Category Archives: Press Releases

June 12, 2025 · 3:50 pm

1.21 Gigawatts of Pure Entertainment – The Ultimate BACK TO THE FUTURE Stage Experience

1.21 GIGAWATTS OF PURE ENTERTAINMENT
THE ULTIMATE BACK TO THE FUTURE STAGE EXPERIENCE

 

TIME CIRCUITS: ON. DESTINATION: CINCINNATI, SEPTEMBER.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY.

“A KNOCKOUT EXPERIENCE! TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY.” – CBS Mornings
“BRINGS ALL THE MAGIC FROM THE SCREEN TO THE STAGE!” – Entertainment Weekly

CINCINNATI — Lead producer Colin Ingram together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back to the Future film trilogy, and Broadway in Cincinnati are thrilled to announce that tickets to BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical go on sale at 10 AM EST on Friday, June 13. This spectacular live experience based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film has thrilled millions worldwide with its destination now set for the Aronoff Center, September 9 – 21 as the opener for the First Financial Bank Broadway in Cincinnati 25/26 Season Presented by TriHealth. Tickets will be available online at CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office, downtown.

The nostalgia-rich Broadway production played an impressive 18-month run at the Winter Garden from August 3, 2023, through January 5, 2025. That production is moving to Hamburg, Germany starting March 2026 for an open-ended run with more territories to be announced soon. Now in its fourth-year captivating audiences in London’s West End, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical recently launched a successful production in Tokyo. It is set to premiere in Sydney on September 26, 2025, and will debut aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, in August 2025.

The critically acclaimed West End production of BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical officially opened in London on September 13, 2021, has been seen by more than 1,800,000 people to date, and broken multiple Adelphi Theatre box office records. The production won the Best New Musical Olivier Award as well as multiple WhatsOnStage Awards and a Broadway World Award for Best New Musical. BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical had its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House on March 11, 2020.

“THE AUDIENCE GOES WILD!” – The New York Times

Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown. But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.

Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical has a book by Bob Gale, new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode.” Bob Gale is the co-creator and co-writer of the Back to the Future film trilogy and Alan Silvestri composed the iconic film score for the series.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is directed by Tony Award® winner John Rando and features a multi-Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team that includes Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow, illusions by Chris Fisher, orchestrations by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, dance arrangements by David Chase, and casting by Tara Rubin. Bespoke Theatricals serves as General Manager.

“A JAW-DROPPING SPECTACLE THAT HITS ALL THE RIGHT BUTTONS!” – USA Today

Bob Gale said, “To paraphrase Marty McFly, you guys are ready for this, and your kids are gonna love it (too)! If Bob Zemeckis and I time traveled back to 1980 and told our younger selves that the script they were struggling to write would become a Broadway musical 43 years later, they’d kick us out of their office and call us crazy. Well, sometimes, crazy ideas give birth to great entertainment, and now Bob and I are eager to share our musical vision with audiences worldwide. Regardless of whether you’ve seen the original film, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical, with its outstanding performances and incredible stagecraft, will delight and enthrall you, your kids, your parents, and everyone you know!”

Lead Producer Colin Ingram said, “BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is delighting audiences throughout North America and on has sold over 600,000 tickets.  Marty, Doc and all at Hill Valley can’t wait to continue this tour across North America thrilling audiences with this heartfelt story and stagecraft that has not been attempted before.”

The Original Cast Recording of BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is available from Sony Masterworks Broadway in all formats, including vinyl. (https://soundtracks.lnk.to/BTTFAlbum) A deluxe 2-disc edition of the Original Cast Recording featuring never heard before demos of the songs from the musical was released by Sony Masterworks Broadway on June 30, 2021.

A 240-page hardcover book, Creating Back to the Future The Musical by Michael Klastorin, the official behind-the-scenes companion to the stage musical adaptation of Back to the Future, published by Abrams Books, was released July 3, 2023. Orders can be made at abramsbooks.com.

Back to the Future the film was released in 1985, starring Michael J. Fox as “Marty McFly” and Christopher Lloyd as “Dr. Emmett Brown.” The film grossed $360.6 million at the box office worldwide and the total box office for all three films in the Back to the Future franchise was $936.6 million (over $1.8 billion in today’s money).

BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical will play the Aronoff Center September 9 – 21, 2025: Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays, at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Tickets start at $55 and can be found online at CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

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First Financial Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. For over twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center. The Broadway in Cincinnati series brings more than 185,000 people downtown to the Aronoff Center each year and contributes an average of $30 million to the local economy each season. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. The season is sponsored by First Financial Bank and presented by TriHealth.

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office, and Broadway Brands.  Led by 25-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in over 45 markets with over 475,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and Hamilton. Current productions include &Juliet, Hadestown, Hamilton, Hell’s Kitchen, MJ: The Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Outsiders and Stereophonic. 

The John Gore Organization is the leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide. Under the leadership of 25-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. The company presents shows in 48 cities across North America as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, Japan, and China. It has won Tony Awards in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk, and Olivier Awards.  The John Gore Organization is committed to supporting theater access and education programs that introduce Broadway to the next generation of audiences and theater professionals.

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June 11, 2025 · 5:39 pm

Cincinnati Arts Association Announces Its CAA PRESENTS! 2025-26 Season

Celebrating Connection, Wonder, and Cultural Vibrancy
Milestone Season Marks the 30th Anniversary of the Aronoff Center

[CINCINNATI, OH] – The Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is pleased to announce its CAA PRESENTS! 2025-26 Season, which reflects the organization’s deep commitment to presenting performances that spark imagination, bridge generations, and celebrate the richness of global cultures. The milestone season marks the 30th anniversary of the Aronoff Center, which opened in October 1995.

With events that range from beloved children’s stories brought to life on stage (Dog Man: The Musical) and sensory-friendly performances that prompt the imagination (TREE, A World in Itself) to globally acclaimed performers (Ndlovu Youth Choir, Mariachi Garibaldi, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet), the season invites audiences to experience the world through music, movement, and storytelling.

This season embraces accessibility, family engagement, and educational impact, as seen through daytime education shows and community-driven events. From the nostalgic charm of The Sound of Music performed by the Salzburg Marionette Theatre to the urban energy of 360 Allstars, the programming brings together traditional and contemporary expression to foster joy, empathy, and shared cultural appreciation with our diverse audiences.

CAA PRESENTS! 2025-26 SEASON

Dog Man: The Musical
Saturday, October 4, 2025 – 2:00 PM & 6:30 PM
Sunday, October 5, 2025 – 2:00 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
On sale now

Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following 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. 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?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring an exciting book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, music by Brad Alexander, and original direction and choreography by Jen Wineman. Recommended for ages 6+. 

Twilight In Concert
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
On sale now

Experience the legendary romance saga with this epic film-to-concert event, featuring the original movie accompanied by a sensational live band on stage and an enchanting candlelit atmosphere.

Twilight In Concert offers a unique opportunity for fans to relive the story that started it all in a cinematic live experience like no other. An exceptional twelve-piece ensemble of outstanding rock and orchestral musicians will take the stage to perform the beloved film score in perfect synchronization with the original movie, presented in its entirety on a full-size cinema screen. Be captivated by the magical atmosphere as over a thousand twinkling candles illuminate the grand stage, creating an ambiance that sets the stage for a truly romantic journey.

Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
On sale Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 AM

Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande invite you to celebrate the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico! Named for the beloved Andalusian Christmas Carol, this vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a magical story of the season. Through the joyous rhythms of “Bells Upon Bells” and the colorful spectacle of Mexican dance, Christmas in Mexico captures the heartwarming reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey. You’ll experience the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas. Join Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande for an unforgettable program where every note and dance step embodies the rich cultural tapestry of Christmas in Mexico.

Christmas Together with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith & CeCe Winans
Friday, December 5, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
On sale now

Celebrate the magic of the season with three Grammy® Award-winning Gospel Music Hall of Fame members — Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and CeCe Winans. The highly anticipated Christmas Together Tour will feature selections spanning the artists’ expansive Christmas repertoires and combine the vast collection of their traditional classics and critically acclaimed holiday albums. This tour marks the first time Grant and Smith have been joined by Winans for a holiday concert since she originally appeared on their 1998 Christmas tour.

The Jokers of Magic
Saturday, January 24, 2026 – 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater
On sale Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 AM 

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!

Ndlovu Youth Choir
Friday, February 27, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
On sale Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 AM

Since bursting onto the world stage in 2009, the Ndlovu Youth Choir has become one of South Africa’s brightest musical exports. Combining vibrant choreography, rich vocal harmonies, and infectious energy, this extraordinary group transforms every performance into a celebration of life and resilience. What began as an after-school program for orphaned and vulnerable children has grown into a global phenomenon.

The choir gained international acclaim as finalists on America’s Got Talent, where their uplifting performances won hearts worldwide, earning praise from Simon Cowell and a record deal with Sony Music. Blending traditional South African sounds with pop, rock, jazz, and EDM, the Ndlovu Youth Choir brings fresh life to songs like Toto’s “Africa,” Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” and U2’s “Beautiful Day.” Their concerts are more than just music – they’re a message of hope, unity, and the power of young voices to change the world.

Salzburg Marionette Theatre: The Sound of Music
Friday, March 6, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater
On sale Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 AM

Step into a world where imagination knows no limits and art comes to life in the most captivating way. For over a century, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre has enchanted audiences of all ages with its breathtaking performances. Among its timeless productions is The Sound of Music, the marionette stage version of the iconic Broadway musical, featuring its unforgettable melodies. This world-renowned theatre immerses you in a magical realm, where marionettes perform with the grace and emotion of living actors.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet: STAR DUST
Thursday, March 19, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
On sale Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 AM

Led by dance icons Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Complexions Contemporary Ballet has awakened audiences to a new, exciting genre with their singular approach of reinventing dance and contemporary ballet. Armed with a rich Alvin Ailey lineage and a cadre of sixteen stunning dancers, Complexions has been hailed as a “matchless American dance company” by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The dance program opens with favorites from Retro-Suite, a series of short works that celebrate the company’s thirty years. The second half is STAR DUST, an utterly transfixing tribute to the life and music of David Bowie, full of glitter and glam. This ballet takes an array of his hits and lays a visual imprint, inspired by his unique personas and his restless invention artistically to create a rock opera-style production in his honor.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
On sale Friday, June 20 at 10:00 AM

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 1960s 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. Using state-of-the-art video projection, photos, and original film footage, the show also features a full live band performing all of their hits, including “Mrs. Robinson” (featured in the 1967 film The Graduate), “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” and many more.

TREE
Saturday, April 25, 2026 – 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Sunday, April 26, 2026 – 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM **
Aronoff Center – Fifth Third Bank Theater
On sale:  TBA 

Would you like to experience the magical world of trees and feel the cool morning mist? Settle into mama bird’s cozy nest while she warms her luminous clutch of eggs. Plants, insects, and animals visit, accompanied by gentle melodies and rhythmic music. As evening falls, you’ll rest under a rising moon, stars, and shimmering Milky Way, gathering strength to spread your wings like a fledgling bird of light.   

TREE is a multi-sensory, interactive universe enveloped in soft light, music, and silence, where five characters continually adapt to meet the needs of their audience.

** TREE was created for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and adapted for children with intellectual disabilities and/or reduced mobility. The Sunday, April 26, 3:00 PM performance – titled TREE: A World in Itself – is intentionally designed to be smaller and suitable for guests with ASD who may require additional attention or a less stimulating environment. Seating is extremely limited. 

360 ALLSTARS
Thursday, May 7, 2026 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
On sale Tuesday, June 10 at 10:00 AM

A phenomenal physical performance exploring all forms of rotation, 360 ALLSTARS connects the street with the elite to deliver a supercharged urban circus. Boasting a stellar cast of World Champion and World Record-holding artists and athletes, 360 ALLSTARS is a spectacular fusion of extraordinary artistry that emerges from street culture. Add to this a stunning live soundtrack delivered by award-winning musicians, coupled with spectacular video projections, and 360 ALLSTARS is as aurally exciting as it is visually astounding. A magnificent, colorful, and astonishing expression of a generation that has reinvented the circus, 360 ALLSTARS is a revolutionary production that will leave you dizzy with excitement! 

TICKETS & INFORMATION

ON SALE NOW: Dog Man: The Musical; Twilight In Concert; Christmas Together with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith & CeCe Winans 

ON SALE TUESDAY, JUNE 10 AT 10:00 AM: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico; Jokers of Magic; Ndlovu Youth Choir; Salzburg Marionette Theatre: The Sound of Music; Complexions Contemporary Ballet: STAR DUST; 360 ALLSTARS

ON SALE FRIDAY, JUNE 20 AT 10:00 AM: The Simon & Garfunkel Story

ON-SALE DATE TBA: TREE

Tickets

  • www.CincinnatiArts.org 
  • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]
  • Aronoff Center Ticket Office, 650 Walnut Street, Downtown
  • Group Discount Tickets (10 or more): (513) 977-4155
  • Ticket prices include all service fees.

Aronoff Center Ticket Office Hours    

  • Monday-Friday:  10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Through intermission of the last show on performance days

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

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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June 10, 2025 · 6:49 pm

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Announces 40th Anniversary 2025–2026 Season

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC), the region’s premiere theatre, is delighted to announce its 2025–2026 season, celebrating its 40th Anniversary. The season includes the revival of the rock musical that redefined musicals, the sequel to ETC’s bestselling show, a gripping and lyrical one-person play, a witty and heartfelt comedy, and a nostalgic coming-of-age musical based on true events in Cincinnati.

“After 40 years, the dreams of Ensemble Theatre’s founders are still being realized today for creating a community of local artists, directors, and designers,” says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “To celebrate Ensemble’s success and tenacity for staying in OTR, Next to Normal is a story that doesn’t get old and it’s one I felt needed to be retold. In 2011, we were the only theatre in the country to receive the rights to production it when it was still on its national tour, so we’re thrilled to bring it back to the stage again 14 years later.”

About the Plays

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati opens its 40th year with the regional musical revival of the fan favorite Next to Normal, returning to the ETC stage September 13 – October 5, 2025. This Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical delves into the heart of a family shattered by mental illness but held together by love. Diana Goodman, a suburban mom battling bipolar disorder, struggles to connect with her ambitious daughter and devoted husband as they navigate the chaos of Diana’s condition. With a soaring, unforgettable score by Tom Kitt and poignant book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, Next to Normal is an unflinching, empathetic portrait of resilience, loss, and the pursuit of hope. Hailed by The New York Times as a “transformative” musical, this modern masterpiece is a must-see theatrical event. A runaway hit on Broadway—acclaimed by critics around the world—Next to Normal is a profoundly human story of struggle, perseverance, and hope.

Then, the much-anticipated sequel to ETC’s bestselling show of all time arrives this holiday season with the world premiere of It’s Fritz from Cincinnati native Zina Camblin and ETC composer David Kisor, December 3 – 31, 2025. Everyone knows Fiona the hippo, but her little brother Fritz is still figuring out who he wants to be. In this new family-friendly musical, Hippo Cove’s newest arrival is ready to wade out of the background and into his own big moment. Having a world-famous big sister, though, makes Fritz wonder if there’s any spotlight left for him. When he sets out to find what makes him special, the path isn’t always clear, but with some help from the zoo’s colorful cast of animals, Fritz discovers that standing out starts by listening, learning, and leaning on those who believe in you. Full of humor and heart—and a few muddy puddles along the way!—this is a story about family, finding your place, and the courage it takes to create your own splash.

Next, ETC presents the regional premiere drama Where We Stand by Donneta Lavinia Grays, from January 31 – February 22, 2026. What does community mean? And what do we owe to one another? In a town running low on compassion, a mysterious outsider stands before their community—before us—to confess a life-altering choice made at the crossroads of desperation and desire. A gripping blend of fable and modern-day storytelling, this stirring, poetic solo piece invites the audience to become part of the story, weighing mercy against consequence in real time. Where We Stand explores the story of an individual driven to the brink, challenging our understanding of forgiveness, our sense of mercy, and who is truly worthy of either.

Then, ETC presents the regional premiere comedy—yes, comedy—Fourteen Funerals by Eric Pfeffinger, March 21 – April 12, 2026. When Sienna receives a cryptic call about the untimely deaths of distant relatives in Blissfield, Indiana, she finds herself unexpectedly tasked with delivering eulogies for family members she’s never met. What begins as a peculiar obligation soon transforms into a journey of self-discovery and unexpected friendship with Millie, the quirky funeral home receptionist. This witty and heartfelt new play explores themes of identity, connection, and the stories we inherit. With sharp dialogue and poignant moments, Fourteen Funerals offers a comedic yet touching look at the ties that bind us—sometimes even after death.

ETC’s 2025 – 2026 season closes with the regional premiere musical The House on Watch Hill by Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor, the Tony-nominated creators of Bandstand. Based on true events and full of nostalgic charm, The House on Watch Hill, playing May 9 – 31, 2026, is a thrilling new theatrical experience that’s funny, nostalgic, deeply moving, and maybe just a little spooky! It’s summer 1984, and in a quiet Cincinnati suburb, a group of teen misfits has one mission: to build the best haunted house their neighborhood has ever seen. Led by 14-year-old horror fanatic Patrick, the team transforms a grand neighborhood home on Watch Hill into something truly spine-tingling—but along the way, they confront fears that are far more real than any monster they can dream up. Set against the backdrop of Cold War anxieties, latchkey independence, and a soundtrack pulsing with original ‘80s-inspired music, The House on Watch Hill is a heart-pounding, heartwarming coming-of-age musical about friendship, loss, identity, and the power of imagination. A must-see for fans of The Goonies, Stranger Things, and scrappy underdogs everywhere, this new musical captures the messy, magical moment between childhood and adulthood—when you’re old enough to know the world is scary but brave enough to face it anyway.

Subscriptions On Sale Now

Subscriptions to the 2025-2026 Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati season are on sale now. Packages can be purchased by calling the box office at (513) 421-3555.

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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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May 27, 2025 · 5:21 pm

Love and Improv Collide in DATE ME at the 2025 Cincinnati Fringe Festival

CINCINNATI, OH — May 26, 2025 — Always dreamed of being in a Fringe show but can’t commit? DATE ME is your chance. This interactive show blends romance and improv, premiering at the 2025 Cincinnati Fringe Festival.

Anna’s hit a million views with her Chicken Shop Date-inspired YouTube show, It’s Extra, but
Garrett, her loyal cameraman and friend, has been secretly longing for something more. As her success skyrockets and with a Spotify deal on the horizon, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore. Amidst the budding romance, Date Me adds four audience members to show each night to thicken the plot.

Created by Carolyn Guido Clifford, Fringe veteran and director of Fringe favorites, The Bureau
(2018 Audience Pick) and My Geriatric Uterus (2019 Artist Pick), and Tessa D’Errico, a Fringe newcomer and romantic comedy writer of Missed Connections, Date Me combines the internet, modern dating struggles, classic rom-com tropes, and improvisation in a show you can only see at Fringe. Or, as Anna herself puts it: “This show is a dream come true. Sure, for me, because I get to be in a rom com with improv, but mostly for you because you can date me!”

SHOW DETAILS:
Starring: Anna Kahle and Dylan Mckenna
Created by: Carolyn Guido Clifford and Tessa D’Errico
Stage Managed by: Cristin Fries

Venue: Coffee Emporium
110 E Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Performance Dates & Times:

  • June 1 @ 6:45 PM
  • June 5 @ 8:30 PM
  • June 7 @ 8:30 PM
  • June 10 @ 8:30 PM
  • June 12 @ 6:45 PM
  • June 13 @ 6:45 PM

ABOUT THE CINCINNATI FRINGE FESTIVAL:
Produced by Know Theatre of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Fringe Festival is a two-week celebration of bold, boundary-pushing performance. Celebrating its 21st year, Cincy Fringe brings together artists from across the country and globe for innovative, engaging, and unforgettable live theatre.

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May 27, 2025 · 5:20 pm

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 Man; Guards at the Taj, Lucille Lortel Award); costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson (Regional: The Addams Family Musical, How 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 Kikoler. Dog 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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