Keisha Kemper Steps in as Lead in Know Theatre's HARRY & THE THIEF, Beg. Tonight

Due to the sudden illness of featured actor Piper Davis, currently playing the role of "Harry" in Harry & The Thief, opening tonight at 8:00 PM, Know Theatre staff members were left searching last weekend for a talented local actor who could fill Piper's role for the Opening Weekend of performances while Piper recovers.

Know Theatre was fortunate to find Keisha Kemper, whose work ethic and natural talent made her an excellent choice to step into the role of Harry, and after an action-packed tech weekend, Keisha is ready to take the stage. Keisha has most recently been seen on Cincinnati stages during the 2014 Cincy Fringe, as well as appearing as Tituba in last year's The Crucible at UC-CCM.

Associate Artistic Director Tamara Winters says, "Piper has brought such a strong performance to the rehearsal process, and we all look forward to seeing her back in the role of Harry later in the run, when she's fully recovered. But we want our audience to know that Keisha brings a fantastic and very different take on the character. Keisha's performance fits in very well with this powerhouse cast; we believe the audience is in for a treat, no matter when they come to see this show."

Harry & the Thief is an epic summer blockbuster; a socially conscious riot of a play that mashes up Civil-War-era melodrama with an over-the-top action movie to tell a story full of adventure, social relevance, and answering the call of destiny. Audiences can catch this surprising, funny, and action-packed regional premiere from August 8-30 at Know Theatre.

Since 1997, Know Theatre has been dedicated to creating explosive and evocative live entertainment. We value a playful artistic community where artists can collaborate and grow.

Know Theatre's work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate member of the National New Play Network.

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Featured Performer in a Play - Top 3

1. Laurie Metcalf - Death of a Salesman

7.8% of votes

2. Alden Ehrenreich - Becky Shaw

5.8% of votes

3. June Squibb - Marjorie Prime

5.2% of votes

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