Category Archives: Press Releases

Falcon Theatre Announces 2025-2026 Season

Women will take center stage in an exciting season of regional premiers at Falcon Theatre this coming season.  We have 5 shows all new to the Greater Cincinnati area…several getting their first US production…lined up for this year.  So without any further ado…here it is…our long awaited season for 2025-26 (cue fanfare)!

THE SECRETARY
by Kyle John Schmidt

THE SECRETARY is an offbeat comedy about safety, love, and guns in a world that’s up in arms.​

Ruby runs a small-town gun company that aims to protect women by helping them protect themselves. With products like The Bridesmaid, The Babysitter and The Mallwalker, each of the company’s guns is named after a woman who used a gun and saved a life–more often than not, her own. When an elderly secretary at the local high school confronts a threat in her office with six bullets, Ruby responds by naming her latest gun after the reluctant hero: “The Secretary.” But as production begins on The Secretary, guns start going off all around town–and no one’s pulling the trigger…but sales are through the roof!

Performance Dates: September 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, October 2, 3, and 4, 2025

LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS
by Sam Steiner

The average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime. But what if there were a limit? Oliver and Bernadette are about to find out.

LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS imagines a world where we’re forced to say less. It’s about what we say and how we say it; about the things we can only hear in the silence; about dead cats, activism, eye contact and lemons, lemons, lemons, lemons, lemons.  This play subtly confronts censorship by bringing us into the home of one couple confronted with extreme limits.

Sam Steiner’s play premiered at Warwick Arts Centre in 2015 and won three Judges’ Awards at the National Student Drama Festival, before appearing at Latitude Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Camden People’s Theatre, London.

Performance Dates: November 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 22, 21, and 22, 2025

A GIRL IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM (WALKS INTO A BAR)
by Lulu Raczka

It’s the future. But only slightly. There are blackouts. No one knows what’s causing them, but that doesn’t stop people going missing in them.

Schoolgirl Steph walks into the seedy, empty bar where Bell works. Bell is dressed with everything short and low, and there are no longer any regulars at her bar. Whatever has happened to create this dystopian world remains a mystery, but we learn that there are frequent blackouts, people regularly go missing and women are being killed.

Steph is looking for her friend Charlotte, a girl who also at some point walked into Bell’s bar but then went missing. The relationship between Bell and Charlotte is unclear, as her conversations with Steph shift between truth, lies and fantasy. In this tense atmosphere, where there is a sense of growing fear, the play ” forces the audience to turn detective not just to track down the elusive Charlotte but also to find meaning itself” (The Guardian).

A GIRL IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM (WALKS INTO A BAR) is the third play by award-winning playwright Lulu Raczka and was produced at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2017 and the New Diorama Theatre in 2018.

Performance Dates: January 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, February 5, 6, and 7, 2026

CROCODILE FEVER
by Meghan Tyler

Sisters, an abusive father, the IRA and yes, a crocodile.

Northern Ireland, 1989. A farmhouse window smashes, and rebellious Fianna Devlin crashes back into the life of her pious sister Alannah.

Together for the first time in years, when they’re forced to confront their tyrannical father’s hideous legacy, all hell breaks loose.

Fuelled by Taytos, gin, 80s tunes and a chainsaw, Meghan Tyler’s surreal Crocodile Fever is a grotesque black comedy celebrating sisterhood whilst reminding us that the pressure cooker of The Troubles is closer than we imagine.

Performance Dates: March 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28, 2026

THE APIARY
by Kate Douglas

“Critic’s Pick…A bright, strange and mesmerizing marvel” – The New York Times

It’s twenty-two years in the future, and honeybees are nearly extinct except for those kept alive inside of labs. Zora is overqualified for her new job at one of these labs, but she’s there because she loves bees—or what is left of them. Her stressed supervisor, Gwen, has learned to keep her head and budget down so her research doesn’t get discontinued. Zora, however, doesn’t mind spending her own time and money to try to rehabilitate the bee population. When an unfortunate incident leads to a boost in the bees’ numbers, Zora and her coworker Pilar have to decide just how far they’re willing to go to keep the population growing. An unsettling and sharp-witted cautionary tale, The Apiary warns that the key to protecting each other and the planet is right in front of us, if only we would listen. Performance Dates: May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2026

Single ticket and Flex Pass sales will be available online soon!  Watch our website and your email for more information about this fantastic season.

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Mason Players Present THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE

They are “climbing over rocky mountains”, “ploughing the sea”, and “moving forward on the foe” to bring you THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE.

Mason Community Players presents this renowned Gilbert and Sullivan classic July 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 at 8:00 PM and July 20 at 2:00 PM at the Mason Community Playhouse, 5529 Mason Road in Mason.

The show tells the tale of Frederic, who has spent his formative years as a pirate apprentice. He plans to mark his 21st birthday by breaking free from the Pirate King and beginning his courtship of Mabel. Alas, because he was born on February 29, a date that only arrives every fourth year, Frederic isn’t “technically” 21 – and the Pirate King is still his master. Unless something gives, Frederic will soon be on a collision course with the Pirate King’s new nemesis: Mabel’s father, a “modern” Major General. Who will win the day?

Director Lara Gonzalez, with Producer Robert Terry and Music Director Brian Bisig, invite you to experience the fun and frivolity of this farcical comic opera, which has delighted audiences since New Year’s Eve of 1879. Lara is bringing a twist to the show, establishing a zombie pirate crew. Appearing in this production are Jack Verner as Frederic, Nicole Line as Mabel, Justin Hanks as The Pirate King, David Bower as General Stanley, and Ryan Walker as the Sergeant.

Tickets are on sale now at MasonPlayers.org.

To Duty! Honor! and … Zombies?!? 

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Cincinnati Opera Launches Free Ticket Initiative for Students in Grades 7–12

The new deal is in addition to Pay What You Wish tickets and $16 tickets for other full-time students, enhancing opera’s accessibility for all

CINCINNATI (June 25, 2025)—Cincinnati Opera is proud to announce a new student access initiative designed to welcome and inspire the next generation of opera lovers. Thanks to a generous donation, students entering grades 7–12 (including 2025 high school graduates) are invited to attend select performances during the company’s 2025 Summer Festival free of charge.

Eligible students may reserve up to two free tickets per person in any available seating area for the following performances at Music Hall:

Tosca
Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa

  • Thursday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Fiddler on the Roof
Music by Jerry Bock
Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Book by Joseph Stein

  • Friday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 27 at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets can be reserved as follows:

  • Online at cincinnatiopera.org
  • By phone at 513-241-2742 (Monday–Friday, 12:00–5:00 p.m.)
  • In person at the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at Music Hall, 1243 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Free tickets are available for a limited time, so early purchase is encouraged. Proof of eligibility is required at the time of ticket pickup.

Expanded Access for All Audiences

In addition to the free ticket initiative for middle and high school students, Cincinnati Opera continues its commitment to accessibility with the following offers:

$16 Student Tickets:
All full-time students, including those in college and graduate school, may purchase up to two tickets for $16 each during the week of a performance, subject to availability. Students may purchase in person, online, or via phone, and a valid student ID is required for pickup.

Pay What You Wish Tickets: 
Cincinnati Opera’s recently launched Pay What You Wish (PWYW) program allows audience members to name their own ticket price for select performances. PWYW tickets are available starting at 12:01 a.m. the day of the show for select performances and continue until 5:00 p.m. Guests may purchase in person, online, or via phone and pay any price starting at $16 per ticket. (The recommended price is $55 per ticket.) There is a limit of four tickets per household.

For more information on these accessibility initiatives and how to order, visit cincinnatiopera.org/tickets/ways-to-save.


About Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival

Cincinnati Opera opened its 2025 Summer Festival on June 12 and 14 with Giuseppe Verdi’s heartbreaking tragedy Rigoletto. The season continues this week with Giacomo Puccini’s gripping tale of love, betrayal, and political intrigue, Tosca (June 26 and 28; 7:30 p.m.; Music Hall). In July, Cincinnati Opera continues its series of intimate, artist-curated concerts, Studio Sessions (July 10 and 17; 8:00 p.m.; Music Hall’s Wilks Studio), and concludes the 2025 season with a brand-new production of one of the most beloved musicals of all time, Fiddler on the Roof (July 23, 25, 26, 7:30 p.m.; July 27, 3:00 p.m.; Music Hall). For information, 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 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.

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THE COLOR PURPLE Launches The Carnegie’s 2025-26 Season

Jordyn Jones as Celie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The Tony award-winning musical is on stage June 27 – July 6 in Covington, KY.

Covington, KY (June 16, 2025) — The Carnegie kicks off its 2025-26 musical theatre season with THE COLOR PURPLE, running June 27 – July 6. Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis, and Stephen Bray, THE COLOR PURPLE takes audiences on an unforgettable musical journey that celebrates the strength of the human spirit. 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.

The production is directed by Torie Wiggins, choreographed by Julia Schick, with music direction by Jason Alexander Holmes. Producing Director of Theatre Tyler Gabbard says “I am thrilled to share this timeless, moving story with our audiences. Torie, Julia, Jason, and the entire team are crafting a production that is both intimate and epic” .

The Creative Team:
Director Torie Wiggins returns to The Carnegie after directing DREAMGIRLS and PROOF. Her work as a director, actor, and playwright has been featured at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Know Theatre, Falcon Theatre, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).

Choreographer Julia Schick returns from the national tour of HADESTOWN. A UC– CCM Musical Theatre graduate, Schick choreographed The Carnegie’s KINKY BOOTS and assisted on INTO THE WOODS and SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN.

Music Director Jason Alexander Holmes, Associate Director of Choirs at the May Festival, previously led music for The Carnegie’s LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL and numerous productions at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

The design team includes Scenic Designer Tyler Gabbard (The Carnegie: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, HELLO, DOLLY!; The Children’s Theatre: THE WIZARD OF OZ, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), Costume Designer Maria F. Ortiz Lopez (The Carnegie: TICK, TICK… BOOM; Ensemble Theatre: FIONA! THE MUSICAL), Lighting Designer Julie Cowger (The Carnegie: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, SEUSSICAL), Sound Designer Danielle Lobello (The Carnegie: SEUSSICAL, The Children’s Theatre: FROZEN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST), and Wig and Hair Designer Tiara M. Jones (The Carnegie: LADY DAY…; Ensemble Theatre: JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING).

The Cast:

Jordyn Jones, a current musical theatre student at UC–CCM, makes her professional stage debut as Celie. Kenneth Early, seen locally at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, plays Mister.Brandi La’Sherrill plays Nettie. La’Sherrill starred as Billie Holiday in The Carnegie’s 2023 production of LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL.

The cast also features Brittany “Harmony” Hayes as Sofia (The Carnegie: DISENCHANTED), Elana Danielle Elmore as Shug Avery (The Carnegie: THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME; La Comedia: SISTER ACT, NEWSIES), Javon Cameron as Harpo (The Carnegie: DREAMGIRLS), and Kertu Bell as Squeak (The Carnegie: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL). Edin Kebede (The Carnegie: SEUSSICAL), Fiona Capri (The Carnegie: DREAMGIRLS), and Roniece Hutchins (Dayton Playhouse: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND) play the church ladies. The ensemble includes William Boatwright Jr. (Cincinnati Opera: BLIND INJUSTICE), Jathan “JB” Briscoe (The Carnegie: KINKY BOOTS, BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL), Nia Buchannon (Wright State university: THE APPLE TREE), Caira Carmelle (Orangelight Theatre: SISTER ACT), Austin Hoard (Cincinnati Landmark Productions: SOMETHING ROTTEN), Mary E. Patton (Touring: SISTER ACT, DREAMGIRLS), Deondra Kamau Means (Know Theatre: BLERDS), and Carter Minor (The Carnegie: SEUSSICAL, GREASE).

Ticket and Performance Information:

When: June 27 – July 6, 2025
Where: The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd, Covington, KY 41011
Run Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, 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.

This production contains mature themes including domestic abuse, violence, incest and strong language.

Additional Information:
THE COLOR PURPLE is sponsored by New Riff Distilling.

THE COLOR PURPLE is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.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, and Cincinnati International Wine Festival.

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THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY | Wed., April 1, 2026 | Aronoff Center

THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY
2025 North American Tour

April 1, 2026
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

Tickets on sale now

[Cincinnati, OH] – Relive the magic of the legendary folk-rock duo! The internationally-acclaimed, hit theater show The Simon & Garfunkel Story (www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com) returns to the road in 2025 with a North American tour to nearly sixty U.S. cities. Stopping at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM for one show only, the immersive concert-style tribute show, complete with nostalgia-inducing, unforgettable hits, will recreate the magic and authenticity of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel live on stage and chronicle the amazing journey of the iconic Grammy® Award-winning act. The show is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s CAA PRESENTS! 2025-26 Season.

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 20 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. Group discount tickets for 10 or more are available by calling (513) 977-4155.

Fans aren’t the only ones blown away by The Simon & Garfunkel Story. Earlier this year, immediately following a performance in Long Island, Art Garfunkel himself rushed the stage, grabbed the microphone, and declared, “What a great f—— show!” before leaving the audience in awe once again. If the legend himself is a fan, you know this is a tour you won’t want to miss.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story covers the duo’s humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry, to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s, as well as their dramatic split in 1970. The Simon & Garfunkel Story culminates with the pair’s famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 which had more than half-a-million fans in attendance. The show features a set list of nearly thirty songs and uses state-of-the-art video projection, photos, and original film footage. A full live band will perform all the hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” and many more, complete with the unmistakably perfect harmonies that will transport audiences down memory lane.

With more than 100-million album sales since 1965, Simon & Garfunkel’s unforgettable songs and poetic lyrics poignantly captured the times and made them one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. Over the years, they won ten Grammy® Awards and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1977, the Brit Awards honored their Bridge Over Troubled Water album with Best International Album. In 2003, Simon & Garfunkel were awarded a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and the following year saw their “The Sound of Silence” awarded a Grammy® Hall of Fame Award.

For more information about the tour, visit www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com.

ABOUT RUCKUS ENTERTAINMENT (Producers)
Ruckus Entertainment, based in Los Angeles and formed in 2022, brings together veteran entertainment producers Alison Spiriti, Justin Sudds, Dean Elliott, and Ralph Schmidtke, who are collectively responsible for producing over 100 touring productions seen by millions around the world. Their burgeoning production company brings audiences world-class concerts and live events and is focused on celebrating the history and music behind iconic, globally recognized musical artists. Current productions include The Simon & Garfunkel StoryThe Life and Music of George Michael, and The British Invasion.

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 SponsorsAMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), MIAMI UNIVERSITY, ARTSWAVE, LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

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

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                The Simon & Garfunkel Story

WHEN:                Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – 7:30 PM

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

PRICE:                 Ticket prices start at $52.50, inclusive of all fees. Subject to change.

INFO:                   This immersive, concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half-a-million fans in attendance.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale Friday, June 20 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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