Cincy Shakes Announces 2025-2026 Season

A Season of Adventure:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2025–2026 Season Revealed

Epic journeys, fresh adaptations, and celebrated works collide at The Otto M. Budig Theater

CINCINNATI, March 5, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is pleased to announce the lineup for its 2025–2026 Season today. “This season continues to showcase CSC’s commitment to delivering world-class theater for all.  We will take audiences on fantastic voyages to unknown lands, invite them to revisit beloved comedic gems, tackle searing controversies, and explore new facets of the Shakespeare canon, all while having the best experience going to the theater!” says Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips.

Since 2007, CSC has been presenting FREE Shakespeare in the Park to over 30 parks and venues throughout Cincinnati. This summer’s selection is the beloved comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 11–August 31, 2025), directed by CSC Associate Artistic Director Candice Handy, who helmed last summer’s vibrant production of Hamlet. “Audiences can look forward to stepping into an enchanted forest filled with mischievous fairies, starry-eyed lovers, and moonlit magic—all under the open sky at no cost” says Phillips. The tour will visit several locations in the tri-state and the performance schedule will be announced later this spring.

Next up is a surprise encore of the crowd-pleasing mayhem in The Play That Goes Wrong (July 18–August 10, 2025) by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields.  Returning by popular demand, this hilarious show features pratfalls and comedic chaos as an accident-prone cast scrambles to make it to Opening Night in one piece. Phillips says, “We were overwhelmed by the response to last summer’s production of The Play That Goes Wrong, with audiences exclaiming it was one of the funniest things they had ever seen. So we wanted to bring the show back with all of the original cast members who were available, so people can revisit this comedic gem or experience it for the first time if they missed it!” The production will once again be directed by Brian Isaac Phillips.

The season continues with the regional premiere of Amy Herzog’s provocative new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People (September 5–20, 2025), directed by Brian Isaac Phillips. This riveting drama follows a determined doctor who risks everything to expose a shocking secret.  First published in 1882, Ibsen’s classic sparked controversy for its searing critique of corruption, moral responsibility, and public opinion.  This adaptation is fresh off a critically acclaimed Broadway run where it earned several awards including the 2024 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

Following on its blockbuster Off-Broadway success, where critics hailed it as “hilariously inventive” and “the perfect Halloween treat,” Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (October 3–November 1, 2025) by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen takes a playful bite out of Bram Stoker’s gothic classic. Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips, this fanged farce delivers nonstop laughs with madcap misadventures, comedic twists, and ghoulish gags galore. “Audiences have never seen Dracula quite like this or as funny as this,” says Phillips. “It’s thrilling, silly, and brimming with outrageous fun—everything you want for the Halloween season.”

November brings a radical retro staging of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost (November 14–December 6, 2025), transforming this comedic gem into an ’80s-inspired high school romp—complete with big hair and even bigger laughs. Directed by CSC Guest Associate Artist Matthew Lewis Johnson, the show blends all the classic mischief and romance with vintage fashion, neon colors, and rad vibes. When a group of friends tries to swear off love to focus on their school work, their plans go hilariously off the rails as new arrivals and unexpected attractions shake up their studies.  “This is a version Mr. Johnson and I have been wanting to do for a long time,” says Phillips. “The premise of young people swearing off love to concentrate on academics is perfect for a high school setting. And by transporting it to the 1980s, where there’s no social media or modern distractions, audiences and families will enjoy a blast from the past packed with plenty of nostalgic fun and comedy.”

Back for an incredible 20th season, the holiday favorite Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) (December 11–28, 2025) By: Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez and directed by Jeremy Dubin returns with a wildly irreverent mashup of beloved yuletide classics, promising a fresh dose of festive fun. “This show continues to be a touchstone in many people’s holiday plans,” says Phillips, “and we’re pleased to offer a fantastic option for date nights, friend gatherings, and families with older kids to enjoy during this festive time of year.”

Early 2026 ushers in Charles Fuller’s powerful A Soldier’s Play (January 30–February 15, 2026), the Pulitzer Prize winning and Best Revival of Play Tony Award winning drama first produced by the Negro Ensemble Company in 1981. Hailed for its unflinching examination of racism within a segregated WWII Army base, the play follows the investigation of a shocking murder that reveals hidden prejudices and conflicting loyalties. Fuller’s groundbreaking work—adapted into the Academy Award–nominated film A Soldier’s Story—continues to resonate today, challenging all to confront deep-seated biases and the price of justice in times of conflict. This will be directed by CSC Associate Artist Christopher V. Edwards, who has directed at CSC in the past on such projects as Othello, Macbeth, and Fences.

Next in the season will be Shakespeare’s intense and timeless tragedy Othello (March 6–29, 2026), a gripping story of jealousy and betrayal that remains as powerful today as when it was first written. Directed by CSC Associate Artistic Director Candice Handy, this production marks a milestone for Cincinnati Shakespeare Company: “In our 32nd season, this will be the first time we’ve staged a fully classical, Elizabethan production of Othello,” says Phillips. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for audiences to experience the grandeur of this Shakespeare masterpiece in all its original fanfare.”

Audiences can then journey to the stars with a sci-fi twist on Shakespeare’s rarely produced Pericles (April 17–May 3, 2026), helmed by Brian Isaac Phillips.  This out-of-this-world production sends the wandering prince across alien realms and cosmic storms on a quest of hope and redemption. “Producing a lesser-known play like Pericles is the first step in a multi-year journey to present the entire Shakespeare canon again—and possibly include newly discovered or disputed titles,” says Phillips. “We hope this goal will coincide with our 2033-2034 40th Anniversary Season.” Audiences can look forward to an adventure-filled exploration set against an otherworldly backdrop.

Finally, concluding the 2025–2026 season, Jane Austen fans will delight in the regional premiere of Kate Hamill’s energetic adaptation of Emma (May 22–June 14, 2026) directed by CSC Associate Artistic Director, Candice Handy.  First published in 1815, Emma was one of Austen’s final completed novels and remains celebrated for its insightful satire of social customs and the perils of matchmaking. In this witty and modern spin on Regency-era charm, Austen’s beloved heroine navigates romantic misadventures with comedic flair. “Hamill’s inventive adaptations—previously showcased at CSC in Pride and Prejudice and Little Women—highlight her gift for bringing classic stories to contemporary audiences,’ says Phillips.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is delighted to invite patrons and enthusiasts to celebrate its 2025–2026 Season Announcement through a one-of-a-kind Online Auction. This annual event features insider experiences and exclusive items not available to the general public, including unique ticket packages for every show in the newly announced Mainstage Season. Taking place from March 5 to March 19, the 2025 Auction allows participants to browse, bid, and contribute to support CSC’s productions and programs. All proceeds directly benefit Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, serving 85,000 patrons and students across the tri-state area and beyond. Development Director Sara Clarks says, “Bid early, bid often, make a donation, and share the excitement on social media by mentioning @cincyshakes. Your support ensures the continuation of CSC’s mission to bring Shakespeare and the Classics to life for all.”

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company offers fantastic value to its audiences with flexible subscription packages for the 2025-2026 Season. These subscriptions include a range of options of packages with 4, 6, or 8 tickets, available at a generous discounts off single ticket prices. These tickets can be used in any combination across all eight mainstage performances excluding “Every Christmas Story.”  Subscriptions are currently on sale and can be purchased through the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company website at cincyshakes.com or by calling the box office at 513-381-BARD (2273) ext. 1.

Single tickets for all CSC shows will be available starting May 1, 2025. However, becoming a Subscriber is the recommended way to secure the best prices and priority seating now.  Single ticket prices for individual shows range from $12-$78. CSC also continues to offer discounted tickets for students, seniors, local residents, and community partners. The Access Ticket Program offers $14 tickets at each of CSC’s productions, purchasable in advance online or via the box office, first come, first serve. Additionally, CSC’s Rush Ticket program offers any unreserved tickets for $12, starting one hour before each performance and available to anyone.  These rush tickets are subject to availability and location within the theater. Payment methods including Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted, and ticketing fees apply. For ticket purchases or more information, contact the CSC Box Office at 513-381-BARD (2273) ext. 1, or visit cincyshakes.com.

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The 2025-2026 Season is as follows:

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
FREE Shakespeare in the Park
By: William Shakespeare
Dates: July 11 – August 31, 2025

Step into an enchanted woodland where mischievous fairies play, young lovers chase their heart’s desires, and magic sparkles under the summer moon! Bring the whole family and enjoy Shakespeare’s beloved comedy for free in the great outdoors. With a playful spirit and whimsical surprises around every corner, A Midsummer Night’s Dream promises laughter, wonder, and memorable moments under the stars.

The Play That Goes Wrong
By: Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields
Dates: July 18 – August 10, 2025

Encore! Encore!  It’s Opening Night at the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor and the stakes have never been higher. But none of the on-stage drama is in the script! The theater is filled with accident-prone actors, a corpse that can’t play dead to save his life, and a knocked-out knock out of a leading lady. When all goes wrong, can this theater company make it to Opening Night and bring down the house (in a good way)? This fantastic, farcical, fiasco of a show and Off-Broadway and West End comedic hit is back and the age-old adage is true: “the show must go wrong!” oops sorry, we mean “the show must go on!”

An Enemy of the People
By: Henrik Ibsen
A New Version by Amy Herzog
Dates: September 5 – 20, 2025

Experience this fresh and provocative new adaptation by Amy Herzog of the Henrik Ibsen classic.  When a doctor discovers a shocking secret about his community’s prized health resort, he becomes determined to expose the truth- even if it means turning the entire town against him. With family, friendship, and the price of integrity hanging in the balance, An Enemy of the People is a riveting exploration of what happens when one person’s truth becomes a community’s greatest threat. A timeless masterpiece that challenges us to ask: how far are we willing to go to stand up for what’s right?

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors
By: Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen
Dates: October 3 – November 1, 2025

Sink your teeth into a hilarious new take on the world’s most famous vampire! Filled with outrageous twists, playful innuendo, and more laughs than you can count, this delightful romp reimagines Bram Stoker’s gothic classic like you’ve never seen before. This dangerously debonair Dracula brings seductive chaos, proving that sometimes the Prince of Darkness can be as captivating as he is cunning. Join the hilarious hunt this Halloween season, where the only thing sharper than Dracula’s fangs are the gags that’ll leave you in stitches. Don’t miss the riotous ride that’s sure to leave you howling with laughter!

Love’s Labour’s Lost
By: William Shakespeare
Dates: November 14 – December 6, 2025

Get ready for a retro twist on a Shakespeare comedic gem! Transported to a totally tubular 80s-inspired high school setting, this production blends all the classic laughs, mischief, and romance with vintage fashion, big hair, and rad vibes. When a group of friends tries to swear off love to focus on their school work, their plans go hilariously off the rails as new arrivals and unexpected attractions shake up their studies. Join us for a fab, fun, and irresistibly nostalgic take on one of the Bard’s most charming comedies.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
By: Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez
Dates: December 11 – 28, 2025

CSC’s holiday smash hit Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent (but undeniably adoring) look at all of your “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more! Add in topical references that always keep this annual tradition fresh and fun as we send up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in an evening of high octane jollity and frivolity.

A Soldier’s Play
By: Charles Fuller
Dates: January 30 – February 15, 2026

Set on a segregated Army base in 1944, A Soldier’s Play opens with the shocking murder of a polarizing sergeant, prompting a determined officer to unearth the truth behind this unsettling crime. As suspects emerge and tensions simmer beneath the surface, hidden prejudices, loyalties, and resentments threaten to tear the unit apart. This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama is filled with gripping suspense, unexpected revelations, and unforgettable characters.

Othello
By: William Shakespeare
Dates: March 6 – 29, 2026

Jealousy, betrayal, and passion collide in this classic Elizabethan staging of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy. When the esteemed General Othello succumbs to the cunning Iago’s deceptions, suspicion and heartbreak tear apart the bonds of love and loyalty. Featuring some of the most dramatic and iconic moments in all of Shakespeare, Othello is a searing exploration of trust, love, and the devastating consequences of doubt.

Pericles
By: William Shakespeare
Dates: April 17 – May 3, 2026

Blast off on an interstellar adventure in this bold reimagining of William Shakespeare’s Pericles! In this tale, Prince Pericles embarks on an epic voyage through alien worlds, cosmic storms, and intergalactic encounters on his search for true love. Join us on a journey to the farthest reaches of Shakespeare’s canon with this seldom seen treasure, revealing how hope can guide us- even through the most distant corners of the universe.

Emma
By: Kate Hamill, Based on the Novel by Jane Austen
Dates: May 22 – June 14, 2026

Step into the charming world of Jane Austen with Kate Hamill’s witty and unexpected adaptation of Emma. Follow the headstrong matchmaker—convinced she can’t possibly fall in love—as she orchestrates romance for those around her with heartwarming and hilarious results. This madcap romp through the Regency era brings Austen’s beloved characters to life in a delightful celebration of friendship and love. Don’t miss this clever and charming take that breathes new life into this classic story.

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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all. In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand-new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 30,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers, and hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions. In 2015, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the classics!