Category Archives: Press Releases

October 29, 2025 · 5:12 pm

CAMPANA SOBRE CAMPANA: Christmas in Mexico | Dec. 2, 2025 | Aronoff Center

MARIACHI GARIBALDI DE JAIME CUÉLLAR AND BALLET FOLKLÓRICO DEL RIO GRANDE’S
CAMPANA SOBRE CAMPANA: CHRISTMAS IN MEXICO!

A festive holiday celebration of Mexican culture and tradition

December 2, 2025
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

MEDIA PARTNER:  La Mega 101.5-FM

[Cincinnati, OH] – Celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday season with Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico, an enchanting family event that brings the warmth, music, and color of Mexican Christmas traditions to the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 7:30 PM.

Tickets are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], or the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For group sales (10 or more), call (513) 977-4155. A special 50%-OFF Family Four Pack offer is available for purchases of four or more tickets. Prices include all applicable fees and taxes and are subject to change.

Presented as part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s CAA Presents! 2025–26 Season, this vibrant holiday spectacular features Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande, blending breathtaking live music, dazzling dance, and heartwarming storytelling for audiences of all ages.

amed for the beloved Andalusian Christmas carol, Campana Sobre Campana (translated “Bells Upon Bells”) celebrates the magic of the season through a lively and moving journey across Mexico’s cherished Christmas traditions. The performance beautifully captures the spirit of Las Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos (Three Kings), and the joyous community celebrations that mark the holidays throughout Mexico — complete with festive piñatas, colorful costumes, and songs performed in both English and Spanish.

Audiences can expect:

  • PERFORMERS: World-renowned Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and the graceful Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande
  • CULTURAL IMMERSION: A richly choreographed experience steeped in authentic Mexican holiday traditions
  • MUSICAL EXCELLENCE: Live mariachi music showcasing top-tier vocalists and instrumental virtuosity performing cross-cultural Christmas favorites
  • VISUAL SPECTACLE: Exuberant folklórico dance and stunning costumes that bring Mexican folklore to vivid life

Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico is more than a concert — it’s a cultural celebration that welcomes everyone to experience the warmth of Mexican hospitality and the universal joy of the holiday season.

Cincinnati Arts Association SPONSORS 

The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

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

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

MEDIA PARTNER:  La Mega 101.5-FM

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico!
WHEN:                Tuesday, December 2, 2025 – 7:30 PM

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

PRICE:                 Ticket prices start at $23, inclusive of all fees. A special 50%-OFF Family Four Pack offer is available for purchases of four or more tickets.

INFO:                   This vibrant holiday spectacular features Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklórico del Río Grande, blending breathtaking live music, dazzling dance, and heartwarming storytelling for audiences of all ages. 

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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October 27, 2025 · 5:57 pm

Mariemont Players Announces 2026–2027 Season — Celebrating 90 Years of Theatre Magic

It’s a milestone year at Mariemont Players, Inc., and we couldn’t be more excited to share the lineup for our 90th Season!

This year’s selection process was extra special — after 1,504 votes from 151 patrons, we narrowed it down to a Top 12 list of fan-favorite shows. Then, 18 directors were interviewed and invited to select three productions from that list or choose a wild card from our 90-year history.

The result? A season that perfectly blends beloved classics, fresh energy, and the spirit of community theatre.

September 10–27, 2026 – ARSENIC AND OLD LACE (Directed by Jennifer Day)
A darkly hilarious tale of two sweet old ladies with a deadly secret — and the eccentric family that keeps things interesting!

November 5–22, 2026 – A TUNA CHRISTMAS (Directed by Debbi & Douglas Berlon)
Featuring Danny Davies & Wayne Wright, the original MPI “Tuna” duo, returning to reprise their iconic roles! This laugh-out-loud holiday favorite brings the chaos and charm of small-town Texas to the stage.

January 7–24, 2027 – BLITHE SPIRIT (Directed by David Derringer)
Noël Coward’s witty comedy of manners turns otherworldly when a séance brings back a spirited ex-wife with unfinished business.

March 4–21, 2027 – THE LION IN WINTER (Directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn)
Royal power, passion, and betrayal collide in this gripping family drama about love and legacy in medieval England.

May 6–23, 2027 – ENCHANTED APRIL (Directed by jef brown)
Four women escape to an Italian castle and rediscover joy, love, and hope under the Mediterranean sun.

July 8–25, 2027 – 12 ANGRY JURORS (Directed by Michael Kiser)
A timeless, powerful exploration of justice and conscience as twelve jurors decide the fate of a young defendant.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we’re also Lighting the Way for the Next 90 Years — raising funds to replace our aging lighting system with modern, flexible LED technology that will illuminate our stage for generations to come.

Learn more about our Lighting the Way Campaign and how you can help us reach our $75,000 goal: mariemontplayers.com/lighttheway

Explore our full 2026–2027 90th Season lineup here: mariemontplayers.com/2026-27-season

Join us as we celebrate 90 years of creativity, community, and connection — and light the way toward the future of Mariemont Players!

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October 27, 2025 · 5:27 pm

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Presents World Premiere Musical IT’S FRITZ! A Sequel to Fiona: The Musical, December 3 – 31, 2025

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is thrilled to present the much-anticipated sequel to its bestselling show of all time with the world premiere of It’s Fritz! from Cincinnati native Zina Camblin and ETC composer David Kisor. 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. Playing December 3 – 31, 2025, this world premiere musical is holiday fun for the entire family! Directed by D. Lynn Meyers. Premiere Sponsor is The Markley Family. Design Sponsor is The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.

Having a world-famous big sister 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.

“Even though it’s a sequel, you don’t have to have seen the first one to enjoy the second,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “We catch up on some of the things that happened to Fiona since we ended the first story. In this musical Fiona and Fritz are best friends, so it’s a beautiful story of the love of a big sister for her little brother. I’m thrilled we get to shine a light on the extraordinary work that the Cincinnati Zoo does, not only in the way they care for these marvelous animals, but in what they bring to our city. It’s a real privilege to be able to tell a story that, without them, wouldn’t exist.”

Cast includes Michael G. Bath (Hugh), Sara Mackie (Bibi), Andrew Maloney (Pelican/Zander), Brooke Steele (Colobus Monkey/Diana), Brandi La’Sherrill (Zoe), R. DeAndré Smith (Tucker), KG Rucker (Audrey), Maddi O’Connell (Fiona), TaShauna Ajoi Jenkins (Bearcat), Char Adams (Dudley/Kudu), Abigail Dirr (Baby Cheetah), and Elliet Malatesta (Baby Cheetah). Additionally, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati welcomes the following performers in their ETC debuts: Montez Jenkins Copeland (Giraffe/Dr. Cornelius), Krishangi Allin (Baby Kudu), Troian Butler (Fritz), Grace Caccavari (Baby Cheetah/Zoo Goer), and Allyson van Haaren (Baby Sloth).

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Steve Goers (Music Director), Dee Anne Bryll (Choreographer), Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez (Costume Designer), Jake Tillmann (Sound Designer), Becca Schall (Projection Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), and Jacob Dowell (Technical Director). Production Stage Manager is Margot Whitney. Assistant Stage Manager is Lexi Muller.

Performance Information
Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 7:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances 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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October 21, 2025 · 5:09 pm

THE HEART SELLERS, a New Thanksgiving Comedy about Finding Friendship, Opens Oct. 30

CINCINNATI (Oct. 21, 2025) – Two recent immigrants to the U.S. find solace and companionship in each other as they cook their first Thanksgiving dinner in THE HEART SELLERS, a new comedy opening Oct. 30 in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre, with previews beginning Oct. 25. The production runs through Nov. 23.

It’s evening on Thanksgiving Day in 1973. Luna, from the Philippines, and Jane, from Korea, are new to the country, both married to overworked medical residents and left alone on a holiday that centers on togetherness. As they attempt to cook their first Thanksgiving dinner (with a frozen turkey!) in two hours, these new friends carve out a relationship that transcends culture and language in what Broadway World called, “A love letter to friendship” and Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel called a “stunning comedy.”

“It’s like a buddy love story between two Asian immigrant women, set in 1973, on the evening of Thanksgiving, when they’re dealing with feelings of homesickness and belonging,” explains director Desdemona Chiang.

THE HEART SELLERS is written by Lloyd Suh, a Pulitzer Prize finalist who also wrote The Chinese Lady, produced in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse during the 2022-23 season. Audiences who enjoyed The Chinese Lady will recognize Suh’s ability to trace the tension between how America sees its immigrants and how immigrants see themselves, while mining the humor and resilience found in that space.

The production derives its name from the Hart-Celler Act, passed by Congress in 1965 which expanded immigration to the U.S. Chiang, whose mother emigrated to the U.S. in the wake of Hart-Celler, drew on her mother’s experiences to imagine what life might have been like for characters Luna and Jane. She also encouraged the cast to draw from their families’ experiences.

“The actors, in particular, asked their moms about what it was like coming here. Because for most immigrant kids, you kind of forget, because we’re so self-absorbed and we’re so interested in our own identity here, you kind of forget that our parents had an entire life before you existed. The entire version of themselves that they left behind in order to reinvent who they are, to make it work in this country,” Chiang explains.

CAST AND PRODUCTION

  • Bridget Kim                                           Jane
  • Angeleia Ordoñez                                 Luna
  • Lloyd Suh                                              Playwright
  • Desdemona Chiang                             Director
  • Sasha Jin Schwartz                              Set Designer
  • Christine Tschirgi                                  Costume Designer
  • Marcella Barbeau                                 Lighting Designer
  • Sharath Patel                                        Sound Designer
  • Stephanie Klapper, CSA                      Casting Director
  • Tenley Pitonzo*                                    Stage Manager
  • Sparrow Mansfield                                Production Assistant 

TICKETS

Tickets begin at $35.00. Prices vary based on seating location and performance day. Previews take place on Oct. 25, Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, with opening night taking place on Oct. 30. Beginning Oct. 31, performances will take place on Tuesdays-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.

EVENTS

Preview Performances
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.

  • Sat., Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Tue., Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Wed., Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights!

  • Thu., Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Expert Experiences: Food for Thought with Debra Hildebrand

  • Mon., Nov. 10, 7-8:30 p.m.
    Tickets: $30.

“That looks delicious! But can you eat it?” If you’re curious about how stage magic is made, join us to gain hands-on insight into the artistry and problem-solving that go into creating convincing food props using unexpected materials — like in our production of The Heart Sellers. Debra Hildebrand, the longtime Rosenthal Shelterhouse Properties Running Crew Lead, will share the secrets, techniques and creativity behind crafting realistic fake food props in this hands-on, 90-minute class.

For more information or reservations, visit cincyplay.com or call 513-421-3888.

Art Talks
(Formerly Meet the Artists), stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.

Audio-Described Performance

Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.

Asianati Food Truck Pop-up

  • Saturday, Nov. 22, from 12:30 – 2 p.m.
    Performance at 2 p.m.

Join us for a pre-show Food Truck Pop-Up event co-hosted with Asianati on Saturday, November 22 from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Some of Cincinnati’s favorite local food trucks – seen at events like Asian Food Fest – will be selling delicious food and celebrating Asian American culture in Cincinnati. You don’t have to attend the performance to stop by the Food Truck Pop-Up to eat! Don’t miss this chance to build community and connect while enjoying a tasty lunch. Check back for details on specific food trucks. (Note: The food trucks will be the only pre-show food service that afternoon.) 

ADVISORY
THE HEART SELLERS is recommended for older teenagers and adults. New to America, two women spend Thanksgiving together sharing their hopes, dreams and a bottle (maybe two) of wine. Using some adult language, their conversation includes the Asian immigrant experience and communism, as well as several references to the male anatomy. 

SPONSORS
Production Sponsors are Ron Matson and Daniel Young. Honorary Producer is Karlee L. Hilliard. Design Sponsors are Jeb and Nirvani Head. Artist Sponsors are David and Elaine Billmire. Media Sponsor is Cincinnati Public Radio/91. WVXU News. The 2025-26 Season is presented by the Vontz Family.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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October 21, 2025 · 4:55 pm

Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers Receives $30,000 Grant

Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers Receives $30,000 Grant from H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation

CINCINNATI, OH — Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers (MDTAC) has received a $30,000 grant from H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee. The grant will support MDTAC’s 2025-2026 season, Embrace: A Season of Connection. The H.B, E.W., & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation supports arts and educational organizations, as well as environmental and historical preservation efforts in the Cincinnati area. The grant will significantly help MDTAC sustain nationally recognized performances and education programs. MDTAC continues to seek funds in order to fully meet our goals of ensuring quality, efficacy, and equity in pay scales. 

“This grant comes at a critical time for our organization and the Cincinnati community,” said Jeanne Mam-Luft, Artistic and Executive Director of Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers. “The Luther Charitable Foundation’s investment ensures we can continue to bring extraordinary dance experiences to Cincinnati, commission new works, and make the art form accessible to people of all backgrounds. It is more than funding: It’s a reflection of the importance of modern dance to our city’s cultural life.”

Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers — formerly known as Contemporary Dance Theater and MamLuft&Co. Dance — is Cincinnati’s second-largest dance organization. It is distinguished both by its virtuosic resident company and being the region’s only presenter of Modern and Contemporary Dance companies.

The $30,000 award supports Mutual’s mission-driven strategic goals to:

  • Create access to Modern Dance for diverse audiences, including 1,000 individuals from low-income families who would otherwise face barriers to cultural experiences.
  • Contribute to the vibrancy of Cincinnati by cultivating a thriving Modern Dance presence and connecting local audiences to artists from more than 25 U.S. cities.
  • Support personal and professional development through meaningful opportunities for both dancers and non-dancers to engage in art-making.

Mutual’s 2024–25 season, Embrace: A Season of Connection, will feature four professional productions, commissions for six new works developed locally, and two nationally celebrated guest companies appearing in Cincinnati for the first time. The organization’s programming brings together residents from across 90% of Cincinnati’s zip codes and beyond, deepening public understanding of the art form and fostering connections.

For more information about Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers, visit mutualdance.org

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About Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers

Mutual Dance Theatre is the city’s longest-running and most consistent Modern Dance organization, both as a presenter and a resident company. MDT was formerly known as Contemporary Dance Theater (est. 1972 by Jefferson James) and MamLuft&Co. Dance (est. 2007 by Jeanne Mam-Luft) until their merger in 2021. Both organizations began as performing troupes, but in the early ‘90s, CDT dissolved its company and subsequently focused on presenting guest artists. The two organizations joined to create the aptly-named Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers, taking enumeration from its elder half and thus celebrating its 54th season in 25-26. Mutual has honored and combined the priorities of both founding organizations: investing in a virtuosic local company with the aim of becoming a significant presence both locally and nationally, as well as the continued presentation of Modern and Contemporary Dance from across the States (and sometimes, beyond). Mutual also reaches thousands of children each year through education and its academy, as well as charity-supported outreach. Learn more at mutualdance.org.

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