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THE THORN is Coming to the Aronoff Center in September

Performances are Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, September 22 at 1:00 PM.

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THE THORN is Coming to the Aronoff Center in September

The Thorn, a powerful and popular live theatrical event, seen live by over one million people, will bring performances spanning the Northeast and Midwest this fall. This follows a tour in the Spring of 2024, with over fifty performances across the country, including many sold out shows. The show will play the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall for two performances only – Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, September 22 at 1:00 PM.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, July 25 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.  Applicable services fees may apply. Prices are subject to change.

A VIP Package is available as an add-on to any ticket and includes a Q&A session before the show with select members of The Thorn’s cast and crew.

The Thorn offers audiences a unique theatrical experience in a show that has been hailed as “Cirque meets ‘The Passion’” thanks to its compelling mix of drama, music, dance, martial arts, aerial acrobatics, emotionally evocative performances, and timeless spiritual perspectives. The story spans from creation to the formation of the early church.

Author John Bolin created the show more than twenty-five years ago to convey the meaning of Christ’s sacrificial death to a group of young people who knew little about the story of Jesus’ suffering but were familiar with pain through their own practice of cutting and self-harm.

The show has evolved ever since, with the current live version returning to the original format featuring St. John, “the beloved disciple,” recalling his many amazing encounters with Jesus.

“It’s a story full of love, sacrifice, spiritual warfare, and redemption,” said Bolin.

MEET THE THORN CREATORS

The Thorn creator John Bolin says God called him: “to tell stories on the page, stage, and screen,” an assignment he has now completed with the film version of The Thorn. His books include novels (The Eden Project) and Christian growth guides (So Loved, The Two Doors of Heaven, and Life Unlimited).

John’s wife, Sarah Bolin helped create the show and is the Executive Producer, managing the show’s national touring troupes. When asked about why she tours and has participated in The Thorn for so long, Sarah said, “God asked us to trust him and open our hands, and he promised to make something beautiful happen.” Over the years, Sarah has been witness to seeing God move in tangible ways across audience and cast members alike.



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Off-Broadway Musical - Top 3
1. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - New World Stages
23.6% of votes
2. Mexodus - Minetta Lane Theatre
12% of votes
3. Bat Boy - City Center
8.7% of votes

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