Tag Archives: Cincinnati Music Theatre

Cast Announced for THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Cincinnati Music Theatre

CAST

  • CHIP TOLENTINO — Dylan Perez
  • OLIVE OSTROVSKY — Reilly Jane Grace
  • LOGAN SCHWARTZANDGRUBENIERE – Gabi Homonoff
  • WILLIAM BARFEE — Nathan Turner
  • LEAF CONEYBEAR — Morgan Scharold
  • MARCY PARK — London Brinkman
  • MITCH MAHONEY — Willie Lavelle Thompson
  • DOUGLAS PANCH — Trey Finkenstead
  • RONA LISA PERETTI — Erica Mann

Director: JOEY SCHNELL
Music Director: DARIN ART
Choreographer: KAREN HENDERSHOT
Producer: J. MICHAEL DURNIL

PERFORMANCE DATES: March 20-28, 2026

PERFORMANCE LOCATION: Aronoff Center for the Arts, Fifth Third Theater, Cincinnati, OH

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box. Music & Lyrics by William Finn, Book by Rachel Sheinkin, Conceived by Rebecca Feldman.

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Cast Announced for RENT at Cincinnati Music Theatre

No day but today! Cincinnati Music Theatre is excited to announce the cast bringing the East Village to life in our MainStage production of RENT.

  • ROGER DAVIS — Tommy Wessendarp
  • MARK COHEN — Jonathan Cody White
  • TOM COLLINS — Roger Dumas, Jr.
  • BENJAMIN COFFIN III — Greg Shaffer
  • JOANNE JEFFERSON — Maika Miller
  • ANGEL SCHUNARD — Roman Harris-Richardson
  • MIMI MARQUEZ — Alyssa Margarian
  • MAUREEN JOHNSON — Dakara Cooper

ENSEMBLE

  • Joey Domhoff
  • Aimée Ward
  • Rob Workley
  • Caitlyn Thiel
  • Austin Hoard
  • Chantel Allen
  • Bex Langendorfer
  • Alexa Massey
  • Tex Johnson
  • Kait White Ross
  • Jeff Weinkam
  • Julia Bowen
  • Grant Zentmeyer
  • Molly Bowen
  • Caitlin Fry
  • Michelle Shaffer
  • Baylie Mitchell
  • Tosha Love
  • Bethany Brown
  • Chelsey Ross
  • Molly Sexton

Director: McLean Parr
Producer: Brett Parr
Music Director: Josh Toth
Vocal Director: Lena Andrews

Based on Puccini’s beloved opera La Bohème, Rent follows the ups and downs of a year in the life of a group of impoverished, artistic friends living in Manhattan’s East Village. Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical will move audiences with the iconic chords of “Seasons of Love,” “I’ll Cover You,” and the thrilling, soaring score that is RENT!

RENT runs May 8th – May 16th in the Jarson-Kaplan Theater at the Aronoff Center for the Arts!

Tickets are on sale NOW at www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/cmt-rent

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The Passing of Kyle Fisher

From Tribute Funeral Homes

Kyle Evan Fisher
August 3, 1985 — November 8, 2025
Cincinnati, Ohio

Kyle Evan Fisher, age 40, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away while living out one of his passions and heading to the finish line of his second marathon on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Indianapolis, IN.

Born on August 3, 1985, in Middleburg Heights, OH, Kyle was the beloved son of Don and Jan (Wardzala) Fisher.

Kyle will be forever loved and deeply missed by his parents; his sister and best friend, Jamie Fisher; and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends whose lives he touched in unforgettable ways.

Kyle had a remarkable gift for bringing joy to everyone around him. His positive outlook, genuine kindness, and infectious laughter made people feel seen, valued, and loved. He had a way of lighting up every room he entered and leaving it brighter than before. To know Kyle was to be inspired by his warmth, humor, and zest for life.

A proud graduate of Piqua High School, Kyle was deeply involved in soccer and show choir – passions that would continue to shape his life. His talent for choreography and his love of performance brought happiness to so many, from students to community theater audiences alike.

Kyle went on to attend Bowling Green State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. His education led to a successful career with Fifth Third Bank, where his leadership, dedication, and compassion for others shone through in all that he did.

Outside of work, Kyle’s energy and creativity knew no bounds. He was a proud member of the Cincinnati East Side Running Group (CERG) and an active participant in several community theaters, including Footlighters and Cincinnati Musical Theater. Whether he was on stage, behind the scenes, or cheering from the audience, Kyle’s enthusiasm was contagious.

He found joy in the simple things; home remodeling projects, running, boating, spending time at Lake Erie with his family, or visiting his sister in Maine. His family meant everything to him, and the love they shared was truly extraordinary. Above all, Kyle adored his beloved dog, Burnadette “Burnie”, who brought endless love and companionship to his life.

Kyle’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, laughter, and generosity. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Kyle’s Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting http://www.tributefuneralhomes.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kyle Evan Fisher, please visit our flower store.

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Auditions Announced for THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Cincinnati Music Theatre

CMT invites you to audition for the 2025- 2026 Studio Series production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. This is a musical comedy with music and lyrics by William Finn, with a book written by Rachel Sheinkin, created by Rebecca Feldman with additional material by Jay Reiss. .

The show centers on a fictional spelling bee set in a geographically ambiguous Putnam Valley Middle School, some students being from various elementary schools. These six quirky adolescents compete in the Bee, run by three equally quirky grown-ups. Originally produced in 2005, it has enjoyed success in touring and international productions, and is currently being mounted Off-Broadway.

This production staff is committed to bringing together a diverse group of people. We encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, body types, and ages (18+) to audition.

Seeking (4-5) Male Presenting and (4-5) Female Presenting actors who sing well with comedic improvisational skills and can move well.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

  • Director: JOEY SCHNELL
  • Music & Vocal Director: DARIN ART
  • Choreographer: KAREN HENDERSHOT
  • Producer: JOHN MICHAEL DURNIL

AUDITIONS

  • Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM
    *Invited Callbacks: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 7:00PM

AUDITION LOCATION:
Clifton United Methodist Church – 3416 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220

PERFORMANCE DATES: March 20-28, 2026

PERFORMANCE LOCATION:
Aronoff Center for the Arts, Fifth Third Theatre
Cincinnati, OH

Click here for SPELLING BEE Audition Information & Sign-Ups

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A CHRISTMAS STORY: The Musical Runs Nov. 14-22

A CHRISTMAS STORY: The Musical
Cincinnati Music Theatre
Nov. 14-22
Aronoff Center Jarson-Kaplan Theatre [Downtown]

Directed & produced by Cody Hendershot
Music Directed by Michael Spresser
Choreographed by Karen Hendershot

Official cast list |

Follow Ralphie Parker on his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts – the Red Ryder Carbine-Action BB Gun! Featuring all the beloved moments from the classic holiday film and a delightful score from Pasek & Paul (The Greatest ShowmanDear Evan Hansen), this musical is the perfect yuletide gift to unwrap with your loved ones!

  • Fri-Sat at Nov. 14-15 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 16 at 2pm
  • Wed-Fri, Nov. 19-21 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 22 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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