Spring 2026 Season
The Ninth Hour: The Beowulf Story
April 10-11
WestCo Cafe
By Kate Douglas and Shayfer James
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A hero must answer the call to save a village from the attacks of a monster. As more and more blood is spilled at her hands, she must come to terms with the villain she has become. A modern retelling of the epic poem Beowulf in a short rock opera format, The Ninth Hour ask the question "what is a monster?" in a series of folk-pop and rock-noir ballads.
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Director: Zeke Allman '27
Assistant Director: Anastasia Zhu '29
Instagram: @ninthhour.wes
Richard III
April 16, 17, & 19
WestCo Cafe
By William Shakespeare
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Classic Shakespeare—but make it 80s glam rock. Richard, both the protagonist and antagonist of his story, lies, schemes and murders his way to the throne of England, until a challenge from a rebel lord threatens his tyrannical reign. Set against the backdrop of the glamorous, dangerous world of the 80s rock scene, this story serves to warn us all about the power of charisma and fame.
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Director: Sophie Brusini '26
Assistant Director: Samara Brown '28
Instagram: @richardiii.wes
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
April 24-25
WestCo Cafe
By Rachel Sheinkin​
Music by William Finn
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An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents trying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box. A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. ​​​​
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Director: Sasha Nelson '28
Instagram: @spellingbee_wesleyan
Sunday in the Park with George
May 1-2
'92 Theater
By James Lapine
Music by Stephen Sondheim
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George Seurat, a fictionalized version of the real painter, devotes his life to creating his masterpiece. His mistress, Dot, loves him but wishes he could step away from his work as his relationships begin to fall apart. When George prioritizes his painting over Dot after she has become pregnant with his baby, she leaves him and moves to America. Nearly a century later, George’s great-grandson (also an artist named George) struggles to make meaning of his life. Upon returning to Paris to visit the park, he sees visions of his ancestors who inspire him to take a leap of faith and continue with his own art. The show explores themes of commitment, connection, and the perils of being an artist. ​​
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Director: Elsinore Palmer '27
Assistant Director: George Hussey '28
Instagram: @sundayinthepark_wes
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**Venues awaiting approval by OSI