Meadow Brook Theatre Journeys to the Wild West with The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

Running October 7 – November 1, 2026, on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan

“We haven’t done a western at MBT in quite a while,” says Cheryl Marshall, MBT’s Managing Director, “and we couldn’t be more excited to share this production with you for our 60th season!”

Set in 1890, a young scholar from New York City trades his books for the brutal reality of the American frontier as he travels in search of a new life. Beaten down by the lawless plains, he arrives on the dusty streets of Twotrees more dead than alive. Here he finds an unexpected sanctuary where the love of a local woman and newfound purpose await him. But peace is an illusion in the Wild West and a vicious outlaw has marked him for death.

He must make the choice: to turn and run or to stand for what he believes, to live or to fight; to become The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.

Written by Jethro Compton and based on a short story by Dorothy M. Johnson, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance is a tale of good versus evil, law versus the gun, and love versus revenge set against the vicious backdrop of a lawless society.

“This is a title that many will recognize whether it be from the song, the movie, or the short story,” says Travis W. Walter, MBT’s Artistic Director, “and we hope to breathe new life into this classic for future generations to come.”

The cast of The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance includes Stephen Blackwell (Bert Barricune), Chris Blisset (Narrator), Marley Boone (Hallie Jackson), Tyrick Wiltez Jones (Jim Mosten), Drew Parker (Liberty Valance), Phil Powers (Marshal Johnson), Adam J. Rivera (Deputy), Brandon Ruiter (Ransome Foster), and Chris Stinson (Jake Dewitt). Rounding out the cast are Benjamin Burt, Wyatt Cleaveland, and David Schoen as The Gang.

This compelling tale will be directed by Travis W. Walter and stage managed by Brittanie Nichole Sicker. Scenic design is by Mia Irwin, costume design by Marley Boone, lighting design by Griffin Proctor, and sound design by Alison Bucher.

Tickets range from $43 to $49 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online at www.ticketmaster.com. Groups of eight or more should call 248-370-3316 for group discounts.

Meadow Brook Theatre is a professional theatre located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.mbtheatre.com or call 248-377-3300. Meadow Brook Theatre is a nonprofit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 55 years.