Category Archives: Season Announcements

July 8, 2025 · 6:07 pm

Mutual Dance Theatre Announces 2025–2026 Season

Embrace: A Season of Connection

CINCINNATI, OH — Mutual Dance Theatre (formerly known as Contemporary Dance Theater and MamLuft&Co. Dance until their merger in fall of 2021) announces its 2025–2026 season, Embrace: A Season of Connection. The four productions bring nationally- and internationally-recognized Modern and Contemporary Dance to Cincinnati, including performances by guest companies, as well as commissions of numerous choreographers who will create work on the company’s local artists.

Running from October 3, 2025 to May 2, 2026, the season’s theme points to our undeniable connections, in all their complexity and power. Mutual Dance Theatre’s resident company and two guest companies (who are presented in our Jefferson James Contemporary Dance Theater Series) will examine connection in some of its many forms: the reciprocal reliance of bodies in choreography, the deep resonance of shared stories, and the collective experience of live performance.

“Embrace is more than a season theme: it’s an invitation,” says Jeanne Mam-Luft, Mutual Dance Theatre’s Artistic and Executive Director. “We want audiences to feel the deep, human connections that contemporary dance can reveal and to experience the rich perspectives we uniquely bring to Cincinnati.”

Highlights of the season and related community events include:

  • Two acclaimed guest companies, both of who will be making their first appearances in Cincinnati: the riveting Deeply Rooted Dance Theater of Chicago (October 3-4, 2025) and the sensationally popular Yue Yin Dance Company of New York City (February 20-21, 2026).
  • Two productions of world premieres performed by Mutual Dance Theatre’s highly talented resident company: the perennially-sold-out Up-Close (December 4-13, 2025) and the bold Modern Mix (May 1-2, 2026), featuring works by a Princess Grace Honoraria recipient, an artist voted “Best Choreographer” in Chicago by Chicago Reader, a former Phantom of the Opera touring cast member, and more.
  • Fascinating and approachable audience talk-backs.
  • Masterclasses and community classes that offer audiences chances to connect to each other and artists.

Season Details

All performances take place at 7:30pm at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, except for Up-Close, which takes place at Mutual Arts Center Hartwell.

Presenting Deeply Rooted Dance Theater of Chicago: October 3-4, 2025

Richly dramatic, riveting, and culturally resonant.

Hailed as a “major force” in Chicago dance, and described as richly dramatic, riveting, and culturally resonant, Deeply Rooted’s large company commands the stage.

Mutual Dance Theatre in Up-Close ’25: December 4-13, 2025

Sold-out every year, a fourth-wall-breaking experience.

Unlike any other show in the season. World premieres: Breath, Flesh, and Bone / A Manual for Lovers at the end of the world (by Crystal Michelle, a Princess Grace Honoraria recipient) and Look Thrice (by Hannah Williamson, known for crafting mysterious journeys).

Presenting Yue Yin Dance Company of New York: February 20-21, 2026

A sensation, mesmerizing and “goosebump-inducing.”

Speak with any young dance artist today, and they will recognize Yue Yin immediately. YYDC is a sensation capturing the attention of over 80,000 fans across the globe. Described as “gasp-provoking,” “modern dance of the highest quality,” and “goosebump-inducing.”

Mutual Dance Theatre in Modern Mix ’26: May 1-2 2026

A tour-de-force and spectrum of invigorating voices.

A tour-de-force of curated talent with world premieres by: Joshua Ishmon (Chicago, “Best Choreographer” Chicago Reader), Shane Ohmer (Philadelphia, Les Grands Ballet Canadiens, Phantom of the Opera, and more), and Nat Wilson (New York, YYD, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance, ZviDance, Visceral, and more).

Season Subscriptions

This year’s lineup features nationally-acclaimed guest companies from across the country alongside the bold artistry of Mutual Dance Theatre, the resident company; our season subscriptions offer audiences an amazing package deal and first dibs at premium seating:

  • Starting at just $100 for a 3-show package.
  • Audiences can save time and money while also supporting the non-profit arts organization.
  • Subscribers secure the best seats, including the new Director’s Choice Seats, hand-picked by Artistic Director Jeanne Mam-Luft.
  • An add-on offers first access to Up-Close, which features very limited seating and sells out each year.

Season subscriptions are available now at: mutualdance.org/subscription or at the Aronoff Center box office at (513) 621-ARTS or 650 Walnut Street.

For the full schedule and more details, visit: mutualdance.org/performances.

Mutual Dance Theatre and Arts Centers’ work is made possible by: the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding; an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council, a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically; and individual donors.

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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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July 1, 2025 · 5:05 pm

2026 Summer Season Announced at The Carnegie

The Carnegie is excited to reveal the sensational lineup of hit musicals coming to our stage next summer

Kicking off the season is the first regional production of the recent Broadway phenomenon DEAR EVAN HANSEN — a deeply moving story about the power of connection in an increasingly digital world.

MURDER FOR TWO is a zany musical whodunit featuring two actors, one piano, and more than a dozen outrageous characters. It’s a clever, madcap homage to classic murder mysteries.

Glamor takes center stage in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, the groundbreaking musical comedy bursting with heart, high heels, and show-stopping song and dance. Set in a dazzling drag nightclub, it’s a story of love, family, and fierce acceptance.

Tickets for our 2026 summer series go on sale this August — don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic!

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June 30, 2025 · 5:38 pm

Falcon Theatre Announces 2025-2026 Season

Women will take center stage in an exciting season of regional premiers at Falcon Theatre this coming season.  We have 5 shows all new to the Greater Cincinnati area…several getting their first US production…lined up for this year.  So without any further ado…here it is…our long awaited season for 2025-26 (cue fanfare)!

THE SECRETARY
by Kyle John Schmidt

THE SECRETARY is an offbeat comedy about safety, love, and guns in a world that’s up in arms.​

Ruby runs a small-town gun company that aims to protect women by helping them protect themselves. With products like The Bridesmaid, The Babysitter and The Mallwalker, each of the company’s guns is named after a woman who used a gun and saved a life–more often than not, her own. When an elderly secretary at the local high school confronts a threat in her office with six bullets, Ruby responds by naming her latest gun after the reluctant hero: “The Secretary.” But as production begins on The Secretary, guns start going off all around town–and no one’s pulling the trigger…but sales are through the roof!

Performance Dates: September 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, October 2, 3, and 4, 2025

LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS
by Sam Steiner

The average person will speak 123,205,750 words in a lifetime. But what if there were a limit? Oliver and Bernadette are about to find out.

LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS imagines a world where we’re forced to say less. It’s about what we say and how we say it; about the things we can only hear in the silence; about dead cats, activism, eye contact and lemons, lemons, lemons, lemons, lemons.  This play subtly confronts censorship by bringing us into the home of one couple confronted with extreme limits.

Sam Steiner’s play premiered at Warwick Arts Centre in 2015 and won three Judges’ Awards at the National Student Drama Festival, before appearing at Latitude Festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Camden People’s Theatre, London.

Performance Dates: November 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 22, 21, and 22, 2025

A GIRL IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM (WALKS INTO A BAR)
by Lulu Raczka

It’s the future. But only slightly. There are blackouts. No one knows what’s causing them, but that doesn’t stop people going missing in them.

Schoolgirl Steph walks into the seedy, empty bar where Bell works. Bell is dressed with everything short and low, and there are no longer any regulars at her bar. Whatever has happened to create this dystopian world remains a mystery, but we learn that there are frequent blackouts, people regularly go missing and women are being killed.

Steph is looking for her friend Charlotte, a girl who also at some point walked into Bell’s bar but then went missing. The relationship between Bell and Charlotte is unclear, as her conversations with Steph shift between truth, lies and fantasy. In this tense atmosphere, where there is a sense of growing fear, the play ” forces the audience to turn detective not just to track down the elusive Charlotte but also to find meaning itself” (The Guardian).

A GIRL IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM (WALKS INTO A BAR) is the third play by award-winning playwright Lulu Raczka and was produced at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2017 and the New Diorama Theatre in 2018.

Performance Dates: January 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, February 5, 6, and 7, 2026

CROCODILE FEVER
by Meghan Tyler

Sisters, an abusive father, the IRA and yes, a crocodile.

Northern Ireland, 1989. A farmhouse window smashes, and rebellious Fianna Devlin crashes back into the life of her pious sister Alannah.

Together for the first time in years, when they’re forced to confront their tyrannical father’s hideous legacy, all hell breaks loose.

Fuelled by Taytos, gin, 80s tunes and a chainsaw, Meghan Tyler’s surreal Crocodile Fever is a grotesque black comedy celebrating sisterhood whilst reminding us that the pressure cooker of The Troubles is closer than we imagine.

Performance Dates: March 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28, 2026

THE APIARY
by Kate Douglas

“Critic’s Pick…A bright, strange and mesmerizing marvel” – The New York Times

It’s twenty-two years in the future, and honeybees are nearly extinct except for those kept alive inside of labs. Zora is overqualified for her new job at one of these labs, but she’s there because she loves bees—or what is left of them. Her stressed supervisor, Gwen, has learned to keep her head and budget down so her research doesn’t get discontinued. Zora, however, doesn’t mind spending her own time and money to try to rehabilitate the bee population. When an unfortunate incident leads to a boost in the bees’ numbers, Zora and her coworker Pilar have to decide just how far they’re willing to go to keep the population growing. An unsettling and sharp-witted cautionary tale, The Apiary warns that the key to protecting each other and the planet is right in front of us, if only we would listen. Performance Dates: May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2026

Single ticket and Flex Pass sales will be available online soon!  Watch our website and your email for more information about this fantastic season.

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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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