Venture ‘Into the Woods’ at the Carnegie
this is an excellent show done with exuberance by a highly talented and animated cast...
“My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend” at Human Race is a MUST SEE for All Ages
This a must-see new musical--next stop NYC...
Human Race’s “My 80-Year Old Boyfriend” is THE Show of the Summer
The music, lyrics and storyline are so uniquely compelling and powerful it’s hard to believe that this show is not already a Broadway hit. (It is heading to NYC next!)...
Fringe ‘22 Final Weekend and Review: Rosegold
"Rosegold" is highly recommended and highly effective...
FRINGE ’22 REVIEWS: Be My Thief, The Sex Life of Butterflies, Take a Chance with Toybox
Staying home tonight?
Catch DIGITAL FRINGE "Take a Chance with Toybox" or streaming "The Definition Association"...
FRINGE ’22 REVIEWS: Destiny, USA, Sally Salem, ExperiMENTAL
So many great shows with different viewing experiences...
Ariel’s Fringe ’22 Reviews: Week 1
Here’s a list of some of my favorites from the first week of the Fringe: ...
Kate’s Fringe ’22 Reviews: Silver Hammer, Wuthering, and Texas Annie
By Kate Mock Elliot, Guest Reviewer – Silver Hammer a SPECIAL EVENT SHOW by Nick Ryan This is a debut solo performance from Nick Ryan, who many audiences may know from past Cincinnati Fringe appearances as part of The Coldhearts. Silver Hammer continues the Coldheart tradition of dark, eerie stories as...
FRINGE 2022 DAY 5: MeSSeS and Wuthering
"Wuthering" has some legs and I would love to see where it can go. ...
FRINGE 2022 – DAY 4
By Liz Eichler – “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these Fringers from the completion of their appointed rounds.” Fringe is rain or shine, Cincinnati! The Outdoor Stage moved indoors last night, but the rain did not detract from the shenanigans of loyal Fringers. ...
FRINGE 2022 DAY 3
Day 3...
FRINGE ‘22 DAY 2:
By Liz Eichler – Saturday was a great day to Fringe and Sunday also proved exciting. The weekend featured great performances, super creativity, and live connections with theatre makers and supporters. There is such love and respect in these audiences, y’all. Cincinnati Fringe Festival runs through June 18 and...
FRINGE ’22 DAY 1: June 4
By Liz Eichler – Woohoo! Fringe is back! This two-week Festival of creativity, storytelling and connection of various Cincinnati arts communities has returned–LIVE! The one thing you can guarantee at the Fringe, is that you will be moved in some way. Moved by witnessing creativity, by witnessing risk taking,...
LCT is Changing to Serve You Better!
As Cincinnati grows, the arts community is growing! LCT is evolving to include individual artists, creators, and supporters (as well as our beloved theatre institutions). But the question is–what does the community want? More classes? A directory? Fellowship? Please take this SURVEY to tell us about yourself and what...
Proud and Defiant: Incline’s “Newsies” Soars
Review by David Brush – Disney’s 1992 film Newsies was not an initial hit. Who knows why? Legions of fans felt its true life was always on the stage. Twenty years later, after some re-working with a truly remarkable new book by Harvey Fierstein, Disney’s Newsies found its life...
What’s New(sies) at the Incline?
This is one of the best productions I have seen at the Incline...
“Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird'” Brilliant Retelling at Aronoff
With their innocence and curiosity, the play’s young narrators relate to the audience the on-stage action and contemplations. They verbalize our thoughts and ask our questions....
Do Not Miss Highly Relevant “To Kill a Mockingbird”
From the accusation to the betrayal of justice to the vehement regurgitation of generations of hate, it feels like modern day America is not far off from Maycomb....
“Pride and Prejudice” Fresh and Updated at CSC
Mr. Darcy remains as one of the most beloved romantic heroes in literature of all time. When he finally wins over the heart of the stubborn and spirited Lizzy, the audience at CincyShakes collectively swoons. ...
“Please. Anything but Formal”: An Inside Look at International Diplomacy in Falcon Theatre’s “A Walk in the Woods”
I left the theatre feeling as though there was the possibility of hope in the world, even amongst all the craziness and disappointments life throws at us. This is a good thing and sorely needed....
Funny, Moving, Modern “Pride and Prejudice” at CSC
This is a production to love–modern, accessible, and moving, and highly recommended for audiences of all ages. ...
Falcon Theatre’s War of Words While Walking in the Woods
Director Ted Weil and the actors have created an intriguing and provocative production complete with very thought-provoking ideas. It’s the type of play that stays with you after leaving the theater. ...
Cincinnati Landmark Productions has a Great “Comedy Tonight” at the Incline
Director Bob Brunner elevates this production through numerous additional bits that leave the audience howling. Music Director Michael Kennedy harnesses a cast of powerhouse voices while maintaining the comedy... ...
CCM’s “The Burials” is a gripping, touching, and immersive new theater experience
Hunter Trammell’s Ben, whose face is a shattered mask of anguish and vacancy, is both endearing and frightening - everything anyone says about a school shooter after he’s committed his heinous act. You really do want to know what’s going on in his head as he stares into the...
Funny “Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at Incline
a well-oiled, brilliant comic machinery on stage with all its components working together beautifully to create a laugh-riot for over two hours...
You’ll be “Head Over Heels” for Miami University’s The Go-Go’s Musical
At a basic level, this is the love story of three very different couples. On a deeper level, the play explores issues of queerness, gender, acceptance, authenticity, and being true to oneself. ...
“Head Over Heels” the Go-Go’s/Elizabethan Musical Mashup Entertains at Miami
Directed by the dynamic duo of Lindsey Augusta Mercer and Music Director Erin McCamley, they move the story along with joy, killer voices, strong dancers, and attitude....
“Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help” Shines at the Human Race Theatre Company
The week-long saga of the Catholic O’Shea’s is narrated by eldest daughter Linda (the always remarkable Cecily Dowd). The 4th wall isn’t just broken – it is shattered as every family member has a slightly different version of the events of that week in 1973. ...
Jokes, Drama, Insight: Know Theatre’s “The Twunny Fo’” Has It All
Starring and written by Cincinnati-based playwright A.J. Baldwin, “The Twunny Fo’” is bright and vibrant. Packed with snappy banter and welcome wisdom, Baldwin’s dialogue leaps off the page, exploring themes of race, gender inequality, community, privilege, and class. ...
A.J. Baldwin’s “The Twunny Fo'” is a Must See at Know
Baldwin writes a powerful and deeply moving script challenging the consciousness of America. By juxtaposing Tyra’s goals of wanting more out of life with Rissa wanting to stay in their neighborhood, Baldwin expertly explores themes of classism, internalized anti-Blackness, gentrification, and the struggle of being a Black woman in...
“Incident at OLPH” is Hilarious, Warm and Modern Storytelling
It is not so much a Catholic comedy as a FAMILY comedy, and you will relate to the dilemmas no matter what your age or religion....
NKU YES Fest: “New Year’s Eve at the Stop-N-Go”
The setting is December 31, 1999, when Y2K was on everyone’s mind and conspiracy theories about the end of the world abounded....
NKU YES Fest: “Falstaff and the Endless Machine”
...the play is thought provoking, often funny, sometimes sad and at the end quite frightening. Definitely it is engrossing....
CSC’s “Comedy of Errors” Hits the Jackpot
Review by Liz Eichler Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Comedy of Errors is a non-stop flight to classic Vegas where you’ll enjoy almost non-stop belly laughs as this hilarious mashup hits the jackpot. Comedy of Errors is a story about two sets of twins, masters and their servants, separated as infants,...
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s “The Comedy of Errors” is a Doppelganger-filled Delight
The modern twist on the classic Shakespearian production is delightful and the perfect blend of old and new. ...
Glamorous Must-See Production of “The Wiz Jr.” by Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Brandi Langford Sherrill’s (Dorothy) powerful voice carried throughout the Taft Theater and brought audience members to their feet with applause....
NKU YES Fest: “Keeper of the Realm” at The Carnegie is a Love Letter to Cincinnati
Review by Swapna Mirashi ‘Keeper of the Realm’ at The Carnegie is a love letter to Cincinnati. The new play, written by Cincinnati playwright D. Lynn Meyers and directed by Brian Robertson, is set in the city’s West Side. It is also a first-of-its-kind regional collaboration and it kicks-off...
‘Silent Sky’ at Falcon Theatre Inspiring
Falcon’s production of this delightful play, directed by Bridget Leak, is intimate and simple. It invites you into the story and keeps you there...
Covedale’s “On The Town” is a Night Well-Spent
The entire cast is vivacious and tireless...
Madcap’s ‘Story Quest’ is an Engaging Treat for Families
One is transformed into another world through the puppets...There is giggling galore when the audience meets the Screaming Hag and the Burping, Belching Hag...It is amazing looking at the audience and seeing everyone thoroughly entranced by the puppets....
A Fabulous “On the Town” now at Covedale Theatre
Review by Doug Iden Cincinnati’s Covedale Theater is challenging itself in its final season production with a riotous, dance-filled homage to New York City. Based upon the ballet Fancy Free originally choreographed by Jerome Robbins of West Side Story fame, On the Town follows three sailors on a 24-hour...
I “Ain’t Too Proud” to Sing and Dance in My Seat to Celebrate the Temptations
Traveling Broadway show is a classic reminder that despite life’s troubles, the music and nostalgia it brings, remains forever....
Broadway in Cincinnati’s “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations” is Slick and Soulful
Director Des McAnuff has created a show immensely centered on the audience experience..."Ain’t Too Proud" is fast, fun, and occasionally heartbreaking...
Rising Out of the Ashes–CCM Transmigration 2022
Each year, the entire CCM Acting community would break up into six teams with each team creating a new thirty-minute play based on any topic of their choosing.
The result marries the make-shift mentality of Fringe Festivals to the aesthetic of a mad theatre scientist experimenting with primal forces. ...
A roasting and a rousing good time at The Thanksgiving Play
High school theatre teacher Logan wins a grant to create the annual Thanksgiving play. She and her boyfriend and fellow actor Jaxton struggle to devise a politically correct Thanksgiving play for the school’s juvenile audience. They’re joined by history teacher, Caden, who dreams of being a playwright, and LA-based...
Funny, Thought Provoking and Intense: Review of Know Theater’s “Harpers Ferry 2019”
Dang, Fisher, and Richmond’s acting keeps the audience enthralled throughout the 100 minute play. ...
‘Harpers Ferry’ at Know Theatre Masterfully Explores History and Privilege
“What does justice look like for those who are pushed to the margins?” ...
“Pippin” at CCM: It’s ‘Pippin’ Hot
This is one of my favorite shows and CCM, as usual, brings it to life with the entire package of acting, singing, dancing and technical...
CCM’s “Pippin” Finds Its ‘Corner of the Sky’
"Sometimes I think men raise flags when they can’t get anything else up,” says Berthe...Pippin's grandmother ...
Gotta Catch “The Lightning Thief, The Percy Jackson Musical” at NKU
This was one of my favorite series of books in ... Elementary school, so I hoped that this adaptation did the source material more justice than the film adaptation had. It does. ...
Cincinnati Shakespeare: Hamlet With a Twist
Review by Sherri Wellington Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s newest rendition of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” makes the viewer look at the play in a new and different way. Hamlet is a woman. Thus, all of Hamlet’s relationships are immediately under scrutiny. How does Hamlet, as a woman, change the story? Brian...
Beware of Greek Gods Losing Lightning Bolts
The singing is excellent throughout led by the primary leads of Simpson (Percy), Je’Shaun Jackson (Grover) and Ellie O’Hara (Annabeth). ...
CSC’s “Hamlet” is an Interesting New Flavor of Classic Play
"...switching he/hims for she/hers gives a new meaning to the phrase 'Man delights not me'"...
A Family In Transition: Review of “Everything That’s Beautiful” at Human Race Theatre
The cast is simply riveting and often surprising....
Falcon Theater’s “Red Speedo”: A Deep Dive Into the Human Condition
“Red Speedo” is an introspective work that bursts to life, takes the audience on a roller coaster, punches them in the gut, and quickly ends, exactly what I want modern theater to do. ...
Events Going Swimmingly at the Falcon: Review of “Red Speedo”
This is a good play, well-acted by the participants while addressing some serious issues in sports (and in society at large) sprinkled with enough humor and enough ongoing surprise revelations to sustain the audience’s attention. ...
Gorgeous “My Fair Lady” at Aronoff is a Must See Celebration of Broadway in Cincinnati
This is a must see. Not only is the whole cast richly talented, but the production has so many beautiful jaw dropping numbers and heartfelt passion that bring goosebumps-- surprising from a show produced for almost 70 years....
Broadway in Cincinnati’s “My Fair Lady”: An Updated Exhibition of Classic Musical Theater at the Aronoff
‘My Fair Lady” is a bucket-list show for any musical enthusiast and this stunning production is not one to miss. ...
Matilda Jr. Delights Patrons with Magic and Nostalgia at the Taft Theatre
Review by Mary Kate Groh Roald Dahl’s magical story of Matilda Jr. the Musical is a delight for people of all ages. This timelessclassic is produced by the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, with performances back at the beautiful Taft Theatre. Matilda Jr. is the story of a clever young...
The Carnegie is Alive with ‘The Sound of Music’
A charming production that’s sure to delight everyone in the family. Saturday’s opening performance received a thunderous applause and standing ovation.
...
Beehive at Covedale: A Compendium of 1960’s Music
Overall, the show is fun, energetic and entertaining. If you enjoy 1960’s music, this will be a treat. ...
CSC’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” Hits the Perfect Note Depicting the Black Experience During the Roaring ’20s
Wiggins is larger than life in her portrayal of the well-known blues singer who has a clear understanding of what life as a black musician is like. She is headstrong and firm in her convictions as Ma Rainey to get what she wants before the record executives get theirs...
“Ma Rainey” Brings the House Down at CSC
CSC’s production of “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” is beautiful, important, and some of the most effective storytelling I have ever experienced. ...
Madcap Puppet Theatre will Engage Young Kids (and You!)
Upon listening to the squeals, comments, giggles and gasps, clearly Dylan Shelton consistently reaches his audience in a simply poignant manner. The audience is there to be entertained and he is doing so with a wide array of puppets, voices and stories. By the looks on the adults' faces...
Covedale’s “Elf the Musical:” Fast, Festive, and Family-Friendly
One of the true heroes of the show is choreographer Cassidy Steele, whose dance numbers add so much life to an already waggish score. One of my favorite moments of the show was the hilarious act two number “Nobody Cares About Santa,” the Fosse’esque choreography reminding of “Sweet Charity”...
Human Race Theatre’s “Who’s Holiday” is more than Who-larious
If your Holidays need a laugh and a beer,
“Who’s Holiday” in Dayton will bring you good cheer....
“Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers”: A review of CCM Acting’s Julius Caesar
Isabella Wagner is outstanding as the lean and hungry Ciaus Cassius. Wagner strength is finding the emotional core in Cassius’ speeches and using that emotion to connect to her fellow actors...
Elfin Holiday Magic: Elf, the Musical at Covedale
Director (and Executive Artistic Director) Tim Perrino scored a “10” by casting Wells as Buddy whose personality fills the theater. ...
“Glassheart” at Know is Magical
Glassheart, at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, reexamines what it means to find true love, the sacrifices we make for those who we care about the most and the longing to feel human. Directed by Tamara Winters, this deeply moving comedy is set within the walls of a small Chicago...
Byrd has a Strong Directorial Debut for Falcon Theatre’s “Well”
“Well” is a play that dwells both in the ordinary world of everyday life and in the extraordinary imagination of the playwright. It takes us on a human journey of discovery filled with moments of laughter and instances of human connection....
Glassheart” at Know Theatre: A Bittersweet Tale of Beauty
“A bittersweet tale of life, love and the pursuit of happiness (or should we say human-ness), check out 'Glassheart' at the Know Theatre” ...
“In Time” is a Warm Look at Friendship: Miami University Theatre Fringe
Review by Liz Eichler If you can catch “In Time” playing tonight at 5:30 PM at Studio 88, at Miami, do so. It is a delightful, gentle, poignant look at two sets of women’s friendships, spanning over 100 years. Written by the award winning student Ruby Gray (recipient of...
“The End of the World” is a Short, Rich Drama: Miami U. Fringe
By Shawn Maus I love live theatre. I’m torn with this new world we’re in that produces theatre on YouTube or other streaming services. I know that the movie megaplexes are showing Metropolitan Opera shows and other Broadway shows on the big screens. I applaud the theatre world for...
NKU’s “Edwin Drood” Engaging and Energetic
Director Jason Danieley...has created a humorous, fanciful dessert of good songs, good singing and dancing and a different audience experience. This is not your grandmother’s musical but you will be glad you saw it....
“Once” Strikes a Chord at CCM
While the vocals are gorgeous, one of the most unique features of the show is the lack of a large pit offstage. Instead, the actors accompany themselves on instruments including guitar, cello, piano, ukulele, melodica, and percussion. When not part of the primary scene, the actors float along the...
A.L.T.’s “Higher” has a Legacy
"Higher" is an original rock musical centered around the opioid crisis and one man’s...journey to recovery. It’s at times humorous,...dramatic, grim, and uplifting. But mostly it is a show unlike any you’ve ever seen. It’s ambitious, compelling, and thought-provoking....
Start Higher, End Higher Still: A Review of the American Legacy Theatre production of “Higherâ€
"Kyle's descent into opioid addiction at the end of act one was very intense and truly compelling."Â ...
Mount St. Joseph’s Theatre Returns with Spoon River Requiem
If you looked back on your life, would you make the same choices?  ...
Miami University Theatre’s Radio Play “R.U.R.” is a Treat
This weekend is a perfect time to listen to “R.U.R.â€--AI taking over our lives is a very scary story. ...
“Airness” at Human Race: For Those About to Rock, I Salute You
The play is ultimately less about the power of rock, than it is about the power we all have inside us to create and express if only we would tap into it....
Human Race’s “Airness†Rocks!
Underneath the outlandish costumes are some serious acting chops and wicked moves. ...
Confusion, Chaos and Canoodling at NKU’s “Noises Offâ€
NKU’s “Noises Off†is a “Who's on First†farce, filled with dynamic and lovable characters that you'll not want to miss. ...
Xanadu Glides Onto CCM Stage
The musical is, frankly, a lot: a lot of look, a lot of synth, a lot of meta jokes about artists, gentrification, and 40-year-old gays who attend children’s theater. The show never takes itself seriously and for 90 intermission-less minutes, the audience is transported to a world where physics,...