Tag Archives: Xavier University Theatre

Xavier University Theatre Presents
RICHARD O’BRIEN’S THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Oct. 23-31

(CINCINNATI, Oct. 1, 2026) – Xavier University Theatre continues its 2026-27 season with the hit musical Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. The show runs Oct. 23-31. 

The ultimate cult musical experience, The Rocky Horror Show is a wild, hilarious ride packed with rock ‘n’ roll, sci-fi thrills, outrageous characters and audience-fueled fun. When wholesome sweethearts Brad and Janet seek shelter from a storm in the eerie castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, they are swept into a world of unforgettable music, over-the-top antics and deliciously campy chaos. Fresh from its acclaimed 50th-anniversary Broadway revival, which earned nine Tony Award nominations, The Rocky Horror Show remains the most outrageous party in town, and a perfect celebration for Halloween night!

“Rocky Horror is as groundbreaking today as when it premiered,” said Stephen Skiles, chair of Xavier’s Department of Music and Theatre, and director of the show. “It is funny, energetic, timely and original. We’ve had great conversations in rehearsal about the show’s inclusion and identity themes, and I’m really excited to bring this fun and poignant musical to the stage at Xavier.” 

Senior Kyra Sander (she/her), who plays Janet, looks forward to sharing the Xavier students’ perspective on the play with audiences. “I’m excited to bring RHS to the Xavier Theatre stage because we are introducing a new perspective on this iconic play, while still paying homage to the play’s legacy. Uncovering the heart of this story has been beautiful, and rehearsals have been such a blast. Getting to work with an amazing cast and production team has been incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to share these past few weeks of hard work and dedication with the community,” she said.

Senior Jamie Swisshelm (they/them), who plays Frank-N-Furter, said the show feels as timely as ever. “The Rocky Horror Show is still so important and relevant,” they said. “At its core, it’s a story about finding yourself, and finding comfort and liberation within that. That message is hidden under layers of camp and fun, but it is there, and it rings loud and true. Every single rehearsal has been filled with fun and laughter. I think audiences are really going to enjoy what we have in store.” 

And senior Josi Pietrzyk (she/her), who plays Magenta, notes the cultural impact of the show, saying, “The Rocky Horror Show is a playful love letter to classic sci-fi, horror films and musical theatre, but its cultural impact also means a lot to me. There aren’t many shows that have the fanbase and community ofRocky Horror, which highlights its impact. I’m really excited for people to see our production. We honor that legacy, while also subverting expectations about the show.”

The cast includes seniors Luke Heetderks (Brad), Pietrzyk (Magenta), Cohen Rice (Dr. Scott), Kyra Sander (Janet) and Swisshelm (Frank); juniors Taylor Mattingly (Rocky) and Anna Meister (Narrator); sophomores Sophie Mullins (Riff Raff) and Isabella Varricchio (Columbia); and first-year Cameron Wilson (Eddie). Ensemble members include seniors Reilly Somerville, Brianna Starkey and Veronica Talbert; juniors Olivia Burklow, Molly Ciuci and Anna Hittepole; sophomore Lilliana Stiverson; and first-year students Lainey Caton and Ryan Scheiner.

The show is directed and produced by Stephen Skiles. Music direction is by Scot Buzza, and choreography is by alumna Jenna Treinen (’23). The design team includes Joe Beumer (lighting designer), Joe Leonard (set designer and technical director), Jessica Pitcairn (costume designer), Jason Sebastian (sound designer) and Matt Lee (conductor). The assistant director is Kelsey Schwarber (’21). The stage manager is junior Anya Sperber, and the assistant stage managers are sophomore Maria Rund and first-year Jenna Mansfield. 

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, 24 and 30; at 2:00 p.m. on Oct. 24 and 31; closing at 10:00 p.m. on Oct. 31. Tickets 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.

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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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