The 2026-27 season of the University Arts Series offers more shows and more subscription package options than ever before. More than 15 events will bring sensational music, family fun and the wonders of Broadway to the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre at the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center.
“We are thrilled to carry on WVU’s long-standing tradition of bringing Broadway national touring productions, cutting edge dance troupes and renowned musical acts to our Morgantown (and beyond) community through the University Arts Series,” said Keith Jackson, dean of the College of Creative Arts and Media. “I’m passionate about bringing our entire community together—you, your family and friends, and students of all ages—to experience live theatre and music.”
Subscription packages are on sale for returning subscribers beginning July 15 and to the general public July 22. The last day to purchase a season package is Aug. 4, with single ticket sales beginning Aug. 5.
Subscribers get first access to tickets, choose the events they want to see and choose their preferred seat location. This season, the University Art Series will offer two subscription packages.
If you plan to attend four or more shows in the 2026-27 season, the Flex Package provides early access to seat selection in any section and $10 off each qualifying ticket in price levels 3-6.
For those planning to attend all five nationally touring Broadway productions, the Broadway Bundle offers the same perk of early seat selection with a deeper discount of $15 off each qualifying ticket in price levels 3-6. You can also purchase tickets to additional events at the Flex Package rate.
Shows in the Family Series offer more affordable ticket options and earlier show times, along with special family-friendly activities in the lobby before each show.
The box office is transitioning to a new ticketing platform with fewer fees and “all-in” pricing, so what you see is what you get. To purchase your tickets and find more information about each show, visit go.wvu.edu/uas. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 304-293-SHOW or in person at the box office located in the main lobby of the WVU Canady Creative Arts Center, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This season at the University Arts Series
‘Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’ — Sept. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
The mission of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is to awaken the human spirit through contemporary dance, envisioning a dance landscape that is relevant and accessible to all. For 49 years, Hubbard Street has been one of the most original forces in contemporary dance—bringing top choreographers and works to Chicago and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to see world-class dance on the Clay Theatre stage as Hubbard Street presents works by Nacho Duato, Gwen Verdon, Bob Fosse and Aszure Barton. Hubbard Street’s ever-evolving repertory, created by today’s leading choreographic voices, makes them a company that dancers aspire to join and performance venues all over the world are eager to present.
The Filharmonic — Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
The Filharmonic, an L.A.-based a cappella group of Filipino Americans who were featured in NBC’s hit musical competition “The Sing Off,” has much to sing about. After the show, the five-piece vocal group kept the momentum rolling with countless national and international shows, a feature in the Universal Pictures hit movie “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Late Late Show” appearances. They have performed with artists like John Legend, Shawn Mendes and many more. The Filharmonic brings their unique blend of hip hop, pop and R&B to stages everywhere and can be found on YouTube and all music streaming platforms.
‘The Great Gatsby’ — Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. (Family Series)
Literature to Life adapts F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic work, “The Great Gatsby,” as actor Simon Rabatin brings this solo show to Morgantown. Join us as Rabatin embodies multiple characters, conveying the lengths each will go to attain their desires. “The Great Gatsby” takes place on Long Island and in New York City in the early 20th century, at the height of the Jazz Age and the Prohibition Era. The novel touches on the treatment of different social classes, “old money” vs. “new money” ideology, gender, race, environmentalism and the price of the American Dream.
‘Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE’ — Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. (Family Series)
Filled with music, laughter and imagination, this all-new musical stage adventure, based on the Emmy®-winning Apple TV series, welcomes audiences on a joyful, nostalgia-filled trip to Fraggle Rock! Featuring gorgeous new walk-around versions of the Fraggles, puppet-sized Doozers, an appearance from a giant Gorg and exclusive new wondrous puppet creatures all from the acclaimed Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, along with fan-favorite songs and exciting visual effects, it’s an unforgettable live experience that will have Silly Creatures of all ages dancing in the aisles.
‘The Wiz’ — Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. (Broadway Bundle)
The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back. “The Wiz” returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new tour, direct from Broadway. The Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets” and the Chicago Sun-Times proclaims “The Wiz” is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!” This groundbreaking twist on “The Wizard of Oz” changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. Everybody rejoice—this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.
‘Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol’ — Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. (Broadway Bundle)
Right Angle Entertainment and Paul T. Couch are proud to present the national tour of “Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol,” a heartwarming musical featuring music and lyrics by 11-time Grammy® winner Dolly Parton and book by David H. Bell. Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this unforgettable production and amazing cast imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season. As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by his deceased business partner and three ghosts who compel him to see life anew and discover that love is the greatest gift we have. The legendary holiday tale re-written as a new American classic is an event you’ll want to share with those you love.
‘Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet’ — Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Make this the Christmas they’ll never forget with “Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet.” Experience the largest Nutcracker production in North America—a breathtaking holiday spectacle featuring world-class international dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, magnificent costumes and towering puppets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, this grand production transforms the stage into an unforgettable celebration of the season—one your family will treasure for years to come.
Mountain Stage — Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. and May 23 at 7 p.m.
Since 1983, Mountain Stage has been the home of live music on public radio. Each episode features performances by five artists, from seasoned legends to emerging newcomers in genres ranging from folk, blues and country to indie rock, synth pop, world music and beyond. Each live performance is recorded for radio by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and can be heard on over 250 stations nationwide and globally via NPR Music. West Virginia native and two-time Grammy® winner Kathy Mattea serves as host.
‘The Who’s Tommy’ — Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. (Broadway Bundle)
In 1969, The Who created a rock opera that changed the course of music history. And now, it’s back in a dazzling all-new production that feels more relevant than ever. Myth and spectacle combine in this fresh reinvention that includes the unforgettable anthems “I’m Free,” “See Me, Feel Me,” “Sensation” and “Pinball Wizard.” After witnessing his father shoot his rival, the young Tommy Walker is lost in the universe, endlessly and obsessively staring into the mirror. An innate knack for pinball catapults him from reticent adolescent to celebrity savior. Tony® Award-winning composer Pete Townshend and Tony® Award-winning original director Des McAnuff find powerful resonance reexamining this classic story for today.
‘Bluey’s Big Play’ — Feb. 9 and Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. (Family Series)
Get ready for giggles, games and a whole lot of Heeler fun! “Bluey’s Big Play” brings Australia’s favorite family to life in a playful 45-minute performance packed with music, imagination and big heart. With beautifully crafted puppets and all the charm of the Emmy® Award-winning TV series, it’s a theatrical adventure the whole family can enjoy together. Live on stage, audiences will see Bluey, Bingo, Mum (Chilli) and Dad (Bandit) as they embark on a fun live adventure. Enjoy a heart-warming, laugh-out-loud experience that brings families together through play, imagination and joy. Whether it’s your child’s first theatre show or a special family outing, “Bluey’s Big Play” is guaranteed to create memories that last long after the curtain comes down. This is Bluey, For Real Life.
Canadian Brass — Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
With an international reputation as one of the most popular brass ensembles today, Canadian Brass have truly earned the distinction of the world’s most famous brass group. They have received a combined total of 24 Grammy® and Juno nominations and won the German Echo Award for Goldberg Variations. Their most recent album, “Canadiana,” features unique arrangements of many Canadian superstars, including Joni Mitchell and Drake. Touring legends with an enthusiastic fan base, Canadian Brass play to packed houses worldwide and have made appearances on “The Tonight Show,” “Today,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “Evening at Pops with John Williams and the Boston Pops,” Beverly Sills’ “Music Around the World” and numerous PBS specials, including a celebrated appearance on “Sesame Street.” They are frequent guests of many major symphony orchestras.
‘Hadestown’ — Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. (Broadway Bundle)
Come see how the world could be. Welcome to Hadestown, where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this acclaimed new show from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and original director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today ... and always. Intertwining two mythic tales—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone—“Hadestown” is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.
West Virginia Symphony — Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.
“Music in Motion” highlights the ongoing artistic partnership between the West Virginia Symphony and the WVU School of Theatre and Dance, a collaboration that unites two of West Virginia’s premier performing arts institutions. Together, the orchestra and dancers will create a dynamic fusion of music and movement during selected pieces: Jocelyn Morlock’s luminous “Oiseaux bleus et sauvages” and Paul Dukas’ magical “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” which gained global fame from its inclusion in Disney’s “Fantasia.” The program also features Richard Strauss’ monumental “Death and Transfiguration,” a sweeping musical journey from earthly struggle to transcendence.
I’m With Her — March 8 at 7:30 p.m.
With the 2014 formation of I’m With Her, singers/songwriters Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan and Sara Watkins introduced an essential new force into the world of folk music: a close-knit alliance of highly esteemed musicians, each graced with a deep understanding of folk tradition and unbridled passion for expanding its possibilities. All multi-Grammy®-winners with deep roots in the folk scene, Watkins, Jarosz and O’Donovan first discovered their near-telepathic chemistry during an impromptu performance at the 2014 Telluride Bluegrass Festival, then co-founded I’m With Her and began touring extensively and performing at acclaimed festivals across the globe. Their latest album, “Wild and Clear and Blue,” is a soul-searching body of work about reaching into the past, navigating a chaotic present and bravely moving forward into the unknown.
‘Mystic Pizza’ — March 29 at 7:30 p.m. (Broadway Bundle)
Based on the beloved 1988 MGM rom-com that launched the career of Julia Roberts, “Mystic Pizza” is a new musical about three working-class girls who navigate the complexities of life, love and family in a small-town pizza joint serving everyone from the townies to the privileged country club set. And what’s in that secret sauce, you ask? The hits of the 80s and 90s! The hit songs range from “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” to “Hold On” to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”
‘Divi Roxx Kids’ — April 3 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Family Series)
DivinityRoxx is a two-time Grammy® nominated, multi-hyphenate award-winning musician, recording artist and composer who is celebrated for her dynamic style and innovative approach. In April, she will bring her remarkable musicianship and infectious energy to our Family Series with an all-ages performance that is sure to please. Known for her exceptional bass skills, Divinity’s influence extends beyond her striking performances alongside Beyoncé as both a bassist and musical director. Her expertise has inspired countless aspiring musicians, particularly women, in a field traditionally dominated by men. By breaking barriers, she’s reshaped perceptions around female musicianship in genres like funk, hip-hop and rock.
The University Arts Series is produced by the WVU College of Creative Arts and Media. Stay connected with the latest event updates through Facebook and Instagram by following @wvuccam.