Category Archives: Press Releases

August 26, 2025 · 5:02 pm

Family-Friendly Block Party at The Emery Theater On Sept. 7

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati invites the community to
celebrate the rebirth of a historic landmark

Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) will host a family-friendly Block Party on Sunday, September 7, from 12 PM to 4 PM (rain or shine), to celebrate the reimagining and future opening of its permanent home: the jaw-dropping Emery Theater in Over-the-Rhine.

When The Emery reopens in October 2025, it will be the most technologically advanced proscenium-style theatre in the United States—a dazzling blend of historic preservation and industry-leading innovation.

The party takes place outside 1112 Walnut Street between Central Parkway and 12th Street, which will be closed to traffic for the festivities.

Block Party Highlights

Guests of all ages can enjoy:

  • A first look inside the historic and reimagined Emery Theater
  • Delicious eats from LaRosa’s, Graeter’s, Kroger’s On-The-Rhine Eatery, and more
  • Music from Q102
  • Complimentary face painting, balloon animals, glitter tattoos
  • Character meet-and-greets with TCT favorites
  • Available viewing of the Big Game on a screen outside
  • And much more!

Learn more here: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/emery-theater-block-party/

A Historic Moment

At 12:30 PM, a short program will feature Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, hosted by Local 12’s Bob Herzog. In a playful twist on a ribbon-cutting, Mayor Pureval and Bob Herzog will activate the rotation of the giant crown on The Emery’s marquee, officially opening the doors of the restored theater.

Why It Matters

In 2022, TCT launched a $51.5 million campaign to restore and reimagine The Emery Theater—an acoustic marvel once compared to Carnegie Hall by famed conductor Leopold Stokowski. After decades of abandonment and false starts, TCT is achieving what no other group could: returning The Emery to life as a permanent home for America’s oldest children’s theatre company.

This is not simply a restoration—it’s a reinvention. The Emery will combine its legendary acoustics with cutting-edge technology, including:

  • A fully automated stage lift and turntable
  • Automated SLOAT system and line sets
  • Digital LED rear wall
  • Projection mapping across the proscenium and house walls
  • All powered by a single NISCON control system

“No other venue in the country combines all of these,” says theatre infrastructure expert Tom Neville of Apeiro Design, TCT’s theatrical consultant on the project. When The Emery reopens in October 2025 with TCT’s production of The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition, its full suite of cutting-edge technology will set a new national standard as the most technologically-advanced proscenium-style theatre in the United States.

Through this remarkable technology and planned expansion of programming, TCT will revitalize an icon, return it to its original home, and put Cincinnati on the map as a family-friendly theatrical destination.

Coming Soon

The 25-26 Season of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati at The Emery features the following productions:

  • The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition — October 10-26, 2025
  • Elf: The Musical JR. — December 5-21, 2025
  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical JR. — February 20 – March 8, 2026
  • DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon: The Musical JR. — April 17 – May 3, 2026

Tickets and subscriptions on sale now https://thechildrenstheatre.com

Block Party Media Sponsors

The TCT at the Emery Block Party is made possible in partnership with Cincinnati Magazine, Local 12, and Q102.

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August 25, 2025 · 6:06 pm

ETC Opens 40th Anniversary 2025–2026 Season with Award-Winning Musical NEXT TO NORMAL, Sep. 13–Oct. 5, 2025

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) kicks off its 40th Anniversary Season with the regional musical revival of one of its bestselling shows and fan favorite, Next to Normal, returning to ETC’s stage September 13 – October 5, 2025. This Tony Award– and Pulitzer Prize–winning rock musical, with an extraordinary score by Tom Kitt and poignant book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, delves into the heart of a family shattered by mental illness but held together by love. Hailed by The New York Times as a “transformative” musical, this modern masterpiece is a must-see theatrical event. Premiere sponsors are Daniel Brown and Mark Haggard. Directed by D. Lynn Meyers.­­

Diana Goodman is a suburban mom struggling with bipolar disorder. Her daughter, Natalie, is a stressed-out overachiever ready to snap. And Dan, her exhausted architect husband, is determined to keep everything “normal.” As Diana’s symptoms worsen and effective treatment remains elusive, the Goodmans must finally connect and learn how to see each other for who they truly are. A cathartic and empathetic triumph of contemporary musical theatre, Next to Normal features soaring rock music, unforgettable characters, and a gripping, emotionally resonant story that echoes long after the final note.

“This isn’t a remount; this is a reinvention, a revival of the magnificent show we produced 14 years ago,” says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “We were the first theatre in the country to receive the regional rights to do this show in 2011 and after a hugely successful run, it honestly never occurred to me that we could or would do it again. But for our 40th Anniversary, we wanted to do something from the vault. In a time when there’s so much discord in our world, we needed to stop and focus on what it means to lose, to gain, to make our own choices, and to stay alive. It’s an exceedingly real look at how trauma and grief can change someone and be unapologetic about what it costs to truly love someone.”

About the Cast

Jessica Hendy (Diana) returns to Ensemble Theatre to reprise her role in Next to Normal. She has spent the past twelve years in New York City with her son, Beckett. Recently, her autobiographical one-woman musical, Walking with Bubbles, premiered off-Broadway, earning her a Drama Desk nomination and an Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Solo Show. Her credits span four Broadway shows, off-Broadway shows, national tours, regional theatre, and symphony concerts across the country. Her work on Sondheim Unplugged Vol. 3 earned a 2023 Grammy nomination.

Charlie Clark (Dan) was last seen at Ensemble Theatre as Bruce Bechdel in Fun Home, as well as Father in Violet, Don in Rapture, Blister, Burn, Benny in Hands on a Hardbody (2014), Pastor Jay in Luna Gale, Brandon in Next Fall, and Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine in Next to Normal (2011). Other local credits include Church Girls, Take Me Out, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, On Golden Pond, Carousel, Love’s Labour’s Lost, See What I Wanna See, The Full Monty, and Sunday in the Park with George. His Chicago credits include Company (Jeff Award), The Hawkshaws, Into the Woods, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, and Sweeney Todd.  His Twin Cities credits include Crazy for You, Guys and Dolls, Mary Poppins, The Bridges of Madison County, and Merrily We Roll Along. 

Making their ETC debuts in this production are Julianne Ferguson (Natalie), Carter Minor (Henry), Rory Sheridan (Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine), and Jameson Zoller (Gabe). 

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Steve Goers (Music Director), Patti James (Choreographer), Hannah Dringenburg (Costume Designer), Jake Tillmann (Sound Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator and Design Assistant), and Jacob Dowell (Technical Director). Production Stage Manager is Margot Whitney. Assistant Stage Manager is Lexi Muller.

Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. A complete calendar of show dates and times is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $22 for adults; student tickets are $29; and children are $27. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person.

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2025–2026 Season Presenting Sponsor is the LKC Foundation.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.

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August 14, 2025 · 5:17 pm

Fall Schedule of Major Events Now Available at CCM

ATTEND A CONCERT OR SHOW AT CCM: FALL SCHEDULE OF MAJOR EVENTS NOW AVAILABLE
Mark your calendar for CCM’s fall performances: tickets on sale beginning August 19

CINCINNATI, OH — Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)! The college’s fall 2025 schedule of major events is now available; tickets are on sale beginning Tuesday, August 19 through the CCM Box Office.

From exhilarating concerts to breathtaking theatre, CCM offers a variety of ticketed and free performances for audiences to enjoy. Fall ticketed performance highlights are below; view the full performance schedule by month at ccm.uc.edu/onstage.

Tickets can be purchased by following the event-specific links in the listings below starting on August 19. Patrons can also purchase tickets in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online at ccmonstage.uc.edu.

Fall ticketed concert highlights include:

Fall ticketed theatre highlights include:

Purchasing Tickets
Tickets are on sale beginning August 19 through the CCM Box Office; student and group discounts are available.

Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:

  • Online at ccmonstage.uc.edu
  • Over the phone at 513-556-4183
  • In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC’s Corbett Center for the Performing Arts

CCM’s Box Office hours are Tue-Fri from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu.

Directions and Parking
CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC’s CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Prepaid parking is date/performance specific. UC CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC’s CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

A preeminent institution for the performing and media arts, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the largest single source of performing arts presentations in the state of Ohio. All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a
complete calendar of events, please visit us online at https://ccm.uc.edu.

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August 12, 2025 · 5:12 pm

DAD’S PLACE – A Farce World Premiere Kicks Off Year 40 at the Human Race

Fathers and sons, downsizing, and imposter syndrome? Right at home in Jake Lockwood’s world premiere Dad’s Place – A Farce starting the 40th Season at The Human Race Theatre Company.

Paul briefly steps away from a lucrative writing career in LA to help his father, Karl, go through an apartment that’s overrun with “stuff”. Paul seeks to use this time away from corporate clients to write something more meaningful, but the distractions of Karl’s life prove to be more than Paul’s creative inspiration can overcome. In the end, Paul finds he has just as much “stuff” to work through.

This new work by Jake Lockwood is a two-actor farce that dives into complex parent-adult child relationships, an artist wrestling with his creativity, and wraps them into a love letter to the artistic process.

“Jake started writing this play in 2022 as a 5-minute scene in The Playwright’s Race, one of our new play initiatives,” notes Emily N. Wells, Artistic Director of The Human Race Theatre Company. “A farce that is so full of heart, family connection, and local talent feels like a great way to start our 40th Season.”

Resident Artist Joe Deer directs area favorites Jason Podplesky (Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help) as Paul and resident artist Bruce Cromer (Shipwrecked: An Entertainment) in a quick change extravaganza as Terry, Karl, Mortimer, and others.

The full production team: Richard Block, Scenic Design; Matthew P. Benjamin, Lighting Design; Molly Walz, Costume Design; Kaitlin Barnett Proctor, Sound Design; Sarah Gomes, Props; Ruth E. Kramer, Production Stage Manager; Isabella Myers, Assistant Stage Manager.

Dad’s Place – A Farce will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, September 3-14, 2025.  Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org

For press ticket requests, please contact Tiffany Countryman, Engagement and Learning Coordinator, at tiffany@humanracetheatre.org

The Human Race Theatre Company continues its commitment to high quality theatre with access points for all with two special ticket initiatives: two sections of $20 seats available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats available 60 minutes before any performance.

Special Nights at The Loft:  

  • Pay What You CAN
    Tuesday, September 2, 2025 7:30 pm to benefit the Dayton Food Bank
  • Inside Track Thursday, September 4, 2025 6:45 pm – Pre-show Discussion
  • While We’re On The Subject
    Sunday, September 7, 2025 2 pm – Post Show Discussion
  • $10/Sawbuck Sunday Sunday, September 7, 2025 7:30 pm – $10 tix starting at 6:00 pm
  • While We’re On The Subject
    Sunday, September 14, 2025 2 pm – Post Show Discussion
  • Parent’s Day Out
    Sunday, September 14, 2025 2 pm – Kids Activities (5-12yo)

The Human Race Theatre Company expresses gratitude for the public and private support which makes these productions possible:  Loft Season Sponsor: Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation. Sustainability Sponsors:  Steve and Lou Mason, The Toulmin Fund at The Dayton Foundation.  Additional Season support:  Erma R. Catterton Trust, Funds at The Dayton Foundation, Virginia F. Kettering Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Sam Levin Foundation.  Organizational support:  Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council. Media Sponsor: WDPR Discover Classical. Pay What You Can Sponsor: Enterprise Holdings Foundation. Capital Support: The Schiewetz Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, The Toulmin Fund at the The Dayton Foundation.

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August 6, 2025 · 4:59 pm

GREASE Comes to Covington in an Electrifying New Production

On Stage August 15 – 24, 2025 featuring Trading Spaces’ Paige Davis

(Covington, KY, July 30, 2025) — This August, GREASE is the word at The Carnegie! The beloved rock ‘n’ roll musical wraps up a crowd-pleasing summer of theatre.

GREASE takes audiences back in time to the halls of 1950s Rydell High. After a sizzling summer fling, Danny and Sandy find themselves navigating love, friendship, and the trials and tribulations of high school. This electrifying new production is bursting with grit, glam and youthful exuberance. Rediscover the magic of this timeless classic that’s been winning hearts for generations.

The production will feature songs from the smash hit 1978 motion picture including “Sandy,” the Academy Award nominated song “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “Grease” and “You’re the One That I Want” both of which were #1 hits on the Billboard Top 100 list. These songs will be heard in addition to the songs made famous by the original stage production including “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “We Go Together.”

Paige Davis, a Broadway veteran best known as the host of TLC’s Trading Spaces, will appear as English teacher Miss Lynch. The cast also features students and recent alumni from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, Otterbein University, Point Park University, Elon University, Xavier University, and Ohio Northern University.

The production is directed and choreographed by Eric Byrd who helmed The Carnegie’s hit productions of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, RENT, and GUYS AND DOLLS. Matthew Umphreys is the music director. Umphreys is a founder and director of The Carnegie resident company Queen City Cabaret and also music directed last season’s TICK, TICK… BOOM!

The Cast
Danny Zuko – Nick Abouzeid
Sandy Dumbrowski – Monique Churchill
Miss Lynch – Paige Davis
Kenickie – Evan Blust
Betty Rizzo – Indya Lincicome
Marty – Sydney Short
Jan – Grace Baker
Frenchy – Annika Jonker
Patty Simcox – Brooke Chamberlin
Sonny La Tierri – Carter Minor
Roger – Jack Haroutunian
Doody – Anthony Contreras
Eugene Florczyk Ross Fogle
Vince Fontaine/Teen Angel – Josh Galloway
Cha-Cha DiGregorio – Brianna Gutierrez-Diaz
Offstage Vocalists/Swings – Claire Dillon, Ethan Kuchta, Colton Slade

The Production Team
Director & Choreographer – Eric Byrd
Music Director – Matthew Umphreys
Scenic Designer – Tyler Gabbard
Costume Designer – Cat Schmeal-Swope
Lighting Designer – Julie Cowger
Sound Designer – Emma Miller
Wig, Hair & Makeup Designer – Missy White
Production Stage Manager – Shauna Nelson
Technical Director – Doug Stock
Producer – Tyler Gabbard

Ticket and Performance Information:
When: August 15 – 24, 2025
Where: The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY 41011
Run Time: 2 hours, including an intermission

Price: $18-$45

Purchase: Tickets may be purchased online at thecarnegie.com, by calling 859-957- 1940, or in person from the Box Office.

Additional Information:
GREASE is sponsored by Linda R. Holthaus and the Fifth Third Bank Museum
Grease is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company. http://www.concordtheatricals.com

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About The Carnegie
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center. More information about The Carnegie is available at http://www.thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.

The Carnegie is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from the Kentucky Arts Council, City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Cincinnati International Wine Festival, and Suits That Rock.

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