Monthly Archives: May 2026

May 18, 2026 · 5:16 pm

Auditions Announced for PETER PAN JR at Harmony Arts

PETER PAN JR. Auditions

Come fly away with us to Neverland! We are so excited to begin our production of Peter Pan Jr. and cannot wait to see everyone at auditions! We understand this is a quick turnaround from our previous audition, please reach out if you’d like to send in a virtual audition!

Open to grades 1st-8th (incoming 9th graders too)

Audition Date: May 30th, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Location: New Hope Community Church 3707 Edgewood drive, Cincinnati 45211

To sign up for an audition slot visit www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0549AFAB2EA3FEC07-64181028-peter#/

What to Bring

  • A device or way to scan the QR code for the audition form
  • A list of all conflicts from June–August
  • A positive attitude and readiness to sing, act, and have fun!
  • A headshot/resume if able

Rehearsal Information

Rehearsals will be held EVERY Friday (unless stated otherwise), and everyone will be called to EVERY rehearsal. Because this production is being put together in a shorter amount of time, it is imperative that performers rehearse at home using provided tracks, choreography videos, scripts, and any other rehearsal materials. Consistent practice outside of rehearsal will be extremely important to the success of the production!

Participation Fee: $65 per participant
This fee is due the day of auditions and helps cover production costs for the show.

Audition Requirements

Please prepare:
A verse and chorus of a song of your choice (songs from Peter Pan Jr. are welcome!)

Please become familiar with the audition sides here: https://www.mtishows.com/script/18318509
 

Performance Information

Tentative Show Date: August 22nd, 2026
Show Times: 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

At Harmony Arts, we truly believe there are no small roles. Every character is an important piece of the story, and every performer contributes something valuable to the production. Casting decisions are based on many different factors including vocal fit, acting ability, chemistry, ensemble balance, rehearsal availability, and overall production needs. Receiving a certain role is never a reflection of a child’s worth or talent. We work very hard to ensure every performer has meaningful stage time and opportunities to shine throughout the show. Please help prepare and encourage your child to be excited and open to any role they may receive, because every role in Neverland matters!

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May 18, 2026 · 5:15 pm

THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through May 31st. I attended the Opening Night performance.

The cast of THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

For its final show of the 2025-2026 season, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is bringing audiences a proverbial “blast from the past” via THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL with Book & Lyrics by Richard Oberacker & Robert Taylor and Music by Richard Oberacker. Based on true events, it tells the story of a group of teenaged misfits who try to make their mark in the summer of 1984 – the one before they venture into the world of high school.  

Co-Directors D. Lynn Meyers and Dee Anne Bryll (who also serves as Choreographer) work well together in using the entire space at hand. Their use of unconventional parts of the set as beds or couches or seats in a basement is genius. Scenic & Lighting Design by Brian c. Mehring is sleek and stark punctuated by neon lights and…it really works! It is the ideal setting for a show which is trying to make the story itself and the characters the focus. Specific shoutout to the hardworking production staff who created the Spencer’s carts as I was immediately back in SoCal circa the 1980s trying to navigate the store without a parental figure catching me doing it. Music Director Steve Goers and his band (Joel Greenberg, Brian Malone, and Matt Wiles) certainly possess a knowledge of the time period’s music, but I fear a lot of Mr. Goers’ work with the vocalists is lost due to the volume of said accompaniment. It feels like the singers are fighting for their lives and no one wants to hear someone blow out a vocal cord.

While the show boasts a strong ensemble of performing artists, there are certainly some standouts. Sara Mackie, who plays Adult 2 (aka multiple roles throughout) gives us her usual extra effort. She is a delight to see and hear and provides us with some grounded character connections. Julianne Ferreira Da Silva plays Jennifer, a character whom embodies everything I would have been as a teen in the 1980s with the Pat Benetar-esque vocals to boot. Gavin Poronsky is utterly likable as Tim, a character of whom I’d loved to have seen more!

While clearly a deeply personal piece, I do think The House on Watch Hill could use some further workshopping. I can myself relate to being a “weird little kid” (hell, I’m a weird not-so-little adult), but that isn’t always enough motivation to care about a character or where they are headed. The nostalgia is real, the visuals are fantastic, and the heart is clearly present; it could all just use a wee more depth. Some things are timeless, however: dealing with liking someone or something to a precarious degree, finding your way through the world in your own skin, and holding dear the people who helped you survive those formative times.

Click here for more information about the production.

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May 18, 2026 · 5:14 pm

SUFFS at Broadway in Cincinnati Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

SUFFS presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through May 17th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

The Cast of SUFFS presented by Broadway in Cincinnati. Photo by Joan Marcus.

As a 2025-2026 Broadway in Cincinnati season option, the Aronoff Center is presenting SUFFS with Book, Music, & Lyrics by Shaina Taub. The Tony Award-winning musical gives an inside, more personal look at the women who helped drive the fight for the right to vote.

Director Leigh Silverman masterfully takes the helm of this strong ensemble piece by producing many stunning stage pictures and setting up excellent pacing. Ms. Silverman allows for individual moments when appropriate while still keeping the spirit of camaraderie constant. Choreographer Mayte Natalio has an incredible gift for movement, even with a large cast on a smaller stage than other cities may offer. Gavotting is seamless and natural, but remains impactful. Tour Scenic Design by Christine Peters appears opulent and reads as wonderfully functional for the performing artists. Ms. Peters incorporation of the “key colours” (purple, white, and yellow for those who may not know) is done smartly and pops against the time-period appropriate darker aspects of the set.

In an piece written to empower women and educate all, do you include men in on the bit? Well…sort of – but you have the women portray them, of course! This all-female cast is the definition of an ensemble and choosing standouts is a tall order. Every vocalist is top-notch, mastering perfectly blended harmonies like it’s just another day at the office and their acting is superb.

Monica Tulia Ramirez is nothing short of perfection as Inez Milholland. You will either wish you could be like her or be with her – or both, in my case. Danyel Fulton as Ida B. Wells is a show-stopper. The audience is left suitably uncomfortable and on the edge of their seats from the first to the last words of “Wait My Turn” thanks to Ms. Fulton’s incredible vocal talent and acting prowess. Additional kudos to Jenny Ashman as Woodrow Wilson; Marya Grandy as Carrie Champman Catt; and Maya Keleher as Alice Paul.

Most of you probably know that, in general, I am not a huge fan of musicals. Sure, there are exceptions – and I will say without any pretense that SUFFS is one of those exceptions and has easily become one of my top three favourites. In fact, this particular performance is on the top list of best shows of any kind I’ve ever seen, full stop. It is original, informative, rife with talent, and just plain entertaining. The music will stick with you long after you leave the theatre and the reminder of how obstacles once deemed insurmountable have been overcome is necessary. I will personally be making the effort to see this show any time it comes through.  

Click here for more information about the production.

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May 18, 2026 · 5:14 pm

The Real Story Behind THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL Comes to Life

At Special May 22 Performance at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

Inspired by true events, The House on Watch Hill tells the story of a group of teenagers in suburban Cincinnati during the summer of 1984 who set out to create an unforgettable haunted house experience while navigating friendship, fear, and growing up. Presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, this one-night-only event offers media and audiences rare behind-the-scenes insight into the real memories and experiences that inspired the story onstage.

WHAT: Audience members attending the Friday, May 22 performance of The House on Watch Hill at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati will have the unique opportunity to meet the actual people whose lives inspired the production. The evening will include pre-show photo opportunities, the 7:30 p.m. performance, and a special post-show talkback featuring the real-life inspirations alongside members of the cast.

WHEN: Friday, May 22, 2026

  • 6:45 pm- Pre-show photo opportunities for media only
  • 7:30 pm- Performance
  • Immediately following the show- Exclusive talkback with cast members and the real-life inspirations for the show

WHERE: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

WHY: This one-night-only event offers audiences and media a rare opportunity to meet the individuals behind the true story that inspired the new musical. Guests will gain unique insight into the real events, memories, and friendships that shaped the production.

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May 18, 2026 · 5:12 pm

International Family Entertainment Takes Over The Emery Theater This June

Two visually spectacular limited-engagement experiences coming to downtown Cincinnati 

CINCINNATI – This June, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) invites families to experience two internationally celebrated live entertainment events unlike anything typically seen in Cincinnati. For two special weekends only, the historic Emery Theater will transform into a high-energy summer destination for immersive family entertainment with Doodle POP! and Artrageous.

Perfect for kids ages 3–12 and their families, these visually dynamic productions blend music, art, comedy, movement, and audience interaction into unforgettable live experiences designed to spark imagination and creativity.

First, Doodle POP! arrives at The Emery Theater June 4–7. This whimsical visual theater experience from South Korea combines live performance, stunning projection effects, imaginative storytelling, and larger-than-life creativity in a nonverbal adventure audiences of all ages can enjoy together. An international hit praised for its inventive visual style and playful energy, Doodle POP! invites audiences into a colorful world where drawings come to life in surprising and magical ways.

Then, June 26–28, Artrageous comes to The Emery Theater with a one-of-a-kind performance experience that feels like a rock concert meets live painting event. Featuring a troupe of world-class artists, musicians, singers, and performers, Artrageous combines live music, speed painting, choreography, and audience participation into a fast-paced multimedia spectacle.

Known for performances around the world, Artrageous has earned praise for its electrifying blend of creativity, music, and visual art that turns the artistic process into live entertainment.

“These are the kinds of experiences families don’t get to see every day,” said Kim Kern, President & CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. “We wanted to bring something truly unique to Cincinnati this summer — visually spectacular events that create excitement, spark creativity, and give families memorable shared experiences inside one of the most extraordinary theaters in the country.”

Both productions will be presented at the newly restored Emery Theater, now the most technologically advanced proscenium-style theaters in the United States and the permanent home of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

Doodle POP! runs June 4–7 for eight performances only. Artrageous runs June 26–28 for four performances only. Tickets are on sale now at thechildrenstheatre.com.

DOODLE POP!

June 4–7, 2026
The Emery Theater
Tickets starting at $25

Performance Schedule:

  • Thursday, June 4 at 11:00 AM
  • Thursday, June 4 at 2:00 PM
  • Friday, June 5 at 4:00 PM
  • Friday, June 5 at 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 6 at 5:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 7 at 5:00 PM

ARTRAGEOUS

June 26–28, 2026
The Emery Theater
Tickets starting at $30

Performance Schedule:

  • Friday, June 26 at 6:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 27 at 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 27 at 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 PM

For tickets and information about both productions, visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CINCINNATI
Celebrating 106 years this season, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences and the only professional theatre in the region devoted entirely to children. Through Broadway-quality MainStage productions at the Emery Theater, TCT on Tour performances throughout the region, and TCT Academy education programs, TCT educates, entertains, and inspires audiences of all ages while awakening a lifelong love of theatre in the young and the young at heart. 

-END-

 

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