Category Archives: Family-Friendly

DOG MAN: The Musical | October 4-5 | Aronoff Center

THE HILARIOUS, HEARTFELT ADVENTURE
MAKES ITS CINCINNATI PREMIERE!

THEATERWORKSUSA’S PRODUCTION OF
DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL   

October 4- 5, 2025
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall 

Tickets on sale NOW

[Cincinnati, OH]  The New York Times Critics’ Pick Dog Man: The Musical, based on the best-selling book series by Dav Pilkey, makes its Cincinnati premiere at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Saturday October 4 at 2:00 PM & 6:30 PM and Sunday, October 5 at 2:00 PM. The popular family show is part of the CAA PRESENTS! 2025-26 Season.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 23 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For Group Sales (10 or more), call (513) 977-4155. Ticket prices include all applicable fees and taxes and are subject to change.

Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man. With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?

“Dog Man: The Musical surpasses my highest expectations. It is the ‘perfect mash-up’ of memorable music, humor, and love,” shares author/illustrator Pilkey, who also created the popular series Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.

Dog Man: The Musical features book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila (two-time Emmy Award-winning writer of the PBS show Peg + Cat); music by Brad Alexander (Drama Desk-nominated See Rock City & Other Destinations); and original direction and choreography by Jen Wineman (NY: Less Than 50%).

Additional creative team for Dog Man: The Musical includes scenic design by Timothy R. Mackabee (Broadway’s The Elephant ManGuards at the Taj, Lucille Lortel Award); costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson (Regional: The Addams Family MusicalHow I Learned to Drive); lighting design by David Lander (Broadway’s The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical; Benghal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Drama Desk Award); original sound design by Emma Wilk (NY: The Waiting Game, Regional: The Heiress); and orchestrations by Lloyd KikolerDog Man: The Musical is produced by TheaterWorksUSA.

Dog Man: The Musical premiered off-Broadway in June 2019 at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, extending due to popular demand. The production returned to New York at New World Stages in March 2023. Newsday called it “A howling good time. This show is perfect for everyone.” The New York Times claimed, “Dog Man: The Musical keeps young audiences giggling for nearly 90 minutes. You have to love a show that makes adults laugh too.”

To learn more about the new touring production, visit www.DogManTheMusical.com or Facebook/Instagram: @TheaterWorksUSA 

TheaterWorksUSA (Barbara Pasternack, Artistic Director) has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. TWUSA believes that access to art – and theater, in particular – is vital for our youth. Since 1967, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals. Acclaimed alumni include Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Disney’s Frozen), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent), Jerry Zaks (The Music Man), Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen), Miguel Cervantes (Hamilton), Kathleen Chalfant (Angels in America), and Chuck Cooper (Tony award-winning actor, The Life).  For more information, visit https://twusa.org/.

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), 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

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                Dog Man: The Musical
WHEN:  
             Sat, Oct. 4, 2025 – 2pm & 6:30pm & Sun, Oct. 5, 2025 – 2pm

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

PRICE:                 Ticket prices start at $35, inclusive of all fees. Subject to change.

INFO:                   The New York Times Critics’ Pick Dog Man: The Musical, based on the best-selling book series by Dav Pilkey, makes its Cincinnati premiere at the Aronoff Center. This hilarious and heartwarming production follows the chronicles of Dog Man who, with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale NOW

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

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Auditions Announced for THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL at Springboro Community Theatre

Springboro Community Theater is looking for performers of all ages* to bring “The Spongebob Musical” to life at North Park Amphitheater! The power of optimism can save the world! This is a dynamic musical with a fast-moving story and a large ensemble cast. Whether or not you are a fan of the animated cartoon series, this fun inspiring musical has something for everyone!

The stakes have never been higher in Bikini Bottom! SpongeBob and the residents of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Just when all hope seems lost, the most unexpected hero rises up! The power of optimism really can save the world!

Auditions will be June 9th and 10th starting at 7pm with potential callbacks on June 11th.

ALTERNATE LOCATION: **NOTE: Due to an ongoing production, auditions will NOT be held in the Theatre. They will be held at The Gabriel House, next to United Church of Christ (15 West Mill Street, Springboro, OH 45066).**

Please prepare a 32 bar (<1minute) cut of a song in the style of the show that showcases your performing talents! A pianist and Bluetooth speaker will be available, no a capella auditions please! All auditions will include a dance call, so have comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes ready!

*Children Under 12 are invited to audition with the participation of a sibling, parent and/or guardian 16+ in the cast, crew or production team. Children interested in an ensemble-only role do not need to prepare a solo audition piece, instead they will be invited to sing the Spongebob theme song in small groups at the start of auditions.

Video auditions will be considered but in person auditions are strongly preferred. Videos must be submitted by June 8th at 5pm. Please reach out to the Director Meagan Kuchan Clark (meagan.kuchan@gmail.com) for more information.

SpongeBob the Musical is based on the animated series by Stephen Hillenburd and features a book by Kyle Jarrow with original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareiles, Jonathan Coulton, Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, the Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend and songs by David Bowie.

A note on Character Descriptions & Casting: The nature of this show leaves A LOT of flexibility when casting with regards to age, race and gender. When casting, we will be looking for the best person who best embodies the spirit of the character!

SpongeBob SquarePants (Any, Lead, Traditionally – Tenor): They are optimistic, innocent, and boyish; energetic and sometimes hyperactive. This actor should have the ability to move well and be an extremely physical actor. Additionally they should have strong comedic timing and precision.

Patrick Star (Male, Lead, Tenor): Well-intentioned but somewhat clueless, an innocent; a big softie, who can also be prone to sudden child-like swings of emotion.

Squidward Q. Tentacles (Male, Lead, Tenor, G# belt.): Grumpy, cynical, dry, short- tempered, generally negative but lovable! Strong Dance skills preferred.

Sandy Cheeks (Female, Lead, Mezzo-Soprano): A brainy and athletic Texan squirrel who came to Bikini Bottom for a research project. She acts as SpongeBob’s most trusted ally on their quest to stop the volcano from erupting, using her vast amount of scientific knowledge and brilliant inventions to aid the mission.

Sheldon Plankton (Male, Lead, Tenor): His personality outweighs his size- slick, scheming, nefarious; has the ability to charm; determined, he will do anything to get ahead in life; very greedy, but his heart is still open enough to rekindle a romance with his wife. This character will need to dance and rap skills a plus.

Karen the Computer (Female; Supporting; Any): Glamorous, a robotic housewife of Plankton. She’s been there for Plankton’s every scheme and plot and has become jaded – she’s been there and done that. Strong comic actress, as well as Singer and Mover.

Pearl Krabs (Female, Supporting, Mezzo-Soprano): Mr. Krabs’ teenage daughter who is misunderstood by her father and just wants to focus on HER dreams, and not those of her Dad. This is a character role with a powerful belt preferred.

Eugene Crabs (Male, Lead, Baritone): The greedy owner of the Krusty Krab, and employer of SpongeBob and Squidward. While everyone is off panicking about Bikini Bottom’s imminent doom, he decides to strike the iron while it’s hot and puts on a huge “apocalypse sale” at his restaurant, exploiting the fear of his fellow fish to make him even richer.

Perch Perkins (Male, Featured, Bass): Bikini Bottoms resident news caster. This actor needs to have a strong reporter presence and sings the opening bass solo of “No Control”.

Electric Skates (Any, Featured): Rock and roll band members with tight vocal harmonies. Strong Dance, and/or skateboard or scooter skills a big plus.

Patchy the Pirate (Any, Featured, Traditionally – Baritone): Spongebob’s #1 Fan, who is perhaps a little too enthusiastic but does a great job riling up the crowd!

Other Featured Ensemble Roles

  • Mayor of Bikini Bottom: Female, Featured, Any
  • French Narrator: Male, Ensemble, Spoken
  • Old Man Jenkins: Ensemble, Any
  • Mrs. Puff: Female, Ensemble, Any
  • Gary the Snail: Ensemble, Spoken
  • Larry the Lobster: Male, Ensemble, Any
  • Sardines: Ensemble, All Voice Parts
  • Security Guards: Ensemble, Spoken
  • Featured Dancers – Plankton Groupies, Sea Anemones, various other roles

Production dates: Aug. 1-10 at North Park Amphitheatre

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Come ‘Under the Sea’ with Walnut Hills High School as They Present the Loveable Disney classic, THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.


Sienna McClain as Ariel & Amelia Hoops as Ursula. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Cincinnati, OH- The Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department is thrilled to be closing out the season with their Junior High Musical, The Little Mermaid Jr.  The show runs May 8-10th, 2025 at 7pm in the WHHS Auditorium.

The Little Mermaid Jr. journeys “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends. The script is adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture (featuring the enormously popular Academy Award-winning music and delightfully charming book and lyrics).

In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students.Tickets can be purchased at: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/tickets

This production and the entire WHHS Theatre Season is graciously sponsored by:

  • The Walnut Hills High School Class of 1964 Performing Arts Fund
  • The Walnut Hills High School Alumni Foundation
  • Wings Walnut Hills Theatre Boosters
  • WHHS Parent Association
  • Solution Roofing
  • Riverview Heating and Cooling
  • Dr. Pepper and Family

Featuring Sienna McClain as Ariel, Oscar Syroney as Prince Eric, Amelia Hoops as Ursula, Levi Singer as King Triton, Ellis Klump-Lawson as Sebastian, Benno Gibson as Flounder, William Crone as Scuttle, Carolina Junewick as Flotsam, Samuel Ray as Jetsam, Carter Symon as Chef Louis/Carp/Seahorse/Tentacle Puppeteer, David Everingham as Grimsby/Fluke, Red Kinnear as Aqualta/Princess 1/Jellyfish 1/Chef, Sophia Puthoff as Andrina/Princess 2/Plaice/Chef, Katherine Hoffman as Arista/Princess 3/Bass/Chef, Charlie Hans as Atina/Princess 4/Chub/Chef, Felix Leslie as Adella/Princess 5/Sax/Chef, Rachel Everingham as Allana/Princess 6/Jellyfish 1/Chef, Aubrey Lowe as Carlotta/Newt/Tentacle Puppeteer, Tomi Olakanmi as Pilot/Harp/Chef, Emmanuel Magba-Kamara as Sailor/Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal, Silas Dronen as Sailor/Gull 1/Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal, Ivy Syroney as Sailor/Gull 3/Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Tentacle Puppeteer/Chef, Annie Sayre as Gull 2/Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Tentacle Puppeteer/Chef, Adina Morvay as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Tentacle Puppeteer/Chef, Riya Pasare as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Tentacle Puppeteer/Chef, Liv Moore as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Tentacle Puppeteer/Chef, Eleanor Faye as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Chef, Daphne Steele as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Chef, Lenora Cable as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Chef, Eva Wesley as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Chef, Naomi Madaris as Jellyfish 2/Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Chef, Roux Maynard as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Chef, Jackson Alexander as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Chef, Ani Ensminger as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Chef, and Denise Wentz as Sea Creature/Sea Chorus/Lagoon Animal/Chef.

  • Directed by Mike Sherman
  • Assistant Directors- Andrew Canter and Caroline Lovelace
  • Music Director- Bret Albright
  • Student Choreographers- Lauryn Shafer and Elijah Cook
  • Technical Director-  Helen A. Raymond-Goers
  • Production Stage Manager- Noa Jaffee
  • Assistant Stage Managers-Easton Taylor  and Violet Garitson
  • Costume Designers- Amelia Price and Megan Reidy
  • Hair and Makeup Designers- Lauryn Shafer and Adah Mosher
  • Props Designer/Costume Manager- Al Carmicle
  • Puppet Designer/Head Electrician- Abbie Kershner
  • Marketing and Publicity Head/House Manager- Adelaide Linser
  • Lighting Designer- Norah Boehm
  • Production Manager/Sound Designer- Nyla Shahanavaz
  • Assistant Sound Designers- Lily Pavelka and Molly Wermuth
  • Scenic Designers: Polly Willson and Gerard Madson-Clemen

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Auditions Announced for MATILDA at La Comedia Dinner Theatre

La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro, Ohio, is holding an open call audition for its upcoming production of MATILDA on Saturday, April 26, at 765 W. Central Ave.,Springboro, Ohio.

9:00 AM – CHILDREN: All children’s roles will be double cast

  • Matilda Wormwood: Age 9-12 An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyondher years. she has a thirst for learning that cannot be quenched. Strong vocally, confident with movement and dialogue. Range A3 to D5
  • Michael Wormwood: Age 12-17 Matilda’s older brother. he is not very bright and favored by the parents. Confident in singing, movement, and dialogue. Will also be included in adult ensemble.
  • Bruce: Age 9-12 Matilda’s classmate. He is subject to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Confident is singing, movement, and dialogue. Range C4 to E5
  • Lavender: Age 9-12 Matilda’s classmate and friend. Confident in singing, movement, and dialogue.
  • Child Ensemble: Classmates of Matilda 9-12 year olds. (Amanda, Nigel, Eric, Alice, Hortensia, and Tommy). Male and Female. Confident in singing and movement.
  • Teen Ensemble Ages 13-17 Will be a part of children’s and adult ensemble. Male and Female. Confident in singing and movement.

10:30 AM – ADULTS:

  • Miss Agatha Trunchbull: Age 30 and up The tyrannical headmistress at Matilda’s school who despises children. Can be either male or female. Range A2 to G4
  • Miss Honey: Age 25-40 Matilda’s kindhearted teacher. she is tired of living in fear of Miss Trunchbull. Range F3 to D5
  • Mrs. Wormwood: Age 30-45 Matilda’s self absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer. Range A3 to F5
  • Mr. Wormwood: Age 30-45 Matilda’s uncaring father, a slimy greedy used car salesman. Range D4 to A4
  • Ensemble Ages 18 and older, to be understudies as well as play the roles of Librarian Mrs. Phelps, the Escapologist, The Acrobat, Rudolpho, Doctor, Children’s Party Entertainer, Cook, Henchmen 1, 2, 3, and Parents. Strong singers and confident with movement.
Please prepare 16 bars of a song in the style of the show, you may sing a selection
from Matilda if you choose. An accompanist will be provided, no accapella singing
please.

Be prepared for a movement audition.

You MAY be asked to read sides from the script.

Please provide a current headshot and resume.

All rehearsals and performances take place in Springboro, OH

Rehearsals: June 9 – 21 (Mon-Sat 9 AM – 6 PM)

Tech: June 22-25

Performances: June 23 – August 10. Thurs-Sun Matinees and Evenings

If you have questions, or for more information, email artisticdirector@lacomedia.com

Non-Equity.

If you are unable to attend the in-person audition, you may send headshot, resume, and video to submissions@lacomedia.com

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Auditions Announced for THE WIZARD OF OZ at Footlighters, Inc.

Footlighters, Inc., is proud to announce auditions for THE WIZARD OF OZ

Directed & Choreographed by Zac Holman
Produced by Cathy Lutts & Michelle Burdett

Auditions:

  • Kids (8 to 14 years old):
    Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Adults:
    Sunday, May 4, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
    Monday, May 5, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: Stained Glass Theatre – 802 York Street, Newport, KY 41071

Click here to sign up for an audition slot: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0448AEAE2BABFC1-56196733-footlighters/57163230#/

Audition Materials:

Kids: Please prepare the provided music cut from THE WIZARD OF OZ: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jT3dE84pWYH5i8Lry6WtHlySa8Wvy-7L

The song with vocals can be found on most streaming platforms. At the audition, be prepared to participate in a small movement and acting exercise.

Adults: Please prepare a 16- to 32-bar cut of a musical song in the style of the show. The dance tutorial video as well as the script of the show can be seen here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qie_3cMDQVeCJYWTK6CuirJDzU7fibcO.

We will have someone at the audition review the dance with you. Bring a headshot, resume, and all rehearsal conflicts to the audition with you.

Virtual: Please email headshot, resume, and a vocal/dance reel to holmanzac@gmail.com.

Performances: September 4 – September 21, 2025

Rehearsals:

*Rehearsals will start the week of July 21st.

Kids: Monday nights 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Closer to performances, kids will be asked to attend every rehearsal.)

Adults: Sundays 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., Thursdays 6:30 p.m.– 10 p.m.

Tech Week (full cast and crew, no absences):

Saturday, August 23 – Thursday, August 28 and September 2 – 3 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (Kids Ensemble dismissed when finished with “Munchkinland.”)

Characters:

  • Dorothy Gale: Mezzo/Mix. Young innocent girl with a tendency to find trouble. Loves her family, friends, and her dog, Toto. Must be comfortable with dogs. Playing age: 15-18.
  • Cowardly Lion: Baritone/Tenor. Dorothy’s new friend in Oz who’s trying to find his courage. Physical comedy a plus.
  • Tin Man: Baritone/Tenor. Dorothy’s new friend in Oz who’s trying to find a heart.
  • Scarecrow: Baritone/Tenor. Dorothy’s new friend in Oz who’s trying to find a brain. Tumbling/physical comedy a plus.
  • Auntie Em: Dorothy’s aunt who is hardworking and sturdy. She loves and cares a great deal about Dorothy. Non-singing role. Playing age: adult female, 50-65 yrs.
  • Uncle Henry: Dorothy’s uncle. He is an honest and hardworking man who owns a small farm in Kansas. He is kind and loves Dorothy. Non-singing role. Playing age: adult male, 50-65 yrs.
  • Glinda: Soprano. The good witch. She is beautiful and the protector of the Munchkins and Dorothy.
  • Professor Marvel / Wizard of Oz: Friendly traveling salesman who convinces Dorothy to go back home to her family after she runs away. Turns into the powerful ruler of the Emerald City. Powerful booming voice. Non-singing role.
  • Wicked Witch / Miss Gulch: The bad witch. She is green and mean. Dorothy’s enemy. Non-singing role.
  • Zeke / Hunk / Hickory: Dorothy’s friends in Kansas who work on the Gale farm.
  • Adult Ensemble: Expandable ensemble of various ages to fill numerous roles throughout the show (Tornado Dancers, Crows, Trees, Poppie / Snow Dancers, Ozians, Winkies, Flying Monkeys).
  • Kids Ensemble: Expandable ensemble of children ages 8-14 to play various munchkin roles in the Munchkinland sequence.

***Some actors may be playing multiple roles in the show***

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