After being convicted of a petty crime, a charming, rebellious rogue named McMurphy contrives to serve his short sentence in an airy mental institution rather than in a prison. This, he soon learns, was a mistake. He immediately clashes with the authoritarian head nurse, a fierce martinet named Nurse Ratched. Despite Ratched’s strict reign, McMurphy quickly takes over the yard, leading others out of introversion, staging a revolt so that they can see the World Series on television, and arranging a rollicking midnight party with liquor and women. But McMurphy’s brash insubordination has its consequences
THE COLOR PURPLE The Carnegie June 27-July 6 [Covington]
Directed by Torie Wiggins
Music direction by Jason Alexander Holmes
Cast: Jordyn Jones as Celie, Brandi La’Sherrill as Nettie, Kenneth Early as Mister, Brittany Hayes as Sofia, Elana (Elle) Elmore as Shug Avery, Javon Cameron as Harpo, Kertu Bell as Squeak, Erin Morton as Church Lady Darlene, Fiona Capri as Church Lady Jarene, Roniece Hutchins as Church Lady Doris, William Boatwright Jr. as Pa/Ensemble, Deondra Kamau Means as Preacher/Ol’ Mister/Ensemble, Caira Fisher-Rogers as Olivia/Ensemble, Austin Hoard as Grady/Bobby/Ensemble, Jathan Briscoe as Adam/Buster/Ensemble, Carter Minor as Ensemble, Nia Buchannon as Ensemble & Edin Kebede as Church Soloist/Ensemble
Witness the power of resilience and redemption in THE COLOR PURPLE—an unforgettable musical journey that celebrates the strength of the human spirit. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, this moving production brings to life the story of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century, as she embarks on a remarkable journey of self-discovery. With soul-stirring gospel, jazz, and blues music, THE COLOR PURPLE is a vibrant celebration of love, family, and the indomitable will to overcome.
MATILDA the Musical La Comedia Dinner Theatre June 26-Aug. 10 [Springboro]
Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and special powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her school teacher, Miss Honey, who recognizes her extraordinary personality. The school’s mean headmistress, however, hates children and loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the students’ saving grace!
CINCINNATI, OH — The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) proudly announced today that its School Ticket Subsidy Program provided $1,018,460 in MainStage ticket support during the 2024-2025 season, helping ensure that live theatre remains accessible to students across Greater Cincinnati—regardless of financial background. More than 48,000 students attended the company’s weekday performances during the 24-25 season.
TCT’s subsidy program is designed to remove financial barriers for schools with limited resources, making it possible for thousands of children to experience the magic and educational power of live performance. The actual cost for a student to attend a MainStage production is approximately $30. In realizing that this is a steep price for many local schools, TCT provides subsidies so that no school ever pays more than $10 a ticket.
Even still, many schools cannot afford to bring their students at this lowered price due to limited resources and large student populations. Therefore, TCT’s School Ticket Subsidy Program allows for further discounts to schools with 50% or more of their students eligible for free or reduced lunch programs. These schools pay only $5 or less per student.
“No child should miss the chance to experience the magic of live theatre because their school can’t afford it,” said Kim Kern, President and CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors and community partners, we are able to make that vision a reality for thousands of students each year.”
By closing the gap between the actual cost of live theatre and what schools can afford, the School Ticket Subsidy Program fulfills TCT’s mission to educate, entertain, and engage audiences of all backgrounds—ensuring that the life-changing impact of theatre is within reach for every child.
For more information on how to support this program or bring your school to a TCT performance, visit http://www.thechildrenstheatre.com.
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.
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST
