Tag Archives: Human Race Theatre Company

May 11, 2026 · 4:51 pm

BRANFORD MARSALIS & DIANNE REEVES Celebrate John Coltrane | Sept. 10, 2026 | Aronoff Center

BRANFORD MARSALIS & DIANNE REEVES
Celebrate
JOHN COLTRANE 

September 10, 2026
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall 

Tickets on sale Friday, May 15 at 10:00 AM

[Cincinnati, OH]– September 2026 marks the centennial of John Coltrane’s birth. To honor the enduring legacy of one of jazz’s most transcendent voices, the Branford Marsalis Quartet and Dianne Reeves will release a tribute album which revisits Coltrane’s seminal 1963 collaboration with Johnny Hartman (coming in the Fall of 2026 on Blue Note Records) and embark on a worldwide tour. The iconic, Grammy Award-winning jazz artists will play the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall for one night only on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 7:30 PM. The much-anticipated concert is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association 2026-27 CAA PRESENTS! Season.

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 15 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For group sales (10 or more), call (513) 977-4155. Prices include all applicable fees and taxes and are subject to change.

Branford Marsalis Quartet
Saxophonist Branford Marsalis is one of the most influential and revered figures in contemporary music. The NEA Jazz Master, three-time Grammy Award winner, and Tony and Emmy Award-nominee is equally at home performing concertos with symphony orchestras and sitting in with members of the Grateful Dead, but the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet. After more than three decades of existence with minimal personnel changes, this celebrated ensemble is revered for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics. After receiving Grammy nominations on its last two albums, Upward Spiral and The Secret Between the Shadow and the Soul, the Quartet made its Blue Note Records debut in 2025 with the release of Belonging, a full album interpretation of Keith Jarrett’s 1974 ECM album of the same name.

Dianne Reeves
Five-time Grammy-winner Dianne Reeves is the world’s pre-eminent jazz vocalist. As a result of her virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B stylings, Reeves received the Grammy for “Best Jazz Vocal Performance” for three consecutive recordings — a Grammy first in any vocal category. Reeves was featured in George Clooney’s award-winning film Goodnight, and Good Luck, for which she received a Grammy. Her most recent release, Beautiful Life, features Gregory Porter, Robert Glasper, Lalah Hathaway, and Esperanza Spalding. Produced by Terri Lyne Carrington, Beautiful Life also won a Grammy. Reeves has received honorary doctorates from DePaul University, the Berklee College of Music, and The Juilliard School, and like Branford, she was designated a Jazz Master by The National Endowment for the Arts — the highest honor the United States bestows on jazz artists. Apart from a duo recording with Romero Lubambo slated for early 2026, her collaboration with the Branford Marsalis Quartet will be Reeves’ first album in twelve years.

Cincinnati Arts Association SPONSORS

The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

Season Sponsors:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), MIAMI UNIVERSITY, ARTSWAVE, LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, TRIHEALTH

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, altafiber, Bahl & Gaynor, Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Fairfield Inn & Suites Cincinnati Uptown/University Area, Harlan Graphics, Heidelberg Distributing, Kinley Cincinnati, Pepsi

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                Branford Marsalis & Dianne Reeves Celebrate John Coltrane
WHEN:                Thursday, September 10, 2026 – 7:30 PM

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

PRICE:                 Ticket prices start at $52.75, inclusive of all fees.

INFO:                 September 2026 marks the centennial of John Coltrane’s birth. To honor the enduring legacy of one of jazz’s most transcendent voices, the Branford Marsalis Quartet and Dianne Reeves will release a tribute album which revisits Coltrane’s seminal 1963 collaboration with Johnny Hartman (coming in the Fall of 2026 on Blue Note Records) and embark on a worldwide tour with a much-anticipated stop in Cincinnati. 

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale Friday, May 15 at 10:00 AM

  • www.CincinnatiArts.org
  • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]
  • Aronoff Center Ticket Office
  • Group sales (10 or more): (513) 977-4155

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May 11, 2026 · 4:49 pm

Cast Announced for Human Race Theatre’s HOT WING KING

SIZZLE INTO SUMMER: FULL CAST & CREATIVE TEAM ANNOUNCED
KATORI HALL’s Pulitzer Prize–winning THE HOT WING KING • JUNE 3–14, 2026
 

Sizzle into summer with The Human Race Theatre Company’s production of THE HOT WING KING—Katori Hall’s Pulitzer Prize–winning, laugh-out-loud comedy with heart. As the final production in The Human Race’s 40th anniversary season, this modern family dramedy brings big flavor, bigger stakes, and a whole lot of love to The Loft Theatre.

It’s time for Memphis, Tennessee’s annual “Hot Wang Festival,” and Cordell Crutchfield is determined to take the crown. With his partner Dwayne and their tight-knit culinary crew (The New Wing Order) at his side, Cordell is seasoning, saucing, and frying his way toward victory. But when Dwayne takes in his troubled nephew E.J., the competition at home turns as heated as the oil—and Cordell realizes a trophy isn’t the only thing he could lose.

“There is something healing about laughing in the same room with your neighbors. THE HOT WING KING brings joy but it also brings real tenderness,” said Emily N. Wells, Artistic Director. “Katori’s gem of a play celebrates chosen family – the people who show up for us, feed us, challenge us, and love us anyway.”

A special community conversation with the director, Darnell Pierre Benjamin, Artistic Director Emily N. Wells, and Dayton Metro Library Community Impact Specialist Jordan Ostrum, and Human Race Engagement and Learning Coordinator Tiffany Countryman will be held on May 21, 2026 from 5-7pm at the Main Library. 

Creative team: Making their directing debut at The Human Race, Darnell Pierre Benjamin leads the production with Tamara L. Honesty (scenic design), Mike Gaynor (lighting design), Kelsey Gallagher (lighting design advisor), Darryl Harris (costume design), Derek Graham (sound design), Sarah Gomes (props design), Isabella Myers (stage manager), and Ana Sofia Gomez (assistant stage manager). 

Cast: Resident artists Andrew Ian Adams (Cordell Crutchfield) and Rico Romalus Parker (T.J.) are joined by Eustace J. Williams (Dwayne), R. DeAndré Smith (Big Charles), Je’Shaun Jackson (Isom), and Wright State University student Rogerick Fields (E.J.). 

THE HOT WING KING plays in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, June 3–14, 2026. Tickets are on sale now 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: two sections of $20 seats are available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats are released 60 minutes before each performance (subject to availability).

Special Nights at The Loft (details subject to change):

  • Pay What You Can: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 7:30pm – Final Dress Rehearsal to support PFLAG Dayton & The Foodbank
  • Inside Track: Thursday, June 4, 2026, 6:45pm – Pre-show Discussion
  • While We’re On The Subject: Sunday, June 7, 2026, 2pm – Post Show Discussion
  • $10 Sawbuck Sunday: Sunday, June 7, 2026, 7:30pm – $10 tickets starting at 6:00pm
  • Parent’s Day Out: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 2pm – Kids Activities (5–12yo)
  • While We’re On The Subject: Sunday, June 14, 2026, 2pm – 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.

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April 29, 2026 · 5:00 pm

Human Race Theatre Announces 2026-2027 Season

THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2026-27 SEASON

The 2026-2027 Season at The Human Race Theatre Company offers a thrilling and electric journey.  Connected by themes of perception and reality, these five productions will encourage our audience to think about our discernment of truth. Who or what decides what the truth is? And how do we see clearly when our experiences or opinions cloud our judgement?

“In planning for this season, we knew that a big question would be on the table again,” notes artistic director Emily N. Wells. “While at the same time, we want to offer our fans an enticing, entertaining night out with shows that will linger with them after they leave.”

From bold contemporary works to a beloved classic, these five productions invite audiences on an imaginative and unforgettable journey: challenging perception, illuminating truth, and asking us to see the world more clearly.

The women of Salem, Massachusetts unite against their accuser in a bold new dark comedy, Salem: Blood to Drink by Maggie Lou Rader.

Reindeer Sessions by Eric Ulloa returns to where it began on the Loft Stage for December, where Blitzen meets his match in therapy.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare takes this romantic classic to the beach.

Shayan Lotfi’s What Became of Us tells the poetic and theatrical story of two siblings separated by culture and identity.

A topical, psychological thriller closes the season with Job by Max Wolf Friedlich

Subscriptions come in many sizes, are suited to any budget, and offer the best value with the most flexibility including our new Generation HRTC rate for ages 20-40! Can’t commit? Choose a 3-Show package or our membership program instead. By popular demand, a Parents Day Out Series is available at no additional charge. Military and student discounts available. Student group performances are scheduled for Midsummer. Renewals will begin at the start of May and new subscriptions are available at any time. All tickets are available through Dayton Live Box Office at 937-228-3630 or https://www.daytonlive.org/series/loft-season/.

The Human Race Theatre Company
2026-2027 Loft Season

SALEM: Blood To Drink
By Maggie Lou Rader*
October 14 –25, 2026
*Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award Winner.

In this modern dark comedy about the ever present “why” behind America’s most famous witch hunt, Elizabeth Proctor finds herself on the wrong side of witchcraft accusations alongside Sarah Good, Bridget Bishop, and Ann Foster in Salem, 1692. They confront their faith, fears, and just how much society has suddenly forced them to have in common. Nothing brings people together like a common enemy, but when their enemy is placed directly in the middle of their cell, the rules of society that say women are subservient are quickly abandoned.

Recommended if you liked: A Distinct Society, Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B; Lizzie

Reindeer Sessions
By Eric Ulloa
Director Igor Goldin
December 9 – 20, 2026

After a fight that left history’s most famous reindeer with a broken red nose, Blitzen is forced into a series of Anger Management therapy sessions by Kringle Enterprises. Tasked with finding the cause of this violent outburst, his therapist Dr. Arbor hopes to help him understand what led to this moment and if he can save his job on the reindeer squad. Instead, she hears what really happened on that foggy Christmas Eve. You won’t look at The North Pole the same way again in this hilarious and unexpected ride! Returning to reprise their world premiere roles: Teri Clark Linden and Rico Romalus Parker.

Recommended if you liked Reindeer Sessions, Who’s Holiday, A Frosty Night

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By William Shakespeare
Director Emily N. Wells
February 3 – 14, 2027

Four impetuous young lovers flee into the magical moonlit night through the dunes and on the sand in true “beach blanket” fashion. Not to be outdone, the fairy Puck plays tricks to amuse the other denizens of the misty coastline yet makes sure that everything turns out right in the end.  Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy sparkles with vivacious imagination in this fresh adaptation. Student group performances available.

Recommended if you liked This is Tom Jones!; Shakespeare’s Comedies

What Became of Us
By Shayan Lotfi
April 7 – 18, 2027 – Regional Premiere

Siblings Q and Z reflect on their childhood, their family’s immigration journey, and the complex realities of growing up between two cultures. Through fragmented memories, the play explores how identity, sacrifice, and personal choices shape their diverging paths and strain the siblings’ relationship over time. Ultimately, it is an in-depth examination of family, belonging, and the emotional cost of becoming who we are.

Recommended if you liked A Distinct Society

Job
By Max Wolf Friedlich
Director Emily N. Wells
June 2 – 13, 2027 – Regional Premiere

Unsettled by her job as a content screener for a big tech company, Jane seeks therapy to cope with the horrors she witnesses. The line between her work and her reality distorts in this taught and timely thriller. New York Times Critic Pick.

Recommended if you liked Barbecue; A Distinct Society

The Human Race Theatre Company thanks all the individuals and organizations that supported our 25-26 40th Anniversary Season and continue to help make these upcoming productions possible.

To sponsor a program or production, please contact Kappy Kilburn, Executive Director.

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April 29, 2026 · 4:59 pm

THE HOT WING KING at Human Race Theatre Company Runs June 3-14

THE HOT WING KING
Human Race Theatre Company
June 3-14
Loft Theatre [Dayton]

Directed by Darnell Pierre Benjamin

It’s time for the annual “Hot Wang Festival” in Memphis Tennessee, and Cordell Crutchfield knows he has the wings that’ll make him king. Supported by his beau Dwayne and their culinary clique, The New Wing Order, Cordell is marinating and firing up his frying pan in a bid to reclaim the crispy crown. When Dwayne takes in his troubled nephew, however, it becomes a recipe for disaster. Suddenly a first-place trophy isn’t the only thing Cordell risks losing.

  • Pay What You Can Preview Tue, June 2 at 7:30pm
  • Wed-Sat, June 3-6 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, June 7 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Tue-Sat, June 9-13 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, June 14 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook events |

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March 16, 2026 · 4:49 pm

The Human Race Theatre Company Announces Camp DNA (Developing New Artists) Summer Program

A Three-Week Immersive Theatre Experience for Rising High School Students

Dayton, OH — The Human Race Theatre Company is excited to announce Camp DNA (Developing New Artists), a dynamic three-week, full-day summer theatre experience designed to inspire, educate, and empower high school students passionate about theatre arts. This immersive program will take place July 6–24, 2026, at The Human Race Theatre Company, 126 N. Main Street, 3rd Floor, Dayton, Ohio.

Open to rising 9th–12th grade scholars, Camp DNA offers participants a hands-on opportunity to train alongside professional resident artists and theatre staff, develop real artistic skills, and build creative confidence in a collaborative summer environment.

“We believe in creating an environment where young artists don’t just learn about theatre — they live it,” said Tiffany Countryman, Engagement & Learning Manager for The Human Race Theatre Company. “Camp DNA empowers participants to grow in creativity and confidence while strengthening team-building abilities and critical problem-solving skills through immersive artistic experiences.”

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Camp DNA participants will:

  • Train with professional theatre artists and educators

  • Choose a specialty track, including:

    • Acting

    • Playwriting & Directing

    • Stage Management & Producing

    • Technical Theatre (lighting, sound, backstage fundamentals)

  • Develop practical skills in performance, production, and storytelling

  • Collaborate with peers in an inclusive and creative environment

  • Present a student-led showcase production at the end of the session

The program runs Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM, offering a full-day arts-education experience rooted in professional practice and creative expression.

REGISTRATION & SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

  • Program Dates: July 6–24, 2026

  • Open To: Rising 9th–12th grade students

  • Location: The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton, OH

  • Cost: $525 total (equates to $175 per week)

Multi-student discounts are available for families registering more than one participant. In addition, payment plans and a limited number of camp scholarships are offered to help make Camp DNA accessible to every interested student. Scholarship applications are available via an online form, and applicants are encouraged to apply early.

To register or learn more about Camp DNA, visit the official event page:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/campdna/event/campdna/

ABOUT THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY
The Human Race Theatre Company is a nationally recognized professional theatre organization based in Dayton, Ohio, committed to artistic excellence, creative education, and expanding access to the performing arts. Through programs like Camp DNA, community engagement initiatives, and mainstage productions, the company cultivates meaningful experiences that empower artists and audiences alike.

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