Monthly Archives: May 2024

HANDS ON A HARDBODY Runs June 8-30

ETC_Hands on a HardbodyHANDS ON A HARDBODY
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
June 8-30
[Over-the-Rhine]

Based on the 1997 documentary film of the same name, Hands on a Hardbody garnered three Tony Award nominations and features a brilliant score from Amanda Green and Trey Anastasio (front man for the band Phish), along with a masterful story by Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, Grey Gardens). For 10 hardluck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor, and ambition, they’ll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it. Inspired by true events and infused with a “fresh roots-rock vibe,” this is the hilarious, hard-fought contest where only one winner can drive away with the American dream. Featuring a catchy combination of blues, rock and roll, and country songs, this musical is a peek into the lives of everyday, ordinary Americans struggling to survive against the backdrop of a broken and beaten working middle class. These Texans get pretty competitive when vying for a truck that’ll change their lives. They sometimes use adult language, including both sexist and racist remarks (including the word sp*c). Under the scorching sun, they also discuss suicide, PTSD, violence, and drug use, all while putting their hands on a truck and dreams on the line.

  • In preview Sat, June 8 at 7pm
  • In preview Tue, June 11 at 7pm
  • Wed-Fri, June 12-14 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, June 15 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, June 16 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, June 18-21 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, June 22 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, June 23 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, June 25-28 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, June 29 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, June 30 at 2pm & 7pm

Official page |

Leave a comment

Filed under On Stage

ROYAL Theatre Company to Present MATILDA June 28-30

RTC_MatildaROYAL Theatre Company to Present
MATILDA
June 28-30, 2024

ROYAL Theatre Company, Home of The Children’s Theatre of Mason, is proud to present Matilda June 28-30, 2024, at Mason High School.  Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.

The four performances of Matilda will be:  Friday, June 28th at 7:00 PM; Saturday, June 29th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and Sunday, June 30th at 2:00 PM. VIP reserved seating tickets can be purchased for any show for $25 each, while supplies last, and general admission reserved seating tickets for any show can be purchased for $15 each.  All tickets can be purchased online beginning May 20th at ROYALTheatreCompany.com and at the door starting one hour before each show.

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her school teacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!  “Remember somewhere in all of us is the power to change the world,” said Karen Kilgore, President of the ROYAL Theatre Company.

We are also pleased to announce our Presenting Sponsor for Matilda, Ellison Roofing & Exterior Design!  We are so excited and grateful to work with this up and coming, women owned business!

Fans can follow ROYAL Theatre Company on Facebook (ROYAL Theatre Company, Home of Children’s Theatre of Mason) and Instagram (royal_theatre_company).

This production of Matilda is licensed by Musical Theatre International (MTI).

About ROYAL Theatre Company, Home of The Children’s Theatre of Mason
ROYAL Theatre Company produces two large-scale productions each season, from The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Oliver to Beauty and the Beast and Lion King Jr. as well as many other popular favorites. ROYAL Theatre Company offers children from ages 6-18 and other talented actors from all over the Cincinnati area the opportunity to take part onstage as performers as well as off stage as crew members, make-up assistants and many other behind-the-scenes roles. To volunteer, donate or learn more, visit ROYALTheatreCompany.com or call 513.398.0116.

Leave a comment

Filed under Family-Friendly, On Stage, Youth Theatre

SUPERIOR DONUTS Runs June 7-23

DTG_Superior DonutsSUPERIOR DONUTS
Dayton Theatre Guild
June 7-23
[Dayton]

Directed by Jared Mola
Produced by Debra Kent

Cast: K.L.Storer as Arthur Przybyszewski, Andre Tomlinson as Franco Wicks, Mike Beerbower as Max Tarasov, Heather Martin as Officer Randy Osteen, Percy Vera as Officer James Bailey, Maximillian Santucci as Luther Flynn, Jennifer Lockwood as Lady Boyle, Brandon Teeple as Kevin Magee & Patrick Wanzer as Kiril Ivakin

The writing is on the wall that things are going to change for a rundown Chicago donut shop — maybe even for the better. Superior Donuts explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship between an unlikely pair.

  • Fri-Sat, June 7-8 at 8pm
  • Sun, June 9 at 3pm
  • Fri, June 14 at 8pm
  • Sat, June 15 at 5pm
  • Sun, June 16 at 3pm
  • Fri, June 21 at 8pm
  • Sat, June 22 at 5pm
  • Sun, June 23 at 3pm

Official page | Facebook event |

Leave a comment

Filed under On Stage

THE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP Runs June 7-16

SCT_The Enchanted BookshopTHE ENCHANTED BOOKSHOP
Springboro Community Theatre Youth Theatre
June 7-16
Springboro Performing Arts Center

Cast: Isadore Karrick as Margie, Addison Emmons as Bomabalurina, Sophie Coppock as Mom, Wyatt Coppock as Timmy, 
Lady in Red – Sophie McPhail as Lady in Red, 
Officer Ketcham – Amelia Carolus as Officer Ketcham, Caden Updyke as Fingers, Sophie Coppock as Eddie, Theo Hoskins as Book Fairy, Milena Moncayo as Robin Hood, Nicole Derison as Tom Sawyer, Jocie Conger as Sherlock Holmes, Millie Devoto as Dorothy, Jenelle Epie as Heidi, Sawyer Everett as Pollyanna, Emilio Astudillo as Fagin, Wyatt Coppock as Long John Silver, Emilio Astudillo as Dr. Doolittle, Sophie McPhail as Queen of Hearts, Rachel Tepe as Wicked Witch of the West, Emilio Astudillo as Hopalong Cassidy, Addison Emmons as Featured Ensemble & Lydia Gurdon as Featured Ensemble

An ordinary used book shop by day, A Likely Story becomes a magical place each night. Thanks to a spell from the Book Fairy, the characters inside the books come alive each and every night. Six of those characters — Dorothy Gale, Robin Hood, Pollyanna, Sherlock Holmes, Heidi, and Tom Sawyer — long to help Margie, the scatterbrained owner, save her struggling store. But they’re not allowed to leave the building or be seen by human eyes.

  • Fri-Sat, June 7-8 at 7pm
  • Sun, June 9 at 2pm
  • Fri-Sat, June 14-15 at 7pm
  • Sun, June 16 at 2pm

Official page |

Leave a comment

Filed under On Stage, Youth Theatre

Directors Announced for FUTUREFEST 2024 at Dayton Playhouse

DPH_Future FestDayton Playhouse is excited to announce the directors for this year’s FutureFest, happening from July 19th to 21st. Check out who’s bringing these awesome stories to life:

UNABASHEDLY by Mike Teverbaugh
Directed by Lynn Vanderpool
Friday, July 19, 2024 at 8:00 pm

THE FOUR by Catherine Butterfield
Directed by Debra Kent
Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm

THE CHRYSALIS by Joe Ricci
Directed by Aaron Eechaute-Lopez
Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 8:00 pm

THE CURE by Alex Dremann
Directed by Saul Caplan and Sarah Caplan
Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 10:00 am

THE TOTALITY OF ALL THINGS by Erik Gernand
Directed by Matt Meier
Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 2:00 pm

It’s going to be an amazing weekend of theater, so mark your calendars and get ready to join us for some incredible performances! Keep an eye out for more details coming soon.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases