Category Archives: Press Releases

September 30, 2025 · 4:48 pm

Human Race Theatre’s DRACULA Opens Oct. 29

A FRESH BITE OF A CLASSIC TALE

The Human Race Theatre Company throws back to their very first production with a fresh bite of a classic horror tale: Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really by Kate Hamill.

When your survival is at stake…will you be able to distinguish the monster from the man? Bouncing between horror and humor, Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel is a thrilling play that questions who the true monsters are. Kate Hamill’s imaginative, gender-bending Dracula is unlike any adaptation you’ve ever seen – exploring the nature of predators and reinventing the story as a smart, disquieting, darkly comic drama. No damsels in distress, no romanticized villains – just a gleeful stake through the heart.

 “We themed our 40th Season around family and knew that we wanted to nod back to the Dracula we produced in 1986. Kate Hamill’s retelling of the classic story through a woman’s lens felt like the right choice,” writes Emily Wells, Artistic Director of The Human Race. “A pregnant Mina Harker attempts to save her dear friend from the throes of the vampire and his wives, and in doing so, puts her family unit at risk.”

Wells directs, with a stellar Miami Valley area cast: Caitlin Larsen as Renfield, Andrew Ian Adams as Jonathan Harker, Angelique Archer as Mina Harker, Greg Mallios as Dracula, Jordan Trovillion as Lucy Westerna, Rico Romalus Parker as Dr. George Seward, and Darlene Spencer as Van Helsing. Two Wright State University students round out the cast as part of the Human Race – WSU Performing Arts Collaboration – Skye Hodgkin and Evelyn Vordtriede.

Providing the spooky atmosphere and designs are Charlie Calvert, Scenic Design; Jessica Drayton, Lighting Design; Ayn Swann, Costume Design; Jay Brunner, Composer & Sound Design; Sarah Gomes, Props Design; Carolyn Fast, Production Stage Manager; Isabella Myers, Assistant Stage Manager

DRACULA will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, October 29 – November 9, 2025.  Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org

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

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

Special Nights at The Loft:  

  • Pay What You CAN – Tuesday, October 28, 2025 7:30 pm to benefit the Dayton Food Bank & Artemis Center
  • Inside Track – Thursday, October 30, 2025 6:45 pm – Pre-show Discussion
  • While We’re On The Subject – Sunday, November 2, 2025 2 pm – Post Show Discussion
  • $10/Sawbuck Sunday – Sunday, November 2, 2025 7:30 pm – $10 tix starting at 6:00 pm
  • Parent’s Day Out – Sunday, November 9, 2025 2 pm – Kids Activities (5-12yo)

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

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September 22, 2025 · 6:05 pm

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Celebrates $1 Million Bequest from Beloved Patron Virginia “Jinny” Browning

This extraordinary gift is the largest bequest ever made to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company 

CINCINNATI, OH (September 18, 2025) — Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is humbled to announce a $1,000,000 bequest from longtime friend, patron, and supporter Virginia “Jinny” Browning. This extraordinary gift – the largest bequest ever made to CSC – will strengthen CSC’s programming, operations, and endowment, helping ensure that the power of live classical theatre will inspire and connect generations to come.

Jinny’s relationship with CSC began in 2012, when she saw Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips perform in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. From that night on, she became not only a faithful audience member but also a dedicated donor. Her generosity touched nearly every part of CSC: she provided annual support for operations, invested in the campaign to build the Otto M. Budig Theater, and, most importantly, offered friendship, encouragement, and belief in the Company’s mission.

“Our dear friend Jinny was incredibly generous to CSC in so many ways,” said Brian Isaac Phillips. “Her time, her expertise, and her passion helped make CSC a better place. I am humbled that she chose to remember CSC in this meaningful way. She will always be a part of who we are and what we do.”

For many at CSC, Jinny was more than a patron—she was family. In one memory, Sara Clark, CSC’s Director of Development, visited Jinny at her home in Maysville, Kentucky. Together with a colleague, she performed the famous Romeo and Juliet balcony scene right in Jinny’s living room. “That’s the kind of supporter Jinny was,” Clark recalled. “She welcomed us into her home, celebrated the art we created, and made sure it would thrive long into the future. Her bequest is an act of love as much as generosity.”

Jinny’s gift also shines a light on CSC’s growing Planned Giving program, which invites supporters to make a lasting difference by including CSC in their estate plans. Donors inspired by Jinny’s example can learn more at cincyshakes.com/Legacy or reach out directly to Sara Clark at sara.clark@cincyshakes.com for a confidential conversation.

“We hope Jinny’s generosity encourages others to imagine the legacy they can leave,” Clark added. “Her gift ensures that CSC will continue bringing people together for Shakespeare and the classics for years to come.”

Virginia Browning’s full obituary is available here.

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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers and hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions. In 2015, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the Classics!

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September 18, 2025 · 4:58 pm

Queen City Cup 2024 Sensation Holy Cannoli Presents Fun Filled: THE 24-HOUR COMEDY REVIVAL

{Cincinnati, OH} – Indie improv team Holy Cannoli will present Fun Filled: The 24-Hour Comedy Revival, taking place at the Hoffner Lodge on October 17-18, and featuring a full day of comedy performances, all to raise money for the Esperanza Latino Center.

Holy Cannoli is proud to bring this 24-hour event to the Hoffner Lodge for the first time. “Fun-Filled” is an elevated revisitation of the team’s 24-hour challenge they completed as part of winning the 2024 Queen City Cup with Improv Cincinnati. The 24-hour comedy event will feature nearly two-dozen acts, all including members of Holy Cannoli, including popular local comedy shows and performance groups such as Smoke and Queers, The Kevin Bauer Power Hour, ComedySportz, and more.

All proceeds for the event will go to The Esperanza Latino Center. The center provides bilingual services and programs for Spanish-speaking individuals in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Area, including assistance with federal program sign-up, connections with local resources, a monthly diaper program, and more. Holy Cannoli is incredibly proud to support this organization and the work they do for our community.

Tickets for the event are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $25 dollars. People can purchase tickets via the Eventbrite.

“Nothing heightens comedy quite like sleep deprivation,” says Nicole Donahue, Holy Cannoli founding member, “so come and join us for middle-of-the-night laughs for a good cause.”

Holy Cannoli is an independent improv team established in 2024. Members include Nicole Donahue, Mia Helbig, Paige Ingram, Danny Lancaster, Sophia Mathioudakis, Oneya Okuwobi, Martibel Payano, and Andrew Whelan. The team is coached by Caleb Robinson.

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September 17, 2025 · 3:47 pm

Saturday, October 11th: The Anti-Pestilence League Presents…!

As part of Know Theatre of Cincinnati’s octKNOWber Nights event, The Anti-Pestilence League (or The APL) will be serving audience members a “double dose of dread” with their live performance of two classic radio play episodes: SUSPENSE: Fugue in C Minor and THE WHISTLER: A Matter of Patience. Fugue is an eerie tale of a widower whose house seems to hold secrets in the pipes of the massive organ around which it was built while Patience tells the story of a frustrated husband who decides to take his wife’s health matters into his own hands.

This Samhain-inspired evening will feature the talents of Jeremiah Plessinger, Karolina Prokop, Faith Vonhandorf, Ted and Samantha Joy Weil, Lisa D. Dirkes, and the incomparable Bill Keeton.

Tickets to this and all other octKNOWber Nights offerings can be purchased here.

^The Anti-Pestilence League was born out of artistic frustration during the beginning stages of COVID-19. Harley Quinn Studios decided to gather a group of artists to perform old-timey radio dramas (and comedies!) as a way to entertain themselves while keeping a safe distance from one another. While the group began with recordings, the goal was always to incorporate live performances when the world was safe enough to accommodate them. APL Commissioner and Founder of Harley Quinn Studios Katrina “Kat” Reynolds, a life-long fan of radio shows, has always enjoyed using her voice for both good and evil; therefore, she and this COVID baby were the perfect match. Featuring the talents of regular company members such as Jeremiah Plessinger and Karolina Prokop as well as some warmly welcomed guest artists, the APL lives up to Harley Quinn Studios’ mantra in providing a space “where the voices in your head come to play”.

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September 17, 2025 · 3:46 pm

US Premiere of New Pop-Rock Musical MYTHIC Coming Sept. 25

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS US PREMIERE OF NEW POP-ROCK MUSICAL COMEDY MYTHIC SEPT 25

CINCINNATI – MYTHIC, a new pop-rock musical comedy with Broadway ambitions that The New York Times named one of the “42 Plays and Musicals to See Across the U.S. This Fall,” premieres on Sept. 25 at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, following previews Sept. 20-24. The production, directed and choreographed by three-time-Tony Award-winning Kathleen Marshall, runs through Oct. 19. MYTHIC is presented by MC and Tom Brennan and The David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

MYTHIC features book and lyrics by Marcus Stevens, with music and orchestrations by Oran Eldor and is produced by special arrangement with SHO Productions / Shoshana Kovac Parets.

The ancient Greek myth of Persephone is turned on its ear in MYTHIC, with the gods reimagined as chart-topping pop stars, power-hungry politicians, and attention-seeking influencers. Starstruck by Olympian celebrity, Persephone rebels against her mother Demeter’s expectations and decides to forge her own path. When she sneaks into a party at the Acropolis and meets brooding bad-boy Hades, her life takes an unexpected turn into the Underworld. MYTHIC played to critical acclaim in London and in a sold-out run in Montreal.

A highly acclaimed director and choreographer, Marshall is known for her work on Broadway musicals. Nominated for nine Tony Awards, Marshall has won three for Wonderful Town (2004), The Pajama Game (2006) and Anything Goes (2011). She has also received an Olivier Award and numerous Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards, among many others.

“We’ve brought together an A-list creative team led by Kathleen Marshall to bring this unique and entertaining new musical to life,” explained Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director. “Cincinnati audiences will get to see it first. That’s a benefit only the Playhouse provides to our community.”

The creative team includes designers with many Broadway credits including Hamilton, Anastasia, Beetlejuice, Kinky Boots and more: Set design is by Tony Award-nominee David Korins (Broadway: Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Beetlejuice), costume design is by Tony Award-winner Linda Cho (Broadway: The Great Gatsby, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Anastasia), lighting design is by Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Broadway: Wicked, Kinky Boots, The Coast of Utopia), sound design is by Tony Award-winner John Shivers (Broadway: Real Women Have Curves, Shucked, Kinky Boots), laser effects designer is Adam Biscow, music supervisor is Chris Fenwick (Broadway: Kimberly Akimbo, Once on This Island, Fun Home), music director is Bryson Baumgartel (Broadway: Merrily We Roll Along, Sunset Boulevard; The Great Gatsby) and music producer is Tony Award-winner Doug Besterman (Broadway: Death Becomes Her, Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Producers).

The cast features a roster of exciting veteran and up-and-coming actors with Broadway credits: Savy Jackson (Broadway: Bad Cinderella, National Tour: Once on this Island) as Aphrodite; Michael Park (Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen, Redwood) as Zeus; Mamie Parris (Broadway: Cats, School of Rock) as Demeter; Analise Scarpaci (Broadway: Mrs. Doubtfire, Matilda) as Persephone; and Julius Thomas III (Broadway: Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, International Tour: Hamilton) as Hades.

Joining them as the Greek Chorus and filling supporting roles are Matthew Samuel Blum, Aaron Gabriel Graham, Alexa Magro, Stephanie Lynne Mason, Owen Scales, Cassidy Stoner, Kodiak Thompson, and Emily Grace Tucker. The swings are Josh Devine and Madison Osment.

Other artistic staff for MYTHIC include David Eggers, Associate Director/Choreographer; Max Grossman, Associate Music Director; Stephanie Klapper CSA, Casting Director; Brandon T. Holmes, Stage Manager; Rachel Kaplow, Andrea L. Shell and Madison Stone, Assistant Stage Managers.

CAST

  • Savy Jackson – Aphrodite
  • Michael Park – Zeus
  • Mamie Parris – Demeter
  • Analise Scarpaci – Persephone
  • Julius Thomas III – Hades
  • Matthew Blum – Greek Chorus/Charon
  • Aaron Gabriel Graham – Greek Chorus/Alecto
  • Alexa Magro – Greek Chorus/Aphrodette
  • Stephanie Lynne Mason – Greek Chorus/Nike
  • Owen Scales – Greek Chorus/Cyclops/Minos
  • Cassidy Stoner – Greek Chorus/Aphrodette/Janelle
  • Kodiak Thompson – Greek Chorus/Helios/Ascalaphus
  • Emily Grace Tucker – Greek Chorus/Barbara/Aphrodette
  • Josh Devine – Greek Chorus Swing
  • Madison Osment – Greek Chorus Swing

PRODUCTION

  • Marcus Stevens – Book and Lyrics
  • Oran Eldor – Music and Orchestrations
  • Kathleen Marshall – Director/Choreographer
  • David Korins – Set Designer
  • Linda Cho – Costume Designer
  • Kenneth Posner – Lighting Designer
  • John Shivers – Sound Designer
  • Adam Biscow – Laser Effects Designer
  • Chris Fenwick – Music Supervisor
  • Bryson Baumgartel – Music Director
  • Doug Besterman – Music Producer
  • David Eggers – Associate Director/Choreographer
  • Max Grossman – Associate Music Director
  • Stephanie Klapper, CSA – Casting Director
  • Brandon T. Holmes – Stage Manager
  • Rachel Kaplow – Assistant Stage Manager
  • Andrea L. Shell – Assistant Stage Manager
  • Madison Stone – Assistant Stage Manager
  • SHO Productions/ Shoshana Kovac Parets – Producer

TICKETS
Tickets begin at $37.00. Prices vary based on seating location and performance day. Previews take place on Sept. 20, Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 with opening night taking place on Sept. 25.  Beginning Sept. 27, regular 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 Oct. 8 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., Sept. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Tue., Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights!
Thu., Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Wine Pairing Dinner
Wine Pairing Dinner from 6-7 p.m.
Performance at 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 26 at 6 p.m.
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Thu., Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.
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Sat., Oct. 11 at 6 p.m.
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Wed., Oct. 15 at 6 p.m.

Join us for an evening where storytelling meets fine wine. Enjoy a curated wine tasting experience where we pair four delicious courses that complement every sip. Mingle with fellow theatre lovers, indulge your palate, and enjoy community and connection. It’s a celebration of everything we love—exceptional performances, exquisite wines, delicious food, and memorable moments. Cheers to a night to remember!

Cost is $75 per person, per event, which includes the wine tasting and dinner and doesn’t include tickets to the play (sold separately). Reservation required 10 days prior to the event.

Art Talks
(Formerly Meet the Artists), stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
Sun., Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.
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Thu., Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
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Wed., Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
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Pay What You Can
Wed., Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. (Tickets available for purchase at 11 a.m.)

Pay What You Can performances are an additional way we try to make live theatre accessible to those who otherwise might not be able to attend our shows. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 513-421-3888 or in person beginning at noon, day of the performance only. Tickets are subject to availability.

Audio-Described Performance
Sat., Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.
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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.

Signed ASL Performance
Sun., Oct. 12 at 2 p.m.
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Each Rouse Theatre production offers one signed ASL performance during the show’s run.

College Night
Thu., Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m.
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Join other students who love theatre at College Night and enjoy an exclusive post-show gathering with an artist from the show. College students can purchase advance tickets for just $15 and stay after the performance for a curated discussion with one of the artists — and free pizza! Student ID required.

Solo Night
Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
Meet-up from 6–7 p.m. is $10 with show ticket
Performance at 7:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets

Attend the theatre solo, but not alone! Join us for our SOLO NIGHT. It’s a meet-up with others who share a love of theatre but may not always know someone with the same interests to come along. Enjoy HALF-PRICE on your single seat to the show on Friday, Oct 17, and join us from 6–7 p.m. in the Kaplan Lobby for a pre-show reception with other solos that includes drink specials and light snacks. Come as strangers, leave as friends!

If you are a season ticket holder or already purchased a ticket to attend alone, consider exchanging to join the preshow meet-up. Call the Box Office at 513-421-3888 to exchange your date and reserve your spot.

Pride Tea Dance
Sun., Oct. 19
Learn More

Join us for the Pride Tea Dance! Socialize with friends and allies to celebrate the run of Mythic around the final performance of this pop-rock musical.

  • 1 p.m. | Reception with appetizers and open bar
  • 2 p.m. | Matinee performance of Mythic
  • 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.| Pride Tea Dance in the lobby

Participate at the level of your choice:

  • $250 Host Donation, includes tickets to the performance, both parties and other exclusive benefits
  • $50 for both the pre-show reception and Tea Dance (ticket to the performance sold separately)
  • Free or $10 optional donation for the Tea Dance only (ticket to the performance sold separately)

ADVISORY
MYTHIC is recommended for ages 11 and up. In this fresh retelling of the myth of Persephone and Demeter, Mount Olympus is likened to Hollywood, so the characters behave as such, using some adult language, making suggestive innuendos and partying.

SPONSORS
Presented by MC and Tom Brennan and The David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Production Sponsor is Barbara M. Weyand. Honorary Producers are Barbara and Irwin Weinberg. Design Sponsors are Linda and Gary Greenberg. Principal Artist Sponsors are Jenny and David Powell and eat well celebrations & feasts. Artist Sponsors are Madeleine H. Gordon and PRIDE. Artist Sponsor-Kathleen Marshall is Karlee L. Hilliard. The 2025-2026 Season is sponsored by the Schueler Group. Season Design Sponsor is Kerry Automotive, and Season Sponsors of New Work are Nancy and Mark Dawes.

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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