Category Archives: Press Releases

December 15, 2025 · 5:20 pm

THE JOKERS OF MAGIC | Jan. 24, 2026 | Aronoff Center

THE JOKERS OF MAGIC

January 24, 2026
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

[Cincinnati, OH] – Laugh your cares away and be astounded at the Cincinnati premiere of The Jokers of Magic at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater for two performances only on January 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM. The show is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2025-26 CAA Presents! Season.

Tickets are on sale now 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.

Introducing… The Jokers of Magic – the irreverent, laugh-your-butt-off night of comedy and magic you didn’t know you needed (but trust us, you do). Armed with credits from America’s Got Talent, Penn & Teller’s Fool Us, and a few places in which it might technically be illegal to perform, these slick tricksters will blow your mind and swindle their way into your heart in a no-holds-barred evening of tricks, lies, and laughs. It’s like SNL and Whose Line is it Anyway? had a love child and sent it to Hogwarts!

The show is rated PG-13 and is recommended for ages 14 and up. The attendance of young children is discouraged.

The Jokers of Magic – Bios 

Eric Dittelman
Eric is best known as the first mind reader on America’s Got Talent, where he was a Top Ten Finalist and judges’ favorite. He’s been a guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Live with Kelly & Ryan and has appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, where Penn called his act “bordering on genius.”  Eric has also been featured in Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, and even The National Enquirer.  He has performed on Broadway with The Illusionists and currently performs in the hit off-Broadway show Speakeasy Magick.

Matt Donnelly
The Las Vegas Review Journal recently named Matt “Las Vegas’s Best Up and Coming Comedy Magician.” His act, The Noodler, has been dazzling audiences across North America with his unique and hilarious brand of magic and one-of-a-kind story. Many years ago, while working as head writer on Penn & Teller Fool Us, Penn Jillette challenged Matt to learn one trick. He said, “It’s harder than you think…but you might be better at it than you think.” So, he did learn one trick…from seven different magicians! He put all seven tricks together and made his first show.

Matt spent years on tour opening for “Piff The Magic Dragon” with his unique take on magic. Now, he tours with his own Mind Noodling show, amazing audiences across North America at prestigious magic venues like LA’s Magic Castle, The Chicago Magic Lounge, and Nashville’s House of Cards, while also headlining at the Second Bell Comedy Festival in Tennessee. Offstage, Matt is the cohost of Penn Jillette’s award-winning podcast, Penn’s Sunday School, as well as magic podcast, Abracababble. He just wrapped his ninth season as head writer of Fool Us for CW.

Long before he ever thought of dipping his toes into magic, Matt crushed the Las Vegas comedy world. He played the Las Vegas strip alongside Wayne Brady in the smash-hit improv comedy show Making It Up at the Venetian, played Christian Grey in the ridiculously funny 50 Shades! The Parody at Bally’s, and hosted the innovative and hilarious show Executive Monkeys at The Palms.

Derek Hughes
The live performances of celebrated conjurer “Stand Up Magician” Derek Hughes have been lauded by audiences and critics alike, with The New York Times calling him “thoroughly entertaining.”  Hughes has performed his magic on MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. He’s a consulting producer on truTV’s hit magic series The Carbonaro Effect and was a top-ten finalist on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

Michael Mills
Michael’s contemporary and playful approach to comedy magic takes audiences on a thrilling funhouse tour of deception.

Hailing from upstate New York, his journey into the world of entertainment began as a performer at the classic resorts of the Catskills and Adirondack region. These early experiences laid the foundation for his unique performance style and love for magic. Over the years, he has graced the stages of hundreds of private events. More recently, Michael has appeared at Chicago Magic Lounge in Chicago and Carnival of Illusion in Phoenix. His one-man show Fool Me Once tours clubs and theaters.

While performing magic was his first passion, Michael is best known for his remarkable journey as the founder and CEO of Mills Entertainment, one of the nation’s leading producers of touring entertainment. From comedic legends like John Cleese and Mel Brooks to the dynamic duo Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood from Whose Line Is It Anyway, Mills has consistently delivered innovative and exceptional live experiences. Last year, Mills partnered with legendary magicians Penn & Teller to produce a nationwide tour of Penn & Teller present The Foolers.

For more information, visit The Jokers of Magic website at https://www.jokersofmagic.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

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                The Jokers of Magic
WHEN:                Saturday, January 24, 2026 – 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

PRICE:                 Ticket prices start at $45.25, inclusive of all fees.

INFO:                   The Jokers of Magic is an irreverent, laugh-your-butt-off night of comedy and magic you didn’t know you needed (but trust us, you do). Armed with credits from America’s Got Talent, Penn & Teller’s Fool Us, and a few places in which it might technically be illegal to perform, these slick tricksters will blow your mind and swindle their way into your heart in a no-holds-barred evening of tricks, lies, and laughs. The show is rated PG-13 and is recommended for ages 14 and up. The attendance of young children is discouraged.

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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December 11, 2025 · 5:12 pm

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Presents the Always Hilarious EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD  for the 19th Season of Holiday Hilarity

Billy Chace, Candice Handy, Cary Davenport & Geoffrey Warren Barnes II,,Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The annual holiday blockbuster comedy EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) is playing Dec. 11 – 28, 2025 

Cincinnati, December 10, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is thrilled to be opening its annual holiday blockbuster comedy, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez. Running from December 11th-28th, this irreverent and heartwarming production promises a festive evening full of laughs and nostalgia. The design is generously sponsored by Nancy and George Yund.

What begins as a traditional production of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol quickly spirals into a side-splitting romp through everyone’s favorite holiday stories. From timeless classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to beloved TV specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, no holiday tradition is safe from this whirlwind of humor. The show also features fresh, topical references to pop culture and current events, making each season’s production a unique experience.

This year’s production is again directed by Jeremy Dubin, a long-time CSC actor and director who brings his signature style and comedic timing to the show. The cast includes returning favorites Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Billy Chace, Candice Handy, and Cary Davenport, whose chemistry and comedic talents delighted audiences last season.

Content Advisory: PG-13. Features some adult humor and language. Recommended for teens and adults. Not recommended for any theatergoer who still believes in Santa. Contact the Box Office with questions.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) runs from December 11 – 28, 2025.  Complete performance schedule online here.  Live Audio Descriptions are available on December 11 at 7:30 PM, and there is a Sign Language Interpreted performance on December 21 at 2:00 PM.

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Tickets are on sale now. Discounts are available for students, seniors, local residents, and community partners. Each performance night has a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets.  These can be purchased in advance by going online or calling the Box Office.  And starting 1 hour before each performance, any unreserved tickets may be available as a discounted Rush Ticket to anyone, not just students. These tickets are only $12 and could be located anywhere in the house, depending on that evening’s availability. These cannot be reserved more than 1 hour before a show and must be purchased in person in the Box Office. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees apply. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. Many parking spaces are available on the street and in nearby lots and garages- for more information, visit http://www.otrchamber.com/pages/WheretoPark.

CSC has coordinated a prepaid self-parking option right next door to the theater for a hassle-free, guaranteed spot. A limited number of reserved spaces are available starting 1.5 hours before performances and lasting through the end of the show. The parking attendant will have your name on the list with advance purchase, guaranteeing your spot and price. Visit www.cincyshakes.com/parking to reserve self-parking.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2025-2026 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Linnemann Family Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers and hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions. In 2015, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the Classics!

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December 8, 2025 · 6:23 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s ELF The Musical JR. at The Emery Theater

Buddy the Elf Seen in OTR! 

CINCINNATI – Reports of a joyful, sugar-loving elf spotted in Over-the-Rhine are officially confirmed: Buddy the Elf has arrived at The Emery Theater. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) continues its inaugural season in its newly restored home with Elf The Musical JR., a heartwarming and hilarious holiday celebration perfect for families. Tickets are on sale now at www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

As TCT’s second production in the beautifully reimagined Emery Theater, this festive favorite invites audiences to experience Buddy’s big-hearted journey in a setting that blends historic grandeur with state-of-the-art theatrical innovation. Families will step into a magical holiday world as Buddy discovers his true identity, transforms a cynical city, and reminds everyone that the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

Kim Kern, President & CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, said:

“The Emery Theater is more than a stage. It’s a symbol of Cincinnati’s cultural heartbeat. To continue this exciting new chapter with a story as joyful and spirited as Elf The Musical JR. feels incredibly special. We can’t wait to welcome families back to The Emery for our first holiday production in this extraordinary space.”

Directed and choreographed by former TCT Company Manager and Associate Artistic Director, Eric Byrd, who also currently teaches in the musical theatre department of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Elf The Musical JR. brings nonstop laughs, uplifting music, and holiday sparkle to the stage.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs approximately 70 minutes without intermission.

Public Showtimes include:

  • Friday, December 5, 2025: 7 PM – OPENING NIGHT
  • Saturday, December 6, 2025: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, December 7, 2025: 2 PM
  • Saturday, December 13, 2025: 11 AM and 2 PM
  • Sunday, December 14, 2025: 2 PM
  • Saturday, December 20, 2025: 2 PM and 5 PM
  • Sunday, December 21, 2025: 2 PM and 5 PM

ASL and Audio Described Performance:

  • Saturday, December 13, 2025: 2 PM 

Elf the Musical JR.: Book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin. Music by Matthew Sklar. Lyrics by Chad Beguelin. Based upon the New Line Cinema film written by David Berenbaum. Originally produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures In Association with Unique Features. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com 

Stage Direction and choreography by former TCT Company Manager and Associate Artistic Director, Eric Byrd. Music Direction Julie Spangler. Scenic Design Samantha Reno. Lighting Design Jessica Drayton. Original Costume Design Jeff Shearer. Video Design Lightborne Communications.

Elf The Musical JR. is made possible by Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth and Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation. PNC Foundation provides additional funding for MainStage Ticket Subsidies. Additional Sponsors include The Sutphin Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, and The Shubert Foundation INC.

This production is made possible 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.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands who generously give to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding.

Elf The Musical JR. will be performed in the newly reimagined Emery Theater, 1112 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Tickets start at $12. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets.

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December 4, 2025 · 5:41 pm

Pageant Disaster Saves Christmas? Stage Right Presents Classic Holiday Story

Williamstown, KY – Stage Right Musical Theatre Company is delighted to announce its upcoming production of “The Best Christmas Pageant” by Barbara Robinson. This adaption, by the book’s author herself, showcases the talents of 20 kids from all over the Tri-State Area.
Performances run December 12-14, 2025, at the Williamstown Performing Arts Center.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever tells the story of a small-town church’s Christmas Pageant
being turned upside down by the arrival of the worst kids who ever lived: The Herdmans.
Through the chaos of improvising angels, cigar smoke in the bathroom, and some messy
rehearsals – The family in charge of this year’s pageant finds true meaning in the story they are so used to telling every year. At the end it leaves them asking, did the Herdmans actually save Christmas?

“This story is funny, a little messy, incredibly honest, and adds so much joy to the holiday
season,” says Director Emily Hilbrecht. “It reminds us that the Christmas story belongs to
everyone, even the Herdmans, and maybe especially them.”

The production stars Echo Mizer, Clayton Becker, Oaken Mizer, Sammy Maiden, Ivy Mizer,
Abby Sams, Samuel Becker, Ruthie Becker, Jaxson Henry, Rosie Becker, Morgan Henry, Lily
Hobson, Addison Johnson, Eden-Shay Wolfe, Elaine Becker, Vivian DiChiara, Jackson
Siedenberg, Kendyl Nickell, Anderson Blaze, and Naveah Hopper. The show is directed by
Emily Hilbrecht, stage managed by Mary Vosseberg, Production Designed by John Siedenberg. Costume Designed by Jayna Fry, Prop and Sound Designed by John Siedenberg II.

Performances will run Friday and Saturday (December 12 & 13) at 7:30 and Sunday (December 14) at 2:30. Tickets are on sale now at www.StageRightMTC.org. Discounted tickets are available for groups of 8 or more.

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November 24, 2025 · 5:09 pm

2026-2027 Season Announced by The Drama Workshop

AND THEN THERE WERE NONE
By Agatha Christie
Directed by Amy Eyers
August 2026

Building off our successful run of The Mousetrap, we are thrilled to present Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, a tightly-crafted, edge-of-your-seat mystery. The classic Christie mystery that has inspired dozens of copycats and spoofs will be brought to life on the Drama Workshop stage by Amy Eyers, who directed TDW’s Mousetrap.  Ten strangers are invited to a remote island under vague pretenses, only to find that they must face a terrifying truth: the killer is among them, and no one is safe.

MISERY
by Stephen King, adaptation by William Goldman
Directed by Dane Rogers and Sarah Rogers
September 2026

You asked for more suspense, and we’re bringing it. Misery, adapted by William Goldman from Stephen King’s chilling novel, delivers a nerve-tightening thriller. When famed novelist Paul Sheldon crashes his car in a snowstorm, he’s “rescued” by Annie Wilkes, his self-proclaimed number-one fan. Directed by Dane Rogers and Sarah Rogers, this battle of wits and survival unfolds in this gripping, claustrophobic psychological drama — perfect for the intimacy of the TDW stage.

Ken Ludwig’s THE GAME’S AFOOT
By Ken Ludwig
Directed by Micheal Kiser
December, 2026

In classic TDW fashion, we are excited to bring you another non-traditional holiday offering. We’re lightening things up a bit with Ken Ludwig’s hilarious The Game’s Afoot, a witty comedy brought to you by Calendar Girls director, Micheal Kiser. Broadway star William Gillette invites his fellow cast members to his lavish mansion for a holiday gathering, but the night takes a wild turn after a mysterious attack, and theatrical chaos ensues.

HOME BREW #10

TDW’s popular festival of 10 minute plays by local authors will be back for a tenth time in 2027. Tickets are an option for Season Ticket purchasers.

MAN OF LA MANCHA
Book by Dale Wasserman
Music by Mitch Lee
Lyrics by Joe Darion
Directed by Dennis Murphy
March, 2027

And next, we are overjoyed to share with you that we dreamed an impossible dream and are making it a reality! Our Spring musical is Man of La Mancha, book by Dale Wasserman, music by Mitch Lee, and lyrics by Joe Darion – and directed by Dennis Murphy! This sweeping, inspirational musical brings Miguel de Cervantes’ legendary Don Quixote to life with passion, humor, and unforgettable songs!

PAINT NIGHT
By Carey Crim
Directed by Rose Vanden Eynden
May, 2027

After the heartwarming success of Calendar Girls, we’re excited to bring you another female-driven story that blends humor, vulnerability, and unexpected bravery. Paint Night, written by Carey Crim and directed by Rose Vanden Eynden, is a humorous, heartfelt exploration of friendship, second chances, and starting over. Reminiscent of the warmth and spirit of Steel Magnolias, Paint Night explores a group of women gathering for what should be a simple evening of wine and art but that evolves into an exploration of big emotions and buried truths.

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