Category Archives: Press Releases

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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August 10, 2026 · 6:10 pm

TCT Welcomes Bramble Elementary to JumpStart Theatre and Celebrates 2026 Showcase Schools

Covedale Elementary – 2026 JumpStart Program

Bramble Elementary Selected for Fully Funded JumpStart Theatre Program

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati also celebrates local schools that participated in the 2026 JumpStart Theatre Showcase

CINCINNATI – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is proud to announce that Bramble Elementary has been selected as the newest local school to participate in the JumpStart Theatre program beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), in collaboration with New York City-based companies iTheatrics and Music Theatre International, created JumpStart Theatre, a three-year scalable program designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs in underserved schools that previously had none.

Bramble Elementary was selected following an application and review process that included site visits and interviews with school administrators and the educators who will lead the program.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bramble Elementary to the JumpStart Theatre family,” said Kim Kern, President and CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. “This program gives educators the training, tools and ongoing support they need to create meaningful and self-sustaining theatre experiences for their students. We look forward to partnering with Bramble Elementary and watching their program grow over the next three years.”

Through JumpStart Theatre, Bramble Elementary will receive services and materials valued at $12,000, including professional training, mentoring and production support. Students will have opportunities to participate in many aspects of creating and presenting a musical theatre production, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Teams of three or more educators from each participating school take part in professional development boot camps throughout the year. Led by experienced teaching artists, the workshops provide training in areas of musical theatre production and are designed to empower school teams to develop programs they can continue independently.

Local Students Take the Stage at the JumpStart Theatre Showcase

TCT also recently celebrated the accomplishments of its participating JumpStart Theatre schools during the annual JumpStart Theatre Showcase, held April 14, 2026, at TCT’s Red Bank facility.

Students from Batavia Middle School, Covedale Elementary, Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students, Mt. Washington School and Shroder High School came together to perform, celebrate one another’s work and share what they had learned throughout the school year.

“The Showcase is always an inspiring reminder of what can happen when students are given the opportunity to express themselves through theatre,” said Angelo Cerniglia, TCT Education Director. “The confidence, creativity and teamwork they demonstrate are extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of the students and educators from each participating school.”

The annual Showcase brings JumpStart Theatre schools together in a supportive environment where students can perform for their peers and celebrate the progress of theatre programs throughout the region.

For more information about the JumpStart Theatre program or to make a gift, visit thechildrenstheatre.com/jumpstart-theatre-program/.

About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
At 107 years old, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is the nation’s oldest professional theatre for young audiences and the only professional theatre in the region devoted entirely to children. In 2025, TCT reopened the restored historic Emery Theater, now the most technologically advanced theater in the country and home to its MainStage productions. Through TCT MainStage, TCT on Tour, and TCT Academy, TCT educates, entertains, and inspires more than 100,000 children and families each year, awakening a lifelong love of theatre in the young and the young at heart. For more information, visit thechildrenstheatre.com.

About the Educational Theatre Foundation
The Educational Theatre Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association, whose shared vision is to build a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators and empathetic individuals through theatre. ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. Learn more at foundation.schooltheatre.org. 

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August 10, 2026 · 5:51 pm

2026 Fall Season Announced by Sinclair Theatre

Sinclair Theatre’s Fall 2026 Season 
 
Exit the King  
Written by Eugene Ionesco and translated by Donald Watson 
September 9 – 11 
Performance Schedule 
September 9 • 1 PM 
September 10 • 1 PM 
September 11 • 7 PM 
Performances in Sinclair’s Black Box Theatre 
Tickets are FREE 
Directed by Gina Neuerer 
This absurdist drama focuses on King Berenger, grappling with his mortality and letting go of his position and power. This dark and timeless tale comes at a key point in America’s own history. With the 250th anniversary of the nation now past, the many young and inspiring minds that represent the future of our country are asking: “What comes next?” Through this production we encourage everyone to get out and vote – let your voice be heard. 
 
Little Women 
Written by Kate Hamill, adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott 
October 9 – 17 
Performances in Sinclair’s Black Box Theatre 
All tickets $10 
Directed by Kimberly Borst 
A refreshing take of a literary classic!  Against the backdrop of the Civil War, the March sisters find themselves at the intersection of authenticity and the pressures they face to be accepted in a war-torn society. Get ready for a production tackling what it takes to grow up, facing a world defined by gender, classism, and personal tragedy. This modern take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic is fit to burst with humor, emotion, and soul. 
 
A Fairy Tale Christmas Carol 
Written by Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus 
December 10-13 
Performances in Blair Hall Theatre 
All tickets $10 
Directed by Gina Neuerer 
This rendition of Charles Dickens’s holiday tale will huff and puff and knock your socks off as Mother Goose tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, played by the Big Bad Wolf. Enjoy the lessons to be learned as the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future help Scrooge understand what a scoundrel he’s been to the Charming family as he learns what the Christmas spirit is all about in this fun-filled fairy tale adaptation, packed with all the warmth and joy of Dickens’s classic. 
 
Sinclair Theatre’s Spring 2027 Musical will be announced at a later date. 
 
Tickets can be purchased online (no at-the-door ticket sales) at www.sinclair.edu/tickets beginning August 10. 

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