Tag Archives: Xavier University Theatre

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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(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