Jill Siekman

Waiting for the lights to dim, I heard a few mumbles of "there's a lot of bad language in this show," "does it bother you?" and even "I've heard some people walk out!" If the standing ovation as bows had barely begun at the end of the show were any indication, not many, if any, walked out and everyone loved the show.

When Michael Morpurgo heard Broadway producers were turning his children's book War Horse into a staged play, he said "They must be mad." It was an ambitious concept indeed, but one that has resulted in a beautiful, compelling piece of theater.

Mamet's legal drama pushes limits as it challenges cultural perceptions, April 4 - 21, 2013

Despite Tony Award wins for its soaring score and riveting script in 1999, the theatrical telling of the Leo Frank story is one rarely produced, requiring a large and talented cast and recounting a real American tragedy many would rather forget. That will change this April.

If you've never had the chance to experience a Blue Man Group show, you have until Sunday, October 28th to do so before the Blue Men pack up their drums, PVC pipes, and marshmallows to head to the next town.

The critically acclaimed rock musical Next to Normal is hitting the stage at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati for a second run now through July 1st. And what's even better than a second run? That would be a second run with almost the same cast as the last run at ETC.

Take a break from the heat this summer and check out one of Cincinnati's summer theater options.

Andrew Jackson is currently presiding over the Know Theatre in a raucous, rocking musical now through May 12th. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson tells the story of Jackson's life, starting with his young life and continues through his bid for presidency and his subsequent controversial term. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson examines the attraction and terrors of American populism through the story of the man who invented the Democratic Party, doubled the size of our nation, and signed the Indian Removal Act that started the Trail of Tears.

What happens when the world feels like it's collapsing around you and you have no control? The characters in the new play, Collapse by Allison Moore, attempt to make some sense out of their serious issues, yet with a uniquely comedic twist.

The nominations are in and voting is open for the 2011 BWW: Cincinnati awards! Help us celebrate Cincinnati's amazing year by casting your vote for your favorite actor, show, theater and more! Voting closes December 31st and the winners will be announced after the new year. Good luck to all of the nominees!

'Wicked' has made its much-anticipated return to Cincinnati and it's as 'Ozmopolitan' as it was the last time it came to town. Recently named the 'best musical of the decade' by Entertainment Weekly, 'Wicked' tells the pre-story to the Wizard of Oz, before Dorothy 'dropped in.'

What happens when two people can't deal with their messed up lives? Gruesome Playground Injures. And things were gruesome for them, indeed.

The Aronoff Center for the Arts is currently enchanted with Disney's Beauty and the Beast, playing now through October 9th.

Following the success of our inaugural awards in other regions last year, nominations for the 2011 BWW: Cincinnati Awards are now open!

Following the success of our inaugural awards in other regions last year, nominations for the 2011 BWW: Columbus Awards are now open!

The Aronoff Center for the Arts is currently enchanted with Disney's Beauty and the Beast, playing now through October 9th.

A three-show series as the Cincinnati Pops 2010 season opener at Music Hall doesn't seem to be enough for Cincinnatians. Idina Menzel is returning Saturday, June 25th to open another Cincinnati Pops season, only this time it's the summer concert season at the Riverbend Music Center.

Now through April 24th, Shrek the Musical is playing at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati and it's an ogre-filled show fun for the whole family.

Now through May 7th, there's a big, scary dragon occupying the Know Theatre and he's quite the dictator. Know Theatre is once again pushing the boundaries and going further 'left of off Broadway' as their tag line states with their current production of The Dragon, a 1943 play by Russian playwright Eugene Schwartz. A modern day political fairytale, The Dragon tells the story of a small village oppressed by the beast in a way that they do not question the strict rules even though they're unhappy. Lancelot rides into town just in time to save the Dragon's young bride, Elsa from her marriage and impending death. But what happens after the dragon is slain? The same thing that happens after any dictator is gone: you have to continue to slay more dragons, only in different forms.

The Cincinnati Pops brings its signature sound outside of Music Hall for what is sure to be an explosive 2011 season at Riverbend Music Center, presented by the Pops Series Sponsor PNC. The Orchestra?s summer at Riverbend kicks off June 25 with Broadway superstar and vocal powerhouse Idina Menzel, who returns to the Tri-state after her blockbuster Pops debut in September. The Riverbend season continues with the family-friendly "Red, White & Boom" Independence Day celebration led by incoming Pops Conductor John Morris Russell (JMR) on July 4, the return of Movin' Out star Michael Cavanaugh performing a "Generations of Rock" show on July 23, and closes with the star-studded "Hallelujah Broadway" on August 6. "Hallelujah Broadway" has been featured recently on PBS, and is based on the simple premise that powerful songs can bring an audience to their feet, gladden their hearts and give them something to really feel good about. Tenor Rodrick Dixon, who recently performed in Music Hall as part of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra?s sold-out "Classical Roots: Lift Ev?ry Voice" concert, soprano Alfreda Burke, "Irish Tenors" star Anthony Kearns and the May Festival Summer Chorus join JMR and the Pops for an unforgettable summer evening.