CINCINNATI (February 4, 2026)—You’re invited to experience the rich stories, history, and drama at the heart of opera through Cincinnati Opera’s new event series, Underscore. From March through May, audiences will be immersed in fun and imaginative experiences inspired by the operas featured during Cincinnati Opera’s 2026 Summer Festival. From theatrical investigations to topical discussions to lively character explorations, attendees will discover the unexpected connections and relatable moments that make opera resonate.
Cincinnati Opera presents
Underscore
A lively new event series that approaches opera from unexpected angles, inviting audiences to explore its stories and ideas in imaginative and surprising ways.
Underscore: The Importance of Being Oscar
A nearly-true story of Oscar Wilde’s first visit to Cincinnati
When:
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
Where:
Wilks Studio at Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Description:
Before writing his controversial play Salome, the source material for Richard Strauss’s opera, Oscar Wilde visited Cincinnati three times during his speaking tour of America in 1882. This original one-act play by Cincinnati Opera’s Evans Mirageas and Audrey Chait dramatizes the interview Wilde gave just prior to his first lecture at Music Hall. As interviewed by Samuel Flickinger of the Cincinnati Gazette, Oscar applies his trademark wit to his impressions of Cincinnati, the Aesthetic movement, music, fame, and much more. Starring Douglas Fries as Oscar Wilde and Chris Logan Carter as the Interviewer, with performances by soprano Heidi Middendorf, tenor Jack Keller, and pianist Matthew Umphreys.
Tickets:
$25 per event; $60 for 3-event package. Order at cincinnatiopera.org or 513-241-2742.
Underscore: Carmen’s Revenge—An Operatic Murder Mystery
When:
Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Where:
Second Sight Spirits, 301 Elm Street, Ludlow, KY 41016
Description:
Spoiler alert: Things don’t go well for Carmen at the end of Bizet’s opera. But what if the drama didn’t stop at the end of Act IV? Join us for an interactive, irreverent, and, of course, operatic glimpse into what comes next for Carmen’s friends and foes—no prior Carmen knowledge required! Filled with clues and plot twists, plus live performances of classic Carmen arias, you’ll learn more about the opera while engaging with the cast of characters and fellow guests to uncover the truth. Will you be the sleuth who pieces it together and solves the murder?
Tickets:
$25 per event; $60 for 3-event package. Cash bar available. Order at cincinnatiopera.org or 513-241-2742.
Underscore: The Afrofuturist Salon
When:
Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Where:
Artsville, 5021 Whetsel Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45227
Description:
Step into the vibrant universe of Lalovavi, Cincinnati Opera’s bold, new Afrofuturist opera, with The Afrofuturist Salon. This event brings together cultural innovators, creative voices, and curious minds for cocktails, connection, and conversation inspired by Afrofuturism and the power of hair, style, identity, storytelling, and legacy. Featuring Lalovavi librettist Tifara Brown, wig designer Tiara Jones, and Cassandra Jones, University of Cincinnati Assistant Professor of Africana Studies, exploring the intersections of Black futurism, beauty, and self-expression. The experience flows into a high-energy DJ set with spoken word and remixes inspired by Lalovavi.
Tickets:
$25 per event; $60 for 3-event package. Cash bar available. Order at cincinnatiopera.org or 513-241-2742.
About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the U.S., Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.
Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Our programming is made possible in part by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC), a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Cincinnati Opera also receives support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, and the H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, along with many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a member of OPERA America. Learn more: cincinnatiopera.org.
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