Monthly Archives: January 2026

January 5, 2026 · 5:55 pm

New Adaptation of LITTLE WOMEN Brings Alcott’s Characters to Life on Stage Beginning Jan. 17

CINCINNATI (Jan. 5, 2026) – Audiences can experience the classic novel Little Women as it’s being written in a playful and theatrical new adaptation that puts author Louisa May Alcott in the spotlight. LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S LITTLE WOMEN, presented by Fifth Third Bank, begins in previews Jan. 17. The co-production with Portland Center Stage runs through Feb. 15. Opening night is Jan. 22.

In this production adapted by Lauren M. Gunderson, Louisa May Alcott plays Jo March, recounting how she wrote her famous novel for her real-life sisters, who portray 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.

Gunderson is one of America’s most produced playwrights, known for hit plays that often put spirited, courageous women center stage. Playhouse audiences may remember Gunderson’s work from The Revolutionists and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley.

“Lauren’s adaptation honors the beauty and longing of Alcott’s novel while also digging into its urgency,” Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz, who directs the production, explains. “Louisa May Alcott wrote these women with such compassion and honesty. They aren’t archetypes. They’re contradictions, which make them relatable and timeless.”

The timeless tale of family, resilience and a determined young writer finding her way will shine anew onstage at Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre through an energetic and novelistic approach using dialogue, description and interior thoughts just as Alcott wrote them. New City Chicago said of the play, “The wit and complexity of Alcott’s characters come alive.”

“The challenge, and the gift, is letting go of what we think we know about Little Women,” Schultz said. “We all have images of these characters from past adaptations, but my job is to find the truth of who they are right now, with this cast, in this space. That means making bold, specific choices that allow these people to feel fully alive, not frozen in someone else’s vision.”

ARTISTS

Beasley* as Louisa/Jo
Kieran Cronin* as John/Mr. Laurence/Mr. March/Friedrich
Hannah Fawcett* as Meg
Connan Morrissey* as Marmee/​Aunt March
Sammy Rat Rios* as Amy
Rocco Weyer* as Laurie
Brianna Woods* as Beth/Fight and Dance Captain

Lauren M. Gunderson – Playwright
Joanie Schultz – Director
Chelsea M. Warren – Set Designer
Lucy Wells – Costume Designer
Sarah Hughey – Lighting Designer
T. Carlis Roberts – Sound Designer/Composer
Vanessa Severo – Movement Director/Intimacy Coach
Kamilah Bush – Dramaturg
Brooke Redler* – Stage Manager
Carolyn Fast* – Assistant Stage Manager
Andrea L. Shell* – Assistant Stage Manager
Portland Center Stage – Co-Producer

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35.00. Preview performances take place Jan. 17, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. Prices vary depending on performance. Opening performance is Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesdays-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A matinee performance will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.

EVENTS
Mid-Season Preview with Blake Robison and Joanie Schultz
Monday, January 12 at 7 p.m.
Joseph-Beth Booksellers, 2692 Madison Road
Get an exclusive preview of all the upcoming productions at the Playhouse from Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison and Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz. Enjoy a lively conversation and hear inside information about the behind-the-scenes magic that will bring our winter and spring productions to life on stage. The evening includes ticket giveaways and free Playhouse swag! The event is FREE. Reservations aren’t required but appreciated. Register

Preview Performances
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.

Opening Night
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights!
Thu., Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets

BonBonerie Afternoon Tea
Jan. 24, Jan. 31 and Feb. 7
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Performance at 2 p.m.

Join us for a delightful experience featuring an array of handcrafted delicacies paired with three signature teas: BonBonerie Blend, a rich black tea; Cherry Rose, a fragrant green tea; and Blueberry, a soothing caffeine-free option.

Adult menu: An assortment of our delicate finger sandwiches including cucumber and Borsin cheese, veggie cream cheese with red pepper, and ham and Swiss on an angel biscuit; a petite scone with clotted cream and jam; a fruit cup; and handcrafted pastries from the BonBonerie bakery.

Child menu: Peanut butter and jelly and turkey and Colby finger sandwiches and a handmade cutout cookie.

Cost is $35 for adults and $24 for children 12 and under, which doesn’t include tickets to the play (sold separately). A reservation is required five days before the event.

To purchase the BonBonerie Afternoon Teas as an add-on (without a ticket to the show) click here.

Sat., Jan. 24 at 12:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Sat., Jan. 31 at 12:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Sat., Feb. 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Teen Day
Saturday, January 24, 2026

  • Personal Monologue Writing Workshop, 11 a.m.
  • Refreshments, 12:30 p.m.
  • Performance, 2 p.m.

Calling all theatre teens! Invite the teens in your life to a special Teen Day inspired by our production of LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S LITTLE WOMEN. Teens will channel their inner Jo — bold, curious and fiercely creative — as they explore their own voice and craft a monologue rooted in their own experiences and imagination. This dynamic personal monologue writing workshop starts at 11 a .m. and will be led by Beasley, the actor who plays Jo in Playhouse’s production. After the workshop, the teens will enjoy free pizza, then settle in for the 2 p.m. matinee performance. Reservations required. The cost is $25 for teens for the workshop and a ticket to the performance. Simply add a full-price teen ticket and a workshop registration to your cart. The discount will be applied automatically at checkout.
Reservations required.
Sat., Jan. 24 at 2 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Expert Experiences: The Art of Adaptation with Tatiana Godfrey
Monday, January 26, 2026, from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
$30

Have you ever read a book and thought, “that would make a great play,” but didn’t know where to start? In the theatre world, adaptation is the process of reinterpreting a work of art into a piece of theatre. Join Playhouse Literary Manager and dramaturg Tatiana Godfrey in exploring the concept of adaptation in reference to our production of LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S LITTLE WOMEN and try your hand at writing your own adaptation. Writing implements and paper will be provided. Participants are also welcome to bring a laptop to write on if they prefer.
Register

Art Talks (Formerly Meet the Artists)
Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.

Sun., Jan. 25 at 2 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Thu., Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Wed., Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Solo Night
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026
Meet-up from 6 – 7 p.m. is $10 with show ticket.
Performance at 7:30 p.m.

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 Tuesday, Feb. 3, 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.

Buy Tickets

College Night
Thu., Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.

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.
Buy Tickets

Audio-Described Performance
Sat., Feb. 7 at 2 p.m.

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.
Buy Tickets

Signed ASL Performance
Sun., Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.

Each Rouse Theatre production offers one signed ASL performance during the show’s run.
Buy Tickets

Read Between the Wines Book Club
Thu., Feb. 12, 6 p.m. (7:30 p.m. performance)

Join us in reading and discussing Little Women by Louisa May Alcott at our pre-show Read Between the Wines Book Club. Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and a fun book discussion facilitated by a member of the Playhouse artistic staff. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the discussion runs 6:15 – 7 p.m. in the Kaplan Lobby. Cost is $25 per person, which includes the hors d’oeuvres, two glasses of wine and doesn’t include a ticket to the play (sold separately). Reservations required. You don’t have to attend the play that evening to join the Book Club!

Thu., Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.
Event Only

Thu., Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets

ADVISORY
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S LITTLE WOMEN is recommended for ages 11 and up. Following the events of the novel, the play features sisterly bonds, friendships, romances and losses as the March sisters come of age in Civil War-era Massachusetts. There are brief instances of mild onstage violence and some mature themes.

SPONSORS
Presented by Fifth Third Bank. Production Sponsors are Johnson Investment Counsel and Clark Schaeffer Hackett. Honorary Producers are Eddie and Pat Sheppard. Artist Sponsor is Thomas J. Breed. The 2025-26 Rouse Theatre Season is presented by The Schueler Group. Rouse Season Design Sponsor is Kerry Automotive.

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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January 5, 2026 · 5:35 pm

NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR | Feb. 27, 2026 | Aronoff Center

Beloved and Popular America’s Got Talent Finalist
Makes its Cincinnati Debut!

NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR
The Pride and Joy of South Africa

“If I could bottle your energy, I’d drink it every day!” –
Simon Cowell, America’s Got Talent

February 27, 2026
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

[Cincinnati, OH] – Ndlovu Youth Choir, the inspirational America’s Got Talent finalist (Season 14), makes its Cincinnati debut on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 7:30 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall. The event is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2025-26 CAA Presents! Season.

Tickets are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], or the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For group sales (10 or more), call (513) 977-4155. A special 50%-OFF Family Four Pack offer is available for purchases of four or more tickets. Prices include all applicable fees and taxes and are subject to change.

Since its inception in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has become one of the world’s most treasured groups. Their unique musical arrangements and powerhouse vocals, irresistibly combined with mesmerizing choreography and infectious energy, have inspired millions across the globe.

Their eleven-year journey has seen an after-school program for orphaned and vulnerable children, started by the Ndlovu Care Group, transform into an international recording and touring career. Participation does not only instill values of togetherness, a work ethic, and a sense of responsibility, but it also develops self-discipline, self-confidence, and leadership. Through the choir, choristers gain a global perspective that offers an early pathway to artistic and professional achievement. The choir uses their talents to share their inspirational story with the world through song and dance.

The choir’s repertoire is an exciting mix of traditional South African genres with pop, rock, jazz, and EDM. Their intention to create a fresh and original sound is evident in their ability to take internationally well-known songs – Toto’s “Africa,” Kygo’s “Higher Love,” U2’s “Beautiful Day,” and Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” – and move them into an exciting new territory. The Ndlovu Youth Choir’s incredible run on America’s Got Talent (Season 14) made them the first choir in the history of either America’s Got Talent or Britain’s Got Talent to reach the final. Their soul-stirring performances won hearts and minds around the world. After their final AGT performance, legendary music producer and record executive Simon Cowell labeled the performance “The best final I have ever sat on in my life.” He went on to sign the choir, and together with SYCO and Sony Music, they released their first album, which debuted at number one on iTunes.

Since AGT, the choir has undertaken two European tours, sold out every public performance, and performed on numerous local and international television and radio shows. Highlights include a performance to over 115,000 people in Cape Town and The Match in Africa, which featured Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Bill Gates, and Trevor Noah. During the Coronavirus crisis, the choir continued to offer hope and inspiration with their enthusiastic COVID-19 musical public service messages which were shared by the WHO and the United Nations. They joined many of the world’s top A-list performers on a virtual stage where they were featured during the Global Citizens One World: Together at Home virtual concert.

As the Ndlovu Youth Choir’s meteoric rise continues, they strive to push the creative boundaries of song and dance to reach and touch audiences of all ages across the globe. Their high-energy performances have not only thrilled audiences around the world, but have shared a message of hope, love, and togetherness.

For more information, visit Ndlovu Youth Choir on Facebook: @ndlovuchoir and Instagram: @choirafrica.

Cincinnati Arts Association SPONSORS

The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

Season Sponsors:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), MIAMI UNIVERSITY, ARTSWAVE, LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, TRIHEALTH

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, altafiber, Bahl & Gaynor, Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Fairfield Inn & Suites Cincinnati Uptown/University Area, Harlan Graphics, Heidelberg Distributing, Kinley Cincinnati, Pepsi, Summerfair Cincinnati

#  #  #

CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:              NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR
WHEN:             Friday, February 27, 2026 – 7:30 PM
WHERE:             Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

PRICE:               Ticket prices start at $23, inclusive of all fees. A special 50%-OFF Family Four Pack offer is available for purchases of four or more tickets.

INFO:                 Since its inception in 2009, Ndlovu Youth Choir (America’s Got Talent finalist – Season 14) has become one of the world’s most treasured groups. Their unique musical arrangements and powerhouse vocals, irresistibly combined with mesmerizing choreography and infectious energy, have inspired millions across the globe.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale now

  • www.CincinnatiArts.org
  • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]
  • Aronoff Center Ticket Office
  • Group sales (10 or more): (513) 977-4155

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January 5, 2026 · 5:28 pm

WITCHCRAFT: The Songs of Cy Coleman Runs Jan. 23-31

WITCHCRAFT: The Songs of Cy Coleman
Cincinnati Music Theatre
Jan. 23-31
Aronoff Center Fifth-Third Bank Theatre [Downtown]

Directed & conceived by Mike Fielder
Music directed by Josh Toth
Vocal directed by Chelsea Harris
Produced by Caitlyn Thiel

Cast: Jeff Centrello, Kayla Centrello, Joey Domhoff, Caitlin Fry, Sarah Gidley, Gillian Miller, Garrett Klaas, Jermia Munroe, Bill Shuler, Alex Shaw, Jenni Sheets Parsons & Aubrey E. Wilson

Meet the man behind the music in our next Studio Series show. He penned songs such as “Witchcraft” and “The Best Is Yet to Come” and wrote such musicals as Sweet Charity, Barnum, and The Will Rogers Follies.

WITCHCRAFT: The Songs of Cy Coleman takes audiences into the world and work of Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winning composer/performer Cy Coleman.

  • Fri, Jan. 23 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Jan. 24 at 3pm & 7:30pm
  • Fri, Jan. 30 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Jan. 31 at 3pm & 7:30pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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January 5, 2026 · 5:25 pm

Auditions Announced for THE GLASS MENAGERIE at Dayton Playhouse

Performances: March 13–22, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays)

Auditions: January 19 & 20, 2026, 7pm.

  • Attend one or both nights.
  • Auditions will consist of cold reads from the script.
  • Please bring a current photo and résumé, if available.
  • Please arrive by 6:45 to complete the audition form.

Rehearsals: Beginning January 26, 2026. Typically Monday–Thursday evenings and some weekends. Please bring a complete list of conflicts between January 26 and March 22, 2026. A sample rehearsal schedule can be found here (tentative and subject to change).

About: A story of love, longing, and fragile dreams, this American classic follows the Wingfield family as they navigate hope and heartbreak. When Amanda pressures her son, Tom, to find a suitor for his shy sister, Laura, their carefully built illusions begin to shatter.

Style: While the design will be expressionistic, performances should feel real, honest, and complex. Characters are big and bold but never caricatures (think White Lotus). This is a contemporary take: funny, dark, emotionally grounded, and sharp. Find the humor. Avoid the melodrama.

Roles available: 2 men, 2 women. All roles are open to actors of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, body type, and ability. Actors of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to audition.

Please note: Light intimacy required for Laura and Jim.

Character breakdown:

  • TOM (He/him; 20s–30s)
    Queer; closeted, but thinly veiled. Sarcastic, restless, and too smart for the life he’s stuck in. Funny and guarded. Desperate to escape his dead-end day job and toxic relationship with his mother, but haunted by the cost of doing so.
  • AMANDA (She/her; late 40s–early 50s)
    Larger-than-life, faded Southern belle. Controlling but charming; fierce but fragile. An aging single mother trying her best. Vain, narcissistic, and deeply in denial, she clings to the shreds of the life she dreamed of, unable to face the truth of what remains.
  • LAURA (She/her; 20s)
    Strong, capable, and tender, but treated like glass. Introverted and intensely anxious, Laura escapes into vinyl records and fragile fantasies. We strongly encourage actors with visible or invisible disabilities to audition. Please do not make any disability-related acting choice if you are able-bodied.
  • JIM (He/him; 20s)
    Golden retriever energy. Charming, flirty, handsome, genuine, bright, and warm. A former jock who peaked in high school and is coasting on natural charisma. Confident, light, and easy.

Production Team:

  • Director: Matt Meier
  • Producer: Brandon Shockney
  • Stage Manager: Emma Allington
  • Set Designer: Rachel Robinson
  • Costume Designer: Kate LaFollette
  • Light Designer: Michael Lee
  • Sound Designer: David Sherman
  • Props/Carpentry: Tommy Baudendistel
  • Movement/Intimacy: Kayla Graham

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January 5, 2026 · 5:22 pm

Auditions Announced for JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH JR at Rivertown Players Inc.

This show is open to current 3rd-12th graders.

Jan 9 & 10 from 5:20-8pm
Hamline Chapel – 102 W High St, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Please prepare 1 minute of a song to sing. During your audition hour, you will be doing a reading and learning some short choreo, as well as singing.

  • Show dates are: Friday March 27th, Saturday 28th, Sunday 29th
  • Tentative rehearsal schedule will include the following times: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays from 6-9pm

If you are unable to make it to an in-person audition time, you may email us a video singing 1 minute of a song to rtpboard@gmail.com by January 10th.

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