Marquette Theatre will present “The Seagull,” a play by Anton Chekhov, beginning Friday, Oct. 2, to kick off its 2026-27 season, themed “Finding the Path.” The schedule includes four productions featuring characters struggling to find their way. All performances take place in the Evan and Marion P. Helfaer Theatre.
The season continues with “The Thanksgiving Play,” and a Theatre for Young Audiences musical, “How I became a Pirate,” before concluding with Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.”
“We are pleased to be back at Helfaer Theatre with a full season built around the theme of ‘Finding the Path,’” said Jamie Cheatham, artistic director and associate professor of theatre arts. “Characters throughout our season struggle to find their way, whether toward true love, new art forms, breaking a curse or to find a place to bury treasure.”
“The Seagull” is a humorous tragedy about unrequited love, the challenges of art and unfulfilled potential — it’s a must see. Based off the Chekhov classic, this production is translated by Tom Stoppard, bringing together two masters of the stage.
“The Seagull” will run:
- Oct. 2-3, 8-10 at 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 4, 11 at 2:30 p.m.
“The Seagull” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Tickets are available now for all shows through the Marquette Theatre ticketing webpage. For more information about performances, please contact the Helfaer Box Office at (414) 288-7504 or helfaer.boxoffice@marquette.edu.
Also in 2026-27:
The Thanksgiving Play (Nov. 13-15, 19-22)
By Larissa FastHorse
Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire. A small troupe of liberal teaching artists scramble to create a culturally sensitive Thanksgiving play for kids. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t go smoothly!
“The Thanksgiving Play” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
How I Became a Pirate (Jan. 16-17, 23-24)
Book, music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman
Sail off on a family-fun swashbuckling musical. When a band of comical pirates come ashore looking for an expert digger to join the crew, Braid Beard and his mates enlist young Jeremy Jacob to help find the perfect spot to bury treasure. While adventuring can be fun, Jeremey also learns that love and home are treasures you can’t find on a map!
“How I Became a Pirate” is presented by arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
Into the Woods (April 2-4, 8-11)
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine
A childless baker, a milk-less cow and a lost slipper are just some of the challenges faced by storybook characters when they journey into the woods. The enchanting story exposes some complicated consequences of “happily ever after.” Enjoy Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece featuring an unforgettable score.
“Into the Woods” is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.
