2025-2026 Villanova Theatre Season
the language archive
September 25 - October 5, 2025
Wildcard Wednesday: September 24
By Julia Cho
In Julia Cho's captivating and whimsical play, George meticulously documents dying languages from around the world but finds himself at a loss for words in his own life. As his wife Mary contemplates leaving him and his assistant Emma harbors unspoken feelings, George must confront the irony that he—a master linguist—cannot articulate the language of love.
"Uniquely blends absurdist farce with sentimental comedy" (Los Angeles Times) and "ravishingly well-written... smart, funny, deep and tender" (OC Weekly), this poignant exploration of communication and connection reminds us that sometimes the most important things we need to say exist in the spaces between words. A profound meditation on love, loss, and the power of expression that affirms life "no matter how melancholy."
detroit
November 13 - November 23, 2025
Wildcard Wednesday: November 12
By Lisa D'Amour
Directed by Edward Sobel
In a seemingly ordinary suburb, Ben and Mary welcome their new neighbors Sharon and Kenny for a friendly backyard barbecue. But as the charcoal heats up, so do tensions when they discover their new acquaintances met in rehab, are unemployed, and own nothing. What begins as neighborly hospitality quickly ignites into a dangerous exploration of middle-class anxiety and unfulfilled American dreams.
"A sharp X-ray of the embattled American psyche" (The New York Times) and "tense, terrific, funny" (New York Observer), this Pulitzer Prize finalist "perfectly captures a certain pervasive lifestyle of today" with "cascading, hilarious monologues" (Time Out New York). Lisa D'Amour's bittersweet and explosive dark comedy rips up the floorboards of suburban life to reveal what's simmering beneath the surface.
Fire up the grill... and expect fireworks.
arcadia
February 12 - 22, 2026
Wildcard Wednesday: February 11
By Tom Stoppard
Directed by Valerie Joyce
In Tom Stoppard's masterpiece, time dances between 1809 and the present at the elegant Coverly estate. In one era, precocious thirteen-year-old Lady Thomasina and her tutor explore revolutionary ideas in mathematics, physics, and romance while the gardens transform from classical to Gothic. Two centuries later, competing scholars piece together a mysterious scandal involving Lord Byron from fragments of the past, unwittingly mirroring the intellectual and romantic pursuits of their predecessors.
"Pure entertainment for the heart, mind, soul... a work shot through with fun, passion and, yes, genius" (The New York Post), this brilliant theatrical puzzle examines the nature of truth and time, the collision between classical and romantic temperaments, and the disruptive influence of desire on our life orbits—the attraction Newton left out. Stoppard's "richest, most ravishing comedy" (The New York Times) proves that in both science and love, the unpredictable heat of human passion can alter everything.
urinetown
April 16 - April 26, 2026
Wildcard Wednesday: April 15
Music by Mark Hollmann | Book by Greg Kotis | Lyrics by Hollman & Kotis
In a drought-stricken dystopian city where private toilets are outlawed and the privilege to pee comes with a fee, a corporate tyrant controls the public amenities, squeezing every penny from society's most basic need. But when a humble custodian at Public Facility #9 decides he's held it in long enough, he leads a revolution to free the citizens from paying to pee!
This Tony Award-winning satirical sensation delivers a perfect stream of irreverent humor that takes aim at capitalism, social justice, environmental collapse, and musical theater itself. With wickedly clever songs and a hilariously self-aware book, "Urinetown" merges Brechtian social commentary with Broadway showmanship to create "a side-splitting sendup of greed, love, and revolution" that's "darkly hilarious" (Vulture) and "audaciously exhilarating" (The New York Times).
A brilliant musical that proves even the most unlikely premise can be flushed with success. It's a privilege to pee—but an even greater privilege to see!
WHAT IS THE BENEFIT TO A SUBSCRIPTION?
Early Bird Subscribers enjoy 33% off of full-price tickets while regular subscribers still save 20% by purchasing their season tickets in advance! All subscribers have first choice of assigned seats and exclusive exchange privileges. You are never locked into your dates and times and we are happy to assist you should your plans change!
WHAT DOES IT COST?
A full price Season Subscription for the 2025-2026 season is $100. Early bird subscribers gain access to an $80 price point with Villanova University faculty, staff, students, and MA in Theatre alumni at just $60.
WHAT SHOWS ARE INCLUDED IN THE SEASON SUBSCRIPTION?
You can use your Season Subscription to attend any performance in the Villanova Theatre Season.
HOW DO I BOOK SEATS WITH A SEASON SUBSCRIPTION?
You can select your dates and the best seats available when you purchase your subscription online. You can also visit or call our box office at 610-519-7474 and we’d be happy to reserve specific seats for you.
WHERE ARE THE PERFORMANCES?
Villanova Theatre is now located in the brand-new John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts, an 85,000-square-foot hub for performances, creativity, engagement and exploration for the University’s performing arts community.
Conveniently located at the intersection of Lancaster and Ithan Avenues on the Villanova University campus, parking is available in the I-1 Ithan Avenue Garage behind to the building, which can be accessed from both Ithan and Lancaster Avenues.
The Court Theatre is an open format 200-seat theater that features flexible seating, a balcony and technologically advanced lighting and sound equipment.
The Topper Theatre is a beautiful 400-seat proscenium-style theater with tailored acoustics, state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and a 30-member orchestra.
The Smith Performance Lab is an intimate 75-seat performance space that features flexible seating and first-rate theatrical technology.
The Reed Family Box Office is centrally located in the first-floor lobby.
The building features improved accessibility features and restroom facilities.
The Mullen Center theaters have wheelchair-accessible locations. Features of these accessible locations include stair-free access and either open space to accommodate a variety of mobility devices, or an upholstered, loose chair can be provided. Accessible parking spaces are located on all levels of the parking garage, and there is an elevator towards the Ithan Avenue side of the garage. Please be advised that accessible parking spaces are first come, first served upon arrival.
Complimentary assistive-listening devices are available through the Box Office, Ushers, or House Manager. A limited number of seating locations near the stage have been reserved for the exclusive use of patrons with low vision or blindness.
For any guest with disabilities who requires a paid Personal Care Attendant, we will provide a PCA-Pass at no cost with a paid admission. Trained Service Animals are welcome in all venues in the Mullen Center. Typically, the space under each seat will accommodate a trained service animal during a performance.
Want to know more about Villanova Theatre?
Explore the area and plan your visit • Learn about the new John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts • Contact the Box Office for additional details