Category Archives: Press Releases

August 31, 2026 · 6:52 pm

Human Race Theatre Company Cast Announcement for SALEM: Blood to Drink

Maggie Lou Rader’s wickedly funny dark comedy runs October 14–25, 2026

DAYTON, OH — Everyone loves a witch hunt. Until they’re the witch.

The Human Race Theatre Company kicks off its 41st season with the world premiere of Salem: Blood to Drink by local Ohio playwright Maggie Lou Rader, October 14–25 at the Loft Theatre. Set during one of history’s most infamous moments, this sharp, funny, and wildly unexpected new play asks audiences to forget what they think they know about Salem—and get ready for a very different version of 1692.

The Salem witch trials are in full swing, and four accused women suddenly find themselves sharing a jail cell. What starts as a fight for survival becomes an unlikely alliance as fear spreads, accusations fly, and the rules these women have been expected to follow begin to fall away.

Darkly hilarious and surprisingly timely, Salem: Blood to Drink turns a familiar chapter of American history on its head with humor, humanity, and a story that proves there is always more than one side to what we think we know.

“We all carry some version of the Salem witches’ story in our heads, but Maggie Lou Rader lets us meet them as funny, flawed, complicated human beings,” notes Artistic Director Emily N. Wells. “That balance of humor, heart, and unexpected perspective is exactly why this play felt like the perfect way to launch our Perception vs. Reality season. I think audiences will come in expecting one thing and leave having experienced something far richer, which is exactly what great theatre should do.”

Salem: Blood to Drink launches The Human Race Theatre Company’s Season 41, Perception vs. Reality, a five-show season filled with stories that challenge first impressions and deliver plenty of surprises along the way.

Five stories. Endless surprises.
The production marks the world premiere of Salem: Blood to Drink, written by Maggie Lou Rader. She writes, “As a Cincinnati playwright, I don’t often get the chance to see my work produced locally. I’m grateful to the team at The Human Race for saying yes.” Join the Community Conversation with Maggie Lou Rader and Artistic Director Emily N. Wells on October 5, 2026 at 6pm.

Creative team: Heather Wilson-Bowlby leads the production with Scenic Designer Gabby Trice, LIGHTING DESIGNER Kelsey Gallagher, COSTUME DESIGNER  Maria Fernanda Ortiz, SOUND DESIGNER  Kaitlin Barnett Proctor, PROPS DESIGNER Sarah Gomes, STAGE MANAGER Amanda Harris, ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Logan Lorraine.

Cast: Returning to The Loft stage are local actors Caitlin McWethey (Elizabeth Proctor & Voices), Bryana Bentley (Sarah Good & Voices), Burgess Byrd (Bridget Bishop & Voices), and Annie Fitzpatrick (Ann Foster & Voices) with Portland actor Gavin Hoffman (George Burroughs & Voices) making his Human Race debut. 

Tickets and Performances
Salem: Blood to Drink plays October 14–25, 2026, at The Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton. Tickets range from $10–$56 and are available through the Dayton Live box office at (937) 228-3630 or online through The Human Race Theatre Company www.humanracetheatre.org. The production has a runtime of approximately 110 minutes, including intermission, and is rated PG-13. 

Tickets and show information

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

Special Nights at The Loft

The Human Race continues its commitment to making theatre accessible and creating opportunities for audiences to engage beyond the performance. Special events surrounding Salem: Blood to Drink include: 

  • Pay What You Can: Tuesday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. — Final Dress Rehearsal. PWYC Beneficiary – R House

  • Inside Track: Thursday, October 15 at 6:45 p.m. — A pre-show conversation in the lobby with the creative team. 

  • While We’re On The Subject: Sunday, October 18 at 2 p.m. — A candid post-show conversation with cast and thematic experts. 

  • Parents’ Day Out: Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. — Parents enjoy the show while children ages 5–12 participate in a theatre workshop, included free with the purchase of the parent’s ticket. 

  • While We’re On The Subject: Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. — A post-show conversation with cast and thematic experts.

Support
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, Charles D. Berry Foundation, Sam Levin Foundation, Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts, and Pizza Factory.  Organizational support:  Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council, Arts Midwest and the National Endowment for the Arts. 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 Dayton Foundation, Oakwood Rotary.

About The Human Race Theatre Company

The Human Race Theatre Company is Dayton’s professional regional theatre company, exploring the human experience and promoting enlightenment, inclusion and understanding while startling us all into a renewed awareness of ourselves.

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August 27, 2026 · 5:05 pm

NKU 2026-27 Season AMERICAN SNAPSHOTS Opens with LITTLE WOMEN, the Musical

Based on the American classic novel by Louisa May Alcott

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – The NKU School of the Arts is thrilled to announce the 2026–27 Theatre & Dance Program Season. In celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we proudly present “American Snapshots”—a dynamic season bursting with creativity and bold perspectives that will surprise, inspire, and challenge. Featuring period works, daring adaptations, and imaginative concepts, this season promises unforgettable performances that capture the essence of the American spirit.

Tickets for all productions will go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. For more information, visit nku.vbotickets.com or call the SOTA Box Office at (859) 572-5464.

Season imagery and poster designs by SOTA Visual Communication Design Alum, Ellen Barlage.

LITTLE WOMEN: The Musical | Sept. 25-Oct. 5, 2026
 Music by Jason Howland                          Katharine Moser-Priddy, Director
 Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein                           Jamey Strawn, Music Director
 Book by Alan Knee                                    Jeri Gatch, Choreographer

Join the journey of this inspiring musical adaptation of the American classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. This coming-of-age story, about the power of sisterhood and self-discovery through heartache, ambition, and hope, celebrates love, family, and the courage to dream big.

  • What: LITTLE WOMEN: The Musical
  • When: September 25 – October 5, 2026
  • Where: Stauss Theatre, NKU, Highland Heights, KY
  • Tickets: https://nku.vbotickets.com (859) 572-5464

Synopsis:
Louisa May Alcott’s beloved story of the adventures of the four March sisters is brought to vivid musical life in Little Women. The Civil War is in full swing, and the March sisters — Meg, the oldest, a romantic, the spirited and tomboyish Jo, sweet and loving Beth, and irascible, playful Amy — live in Concord, Massachusetts with their Marmee while their father is on the battlefield.

Filled with adventure (both lived and imagined), heartbreak, and a deep sense of hope, the struggle of these “Little Women” to find their own voices mirrors the growing pains of a young America. With buoyant, joyful melodies, memorable characters, and a big-hearted message, Little Women reminds us that “sometimes when you dream, your dreams come true.”

CAST and Key Production Team:
The cast includes: Sydney Hall (Jo March), Katelyn Thatcher (Marmee March/Hag), Kylie Mobley (Meg March/Clarissa), Lorelle Stewart (Beth March/Rodrigo 2), Riley Griffin (Amy March/Troll), Dakara Cooper (Aunt March/Mrs. Kirk), Isaiah Burton (Laurie Laurence/Rodrigo 1), Luc Vandenbroek (Mr. Laurence/Knight), Daniel Gnau (Professor Bhaer), Joshua W Edwards (John Brooke/Braxton).  Ensemble members include: Anyuli Martinez-Gomez, Grace Owen, Miles Paff, Dylan Maynard, and Kennedy Lee.

The production team features Brooke Boein as Stage Manager, Lee O’Rourke as Costume Designer and Wig and Make-up Designer, Jo Sanburg as Lighting Designer and Sound Designer, Erica Powers as Scenic & Props Designer, Corrie Danieley as Intimacy Coordinator. The show is directed by Kat Moser-Priddy, choreographed by Jeri Gatch, and music directed by Jamey Strawn.

Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate America through live performances! Tickets and information for the NKU SOTA 2026-27 Theatre & Dance Season are available for purchase at: nku.vbotickets.com

About NKU: Founded in 1968, NKU is an entrepreneurial state university of over 16,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus nestled between Highland Heights, Kentucky and bustling downtown Cincinnati. We are a regionally engaged university committed to empowering our students to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives. While we are one of the fastest-growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students’ names. For more information, visit nku.edu. 

About SOTA: The School of the Arts at Northern Kentucky University, which is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, is made up of three programs: Theatre & Dance, Art and Design, and Music. The Theatre & Dance program relies on intensive student involvement both inside and outside the classroom. At the program’s center is a vital balance of process and production, giving each student opportunities to stretch boundaries and discover new possibilities. Graduates have gone on to successful careers in professional theatre, film, and television. For more information, visit theatre.nku.edu.

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August 13, 2026 · 5:16 pm

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Announces New Scrooge Casting for A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Mark Mineart as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo by Tony Arrasmith.

Tickets now on sale for performances Nov. 20 – Dec. 27, 2026

CINCINNATI (Aug. 13, 2026) – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park announced today that Mark Mineart will take on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the upcoming production of A Christmas Carol, presented by First Financial Bank. The holiday favorite begins performances in Moe and  Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre on Friday, Nov. 20 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 27, 2026. 

Mineart is returning to A Christmas Carol as Scrooge, having played Mr. Fezziwig and the  Ghost of Christmas Present in the Playhouse production from 1999-2003. He also appeared in the Playhouse productions of Much Ado About Nothing (1999) and Mr. Roberts (2004).  

“While A Christmas Carol remains the same beloved production from year-to-year, sharp  theatregoers will often note that we always infuse it with something new every season,” said  Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director, who adapted the script and directed the original production. “Every new Scrooge brings his own flair to the role. We’re excited to  welcome Mark back to the Christmas Carol family and introduce his Scrooge to our community.” 

Mineart has worked as an actor, director, and fight director for over 30 years. He has appeared on and off Broadway with such stars as Denzel Washington and Kelsey Grammer and worked at many of the nation’s most well-respected and award-winning regional theatres. Mineart is currently an Associate Professor of Theatre Performance at Otterbein University. 

In Charles Dickens’ classic tale, Ebenezer Scrooge is a greedy curmudgeon who finds his heart changing when three spirits and the ghost of a long-lost friend show him the errors of his ways.  Across one fateful Christmas Eve night, Scrooge recalls the warmth and generosity of past loved ones, learns the value of kindness through Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family and glimpses a terrifying future should his heart remain the same. Featuring dazzling set, costume and lighting designs, A Christmas Carol promises a magical holiday experience for your family.

Tickets from $39, depending on seat location and performance day, are available at cincyplay.com. 

A Christmas Carol is presented by First Financial Bank. Design Sponsor is Roto Rooter. Bob Cratchit Sponsor is Bahl & Gaynor. Student Matinee Sponsor is The Estate of Peggy Barrett.  Additional support provided by Barbara Fitch and the Stona Fitch Family. The 2026-27 Season is presented by The Scheuler Group.  

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual  ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.  

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August 11, 2026 · 5:55 pm

2026-27 Season Opens with Thrilling HEIST and The World Premiere of TALK at Playhouse in the Park

HEIST
Sept. 12 – Oct. 11
Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre  

Inspired by movies like Ocean’s Eleven, this high-tech mystery takes you on a fun and heart-pounding thrill ride. HEIST is directed by the Playhouse’s Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison and is recommended for teenage and adult audiences. Tickets start at $39.   

TALK
Sept. 26 – Oct. 25
Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre  

This razor-sharp and funny world premiere shines a satirical spotlight on the current media environment. TALK is written by award-winning playwright Theresa Rebeck, a Cincinnati native, and directed by Mêlisa Anis. Recommended for older teenage and adult audiences. Tickets start at $39.   

WHEN: Performances run Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.   

WHERE: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt Adams Cir, 45202  

DETAILS: For more information, visit cincyplay.com or call the box office at 513-421-3888.  

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August 11, 2026 · 5:46 pm

Ensemble Theatre Presents CORNER OF THE SKY

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI PRESENTS WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL REVUE
CORNER OF THE SKY: THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
SEPTEMBER 5–27, 2026

(Cincinnati, OH) Dream big, defy gravity, and discover the music that has inspired generations. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) opens its 41st Season with the world premiere musical revue Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Prince of Egypt, and more. Conceived and created by CCM alumnus Scott Coulter, this thrilling new musical celebration showcases five decades of unforgettable songs from one of theater’s most beloved storytellers. Playing September 5–27, 2026 and directed by Vincent DeGeorge. Premiere sponsors are Daniel Brown and Mark Haggard.

Beginning with Schwartz’s breakout Broadway hit, “Corner of the Sky,” this exciting and inspiring musical revue traces the creative journey that led to some of the most iconic songs ever written for the stage and screen, including “Defying Gravity” and countless other favorites. Filled with beloved Broadway classics and surprising discoveries, Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz offers audiences an intimate look at the artistry, imagination, and heart behind a legendary body of work. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Wicked and Pippin or discovering Schwartz’s music for the first time, this uplifting musical event celebrates the power of dreams, perseverance, and finding your own corner of the sky.

“Spectacular is the only way I can describe this production,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “What a spectacular opportunity to experience the evolution of these songs that have enriched our lives for five decades. Cincinnati is about to be THE spot for an exceptional world premiere about the songs of Stephen Schwartz. We’re honored that Stephen Schwartz and Scott Coulter chose ETC for this show, and that Stephen plans to attend! We could all use something limitless right now, so we’re thrilled to open our 41st Season with this a production that promises to be the can’t-miss event of the year!”

The cast includesJohn Boswell as The Songwriter and Klea Blackhurst, Chris Blem, Kenneth Early, Chanduni Herath, Jordyn Amani Jones, Gavin Poronsky, and Sydney Short as The Singers.

Production team: Vincent DeGeorge (Director & Choreographer), Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), John Boswell (Music Director), Scott Coulter (Vocal Director & Arranger), Cat Schmeal-Swope (Costume Designer), Jake Tillman and Danille Lobello (Co-Sound Designers), Becca Schall (Projections Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), Jacob Dowell (Technical Director), Margot Whitney (Production Stage Manager), and Lexi Muller (Assistant Stage Manager).

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

Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $22 for adults; student and children are half the cost of adult tickets. 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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2026–2027 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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