Meadow Brook Theatre launches its 60th season Wednesday, Oct. 7, with "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," bringing a western back to the Rochester stage for the first time in years.

The production runs through Sunday, Nov. 1, on the Oakland University campus.

Managing Director Cheryl Marshall told Rochester Media the theater hasn't staged a western "in quite a while … and we couldn't be more excited to share this production with you for our 60th season!"

Written by Jethro Compton and based on a short story by Dorothy M. Johnson, the play is set in 1890. A young scholar from New York City heads west seeking a new life, only to arrive beaten and near-dead on the dusty streets of a town called Twotrees. He finds purpose there, but also a deadly confrontation with a vicious outlaw.

Artistic Director Travis Walter is directing. Walter said many will recognize the title from the song, the movie or the short story, and that the theater hopes to breathe new life into the classic.

Marley Boone pulls double duty in the production, playing Hallie Jackson on stage and designing the costumes. The cast also includes Stephen Blackwell as Bert Barricune, Drew Parker as Liberty Valance, Phil Powers as Marshal Johnson and Brandon Ruiter as Ransome Foster. Mia Irwin handles scenic design, Griffin Proctor lights the stage and Alison Bucher designed the sound.

Tickets and showtimes

Single tickets run $43 for preview performances and $46 to $49 for regular showtimes. Wednesday matinees start at 2 p.m., with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Saturday offers both a 2 p.m. matinee and an evening show. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Several performances include Talk Back sessions where audiences can meet the cast and creative team afterward.

Tickets are available through the box office at 248-377-3300 or online at Ticketmaster.com. Groups of eight or more can call 248-370-3316 for discounts.

The theater, founded in 1966, is marking its diamond anniversary with a six-play season that also includes "Curtains" in January, the Michigan premiere of "Polishing Shakespeare" in February and "You Can't Take It With You" closing in June. Season tickets run $216 to $252 per seat. MBT's season is supported in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Coming up at Meadow Brook

  • "A Christmas Carol" — Nov. 20 through Dec. 24. Season subscribers receive a 20 percent discount.
  • "Curtains" — Jan. 13 through Feb. 7, 2027, a collaboration with Oakland University's School of Music, Theatre, & Dance.