Category Archives: Events

CHURCHILL | March 29-30 | Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

CHURCHILL
Starring Daniel Payne

March 29-30, 2025
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater 

Tickets on sale Friday, January 17 at 10:00 AM 

CINCINNATI, OH – Acclaimed actor Daniel Payne stars in Churchill at the Aronoff Center’s intimate Jarson-Kaplan Theater for three performances only from March 29-30, 2025 (see below for performance schedule).  The one-man show is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2024-25 Season.

Tickets start at $55 and go on sale Friday, January 17 at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. 50%-OFF group discount tickets (ten or more) are available by calling (513) 977-4155. Applicable services fees may apply. Prices subject to change.

Winston Churchill has just been awarded honorary U.S. citizenship by President John F. Kennedy. In recognition of this unprecedented occasion, The American-Oxford Society has asked the former Prime Minister to address them and discuss what this honor means to him.

In this often funny, sometimes touching, and always engaging one-man-show created by British actor David Payne (author of An Evening with C.S. Lewis and Christmas with C.S. Lewis), Churchill will be brought to life on stage by David’s talented son, Daniel Payne.

Audiences will be delighted to hear of his exploits during the Boer War, his constant battles with Britain’s fellow politicians, and his special relationship with America and America’s presidents. But most telling of all, Churchill enlightens the audience with intimate and touching details of the two special women in his life—his wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth.

With elements of The Crown and The Darkest Hour, Daniel Payne gives audiences an opportunity to spend an evening with one of the greatest historical figures in the world—Sir Winston Churchill.

Daniel Payne
British actor Daniel Payne gained a diploma in performing arts at a prestigious English college. His acting skills have been featured in such plays as The Bacchae, Under Milk Wood, An Inspector Calls, Aladdin, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His creative energy has seen him add other talents to his repertoire – writer, composer, musician, and director. He is also active as a voice actor and public speaker.

Churchill – Performance Schedule

  • Saturday, March 29 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, March 30 – 2:00 PM

Cincinnati Arts Association SPONSORS

The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Season Sponsors:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), ARTSWAVE, FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, TRIHEALTH

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Fairfield Inn & Suites Cincinnati Uptown/University Area, Harlan Graphics, Heidelberg Distributing, Kinley Cincinnati, Pepsi, Skyline Chili, TriHealth

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                Churchill, starring Daniel Payne

WHEN:                Saturday, March 29 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 30 – 2:00 PM

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

PRICES:               Start at $55.00. 50%-off groups of ten or more. Additional service fees may apply. Prices subject to change.

INFO:                   In this often funny, sometimes touching, and always engaging one-man show created by British actor David Payne (author of An Evening with C.S. Lewis and Christmas with C.S. Lewis), Churchill will be brought to life on stage by David’s talented son, Daniel Payne. Audiences will be delighted to hear of his exploits during the Boer War, his constant battles with Britain’s fellow politicians, and his special relationship with America and America’s presidents.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale Friday, January 17 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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Mason Community Players Kickoff 2025 with a Fundraiser

Mason Community Players will host a fundraiser to die for at the Mason Community Playhouse on January 25th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and Concessions will be available before the murder mystery begins and during Intermission. During intermission, guests will be given the opportunity to participate in a Split the Pot Fundraiser with a twist; guess the murderer! The winner will be chosen from the container that bears the name of the character that actually “murdered Annie”! You’ve got to play to win- tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5.

So what is this show about? Annie was working late in the family run flower shop one night, when someone crept up behind her and murdered her. She is unable to move on until her family figures out who murdered her. It is up to the audience and her family to solve her murder. Was it her mother-in-law Violet? Was it her own sister Emma? Could it have been Iris her aunt-in-law or Lily her sister-in-law? Why was she murdered? Jealousy, money, or both? As Annie roams the audience, be prepared for her ghostly presence to plead for help.

Mason Community Players is the oldest continually operating community theater organization in Warren County, OH. Since its creation in 1973, the Mason Community Players has brought more than 120 productions and 30 original musical reviews to audiences in Mason, Ohio.The group operates and performs at the Mason Community Playhouse, located at 5529 Mason Rd. in Mason, OH.  The group has fostered a family for the community, involving people of all ages on stage, backstage, and as spectators. 

The Who Murdered Annie FUNdraiser is only the beginning of MCP’s Spooky Season of 2025.

Next up will be The Cemetery Club in February and March, followed by Blithe Spirit in April and May, The Pirates of Penzance in July, The Haunting of Hill House in October and November; the season will wrap up in December with Welcome to Our House for Christmas. Get tickets to this exciting fundraiser event and the rest of the 2025 season at www.MasonPlayers.org or call 513-398-7104.

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AN EVENING WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE Runs Jan. 24-Feb. 1

AN EVENING WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE
Mason High School Drama Club
Jan. 24-Feb. 1
Mason Studio Theatre

Enter the wonderfully creepy world of Edgar Allan Poe with six faithful adaptations of some of his most haunting works. From old favorites such as The Cask of Amontillado and The Tell-Tale Heart to lesser known gems like The Oblong Box and The Purloined Letter, this collection of short plays will create an evening of chills and thrills. Rated PG-13.

  • Fri, Jan. 24 at 7pm
  • Sat, Jan. 25 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at 7pm

Official page |

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THE WONDER Staged Reading at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

THE WONDER 
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Jan. 17
Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre [Eden Park]

Written by Maggie Lou Rader
Directed by Katie Baskerville

Cast: Jennifer Joplin, Jeremy Dubin, Regan Utrup & Torie Wilkins

Based on a true story, THE WONDER is inspired by the first documented case of spiritual possession in America. Mary Roff’s unearthly illness turns her family and the town of Watseka, Illinois upside down, that is, until Lurancy Vennum follows in her footsteps. THE WONDER is a journey of hope, loss, undying familial love, and healing beyond the bounds of this world.

  • Fri, Jan. 17 at 7pm

Official page |

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Cincinnati Opera Announces 2025 Opera Raps Series

Discover the stories behind the works featured during
Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival


CINCINNATI (December 18, 2024)—Cincinnati Opera announces the return of its popular Opera Raps series, offering audiences a fascinating exploration of the history, controversy, and personalities behind the works featured during its 2025 Summer Festival. Led by Cincinnati Opera’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director Evans Mirageas along with special guest artists, the four-part series runs from January 8 through April 3, 2025, and delves into RigolettoTosca, and Fiddler on the Roof with exclusive performances, stories, and insights. See below for details.


Cincinnati Opera
2025 OPERA RAPS CALENDAR

January 8, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Opera Houses Lost and Found: A Season Preview
Wilks Studio, Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The works featured during Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival—RigolettoTosca, and Fiddler on the Roof—received their world or US premieres in New York City opera houses and theaters. Join Evans Mirageas and guest artists to trace the histories of these productions tied to historic and now-mostly-vanished venues. With exclusive video and live performances, they’ll share the stories of how these works came to be in America.Admission: Free. Reservations are available beginning December 18 at noon; call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org.


February 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Rigoletto: Banned at the Box Office
Mercantile Library
414 Walnut Street, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Though Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto now occupies a secure position in the operatic canon, at its premiere, it was the subject of significant controversy and censorship. The source material for the libretto had already been banned in France: the drama Le roi s’amuse by Victor Hugo. Determined to adapt the play into an opera, Verdi fought at every turn to preserve the power of the story and integrity of the source material, with varying degrees of success. Join in this exploration of Rigoletto, as well as Verdi’s other hotly contested operas, featuring special musical performances.

Admission: Free. Reservations are available beginning December 18 at noon; call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org.


March 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Tosca: A Roman Evening
Cincinnati Opera Production Facility
7712 Reinhold Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45237

Throughout Giacomo Puccini’s opera Tosca, the city of Rome plays an ever-present role. The opera is set among iconic Roman landmarks like the Castel Sant’Angelo and Palazzo Farnese, and even includes music in the Roman dialect. Evans Mirageas and featured artists will lead guests on a musical tour of Rome, interweaving music from Tosca with classic Roman songs.

Admission: Free. Reservations are available beginning December 18 at noon; call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org.


April 3, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Fiddler on the Roof: The Songs That Got Away
The Amberley Room, Mayerson JCC
8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236

The beloved musical Fiddler on the Roof is full of classic tunes like “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” The creators of the show—Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), and Joseph Stein (book)—were so prolific that they also produced many songs that did not make the final cut. Evans Mirageas and musical guests will serve as guides through the forgotten songs of Fiddler on the Roof, including hits from the show as we know it today and surprises from the archives.

Admission: Free. Reservations are available beginning December 18 at noon; call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org.


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 nation, 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. This project was supported in part by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

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