March 3, 2025 · 7:57 pm
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2025-2026 Season Announced by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Our 2025-26 season promises to inspire, entertain, celebrate our differences, and lift up our shared humanity. It features stories that feel familiar, that stand the test of time and that are fresh and contemporary. The lineup truly embodies the Playhouse’s mission to bring diverse, engaging works of great artistry to our community and to put Cincinnati’s artistic excellence in the national spotlight.

Moe & Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre
Season presented by Schueler Group 

MC & Tom Brennan and
David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation present

MYTHIC
Book and Lyrics by MARCUS STEVENS
Music by ORAN ELDOR

Directed and Choreographed by KATHLEEN MARSHALL

Sept. 20 – Oct. 19, 2025

 new pop-rock musical comedy with Broadway ambitions, Mythic makes its U.S. premiere in Cincinnati. The ancient Greek myth of Persephone is turned on its ear, with the gods as chart-topping pop stars, power hungry politicians and attention-seeking influencers. Starstruck by Olympian celebrity, Persephone rebels against her mother Demeter’s expectations and decides to forge her own path. When she sneaks into a party at the Acropolis and meets brooding bad-boy Hades, her life takes an unexpected turn into the Underworld. Mythic played to critical acclaim in London and in a sold-out run in Montreal. This new production will be directed and choreographed by nine-time Tony Award-nominee and three-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall. If you’ve ever been a teenager or a parent, you’ll love this entertaining, coming-of-age tale.“Each song could be a hit single in its own right. Just heavenly.” – The Stage, UK

Season Sponsor of New Work MARK AND NANCY DAWES

SEASON EXTRA! Subscribers get first access to tickets before the general public!

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK presents

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By CHARLES DICKENS
Adapted and Originally Directed by BLAKE ROBISON
Directed by BRIDGET LEAK

Nov. 21 – Dec. 28, 2025

The holiday story you love unfolds in spectacular fashion in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre! In Charles Dickens’ classic tale, Ebenezer Scrooge is a greedy curmudgeon who finds his heart changing when three spirits and the ghost of a long-lost friend show him the errors of his ways. Across one fateful Christmas Eve night, Scrooge recalls the warmth and generosity of past loved ones, learns the value of kindness through Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family and glimpses a terrifying future should his heart remain the same. Featuring dazzling set, costume and lighting designs, A Christmas Carol promises a magical holiday experience for your family.”No humbug – just joy to the world!” – Talkin’ Broadway

Fifth Third Bank presents

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S
LITTLE WOMEN

Adapted by LAUREN M. GUNDERSON
From the novel by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Directed by JOANIE SCHULTZ

Jan. 17 – Feb. 15, 2026

Experience the classic novel you adore as it’s being written in this playful and theatrical new adaptation that puts the author in the spotlight. Louisa May Alcott plays Jo March as she recounts how she wrote her famous novel for her real-life sisters who play the characters inspired by them. As they come of age during the Civil War under the loving guidance of Marmee, ambitious Jo, traditional Meg, gentle Beth and spirited Amy balance their sisterly bonds with their distinct personalities. Captivating readers for generations, this beloved story shines anew onstage with an energetic and novelistic approach using dialogue, description and interior thoughts just as Alcott wrote them. Relive this timeless tale of family, resilience and a determined young writer finding her way in the world.“The wit and complexity of Alcott’s characters come alive.” – NewCity Chicago

Sponsored by JOHNSON INVESTMENT COUNSEL & CLARK SCHAEFER HACKETT

Leading Ladies presents

MRS. CHRISTIE

By HEIDI ARMBRUSTER

Directed by JOANIE SCHULTZ

Co-produced with MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER

Feb. 28 – March 29, 2026

A mystery about Agatha Christie! The curious, real-life disappearance of Agatha Christie sets the stage for this charming and heartfelt comedy that celebrates writers and the stories that shape our lives. In 1926, after the recent death of her mother and with her marriage on the rocks, 37-year-old Agatha Christie vanished for 11 days, then reappeared without explanation. The reasons behind her disappearance remain unknown. A century later, devoted superfan Lucy, who is going through her own life crisis, attends an Agatha Christie Festival. There, she follows the clues left by Agatha and might finally crack the case. As we follow their parallel timelines and journeys of self-discovery, we experience the thrill of good old-fashioned mystery.“Fun, poignant and clever enough to earn the Christie name, this is a show that everyone will enjoy.” – Theater by the Bay

Sponsored by THE LEMMERMAN FAMILY

Moe & Jack Rouse and
Randolph Wadsworth present

AUGUST WILSON’S
THE PIANO LESSON

Directed by LOU BELLAMY

Co-produced with MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER

April 11 – May 3, 2026

August Wilson’s explosive, award-winning play is a gripping story of family, legacy and the choices that define us. During the Great Depression, Berniece and her brother Boy Willie clash over the fate of the family’s cherished, heirloom piano. Decorated with intricate carvings done by their enslaved ancestor, she treasures the piano’s storied history, and he sees it as the means to a more prosperous life. The ghosts of the past collide with the promise of the future in this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece from August Wilson’s epic American Century Cycle that explores the complexities of identity and belonging.“Like other Wilson plays, it seems to sing even when it is talking.” – The New York Times

ROSENTHAL SHELTERHOUSE THEATRE
Season presented by THE VONTZ FAMILY 

WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE SEA

Written by JEFF AUGUSTIN
Music by THE BENGSONS

Directed by TIMOTHY DOUGLAS

Aug. 30 – Sept. 28, 2025

A poignant, beautiful story of parallel journeys. After he learns of his estranged father’s death, Jonah recreates the cross-country trip his Haitian immigrant parents took before he was born. As he traces their journey across America and bonds with the music his father adored, time blurs and erases the distance between them as Jonah seeks to understand his father’s life and legacy. Lyrical storytelling and live folk music weave an emotional and evocative tale of rediscovering love and the everlasting bond of a father and son.“Heartfelt and deeply resonant. It’s easy to get lost in the music and mystery.” – Theatremainia

Sponsored by DIGI & MIKE SCHUELER

THE HEART SELLERS

By LLOYD SUH

Directed by DESDEMONA CHIANG

Oct. 25 – Nov. 23, 2025

A funny and moving new comedy about finding direction in the land of opportunity. When Luna and Jane meet at the supermarket on Thanksgiving Day in 1973, the two women discover they have much in common. They are both Asian immigrants new to American and are spending the day alone while their medical resident husbands work long shifts on the holiday. As Luna and Jane attempt to cook a frozen turkey in two hours and drink a little too much wine, they find solace and companionship in each other. Dreams of Disneyland, disco dancing and learning to drive lead to intimate discussions as they share their hopes and fears for making a new home in a new land.“A love letter to friendship” – BroadwayWorld

SEASON EXTRA! Subscribers get first access to tickets before the general public!

Linda & Gary Greenberg present

BECAUSE YOU’RE MINE

Created by MATT CUSACK and ALLISON KELLY

Dec. 3 – Dec. 23, 2025

This celebration of the great loves and love songs in country music features the return of Matt Cusack and Allison Kelly. They wowed Playhouse audiences in Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash with their versatile, multi-instrumental performances and now bring their passion for country music and their amazing talent to this intimate, musical revue. From iconic duos to contemporary torch songs, Because You’re Mine features singers and songwriters you know and love like: Johnny Cash and June Carter, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, John Prine and Iris Dement, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves and so many more! This limited-run ode to county music is sure to be an entertaining and popular night out during the holiday season.“Musical sparks fly off the stage.” – floridaweekly.com

Sponsored by THE MARKLEY FAMILY

MARY’S WEDDING

By STEPHEN MASSICOTTE

Directed by BLAKE ROBISON

Feb. 7 – March 8, 2026

In this poetic romantic drama, Mary and Charlie discover the thrill of first love. But the year is 1914, and the world is collapsing into a brutal war. On the night before her wedding, Mary reminisces about meeting Charlie, a farm boy in rural Canada, during a thunderstorm. Their story is told with dream-like interweaving of scenes from their budding relationship, Charlie’s time in the trenches of France and Mary’s present anticipation of her big day. Both tender and suspenseful, Mary’s Wedding is a stunning and unforgettable story of love, loss, hope and the resilience of the human spirit.“This deeply romantic dream-play goes straight to the heart.” – The Seattle Times

Sponsored by THE LEMMERMAN FAMILY

ELLEN & RAY van der HORST present

Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical

Based on the Life of Rosemary Clooney
By JANET YATES VOGT and MARK FRIEDMAN
Directed by MICHAEL MAROTTA

March 21 – May 17, 2026

One of the most beloved entertainers of all time comes home in this exhilarating and inspiring musical biography. Rosemary Clooney’s journey starts with her humble beginnings in Maysville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati and follows her rise to Hollywood stardom. With her signature songs woven throughout, trace the story of her amazing successes on film, radio and TV, her personal battles with addiction and depression, and her triumphant comeback. And through it all, she topped the charts for nearly five decades. A sold-out hit around the country and during its previous extended run at the Playhouse, Tenderly offers a remarkably personal portrait of the woman whose unparalleled talent and unbridled personality made her a legend.“Touching, affecting and greatly entertaining.” – Cincinnati Enquirer

Sponsored by HUNTINGTON BANK

SEASON TICKETS are on sale now!

Season tickets guarantee your seats and get discounted tickets to A Christmas Carol and Because You’re Mine (not included in any season ticket package). You’ll also enjoy exclusive benefits like the best prices, easy ticket exchanges, payment installments, discounted parking and more.

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