West Liberty University Theatre invites audiences to join the Hilltop Players for a 2026–2027 season featuring a dark comedy, a world-premiere adaptation, an iconic rock musical, a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, and a special Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) presentation.

Michael Aulick, Professor of Theatre and Theatre Director, says “We pride ourselves in selecting shows that will provide a vast array of educational opportunities for our theatre majors. This year is no different but also think it will be extremely entertaining for audiences as well. Every show will be a ‘must-see!”

October 15–18, 2026 – Martin McDonagh’s The Cripple of Inishmaan.

McDonaugh’s “The Cripple of Inishmaan” is a darkly comic tale set on the remote Irish island of Inishmaan in 1934. When a Hollywood film crew arrives on a nearby island, Billy Claven, a young man with a physical disability, sees an opportunity to escape the limitations of his small community and pursue a dream of becoming an actor. Equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and unexpectedly tender, the play explores what happens when people who feel trapped are suddenly given the possibility of a different life.

Inishmaan is being directed by Alexandra Burdick, adjunct faculty in Theatre.

Saturday, October 17, 2026 – Hilltop Players Wall of Fame induction

We will be celebrating individuals whose dedication and accomplishments have helped shape the history of theatre at West Liberty.

December 3–6, 2026 – I AM ALICE (world premiere)

I AM ALICE is an original adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by WLU Professor of Theatre Michael Aulick. Created specifically for the Hilltop Players, the production approaches the familiar story from an unexpected perspective, exploring Alice’s journey not simply as an adventure through Wonderland, but as a journey of self-discovery. As Alice encounters a world where nothing is quite what it seems, the characters and creatures she meets become reflections of the questions, fears, possibilities, and competing voices within her own imagination.

Spring 2027 – Jeremy Worried About the Wind

Jeremy Worried About the Wind is a new musical written by Wheeling playwright Jeremy Richter. Created with younger audiences in mind, the production brings new, locally created musical theatre to the stage while giving WLU students the opportunity to participate in the development and performance of new work. Performance dates are still being determined.

March 18-21, 2027 – Jesus Christ Superstar

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the groundbreaking rock musical retells the final days of Jesus through a contemporary musical lens, focusing on the relationships, conflicts, ambition, and uncertainty surrounding the central figures. Known for its demanding music and electrifying score, the production offers WLU students the opportunity to tackle one of musical theatre’s most challenging and enduring works. “While this is a classic musical, we have a concept that should make it feel fresh and new,” according to Christopher Rees, Technical Director and Assistant Professor of Design, “You won’t want to miss it.”

April 29–May 2, 2027 – Crimes of the Heart

Set in Mississippi, Beth Henley’s Pulitzer Prize winning play follows three sisters who reunite after the youngest shoots her husband. As old wounds, family secrets, and long-buried resentments surface, the Magrath sisters struggle to make sense of their shared past—and their uncertain future. Funny, painful, and deeply human, Crimes of the Heart examines the complicated bonds that hold families together. The production is being directed by WLU Theatre major, Eva Tennant, as her capstone project. “I have loved this play for a long time, so getting to direct it as my capstone project is incredibly exciting,” said Tennant. “I am grateful that the program has expanded my interests into directing and given me the ability to learn more working on a show that is near and dear to my heart?”

Together, the productions reflect West Liberty University Theatre’s commitment to creating challenging, entertaining theatre while providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences across genres and theatrical disciplines. From a classic work of Irish dark comedy to a brand-new musical created in the Ohio Valley, the 2026–27 season offers something for audiences of every age.

Performances will take place in the Kelly Theatre on the West Liberty University campus. Additional information about performance times, tickets, content advisories, and the Theatre for Young Audiences presentation will be announced by West Liberty University Theatre.

For more information, contact Michael Aulick at maulick@westliberty.edu or call 304.336.8104 (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