It’s that special time of year: the weather will be cooling down, kids are heading back to school, football is on its way, and a certain gourd will drive people out of theirs. Oh – did I mention a new theatre season is also upon us?! The shows have been announced. Here are just a few to which I am most looking forward.
Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
Premiering this October is a musical I actually enjoy (WHAT?!): Freaky Friday with book by Bridget Carpenter, music by Tom Kitt, and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Boasting an impressive cast and some catchy tunes, this fast-paced show is based on both the novel of the same name and the Disney films (yes, there was another one before the Lindsay Lohan version – as great as that one is). Purchase tickets online or by calling the Box Office at (513) 241-6550.
CCM Acting
Premiering just in time for spooky season is a special treat: Let The Right One In by Jack Thorne, a collaboration with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Featuring both CCM and CSC talent, director Brian Isaac Phillips has this to say: “The production is such a special opportunity for both of these Cincinnati institutions. Actors from both CCM and CSC have the opportunity to work on a piece that challenges the imagination, shows the transformative power of adaptation in the theatre, and a brings a uniquely haunting story to life just in time for Halloween.” Purchase your tickets and head on over to the Patricia Corbett Theatre this fall for a blood-suckingly good time.
Know Theatre of Cincinnati
The nerd is strong in this one – and therefore, I am most looking forward to the world premiere of Blerds by J. Corey Buckner coming to the Know Mainstage this November. Directed by Cincinnati royalty Derek Snow of Missing Front Plate Productions, Blerds is summarized succinctly (and mysteriously) with the statement “There are some things you can’t learn in school.” Think Black family joy, add in some sci-fi, and sit back to watch. I was sold on this one from the jump and encourage everyone – nerds and non-nerds alike – to purchase seats and spend an evening in OTR with Mr. Buckner’s coming-of-age tale.
Human Race Theatre Company
Cincinnati multi-threat Torie Wiggins stretches her directing muscles to bring Dayton-area audiences Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous by Pearl Cleage late this October. This humourous, but poignant tale of two very different women in a common industry is the most recent of Ms. Cleage’s offerings. She herself describes the show as such: “This is a story for anyone who has ever tried to build a bridge between generations, hoping to offer a lifetime of advice to some unsuspecting young person (who probably hasn’t asked for it,) and discovered in the process that there is as much to learn as there is to teach.” Tickets can be purchased here for the shows at The Loft Theatre in beautiful downtown Dayton.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
My goodness, CSC’s 2023-2024 season is absolute fire! It is tough to choose the one show to which I am most looking forward. However, my recommendation for the theatre-goer is not to miss The Amen Corner by the brilliant James Baldwin. Described as a “scalding and exultant masterpiece of the modern American theatre”, The Amen Corner takes us to a small church in Harlem where the congregation’s faith is put to the test by complications in the pastor’s family relations. As an outsider who has been brought inside by CSC talent, I can tell you the talent in this one promises to be incredible with familiar and new faces alike. Make plans for your New Year and get your seats now for this late January presentation.
Ensemble Theatre Company
Coming to ETC fittingly during Black History Month is a show previously unknown (to me) before a beautiful local talent told me about it. How I Learned What I Learned is a memoir in monologue form written by none other than Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson. Originally performed by the man himself, How…Learned charts one man’s journey of self-discovery through adversity and dives into what it means to be a Black artist in America. This promises to be a journey rife with hilarity, heartache, and hope and D. Lynn Meyers is the perfect Producing Artistic Director to bring it to Cincinnati audiences. Tickets will no doubt go quickly on this gem, so get yours now.
Broadway in Cincinnati
With some new and exciting titles coming to Cincinnati through the Broadway series, it can be difficult to choose just one show to highlight. However, this choice is not a hard one for me: SIX: The Musical by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss comes to Cincinnati this April and I am here for it. This modern re-telling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII is presented in the form of a pop concert. SIX is the awardee of over twenty awards including the Tony Award for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics). Described as “energizing”, I am very excited to get my ears on this one. Tickets will go on sale November 17th, so keep on eye on this site so you can cut off the rest of the competition for a good seat. (What – too soon?)
Falcon Theatre
Reading Falcon’s 2023-2024 season selections, there is definitely one show which draws my immediate attention: The Other Place by Sharr White. First premiering Off-Broadway in 2011 and boasting the talents of Laurie Metcalf (a sometimes extraordinarily underrated artist), The Other Place is a show best kept a mystery until viewing. (There are summaries online, but I beg you to try and refrain from reading them.) Falcon’s out site smartly keeps their summary brief and spoiler-free, stating (in part): “One step at a time, a mystery unravels as contradictory evidence, blurred truth and fragmented memories collide in a cottage on the windswept shores of Cape Cod.” For those who are fans of psychological thrillers or simply love a good enigma, May is definitely the time to head across the river to Newport. Be sure to purchase tickets here and enjoy the ride.
Theatre Preview Summary
The Cincinnati arts community is embarrassingly fantastic. Right now, more than ever, it’s up to us to help it thrive and flourish and become even stronger than it once was. Our local theatres still see empty seats, no doubt a result of the way the pandemic changed so many things in our lives. But our theatre staff members are smart and health-conscious. They want to give you live entertainment and be sure we’re all safe. If you are indeed sick, staying at home is always the better option.
I challenge each and every one to buy a ticket to at least one show from one of our amazing League of Cincinnati member Theatres.
Yes, the money is important as it helps runs the businesses – but the most important part of theatre is people. Audiences are just as vital to the creation of good theatre as the cast and crew. These artists work hard and they want to share the fruits of their labors of love with you. Won’t you please let them?
