CINCINNATI – Four classic books take center stage as The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) announces its 2026–2027 Season.
From the grandeur of the newly restored Emery Theater and the Ralph and Patricia Corbett Showtime Stage on Red Bank Road, to classrooms, community centers, and other venues around the nation, TCT’s upcoming 2026-2027 season offers a joyful mix of classics, new works, and even a North American musical premiere direct from London’s West End!
THE MAINSTAGE SEASON at The Emery Theater
In its 107th Season, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences, features breathtaking, bold, and beloved classics inside the historic, renovated, and reimagined Emery Theater. With cutting-edge projection mapping, immersive LED media panels, rotating stage lift, and one-of-a-kind innovative stage technology, this season is designed to create memories to last a lifetime for all ages.
Artistic Director, Roderick Justice says “Just because we create “theatre for young audiences,” the magic was never meant to stop at childhood. If you’ve ever been a child or simply need a reminder of what it feels like to experience wonder, you will find just as much joy in a TCT production as the young imaginations sitting around you. You don’t need to have a child to attend a TCT production. You were/are the child. And this season, we will bring your favorite childhood books to life!”
DISNEY AND CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S MARY POPPINS JR.
October 9-25, 2026
Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes flight in this delightful adaptation of the Broadway and West End smash hit. Directed by TCT Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, and based on the books by P.L. Travers and Disney film, the unforgettable characters and songs including “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” “A Spoonful of Sugar,” and “Step in Time,” will lift your spirits and take your imagination sky high!
SEUSS’S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL
December 4–20, 2026
A heart-growing holiday classic comes to life as the Grinch schemes to steal Christmas from the joyful Whos of Whoville. Directed by TCT Associate Artistic Director, Maddie Jones, and filled with Seussified spectacle, whimsical costumes, imaginative staging, and timeless lessons about kindness and community, this beloved book-to-stage festive classic will be sure to become a cherished holiday experience for the entire family.
PETER PAN, THE MUSICAL JR.
February 19 – March 7, 2027
Second star to the right and straight on ’til morning! Directed by Paula Rakestraw, this 60-minute version of the classic musical Peter Pan soars onto The Emery stage with spectacular choreography, high-flying aerial whimsy, and important themes around the power of faith, trust and a bit of pixie dust. Join a colorful range of characters from Captain Hook to Tinkerbell in J.M Barrie’s masterpiece and be transported to Neverland through this magical high-flying musical adventure.
101 DALMATIANS, THE MUSICAL April 16 – May 2, 2027
TCT is paws-itively thrilled to present the North American premiere of this spectacular new musical, straight from London’s West End! Directed by TCT Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, get ready to sit, stay, and howl with excitement over some of the most unleashed puppetry, tail-wagging new music, and fabulously FUR-ocious characters like the villainous Cruella de Vil. 101 Dalmatians, the Musical is a brand-new, stylish, and dazzling theatrical event that can only be spotted in the US at The Emery!
TCT ON TOUR 2026-2027 Touring Season
TCT on Tour takes the magic of theatre on the road — bringing high-quality, professional productions directly into schools, libraries, and community venues across the nation. This year’s touring lineup includes engaging new works and audience favorites.
GOLDILOCKS ROCKS!
Tours September 8 – October 30, 2026 & January 18 – May 2, 2027
This world-premiere interactive one-woman show puts a head-banging spin on a familiar fairy tale. It’s not too hot… not too cool… it’s just right for audiences of all ages.
THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Tours November 16 – December 20, 2026
A holiday adventure at Santa’s Headquarters, where audiences will help save Christmas from a frosty Jack Frost.
BAH HUMBUG!
Tours November 16 – December 20, 2026
TCT’s fresh re-telling of A Christmas Carol includes all your favorite Dickens characters, but… performed by a single actress! Bah Humbug! will be sure to bring a smile to even the scroogiest of scrooges.
MARTIN’S DREAM
Tours January 18 – February 28, 2027
This powerful one-man tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. explores the man behind the legacy.
HENNY PENNY’S ADVENTURE
Tours March 8 – June 27, 2027
Back by popular demand, this hilarious and interactive farm-fresh tale is all about friendship, teamwork, and thinking for yourself.
TCT ACADEMY LIVE! Student Productions
TCT Academy Live! gives students ages 7 to 18 the chance to star in full-scale productions at TCT’s Ralph and Patricia Corbett Showtime Stage on Red Bank Road. With professional support and training, young performers gain real-world experience and grow as artists and collaborators.
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
November 6-14, 2026
A loving parody of 1920s musical theatre brought to life by TCT Academy students.
- Auditions: Thursday, July 30, 2026. 6:00pm – 9:00pm
- Open to ages 13-18
DISNEY’S ALADDIN JR.
Performances: May 6-15, 2027
A vibrant stage adaptation of the beloved Disney story featuring all your favorite characters and unforgettable songs.
- Auditions: Saturday, January 23, 2027. 10:00am –1:00pm
- Open to ages 9-18
TICKETS, ENROLLMENT, & MORE INFO
- Subscriptions for the 2026-2027 MainStage Season at the Emery Theater are available now!
- Single tickets go on saleThursday, March 12, 2026.
- More info onTCT on Tour bookings, auditions, and TCT Academy enrollment is available by visiting thechildrenstheatre.com.
CREDITS
- Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins JR. is based on the stories of L Travers and the Walt Disney film. Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Book By Julian Fellowes. Additional Material by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh. Adapted by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.
- Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is based on the book by the same name. Book and Lyrics by Timothy Mason. Music by Mel Marvin. Additional Music and Lyrics by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss.
- Peter Pan, The Musical JR. is based on the book by Sir J.M. Barrie. Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. Music by Morris (Moose) Charlap. Additional Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Additional Music by Jule Styne. Originally directed, choreographed and adapted by Jerome Robbins.
- The new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book, 101 Dalmatians, The Musical is written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. Original production first performed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London. By arrangement with Runaway Entertainment.
- Henny Penny’s Adventure and Goldilocks Rocks were commissioned and created through TCT’s Script Development Division by playwright Isaiah Reeves.
- The Day Before Christmas was originally commissioned for TCT’s MainStage with Story and Book by Ken Jones, Music by Jamey Strawn, and Lyrics by Christine Jones. Adapted for Tour through TCT’s Script Development Division.
- Bah Humbug! and Martin’s Dream are both adapted through TCT’s Script Development Division.
ABOUT TCT
For over a century, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has been creating unforgettable theatrical experiences for children and families. From its professional MainStage productions and touring shows to its acclaimed theatre training programs, TCT is dedicated to inspiring young hearts and minds through the power of storytelling. This season is made possible in part by support from ArtsWave and the Ohio Arts Council.
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