The Cincinnati theatre scene is heating up this weekend as many theatres are diving into the second half of their season. The League of Cincinnati Theatre’s reviewers are abuzz with excitement over the wide array of productions coming to stages across the region. From Broadway tours to local professional gems, there’s something for every theatre lover. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon.
Local Professional Theatres
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC)
CSC kicks off its winter lineup with A Room in the Castle on January 24. Based on the women of Hamlet and written by Lauren M. Gundersen, the play is sure to intrigue audiences with storytelling from the perspectives of Ophelia and Gertrude. This World Premiere is being co-produced by Folger Theatre. “Wow, you had me at Lauren Gundersen,” says Liz Eichler, reviewer. “Loved every production of The Revolutionists–love this author!” Reviewers also note they are looking forward to Mrs. Dalloway, another World Premiere and a new musical by Cincinnati’s Lindsey Augusta Mercer. Based on Virginia Woolf’s introspective novel, set after WWI, it is sure to celebrate the human spirit.
CSC will also present Shakespeare’s classics Macbeth on February 28 – March 23 and The Tempest April 11 – May 4. Reviewer Kat Reynolds shares her enthusiasm for Macbeth, stating, “It’s one of my past favorite shows at CSC, but I’m very much looking forward to it with Darnell Pierre Benjamin in the title role.” New reviewer Chase Johnson is eagerly anticipating The Tempest, calling it “Shakespeare’s last play. That’s so metaphorical and lovely.”
Falcon Theatre
Falcon Theatre’s lineup is garnering significant buzz. Two productions, in particular, stand out. Hangmen runs January 24-February 8: Directed by newlyweds Ted Weil and Samantha Joy Weil, this play showcases Martin McDonagh’s sharp wit and dark humor. Reviewer enthusiasm is high, with reviewer Reynolds noting, “McDonagh’s writing truly shines on stage.”
The Shark is Broken is scheduled for May 2- 17. This regional premiere is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of Jaws, has been eagerly awaited by fans.
But before that, Mr. Parker by Michael McKeever, March 14-29 is also on the docket. A one-night stand becomes a journey of self-discovery for a man trying to let go of the past and move forward, while dealing with the pressures of being middle-aged, gay and alone in the ever-changing landscape of today’s America.
NOTE: Remember the I-471 bridge is out, so check your travel apps for the Falcon and any other Northern KY theatre.
Know Theatre
Know Theatre will finally stage the postponed BLERDS by J. Corey Buckner, a “nerd paradise” production that reviewers Alan Jozwiak and Katrina Reynolds are thrilled about. “The geek inside me is so excited,” said Reynolds. “I am really looking forward to Derek Snow’s direction of it.” BLERDS, running April 4-19, is a world premiere coming-of-age journey in the spirit of The Goonies and Stand By Me from J. Corey Buckner. It is an adventure quest about Black family joy and the perils of the very real world around them, as told through the lens of Star Wars fandom.
Know opens The Case for the Existence of God on February 7. A regional premiere, case is from the playwright of the Oscar-nominated film, The Whale.
Cincinnati Fringe Festival will cap off the Spring Season at Know Theatre, running May 31- June 14. Billed as Cincinati’s Theatre party it is an explosion of creativity, performance and power.
Human Race Theatre (Dayton)
In Dayton, Human Race Theatre will present A Distinct Society February 5 – 16, Is by Kareem Fahmy with Director Brant Russell, CCM faculty. Set in a library which straddles the US Canada border and is Inspired by true events, The French-Canadian librarian, an American customs agent, and a local teenager find their quiet lives suddenly full of excitement and consequence.
Coming in March 26- April 6, the “small cast version” of Camelot that focuses on its stunning musical score, offering a fresh take on this beloved Lerner & Lowe classic, adapted by David Lee. JUNE 3 – 15 will feature The Comeuppance By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. The Comeuppance focuses on millennials reckoning with the world they will soon inherit.
Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
Covedale brings Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor to life, a production beloved by theatre enthusiasts. “It’s fascinating to see how this fast-paced comedy adapts to new stages,” remarked one reviewer. Next is SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, March 13 – April 6, 2025. A perennial favorite in every form by reviewer Doug Iden, he is especially excited about how Covedale will tackle the rain.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
I Need That opens February 8 and runs through March 2. Written and directed by Award-winning playwright Theresa Rebeck (Bad Dates, NBC’s Smash), this show had a successful Broadway run. Both hilarious and heartfelt, this is a look at someone who has too many things in his home, so that the local government intervenes. An exasperated daughter tries to move the needle with her set in his ways father. Get ready for a night of empathy.
Next up for Ensemble is The Sound Inside by Adam Rapp, April 5-27. Ensemble advertises this show as “Deeply moving and brimming with suspense, this thrilling play explores the power we hold over each other and questions the limits of what we can ask of others.” Sounds like a great conversation starter! Jocelyn Bioh’s JaJa’s African Hair Braiding closes the season May 31 to June 22. This ensemble piece, a 2024 Tony Award Nominee, will have you laughing and crying.
American Legacy Theatre
American Legacy Theatre’s new musical Higher opens Mar 7 – 23. This organization continues its mission to connect audiences through socially relevant stories. Higher is a piece developed out of Playwrights for Change – a program supported in part by the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation. Workshopped over the past two years, this is the premiere production for this story of hope, or as the advertising says the show is about Love. War. Trauma. Drugs. Relief. Laughter. Love. Repeat.
The Carnegie
The Carnegie will charm families with a delightful production of Seussical the Musical, a whimsical treat for audiences of all ages. A joint venture with CCM, the show is sure to please theatre go-ers of every age. The Carnegie has announced its summer season, as well as the return of the award winning production of Rocky Horror in October.
Clifton Theatre
This talented group of performers, designers and directors will be having a premiere of Zina Cambin‘s The Guest, running January 24 – February 8. Performances will be at the vibrant Liberty Exhibition Hall in Northside. The cast includes Caitlin McWethy, Patrick Phillips, Kevin Crowley, Justin McCombs, Angelic Archer, Kendra Jefferies, Darnell Benjamin and Carol Brammer.
The Guest is a comedy that explores what happens when an adopted bi-racial woman knocks on the door of her Evangelical, right-wing birth mother’s home in rural Missouri to get answers about her identity.
Broadway Touring Shows
Of course, Broadway in Cincinnati continues to dazzle with high-profile Broadway productions at the Aronoff Center. There’s still time to get a subscription for:
- Life of Pi February 4-9
- Come From Away, Mar 18 – 23
- Kimberly Akimbo Feb 18 – Mar 2
- & Juliet April 8-20
- A Beautiful Noise, the Neil Diamond Musical May 6 – 18
All of these productions promise to bring high caliber innovative storytelling to the Queen City. Some of the shows include the original Broadway performers.
“What a stellar season,” says Liz Eichler, reviewer. “Come From Away is ideal for everyone who needs help believing in the goodness of humanity. The tiger puppetry in Life of Pi I hear is amazing. Kimberly Akimbo is a story of a high school girl whose medical condition makes her look much older. & Juliet is a musical ‘what if’ story–what if she didn’t end up with Romeo? Oh, and after catching some clips on Instagram, I really want to see A Beautiful Noise.“
Great Cincinnati Theatre Ahead
It will certainly be a thrilling season for Cincinnati theatre-goers. This is only the half of it! Look for a Spotlight on Academic Theatre Programs in Cincinnati as well.
The best way to enjoy the local theatre is to go to your local theatres! Pick a show from each or a flex pass which many offer. Explore each theatre’s websites for special events, such as ASL sign language interpreted performances, babysitting, talk backs and more!
Whether you’re drawn to Broadway hits, Shakespearean classics, or innovative new works, Cincinnati’s theatre scene has something special for you and all your friends and family. Read the League of Cincinnati Theatre reviews to find what’s right for you. Please continue to support local Arts and Artists.
Look for Part 2 of this report, coming soon!
