The Human Race Theatre Company turns up the heat with this spring’s production of HAY FEVER. Too many guests and bad hosts turn a quiet weekend at the Bliss family’s country retreat into delicious, theatrical chaos.
Judith Bliss (Teri Clark Linden), a retired actress, and her husband David Bliss (James Walker), head to the country for a relaxing weekend, joined by their children Simon (Char Adams) and Sorel (Skye Hodgkin). Unbeknownst to each other, every family member also invites an unsuspecting guest for the weekend (Jared Joplin, Kieran Cronin, and Evelyn Vordriede), stretching the limited abilities of dresser-turned-housekeeper Clara (Jennifer Joplin). The Bliss family does not intend to be rude. They’re just too busy performing for themselves. And that sharp witted rudeness elevates to an art form.
“Although Coward’s play premiered over 100 years ago, this razor-sharp comedy feels surprisingly modern,” notes Artistic Director Emily N. Wells. “In the same tone of Dan Levy’s hit series SCHITT’s CREEK, Coward finds humor and edge in the disappearance of courtesy and etiquette.”
Returning to The Human Race to direct, founding artist Robert Hetherington gathers a dynamic creative team with Joseph Tilford, scenic design; Kelsey Gallagher, lighting design; Erin Eva Butcher, costume design; Annabell Mallard, sound design; emily c. porter, sound advisor; Sarah Gomes, props design; Isabella Myers, stage manager, and Phoenix Perry, assistant stage manager.
HAY FEVER will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, April 8-19, 2026. Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at
www.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, April 7, 2026 7:30pm – Final Dress Rehearsal to support Brunner Literacy Center
- Inside Track Thursday, April 9, 2026 6:45 pm – Pre-show Discussion
- While We’re On The Subject Sunday, April 12, 2026 2 pm – Post Show Discussion
- $10/Sawbuck Sunday Sunday, April 12, 2026 7:30 pm – $10 tix starting at 6:00 pm
- Parent’s Day Out Sunday, April 19, 2026 2 pm – Kids Activities (5-12yo)
- While We’re On The Subject Sunday, April 19, 2026 2 pm – Post Show Discussion
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. 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, Charles D. Berry 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 Dayton Foundation, Oakwood Rotary.
###
The Human Race Theatre Company turns up the heat with this spring’s production of HAY FEVER. Too many guests and bad hosts turn a quiet weekend at the Bliss family’s country retreat into delicious, theatrical chaos.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 