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January 8, 2026 · 5:48 pm

WHERE WE STAND Runs Jan. 31-Feb. 22

WHERE WE STAND 
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Jan. 31-Feb. 22
[Over-the-Rhine]

What does community mean? And what do we owe to one another? In a town running low on compassion, a mysterious outsider stands before their community—before us—to confess a life-altering choice made at the crossroads of desperation and desire. A gripping blend of fable and modern-day storytelling, this stirring, poetic solo piece invites the audience to become part of the story, weighing mercy against consequence in real time. Where We Stand explores the story of an individual driven to the brink, challenging our understanding of forgiveness, mercy, and who is truly worthy of either. WHERE WE STAND is a poetic, interactive solo-theater piece rich in humor, music, and heart. Though accessible for general audiences, it thoughtfully addresses mature themes such as justice, morality, and social responsibility, and contains onstage consumption of alcohol.

  • In preview Sat, Jan. 31 at 7pm
  • In preview Tue, Feb. 3 at 7pm
  • Wed-Fri, Feb. 4-6 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Feb. 7 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 8 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Feb. 10-13 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Feb. 14 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 15 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Feb. 17-20 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Feb. 21 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 22 at 2pm

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January 8, 2026 · 5:47 pm

A SOLDIER’S PLAY Runs Jan. 30-Feb. 15

Geoffrey Warren Barnes II as Tech-Sergeant Vernon C. Waters. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

A SOLDIER’S PLAY
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Jan. 30-Feb. 15
[Over-the-Rhine]

Directed by Christopher V. Edwards

Cast: “ranney”* as Pvt James Wilke, Geoffrey Warren Barnes II* as Tech Sgt Vernon C Waters, Jason Coffenberry* as Corp Bernard Cobb, Montez Jenkins Copeland* as Pvt CJ Memphis, Cary Davenport* as Capt Wilcox, Anthony T. Goss* as Melvin Peterson, Sylvester Little Jr.* as Corp Ellis, Patrick Earl Phillips* as Lt Byrd, K.P. Powell* as Capt Richard Davenport, Malik Smith as Pvt Louis Henson, Brent Vimtrup* as Capt Charles Taylor & Jay Wade* as Pvt Tony Smalls

Set on a segregated Army base in 1944, A Soldier’s Play opens with the shocking murder of a polarizing sergeant, prompting a determined officer to unearth the truth behind this unsettling crime. As suspects emerge and tensions simmer beneath the surface, hidden prejudices, loyalties, and resentments threaten to tear the unit apart. This Pulitzer Prize-winning murder mystery is filled with gripping suspense, unexpected revelations, and unforgettable characters.

  • In preview Wed-Thu, Jan. 28-29 at 7:30pm. Discounted tickets.
  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 30-31 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Fri, Feb. 5-6 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Feb. 7 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 8 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, Feb. 12-14 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 15 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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January 8, 2026 · 5:46 pm

MARY JANE Runs Jan. 30-Feb. 15

MARY JANE
Dayton Theatre Guild
Jan. 30-Feb. 15
[Dayton]

Directed by Melissa Kerr Ertsgaard
Produced by Rhea Smith

Cast: Kayla Graham as Mary Jane, Caitlin Larsen Deer as Ruthie/Tenkei, Amy Askins as Sherry/Dr. Toros & Shana Fishbein as Brianne/Chaya

As her young son battles chronic illness, Mary Jane holds chaos at bay with stubborn hope, quiet strength, and a shared fragile faith. The devoted mother leans on an unexpected community of women and discovers that even in the darkest nights, the stars are still there to guide her home.

  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 30-31 at 8pm
  • Sun, Feb. 1 at 3pm
  • Fri, Feb. 6 at 8pm
  • Sat, Feb. 7 at 5pm
  • Sun, Feb. 8 at 3pm
  • Fri, Feb. 13 at 8pm
  • Sat, Feb. 14 at 5pm
  • Sun, Feb. 15 at 3pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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January 6, 2026 · 6:03 pm

Lucy Darling: SIMPLY DARLING | March 22, 2026 | Aronoff Center

Viral Sensation Lucy Darling is Coming to Cincinnati
in Touring Show SIMPLY DARLING

March 22, 2026
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

Tickets on sale Friday, January 9 at 10:00 AM

[Cincinnati, OH] – Carisa Hendrix, the performer behind the glamorous 1940s-style socialite Lucy Darling, is back on tour with her show, Simply Darling, which will make its much-anticipated Cincinnati debut at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The show is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2025-26 CAA Presents! Season.

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 9 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], or the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For group sales (10 or more), call (513) 977-4155. Prices include all applicable fees and taxes and are subject to change.

Hendrix first captured the world’s attention in December 2024, when one TikTok clip of her improvisational crowd work skyrocketed to twenty-one million views. Since then, thousands have flocked to theaters nationwide to see the award-winning performer and find out what all the fuss is about. From coast to coast, her shows have sold out in record time, proof that Lucy Darling’s blend of wit, sweetness, and old-Hollywood glamour has struck a chord with audiences.

Now, Hendrix is bringing more sharp-tongued charm to the stage in Simply Darling, a touring variety show that is designed to give the fans even more of what they have been craving – the perfect chance to take a break from reality and indulge in the mischief, sarcasm, and wonder that we all deserve.

After a year of sold-out performances across North America, Simply Darling is Lucy’s answer to her fans’ demand for more. The show is part variety spectacular, part cabaret, and part magic show, but always exceptionally darling.

For more information about Carisa Hendrix and Lucy Darling, visit https://www.carisahendrix.com/.

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:                Lucy Darling: Simply Darling
WHEN:               Sunday, March 22, 2026 – 7:00 PM
WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
PRICE:                 Ticket prices start at $52.50, inclusive of all fees.
INFO:                  Carisa Hendrix, the performer behind the glamorous 1940s-style socialite Lucy Darling, is back on tour with her show, Simply Darling. After a year of sold-out performances across North America, Simply Darling is Lucy’s answer to her fans’ demand for more. The show is part variety spectacular, part cabaret, part magic show, but always exceptionally darling.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale Friday, January 9 at 10:00 AM

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

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January 6, 2026 · 5:54 pm

Lil Willy’s PANTO-LOONS! Runs Jan. 16-17

Lil Willy’s PANTO-LOONS!
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Jan. 16-17
[Over-the-Rhine]

Lil Willy’s Panto-Loons is a wild and wacky night of original sketch comedy and music from AppShakes joined by Cincy Shakes favorites Matthew Lewis Johnson, Jeremy Dubin, Courtney Lucien, and more. Puppets, pop culture and oblique Shakespeare references, what’s not to love? Come and laugh yourself silly! Immature adult audiences only.

  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 16-17 at 7:30pm

Official page |

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