Mary Baldwin University’s Shakespeare & Performance Graduate Program presents: Second Year Showcase 2026, featuring Richard Brome’s The City Wit and John Marston’s The Malcontent on February 14th, 15th, and 16th at MBU @ the Wharf (23 W Johnson St), starting at 7:30 PM. This student-produced showcase features first and second year MLitt students both on-stage and off. 

The City Wit by Richard Brome is a Caroline city comedy that follows Crasy, a London citizen fallen on hard times, as he attempts to regain the money his neighbors owe him and restore his reputation by whatever means necessary. The City Wit is directed by Lora Lassiter, assistant directed by Sophia Kahn, and stage managed by Caitlyn Bryant, featuring Emmet Temple as Crasy, Rebecca Bailey as Josina, Irene Keeney as Jeremy, Katie Mitchell as Sir Andrew Ticket, Larisa West as Sir Jack Rufflit, Haleigh Acosta as Pyannet Sneakup, Chris Rothbauer as Sneakup, Joe Marsh as Linsy-Wolsey, Maggie Lengerich as Crack/Bridget, Riane Tolliver as Toby Sneakup, CJ Helt as Master Sarpego, and Vex H. Bauer and Bianca Moten as understudies. .

John Marston’s The Malcontent, a Jacobean revenge tragedy set in the world of film noir, follows Duke Altofronto, who, after being kicked out in a coup, returns to town disguised as the wise-cracking hard-boiled Malevole to infiltrate the court and dig up the dirt on his enemies Mendoza and Pietro. Will he succeed in recovering his power as Duke? The Malcontent is directed by Austin Sweatman, assistant directed by Sarah Clayton, stage managed by Siena Maxwell, and assistant stage managed by Cailyn Mickelsen, featuring Austin Cox as Pietro, Evin McQuistion as Malevole, Nick Trusty as Mendoza, Rachael Klein as Aurelia, Kelsey Rich as Maria/Ferneze, Che Flory as Bilioso/Captain, Xander Burdette as Maquerelle/Ferrardo, Madeleine Cook as Bianca/Celso/The Narrator, and Kevin Hammond and Kassidy McCormack as understudies. 

This Pay-What-You-Will Showcase will run in the Wharf Loft at 23 W Johnson St, Staunton, VA, 24401. Each show will run approximately 45 minutes with a 15 minute intermission in between. 

Content Notifications for The City Wit include: misogynistic language, references to sex work and sex workers, mild violence, references to adultery

Content Notifications for The Malcontent include: gun violence, forced physical contact, sexual language