CINCINNATI THEATER REVIEWS

Mythic is the latest in the line of musicals adapted from Greek mythology, and it is making its anticipated U.S. premiere right now. With the aim of getting this show to Broadway, this production went all out with its cast and creative team. Featuring a pop-rock score by Oran Eldor and Marcus Steven...

The catchy doo-wop and early rock n’ roll style of music alongside the fashion and other paraphernalia of the the 1950s give a nostalgic feeling for this classic show, but this production of Grease still has a necessary edge to make this show successful....

With outstanding performances by the two actresses, stunningly creative design choices fitting of the time and setting, and a superb live band to provide an authentic twang sound, The Carnegie adds another hit to their roster....

The Cincinnati Opera's current production of Fiddler on the Roof goes beyond all expectations. Between stunning performances, intentional direction, and unique design choices, the 2025 season closes triumphantly with a new take on this classic musical....

Nick Fradiani leads the First National Broadway Tour as Neil Diamond with an uncanny finesse, taking the audience through the heyday of his career. The show gives its audiences a newfound appreciation and perspective for fans across generations with incredible musical performances and a unique forma...

The first national Broadway tour of & Juliet exemplifies an unmatched energy that keeps its audiences invested, rivaling the NYC Broadway company in quality. Rachel Simone Webb is a supernova as Juliet Capulet....

The event on February 19th completely sold out The Andrew J Brady Music Center, filling the auditorium with adoring fans who have flocked to see their favorite dancers in person. At this performance, the tour succeeded in its display of stellar designs, dynamic talents, and a wide range of acts....

Life of Pi was originally a novel by Yann Martel released in 2001, where our main character Piscine Molitor 'Pi' Patel and his family leave India to immigrate to Canada. While on the journey, there’s a shipwreck leaving Pi alone on a lifeboat with only a dangerous Bengal tiger named Richard Parker...

The Carnegie and CCM bring together an exceptional cast and creative team to demonstrate a unique interpretation of Seussical, focusing heavily on the importance of imagination, storytelling, and unconventional thinking....

With its spectacular design elements and a talented, lively cast, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a great outing for any family looking to celebrate some holiday spirit, or really anyone who appreciates the classic story by Dr. Seuss....

Rutka is a new musical that adapts the diary entries of a young Jewish girl's final months before being killed in 1943 in the Auschwitz concentration camp. Featuring an original indie-rock musical score, Rutka finds the balance of telling a nuanced account of her adolescent experiences while growing...

Mamma Mia! is an absolute blast of a musical when it’s done right, and the current North American touring production goes above and beyond. Accepted as a classic with its charming story, energetic music using hit songs from the 70s disco band ABBA, and the energetic performances that fill the stag...

From the point of the titular ticking noise haunting the theatre at the beginning of the show, The Carnegie’s production of Tick, Tick… Boom! captivates the audience and lets them live vicariously through the characters’ joy, heartache, distress, and growth all in the span of 100 minutes....

The anticipation of The Carnegie’s production of The Rocky Horror Show has paid off with its exciting cast, creative designs, and taboo energy. Dusty Ray Bottoms of RuPaul’s Drag Race stars in the iconic role of Frank-N-Furter....

Though the script is very similar to the 1985 movie of the same name and features many of the same iconic lines and story elements, this adaptation of Clue is successful in its own right. Between a talented cast, surprising design elements, and direction that knew how to transport the story to the s...

The energy was high on opening night as the sold-out crowd cheered loudly from the house from the very first beat and light shift. With a newly refreshed cast, the current touring production of Six exudes extravagance, dedication, and plenty of impressive notes within each catchy tune....

Whether or not this is the first production someone has seen of The Book of Mormon, the talent holds up as the actors fully embrace their roles, while the remaining elements still perfectly fit the show's intent as it spreads its messages all over the country. Audiences lauded the funny shock value ...

This sold-out performance at the Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio was highly anticipated by local fans, and they voiced their elation over seeing their favorite dancers in person. The 2024 tour of Dancing with the Stars: Live! is an absolute joy for anyone who enjoys a huge spectacle and superb danc...

With the combination of great direction by Joe Bertucci and an excellent execution by the rest of the team, The Carnegie’s production of Hello, Dolly! is a fantastic example of how a Golden Age musical should be presented through a local company....

With stunning design elements, a highly professional cast, and an engaging plot, Beetlejuice is very worthy of its nearly sold-out run at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, OH....

A Magical Cirque Christmas came to Cincinnati, OH for a night of jaw-dropping spectacle, pure talent, and holiday cheer. With acts ranging from body-bending acrobats, daring endeavors, and awe-inspiring magic tricks, this tour truly goes above and beyond a mere holiday variety show. The goal of the ...

What did our critic think of GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY at Aronoff Center? Admittedly, I’m not a huge Bob Dylan fan. Not for any reasons like dislike, but generationally I was never really exposed to his music. So when I heard there was a new musical using his catalog, my expectations were tamp...

The team at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company knows how to produce a successful play from all standpoints. Whether you’re a television enthusiast, a writer, a person who has to work with others in a professional setting, or someone who has a desire to stand up for what’s right, Wrecking Ball can be...

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition makes a splash using its vast resources to create striking visuals and cast performers who made the zany roles their own in the best way....

A love story at its core, director Bridget Leak uses a great deal of nuance to form the connection of its two characters as they navigate the slow burn of attraction, grief, and life itself....