“The Princess Plays” Refreshes Favorite Fairytales
Much like a double-feature, The Princess Plays presents two full musicals in one night at the NKU Corbett Theatre. Each actor plays a role in both “Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs” and “Sleeping Beauty: Rise and Shine.” Both shows offer new twists on familiar favorites for kids and...
“Kiss Me Kate” is Rollicking Fun
Review by Katrina Reynolds I’m not partial to musicals – however, the exceptions to this rule are strong and steady. Fortunately for this reviewer, one of those exceptions is currently playing at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. After having seen Taming of the Shrew at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company...
Earnest Shines in “Every Brilliant Thing”
Eileen Earnest takes us along a rollercoaster of joyful levity and solemn empathy in Falcon Theatre’s immersive Every Brilliant Thing. While we work through heavy issues of mental illness and suicide together, these topics are handled with care, and we’re left with a meaningful message of hope. Review by...
“Every Brilliant Thing” is Simply Brilliant
Every Brilliant Thing is running March 17 through April 1 at the Falcon Theatre in Newport. This is one that you must see. There is something so heartbreaking about this spirit who struggles with not only her mother’s depression but her father’s inability to reach out to his daughter...
“Kiss Me Kate” is ‘Wunderbar!’
This show has blended a classic, tongue-in-cheek Broadway spoof with an excellent cast of singers, dancers and actors. The show is a lot of fun featuring Cole Porter’s best score. ...
Go All-In for “All-One!”
This play is about soap, but so much more. It is about what we do to make ourselves clean and how far we can go to try to save the world through our beliefs. There are some big issues behind the light frolicsome nature of the play that can...
Storytelling Pops in “All-One!” at Know
Know’s “All-One” is a brief Fringe-y entertainment, perfect for anyone looking for a light diversion after dinner in Over-The-Rhine or before a nightcap. “All-One!” runs through March 26....
“Tootsie” Will Have you Laughing Your Stockings Off
With classic Broadway dance numbers, fantastical costumes (and quick changes), and lyrics with a ‘Producers’-style wit, David Yazbek and Robert Horn’s “Tootsie” is an unexpected masterpiece....
“Tootsie” is Smart and Funny
"Tootsie" is a musical that I would recommend to audiences. Michael Dorsey proves that being a woman is no job for a man—with hilarious results. ...
Who Shall Be Tamed at Cincy Shakes?
Any praise you shall hear about Sara Mackie’s interpretation of Katherina will only be a fraction of the truth: rest assured she is even better than best. Her facial expressions, her vocal inflections, and her choices in physicality with every step she takes all add up to a flawless performance....
Who’s Taming Who?
"This is a very funny show."...
Charming New R & H “Cinderella” at CCM
Review by Liz Eichler Run to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” like it is chiming midnight. This charming new version of the beloved R & H musical is playing March 2-5 only at UC’s College Conservatory of Music. It has a surprising twist–modernizing and fleshing out the relationships, but keeping...
Delightful “Twelfth Night” at NKU
Review by Bryna Chandler Guy meets girl; girl falls in love with boy; boy is a girl who falls in love with her boss. William Shakespeare’s timeless classic Twelfth Night is an Elizabethan comedy of mistaken identities and miscommunications. Considered one of Shakespeare’s essential comedies, it covers heavy topics...
“Princess & Frog”: TCT’s Royal Treat
Take your special someone (especially if they are between Kindergarten and 8th grade) out for a special treat to see Princess and Frog now playing at the Taft Theatre. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati never fails to delight. ...
“Twelfth Night” at NKU: LOL Funny
NKU's production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” is a joy to behold. I laughed out loud several times...As I left the theatre,...I thought to myself, “Wow. Those actors are students. BFA students who have a bright, bright future ahead of them.” ...
Norm Lewis Leads Stellar ‘A Soldier’s Play’ Tour in Dayton
Review by David Brush The National Tour of A Soldier’s Play lands in Dayton this week (its only Ohio stop) directed by the prolific Kenny Leon (American Son, The Wiz Live!, A Raisin In The Sun) and led on stage by Broadway legend Norm Lewis (Les Miserables, NBC’s Jesus...
“A Soldier’s Play” Commands Attention
If you’re looking for art that explores themes from Black history or just looking for great theatre that will make two hours fly by, don't miss A Soldier’s Play. And since this will be the tour’s only Ohio appearance, make sure you get tickets now! ...
Creature or Monster?: A Review of CCM Acting’s “Frankenstein”
"Frankenstein" is one of those plays which provides food for thought while also being enjoyable to watch. CCM Acting's "Frankenstein" runs February 9 to February 12, 2023....
I Think You’re Gonna Like “Annie”
Pulsifer beautifully captures the heart and soul of Annie. She is equal parts spunk, determination, and crafty charm with a satisfying singing voice belting out wonderful renditions of iconic songs "Maybe" and "Tomorrow." ...
The Sun Has Come Out at the Aronoff Center
This production is a fun watch. It’s evident that the kids on stage are having the time of their lives dancing and singing. Ellie Pulsifer (Annie) does a great job as the titular character. Her belt at the end of “Tomorrow” in act one is clear, vibrant, and full...
Raining Achievement: Carnegie’s “Singing in the Rain”
"Singin' in the Rain" runs through February 12 at The Carnegie in KY. Singing, dancing, and real rain makes this a Raining Achievement. ...
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap at Know Theatre’s “D*ckless”
"Dickless" is a strong evening of theatre for people who want to see amazing acting and a strong script. ...
Falcon Theatre’s “The Lifespan of a Fact:” An Odd Couple for the Truth
"The Lifespan of a Fact" is a must-see for Cincinnati theatre audiences. With a running time of under 90 minutes, it will give audience members plenty of time to catch a drink after the show and discuss what they've seen. It runs January 27 to February 11, 2023....
Earnestly “Frank” World Premiere at CSC
Finally, Oscar Wilde’s classic farce "The Importance of Being Earnest" has a sequel entitled "The Rewards of Being Frank" with a world premiere at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company....
Plane Truth Flying at Covedale Theatre
Each of the women have different personalities and are played effectively by each actress. Each has a distinctive accent based upon their nationality which works well.
This is a “modern” play from the 1960’s but carries the hallmarks of classic French Bedroom Farce including absurd circumstances, machine gun fire dialogue,...
Know Theatre’s D*ckless Will Leave You Breathless
“D*ckless” runs now through February 12th at The Know Theatre of Cincinnati, your “theatrical playground.” Talbot's amazing performance is a must-see. ...
“Boeing, Boeing” Takes off at Covedale
Review by Molly Alderson Ladies and Gentlemen, please fasten your seatbelts and put your tray tables in the upright and locked position. The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts production of “Boeing, Boeing,” written by Marc Camoletti, is about to take off! “Boeing, Boeing” is a classic farce, showcasing...
“Frank” is a Rewarding Wildean Ride at CSC
That is one of the themes of “The Rewards of Being Frank” a sequel to the Oscar Wilde classic comedy of manners, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Written by new playwright Alice Scovell, this witty and sophisticated show premiered this week at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, before it moves onto...
“Singin’ in the Rain” a Real Treat
The Carnegie brings the movie magic to life in Covington. "Singin’ in the Rain" is a dancing spectacle, with catchy songs and laughs throughout....
Impressive “Lifespan of a Fact” at Falcon
Take everything you know about facts, journalism, reporting, and even storytelling and throw it off the roof; now you have Falcon Theatre’s production of “Lifespan of a Fact”....
Sumptuous “Anastasia” Delights Cincinnati
Review by Liz Eichler Waltzing into Cincinnati these two weeks is the National Tour of Anastasia, a delight for the eyes and soul. Anastasia is the story of a young Russian woman with amnesia, who may or may not be the only surviving daughter of Tsar Nicholaus II and...
Journeying to the Past: “Anastasia” National Tour
Leading the show as Anastasia is recent Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music graduate, Veronica Stern. Stern explores each note and melody with a softness to her voice--a great choice for a character who’s searching for her truth. ...
Theatre Experiences Past and Future
Liz Eichler asks Cincinnati Theatre Goers – what was your favorite theatrical experience of 2022 and what are you looking forward to in 2023?...
2022 and 2023: Incredible Musicals and Great Plays
David Brush says "for 2023 it is hard to pin down just a few highly anticipated shows, but I would say the Norm Lewis-led national tour of A Soldier's Play is near the top of that list." A Soldier's Play will be in Dayton in February. ...
2022 Recap: The Arts Remain Alive and Well in Cincinnati
Katrina Reynolds says "the best show I have seen this season was "Sweat" produced by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati." ...
Cincy Theatre Highlights 2022 and into 2023
LCT Reviewer Doug Iden is looking forward to several shows at different theaters including:
"Anastasia" (with music by CCM grad Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens) and "Hadestown" in the Broadway series....
The Great Return: 2022 Reflections and Highlights
By Ariel Mary Ann One could define this past year as the great return of theatre. During 2020 and going into 2021, artists watched theaters shut down across the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic. From community theatre to Broadway – This left many of us wondering, will the...
“12 Dates of Christmas” is a Holiday Treat
American Legacy Theatre’s "12 Dates of Christmas" helps us realize that sometimes we are surrounded by love, and sometimes it is us who is giving rather than receiving that love....
“Who’s Holiday” is Who-larious at Human Race
"Who’s Holiday!" at the Loft Theatre is filled with rap, rhyme, and radiant holiday lights making it a "who-larious" evening of entertainment perfect for an adults-only night out on the town. Just like the holidays themselves, time flies by in this one-act 70-minute production. ...
TCT’s “Rudolph” Glows
"Rudolph" amazingly fun and delightful play that transports the audience to another world for an hour. The children and adult actors alike make it a thoroughly entertaining time and a lovely way to ring in the holidays....
What’s the buzz?! “Jesus Christ Superstar” at Aronoff
I can’t recommend
"Jesus Christ Superstar" enough!. It’s a moving piece of theatre that remains relevant, even 50 years after that first
Broadway opening....
Broadway in Cincinnati’s “Jesus Christ Superstar” Rocks
his production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” is an absolute roller coaster of a show: fun, poignant, and heartbreaking....
Catch “Peter and the Starcatcher” at NKU!
This is the perfect holiday production that will appeal to all family members. There is something for everyone here. I highly recommend this production. It is great fun and will bring out your inner child who wants to fly off with Peter Pan in search of adventure....
Scrooged! Covedale’s “A Christmas Carol”
Overall, Covedale's "A Christmas Carol" is a faithful and thoughtful production which appropriately mixes joyous transformation with the underlying filth of London in the mid 1800’s. ...
NKU’s “Peter and the Starcatcher” is a Star-Packed, Whimsical Delight
NKU’s "Peter and the Starcatcher" is a surprisingly odd and wickedly funny show that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike....
Holiday Shows? Yes, Please!
If you cannot make it during the holiday season, every theatre sells gift cards! Support local. ...
There is no “Betrayal” with Pinter at Falcon
In Falcon's production of Pinter's "Betrayal," time goes backward from a meeting of the former lovers to the first time Jerry tells Emma he is in love with her in 1973. ...
“Betrayal” Is The Word At Falcon Theatre
Without a doubt, Aaron Whitehead as Robert is the highlight of this production. His dialect is spot on, his emotional range is solid, and scenes with him are automatically filled with more energy. Mr. Whitehead is obviously an astute actor and very watchable. ...
Know Theatre’s “Lizard Boy” Lions and Lizards and Dragons, Oh My!
Lizard Boy is a delightfully surprising musical which is a different take on the superhero genre. This is a perfect holiday antidote to the slew of Christmas carols and Christmas-themes stories which hit in December. It is a must-see show for everyone who wants to be entertained...
Comic Lore and Indie Rock Score: “Lizard Boy” at Know Theatre
wonderful things to a beautiful blend of harmonies performed by the entire cast.
While you don't have to be a comic book fan to appreciate this musical, it certainly doesn’t hurt. However, if you’re a fan of good "theydies" and bad "gentlethems" and man-sels in distress, Lizard Boy is fun,...
Highly Relatable “Little Women” at CSC
Every single actor in this seasoned "Little Women" cast is impressive and skilled. Cincinnati has talent, my friends!...
CSC’s “Little Women” Warm and Visionary
The joy and love between the characters bathes over you from beginning to end. This play gently ushers in the Winter Holiday season, with the right amount of schmaltz and a heap of laughter....
“Deadline” Entertains at Human Race Theatre
"Deadline" is definitely a good time with its mystery, farcical humor, and stage action. There are twists and turns as well as the expected bits. This play does exactly what it should: it entertains.
...
Human Race’s “Deadline” a Masterful New Mystery
With an eccentric cast of characters and a mystery with enough turns to keep even the most adept of audience members guessing to the bitter end, Deadline is a perfect Fall evening in the theatre....
Life Can Be “A Dream” at CCM’s Cohen Family Studio Theater
“A Dream Play“ has a strong, talented cast of performers who clearly work hard to be a true ensemble. This is a wordy and surprisingly physical show with a steady pace and seamless transitions. While is it obvious many moving parts go into creating this ambience, the execution appears...
On the Side of the Angels: NKU’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”
You cringe as Schutzman smirks and taunts Jekyll, but then feel for him...It is an impressive feat to balance those elements and I think I might have nightmare of Schutzman strutting around the stage taunting Dr. Jekyll. He was that creepy. ...
NKU’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” Invites You To ‘Sit Back, But Don’t Relax’
This particular version of the narrative has nearly every actor onstage playing multiple characters including several who play the odious Hyde....
Miami’s “Angel’s Trumpet” is Zelda’s Story
A thought provoking, yet disturbing presentation of passion and control. "Angel's Trumpet" is recommended for anyone who needs a reminder that women 'count.'
...
Broadway in Cincinnati’s “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical”
The large ensemble cast is tireless and energetic, moving from dance number to dance number, the show is understandably athletic and enthralling....
“Tina” Rocks the Aronoff as Broadway in Cincinnati’s Season Opener
By the last song before curtain, “Simply The Best,” the audience is itching to stand. The singing, the band, the lights, costumes, the dancing all pull together for this one beautiful moment that transports us to Tina Turner’s concert, which earns a standing ovation before the lights fade....
“Living Dead” is Alive with Zombies and Social Commentary
If you love zombies, blood, and horror with social commentary then this is the play for you. ...
“Sister Act” Shakes it at Covedale
Sister Act is 2 hours and 15 minutes long with a 15 minute intermission. The first half goes by so fast, you are surprised that it is already intermission. You'll be drawn in....
CCM’s “Something Rotten” is Hilarious to the Core
Director and choreographer Diane Lala milks every ounce of humor out of the zesty book and score, leaning into the over-the-topness the show requires. The dance numbers are raucous and joyful, with several memorable tap dancing numbers throughout the show. ...
Sisters “Act Up” at Covedale Theatre
This is a tale of life changing experiences fashioned by the friendship, love and the redemption of everyone...This show is fun, exuberant and entertaining with excellent singing dancing and acting. ...
Nothing Rotten within CCM Musical Theatre’s “Something Rotten”
This production proves why so many CCM students end up on Broadway....
“The Living Dead” is Coming to Get Us This October At Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Spooky season is in full swing and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is joining in on the action with its World Premiere Commission of “The Living Dead” directed by Brian Isaac Phillips. ...
TCT Delights the Family with Disney’s ‘The Descendants’ Musical
The audience audibly sighs in awe when dancers emerge in enchanting winged capes, lit with bright white bulbs (a timely nod to the upcoming Blink Cincinnati). Bright, bold, flashing lights are used to effectively stamp the scene as “good” or “evil.”...
“She Loves Me” Sings at CCM
By Alan Jozwiak Great singing dominates “She Loves Me,” the latest offering of University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music’s Musical Theater program, which is a 1960’s musical adaptation of the Miklos Laszlo play about love in a Hungarian parfumerie. “She Loves Me” sings the story of Amalia Balash...
Countless Reasons to Love CCM’s “She Loves Me”
The marvelous cast is incredibly engaging, drawing the audience in with enthusiasm and intimacy....
CCM Brings Greek Comedy and Tragedy Alive
Students’ production skills are highlighted during intermission, as the audience is invited to watch the transition from the bright and colorful Lysistrata set to war-torn destruction. A thunderous crack breaks the floor allowing the release of smoke and fog, adding to the feel of the smoldering and immediate Fall...
‘Lysistrata’ and ‘The Trojan Women’ at CCM: Two views of war
By Kathleen Lamorelle, LCT Lysistrata and The Trojan Women, adapted by Ellen Mclaughlin and directed by Brant Russell is now playing at University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music. The evening melds a satirical comedic with a contemplative tragedy under an umbrella of common themes: sex and gender, war...
Miami’s “These Shining Lives” Glows
Review by Liz Eichler Audiences may be surprised by a number of things in These Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich, playing now through October 2 at Miami University Theatre. For the college students, it may be the language of the late 1920’s and 30’s and the slang sprinkled throughout...
Radiant performances at Falcon’s “Marie Curie”
This is an uplifting, anthem to two extremely brilliant women who overcome the travails of their time. This is a good play, very well acted and Weil directed....
It’s a long but meaningful “journey” at Know
Review by Liz Eichler Do you have people you can trust? I mean, trust trust. How about a group who you can share your deepest insecurities? “It’s not a trip it’s a journey” is about four people who share and deepen friendships, though each has a rather major flaw...
A Tattoo With a Better Story: Healing Scars within the NKU musical “Violet”
This production is strong vocally, with well harmonized songs from the company like “On My Way” and “Bring Me To Light.” Not only did the ensemble delivering strong vocal performances, but the principles are also strong singers. ...
“it’s not a trip it’s a journey” Takes Us To More Places Than You’d Imagine
While the story is summarized as “a play about tumbleweed, friendship, being black, and needing to soothe something you don’t always have words for,” I daresay we can all relate to something we learn on this journey.
...
No Shrinking “Violet” at NKU
This passion-filled musical is a testament to overcoming our fears–whether imposed by society or ourselves, and that we will truly be able to live our best lives when we let go of the past. ...
Friendship Triumphs in Falcon Theatre’s “The Half Life of Marie Curie”
a must-see for those people in love with Laura Gunderson's work and wanting an authentic exploration of the love and regard between two women fighting against the forces of societal repression and chauvinism ...
I Am That Which Began: “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” electrifies at Falcon
This play is funny, teaches a lot of facts about both women and their accomplishments but also some history and cool scientific facts. ...
Review of “My Way: A Tribute to the Music of Frank Sinatra”
Review by Kathleen Lamorelle What a trip down Memory Lane! Cincinnati Landmark Productions’ presentation of My Way: A Tribute to the Music of Frank Sinatra, created by David Grapes and Todd Olson and arranged by Vince di Mura, is a chance to revisit the life and music of the...
Doing it “My Way” at Covedale
This is enjoyable evening for both long time Sinatra lovers or first-timers to the great songs of the middle 20th Century. ...
Riveting “Grounded” launches Human Race’s Season
The audience in the Loft are very literally in the cockpit, on dark desert roads and in the intimate spaces of a family in turmoil. The distance between audience and play has all but vanished....
Many A True Word Is Spoken in Cincy Shakes’ Season Opener “King Lear”
And what is there to say of Hopkins as the titular character? I’ll say it simply: it’s good to be king - and it’s even better when it’s Jim Hopkins. Bravo, Sir....