DETROIT, MI – The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University is thrilled to announce its 2025-2026 season, featuring a dynamic lineup of classic works, contemporary gems, exhilarating musicals and stunning dance performances. Audiences can expect an unforgettable journey through comedy, drama, and dance as Theatre and Dance brings these productions to life at the Hilberry Gateway. 

"It’s hard to say that one thing excites me the most," said Michael J. Barnes, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. "However, I am excited to see us touch upon the origins of our department while keeping a strong vision for the future. ‘Julius Caesar’ was certainly in the first season of the Hilberry Theatre. Then, we end the season with a dramatic version of 'Paradise Lost,' which is 'classic' in its own sense. We pull all that together with 'Paradise Lost' being adapted by a living playwright to explore classical thought from a modern perspective." 

Check out the season lineup below: 

"The Play That Goes Wrong" 
By Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer & Henry Shields 
September 3–11, 2025 
A side-splitting farce where everything that can go wrong does! As an amateur theatre troupe attempts to stage a classic murder mystery, missed cues, collapsing sets, and hilariously clumsy actors turn the production into chaos. A riotous, fast-paced comedy that will leave audiences in stitches. "This is one of the funniest scripts of the last 20 years," says Barnes. "It’s pure enjoyment that reminds us why we love theatre." 

"Seven Guitars" 
By August Wilson 
October 31 – November 9, 2025 
Set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1948, “Seven Guitars” follows friends mourning aspiring blues guitarist Floyd Barton. August Wilson’s play blends live music and poetic dialogue to explore ambition, systemic injustice, and the enduring bonds that hold Black communities together in the face of oppression. "We are bridging Detroit’s rich history of our Black community with the classic theatre of the department’s origins," Barnes explains. "August Wilson is an equal in importance to any other playwright classified as ‘classic.’" 

"Violet" 
Book & Lyrics by Brian Crawley | Music by Jeanine Tesori 
November 21 – December 7, 2025 
Featuring a soulful score by Jeanine Tesori, “Violet” is a moving musical about self-acceptance and transformation. “Violet”, scarred by an accident, journeys across the South in 1964 seeking a televangelist’s healing touch. Along the way, she finds unexpected friendships and love, discovering that true beauty lies within. "It’s a story of resilience and finding beauty within," says Barnes. "It touches on the human journey in a way that is deeply affecting." 

December Dance Concert 
Dec. 6-7, 2025 
Showcasing a variety of dance styles, this concert brings together innovative works by students, faculty, and distinguished guest artists in an inspiring celebration of movement and expression. 

"Julius Caesar" 
By William Shakespeare 
Jan. 31 – Feb. 9, 2026 
Shakespeare’s gripping political tragedy of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal. As conspirators assassinate Julius Caesar to prevent tyranny, chaos engulfs Rome, leading to civil war. With power struggles, stirring speeches, and tragic consequences, this timeless classic explores the cost of power and the unpredictability of fate. "Julius Caesar lets us see how power and ambition can corrupt while exploring the intersection of politics and morality," says Barnes. "It’s a timeless story that still resonates today." 

"The SpongeBob Musical" 
Book by Kyle Jarrow | Conceived by Tina Landau 
March 21 – 30, 2026 
Who lives in Hilberry Gateway under the sea? The SpongeBob Musical! SpongeBob and friends unite to save their home when a volcano threatens Bikini Bottom. Featuring songs by music legends, this high-energy, family-friendly show celebrates courage, community, and the power of optimism. "It’s a fun, colorful, high-energy show that also explores themes of community, courage, and self-acceptance," Barnes shares. 

"Paradise Lost" 
By Erin Shields 
April 11 – 19, 2026 
Erin Shields’ bold, feminist retelling of John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” reimagines the battle between Heaven and Hell. Satan, cast out of Heaven, schemes revenge against God through humanity’s fall. A witty, thought-provoking exploration of oppression, power, and free will, blending the 17th century with the present day. "This adaptation questions classical thought through a contemporary, feminist lens, while still staying true to the themes that make “Paradise Lost” so powerful," Barnes notes.  

97th Annual Spring Dance Concert 
April 18 – 20, 2026 
Join the dance students and faculty as they end the academic year in the 97th Annual Spring Dance Concert. This annual event features works choreographed by students, faculty, and guest artists in an array of styles and music to feature an experience that can be enjoyed by the entire family. 

Wayne State University’s Department of Theatre & Dance continues to bring compelling storytelling, world-class artistry, and innovative productions to Detroit audiences. "Theatre has a unique ability to help people understand the human experience as it holds a mirror up to humanity," Barnes states. "We want to make certain that everyone has a chance to laugh, cry, and hopefully experience a cathartic moment."  

Season tickets are on sale March 28 for renewing and new subscribers. Season tickets are $129 and senior, staff and alumni can secure theirs for $105. Single tickets will go on sale late June. 

For more information, visit www.theatreanddance.wayne.edu/season/2025-2026.

About the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts 

The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts is home to today’s aspiring artists, performers, technicians, scholars, dancers, debaters, entrepreneurs, and communication professionals who all represent the college’s legacy of excellence in our respective fields.  

The college serves students majoring in 17 undergraduate programs, 10 graduate programs and three graduate certificates through its departments: the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art, Art History and Design, the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance, and the departments of communication and music. 

From debate to dance, jazz to journalism, and fashion design to center stage, our students create captivating performances, inspire artistic and academic excellence, and conduct innovative research on behalf of our Detroit community.