Monthly Archives: September 2025

US Premiere of New Pop-Rock Musical MYTHIC Coming Sept. 25

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS US PREMIERE OF NEW POP-ROCK MUSICAL COMEDY MYTHIC SEPT 25

CINCINNATI – MYTHIC, a new pop-rock musical comedy with Broadway ambitions that The New York Times named one of the “42 Plays and Musicals to See Across the U.S. This Fall,” premieres on Sept. 25 at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, following previews Sept. 20-24. The production, directed and choreographed by three-time-Tony Award-winning Kathleen Marshall, runs through Oct. 19. MYTHIC is presented by MC and Tom Brennan and The David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

MYTHIC features book and lyrics by Marcus Stevens, with music and orchestrations by Oran Eldor and is produced by special arrangement with SHO Productions / Shoshana Kovac Parets.

The ancient Greek myth of Persephone is turned on its ear in MYTHIC, with the gods reimagined 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.

A highly acclaimed director and choreographer, Marshall is known for her work on Broadway musicals. Nominated for nine Tony Awards, Marshall has won three for Wonderful Town (2004), The Pajama Game (2006) and Anything Goes (2011). She has also received an Olivier Award and numerous Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards, among many others.

“We’ve brought together an A-list creative team led by Kathleen Marshall to bring this unique and entertaining new musical to life,” explained Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director. “Cincinnati audiences will get to see it first. That’s a benefit only the Playhouse provides to our community.”

The creative team includes designers with many Broadway credits including Hamilton, Anastasia, Beetlejuice, Kinky Boots and more: Set design is by Tony Award-nominee David Korins (Broadway: Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Beetlejuice), costume design is by Tony Award-winner Linda Cho (Broadway: The Great Gatsby, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Anastasia), lighting design is by Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Broadway: Wicked, Kinky Boots, The Coast of Utopia), sound design is by Tony Award-winner John Shivers (Broadway: Real Women Have Curves, Shucked, Kinky Boots), laser effects designer is Adam Biscow, music supervisor is Chris Fenwick (Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo, Once on This Island, Fun Home), music director is Bryson Baumgartel (Broadway: Merrily We Roll Along, Sunset Boulevard; The Great Gatsby) and music producer is Tony Award-winner Doug Besterman (Broadway: Death Becomes Her, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Producers).

The cast features a roster of exciting veteran and up-and-coming actors with Broadway credits: Savy Jackson (Broadway: Bad Cinderella, National Tour: Once on this Island) as Aphrodite; Michael Park (Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen, Redwood) as Zeus; Mamie Parris (Broadway: Cats, School of Rock) as Demeter; Analise Scarpaci (Broadway: Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda) as Persephone; and Julius Thomas III (Broadway: Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, International Tour: Hamilton) as Hades.

Joining them as the Greek Chorus and filling supporting roles are Matthew Samuel Blum, Aaron Gabriel Graham, Alexa Magro, Stephanie Lynne Mason, Owen Scales, Cassidy Stoner, Kodiak Thompson, and Emily Grace Tucker. The swings are Josh Devine and Madison Osment.

Other artistic staff for MYTHIC include David Eggers, Associate Director/Choreographer; Max Grossman, Associate Music Director; Stephanie Klapper CSA, Casting Director; Brandon T. Holmes, Stage Manager; Rachel Kaplow, Andrea L. Shell and Madison Stone, Assistant Stage Managers.

CAST

  • Savy Jackson – Aphrodite
  • Michael Park – Zeus
  • Mamie Parris – Demeter
  • Analise Scarpaci – Persephone
  • Julius Thomas III – Hades
  • Matthew Blum – Greek Chorus/Charon
  • Aaron Gabriel Graham – Greek Chorus/Alecto
  • Alexa Magro – Greek Chorus/Aphrodette
  • Stephanie Lynne Mason – Greek Chorus/Nike
  • Owen Scales – Greek Chorus/Cyclops/Minos
  • Cassidy Stoner – Greek Chorus/Aphrodette/Janelle
  • Kodiak Thompson – Greek Chorus/Helios/Ascalaphus
  • Emily Grace Tucker – Greek Chorus/Barbara/Aphrodette
  • Josh Devine – Greek Chorus Swing
  • Madison Osment – Greek Chorus Swing

PRODUCTION

  • Marcus Stevens – Book and Lyrics
  • Oran Eldor – Music and Orchestrations
  • Kathleen Marshall – Director/Choreographer
  • David Korins – Set Designer
  • Linda Cho – Costume Designer
  • Kenneth Posner – Lighting Designer
  • John Shivers – Sound Designer
  • Adam Biscow – Laser Effects Designer
  • Chris Fenwick – Music Supervisor
  • Bryson Baumgartel – Music Director
  • Doug Besterman – Music Producer
  • David Eggers – Associate Director/Choreographer
  • Max Grossman – Associate Music Director
  • Stephanie Klapper, CSA – Casting Director
  • Brandon T. Holmes – Stage Manager
  • Rachel Kaplow – Assistant Stage Manager
  • Andrea L. Shell – Assistant Stage Manager
  • Madison Stone – Assistant Stage Manager
  • SHO Productions/ Shoshana Kovac Parets – Producer

TICKETS
Tickets begin at $37.00. Prices vary based on seating location and performance day. Previews take place on Sept. 20, Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 with opening night taking place on Sept. 25.  Beginning Sept. 27, regular performances will take place on Tuesdays-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on Oct. 8 at 1 p.m.

EVENTS

Preview Performances
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.
Sat., Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Tue., Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights!
Thu., Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Wine Pairing Dinner
Wine Pairing Dinner from 6-7 p.m.
Performance at 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.
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Thu., Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.
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Sat., Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.
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Wed., Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.

Join us for an evening where storytelling meets fine wine. Enjoy a curated wine tasting experience where we pair four delicious courses that complement every sip. Mingle with fellow theatre lovers, indulge your palate, and enjoy community and connection. It’s a celebration of everything we love—exceptional performances, exquisite wines, delicious food, and memorable moments. Cheers to a night to remember!

Cost is $75 per person, per event, which includes the wine tasting and dinner and doesn’t include tickets to the play (sold separately). Reservation required 10 days prior to the event.

Art Talks
(Formerly Meet the Artists), stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
Sun., Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.
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Thu., Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
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Wed., Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
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Pay What You Can
Wed., Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. (Tickets available for purchase at 11 a.m.)

Pay What You Can performances are an additional way we try to make live theatre accessible to those who otherwise might not be able to attend our shows. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 513-421-3888 or in person beginning at noon, day of the performance only. Tickets are subject to availability.

Audio-Described Performance
Sat., Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.
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Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.

Signed ASL Performance
Sun., Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.
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Each Rouse Theatre production offers one signed ASL performance during the show’s run.

College Night
Thu., Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
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Join other students who love theatre at College Night and enjoy an exclusive post-show gathering with an artist from the show. College students can purchase advance tickets for just $15 and stay after the performance for a curated discussion with one of the artists — and free pizza! Student ID required.

Solo Night
Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
Meet-up from 6–7 p.m. is $10 with show ticket
Performance at 7:30 p.m.
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Attend the theatre solo, but not alone! Join us for our SOLO NIGHT. It’s a meet-up with others who share a love of theatre but may not always know someone with the same interests to come along. Enjoy HALF-PRICE on your single seat to the show on Friday, Oct 17, and join us from 6–7 p.m. in the Kaplan Lobby for a pre-show reception with other solos that includes drink specials and light snacks. Come as strangers, leave as friends!

If you are a season ticket holder or already purchased a ticket to attend alone, consider exchanging to join the preshow meet-up. Call the Box Office at 513-421-3888 to exchange your date and reserve your spot.

Pride Tea Dance
Sun., Oct. 19
Learn More

Join us for the Pride Tea Dance! Socialize with friends and allies to celebrate the run of Mythic around the final performance of this pop-rock musical.

  • 1 p.m. | Reception with appetizers and open bar
  • 2 p.m. | Matinee performance of Mythic
  • 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.| Pride Tea Dance in the lobby

Participate at the level of your choice:

  • $250 Host Donation, includes tickets to the performance, both parties and other exclusive benefits
  • $50 for both the pre-show reception and Tea Dance (ticket to the performance sold separately)
  • Free or $10 optional donation for the Tea Dance only (ticket to the performance sold separately)

ADVISORY
MYTHIC is recommended for ages 11 and up. In this fresh retelling of the myth of Persephone and Demeter, Mount Olympus is likened to Hollywood, so the characters behave as such, using some adult language, making suggestive innuendos and partying.

SPONSORS
Presented by MC and Tom Brennan and The David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Production Sponsor is Barbara M. Weyand. Honorary Producers are Barbara and Irwin Weinberg. Design Sponsors are Linda and Gary Greenberg. Principal Artist Sponsors are Jenny and David Powell and eat well celebrations & feasts. Artist Sponsors are Madeleine H. Gordon and PRIDE. Artist Sponsor-Kathleen Marshall is Karlee L. Hilliard. The 2025-2026 Season is sponsored by the Schueler Group. Season Design Sponsor is Kerry Automotive, and Season Sponsors of New Work are Nancy and Mark Dawes.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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Production Members Sought for LEGALLY BLONDE the Musical at Rivertown Players

Ready to make some magic happen? We’re building our production team for a high-energy show that’s all about bending and snapping—LEGALLY BLONDE the Musical!

We’re looking for passionate individuals for all production roles, with a critical need for:

  • Director
  • Vocal Director
  • Producer
  • Pit Conductor

If you’re interested in helping bring this incredible show to life for our July 2026 production, we want to hear from you.

To apply, please email us at rtpboard@gmail.com with the subject “LEGALLY BLONDE – PRODUCTION TEAM.” In the body of the email, include a theater resume or a brief summary of your production experience.

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Know Theatre Presents a Month of Spooky Programming from Local Artists with octKNOWber Nights

16 Nights of Spine-Tingling Theatre runs October 2–30, 2025

Cincinnati, OH – Know Theatre of Cincinnati announces an entire month of live entertainment – created by local artists – that dares you to close your eyes, hold your breath,  and venture into the shadows.

With ten different live productions over 16 nights dedicated to the eerie, the uncanny, and the supernatural, octKNOWber Nights promises to raise the spirits of the Halloween season. Audiences will be treated to a lineup that ranges from original one-act dark comedies to the spookiest of golden era radio plays, a classic horror film screening with live musical scoring, stand-up and improv comedy, and cabarets that run the gamut from the musical and macabre to the truly bizarre.

With a costume contest (Oct 29), late night drag shows (Oct 24 & 25), and the festive atmosphere that only an underground bar full of theatre artists can create, octKNOWber Nights is just the trick to get you into the Halloween spirit.

octKNOWber Nights Lineup

October 2–5 – Katie Scarlett presents Z is for Zebra

A limited run Encore of the sold-out 2025 Cincy Fringe Development show from Cincinnati-based artist and activist Katie Scarlett. Directed by Liz Carman.

October 9 – Not Welcome At Home

A night of stand-up comedy from two Indigenous comedians, Janette Perez & Homer Shadowheart – and a great ally, Erica Russell.

October 10 – A Sad Vampire by Aleah Vassell

A harmless vampire spends Halloween in an Applebee’s facing her demons. A staged reading directed by Candice Handy.

October 11 – The Anti-Pestilence League presents A Double Dose of Dread

A live performance of two of the spookiest radio plays of the Golden Era: SUSPENSE: Fugue in C Minor and THE WHISTLER: A Matter of Patience.

October 12 – Death Defying presents CREEPSHOW

Horror meets humor in five twisted tales brought to life by a killer cast of actors and improvisers. A live script reading with only a little improvisation.

October 17–19 – A to Z Productions presents Ghost Stunters

Fake ghosts make good television. Real ghosts make GREAT television. A paranormal comedy by Alexx Rouse & Zach Robinson.

October 24–26 – Bard & Bandit presents Madhouse the Musical

Experience the drama. Embrace the darkness. A cabaret of musical theatre – with a sinister spin. Plus: Odd Presents the Madhouse Unleashed Drag Show after the cabaret on October 24 & 25.

October 29 – Show Us Your WeirdSpooky Cabaret + Costume Contest

One night. 20 unforgettable acts. Presented by Erika MacDonald.

October 30 – InnerSpace Collective Presents: Nosferatu

The 1922 silent film with a live, improvised score.

Performance Information

octKNOWber Nights runs October 2–30, 2025
Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
All evening performances are at 7:30pm, Sunday matinees are at 2pm.

Ticket Information

Know Theatre of Cincinnati exists to build belonging through bold theatre.

The 22nd Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival was made possible by a generous partnership with our neighbors at First Lutheran Church, the Miami University Center for Community Outreach in Over-the-Rhine, and Coffee Emporium. 

Know Theatre is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Know Theatre is also supported by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network.

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THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Runs Oct. 16-19

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Xavier University Theatre
Oct. 16-19
Gallagher Student Center Theatre [Evanston]

Directed by Suann Pollock
Choreographed by Jenna Treinen

Ever wanted to fit in? Ever thought that second place wasn’t good enough or that winning could finally help you figure out who you are? THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE is the story of a group of socially awkward kids finding joy, heartache and a purpose competing at the regional spelling bee. Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk awards for best book, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience!

  • Thu-Fri, Oct. 16-17 at 7:30pm
  • Sat-Sun, Oct. 18-19 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Official page

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THE NOTEBOOK Runs Oct. 14-26

THE NOTEBOOK
Broadway in Cincinnati
Oct. 14-26
Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts Procter & Gamble Hall [Downtown]

Based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, The Notebook tells the story of Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. “Full of butterfly-inducing highs and beautiful songs” (Entertainment Weekly), The Notebook is a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love. Chris Jones of The Chicago Tribune says The Notebook is “absolutely gorgeous, not to be missed,” and The New York Daily News calls it “a love story for the ages.” The Notebook is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan HansenNext to NormalRENT) and Schele Williams (The WizAida), and features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, book by Bekah Brunstetter (NBC’s “This Is Us”), and choreography by Katie Spelman.

  • Tue-Fri, Oct. 14-17 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Oct. 18 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Oct. 19 at 1pm & 6:30pm
  • Tue-Fri, Oct. 21-24 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Oct. 25 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Oct. 26 at 1pm & 6:30pm

Official page

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