2025-2026 Hilltop Player Season
West Liberty University Theatre Unveils a Show-Stopping 2025–2026 Season
A year of drama, music, laughter, and a few farm animals ready to change the world!
West Liberty University Theatre is rolling out a season packed with classics, big emotions, and unforgettable performances. From revolutionary pigs to fragile glass unicorns, from holiday ghosts to rock opera glory — there’s something for everyone on the Hilltop this year.
ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell, Adapted by Nelson Bond
We kick things off with George Orwell’s Animal Farm, brought to life in an inventive “story theatre” style. Watch a group of barnyard animals rise up against their human oppressor, only to discover that power can be just as dangerous in the wrong trotters. A sharp, thought-provoking tale that’s as relevant today as when it was first written — and maybe just a little too relatable.
Performance Dates: October 9–11 at 7:30 p.m. and October 12 at 3:00 p.m. — Kelly Theatre, Hall of Fine Arts.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: SCROOGE AND MARLEY, by Charles Dickens, Adapted by Israel Horovitz
Nothing says December like ghosts, redemption, and a sprinkle of holiday spirit! In this inventive adaptation by Israel Horovitz, Dickens’ timeless story gets a fresh theatrical flair without losing an ounce of heart. Gather the whole family for a magical reminder that it’s never too late to change.
Performance dates: December 4–5 and 11–13 at 7:30 p.m., December 14 at 3:00 p.m. — Kelly Theatre, Hall of Fine Arts.
DOUBT: A PARABLE by John Patrick Shanley
Set in a Catholic school in the Bronx in 1964, the drama centers on Sister Aloysius, a strict principal who suspects Father Flynn, a charismatic priest, of inappropriate behavior with a student. As suspicions grow, the play dives into themes of faith, morality, and uncertainty—leaving the audience to wrestle with their own conclusions.
Performance dates: February 12–14 at 7:30 p.m. and February 15 at 3:00 p.m. in the Experimental Theatre, Hall of Fine Arts (seating is limited).
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice
We’re turning it up to eleven for our finale of Jesus Christ Superstar! Imagine a rock band preparing for a massive concert… and telling the story of Jesus’ final days through a jaw-dropping mix of music, movement, and raw emotion. It’s bold. It’s epic. It’s a show you’ll never forget.
Performance dates: March 26–28 at 7:30 p.m., March 29 at 3:00 p.m. — Kelly Theatre, Hall of Fine Arts.
Bonus Encore: A NIGHT OF STUDENT-DIRECTED ONE-ACTS
Think you’ve seen it all? Wait until our talented directing students take the reins! This annual showcase features short plays handpicked from a curated list and fully brought to life by emerging WLU theatre artists. Expect creativity, surprises, and maybe even the next big name in theatre.
Performance Dates: April 22–25 at 7:30 p.m., April 26 at 3:00 p.m. — Kelly Theatre, Hall of Fine Arts.
(Dates subject to change based on the number of participating student directors.)
Tickets & Contact Information
Tickets go on sale one month prior to each production at www.brownpapertickets.com. Search the name of the show to find and purchase tickets. For more information, contact Michael Aulick at maulick@westliberty.edu or call 304.336.8277 (leave a message, and your call will be returned).
West Liberty University Theatre invites audiences to join us for a season of unforgettable performances filled with drama, heart, humor, and imagination. We look forward to seeing you at the theatre!