRIDGED) was London’s longest-running comedy! Join these madcap players in tights as they weave their wicked way through all of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies in one wild ride that will leave you breathless and helpless with laughter.

SLUT SHAMING by Trey Tatum
Feb. 19-22, 2026
Gallagher Student Center Onstage Theatre

Directed by Bridget Leak

Lauren Lucas, time traveler, views her attack, the trial, the aftermath, and her life-at-large simultaneously. She sees the woman she will become, the undamaged girl she once was; she learns how far into the future this event will consume her. And then she wakes up in the present, in high school, and she knows the struggles that lay waiting. The Artists’ Pick of the 2014 Cincinnati Fringe Festival, SLUT SHAMING is a Time-Travel Rape Adventure that explores how small town communities aggravate teenage sexual assault.

SPRING AWAKENING
April 10-18
Gallagher Student Center Theatre

Directed by Stephen Skiles
Music Directed by Dr. Scot Buzza
Conducted by Dr Ben Chamberlain
Choreographed by Jenna Treinen

SPRING AWAKENING is an exhilarating rock musical about the trials and tribulations of growing up. The winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical, SPRING AWAKENING follows a group of students as they navigate the journey from adolescence to adulthood through a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion. A landmark musical, SPRING AWAKENING electrifies audiences with its fusion of morality, sexuality and rock and roll.

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February 27, 2025 · 5:54 pm

SUMMER SLAY-CATION Runs March 28-April 6

SUMMER SLAY-CATION
Xavier University Theatre
March 28-April 6
Gallagher Student Center Theatre [Evanston]

By Trey Tatum
Directed by Bridget Leak

Cast: Mattie Cieplak, Tate Clemons, Nicole Grace, Emma Halloran, Luke Heetderks, Raya Franklin, Anna Meister, Richie Pokrywka & Jayley Sams

A pulpy, schlocky, Choose-Your-Own-Adventure about finding yourself while lost in the woods

They say that summer camp closed down after that rash of murders – or, maybe – they say the government performs secret experiments at an underground bunker in those woods – or, maybe – they say all these animal carcasses as the result of creatures that stalk long after sundown. Either way, whoever enters those woods comes out changed, if at all.

Part play, part game, Summer Slay-cation! is a story where the audience decides what terrible things happen in the wilderness, and then struggles to bring themselves back to civilization.

  • Fri, March 28 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, March 29 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Fri, April 4 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, April 5 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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January 27, 2025 · 5:23 pm

Xavier University Theatre Presents PIPPIN, Feb. 14-22

(CINCINNATI, January 24, 2025) – Xavier University Theatre continues its 2024-25 season with Stephen Schwartz’s classic musical, Pippin. The show will run February 14-22.

Join the enigmatic Leading Player and their magical troupe as they lead Pippin and the audience on an immersive journey through a contemporary club scene.  Experience Pippin’s struggle to find their place in this dazzling and intoxicating world.

Carolyn Guido Clifford (she/her), who directs the show, is drawn to Pippin for a unique reason. “I see the musical as an exploration of gender and self. Pippin, like all of us, is trapped in a world eager to impose labels. The show invites us to question those definitions and explore what it means to find inner peace and confidence—even without having all the answers.”

Junior Leo Jenkins (he/him), who plays Pippin, is excited for audiences to be uniquely immersed in the world of the musical, being performed in the intimate Gallagher Student Center Studio Theatre. “Pippin is such an interesting story when it comes to finding oneself in the chaos that is the world. There are so many ways the show can resonate with members of the audience and actors, bringing everyone together to reflect on the tumultuous time that is finding your belonging and purpose in life,” he said.

Senior Kate Crisp (she/her), who plays Fastrada, points out the poignancy of the theme of self-discovery in college. She said, “Pippin explores the universal message of finding your place in the world, a theme that resonates deeply during the pivotal college years when young adults are discovering how they want to express themselves.”

The cast includes seniors Owen Clark (Charlemagne), Kate Crisp (Fastrada), Mary McMurray (Leading Player), and Tierra London Rush (Catherine); junior Jenkins (Pippin); sophomore Josi Pietrzyk (Berthe); and first-year student Loften Cooper (Lewis/Theo).

The show is directed and choreographed by Carolyn Guido Clifford. Music direction is by Erin McCamley. The design team includes Joe Leonard (technical director and set designer), Rob Holland (light designer), Jessica Pitcairn (costume designer), and Jason Sebastian (sound designer), and sophomores Darah Chandler and Loretta Rubin (props designers). The associate choreographer is sophomore Gracie Phlipot. The stage managers are senior Mattie Cieplak and first-year Anya Sperber, and the assistant stage managers are junior Brookelyn Duncan and sophomore Julianne Schultz.

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on February 14, 15, 21, and 22, and 2:00 pm on February 16 and 22. Tickets are limited and are available now. They are $20 each for adults and $15 each for Xavier students, faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, visit https://xaviertheatre.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200455420.

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