Renaissance Theatre

About the Theatre

The Renaissance Performing Arts Association is a nonprofit performing arts organization based in Mansfield, Ohio, dedicated to fostering greater human connection and understanding through experiences that inspire, engage, and educate. Since 1928, the historic Renaissance Theatre has served as a cultural cornerstone for North Central Ohio, producing professional theatre, presenting concerts and family entertainment, and serving as the home of the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. Through award-winning education programs, innovative artistic initiatives, and a commitment to accessibility, the Renaissance provides meaningful arts experiences for audiences of all ages while strengthening the cultural and economic vitality of its community. Learn more at rentickets.org.

Articles

Review: CAAMP at Schottenstein Center

by Paul Batterson · August 31, 2026

“Cheers, Columbus. I don’t have to give an elaborate speech about how we got here. Most of you know how we got here. You are the reason how we got here.' Taylor Meier…

Review: PIPPIN at Short North Stage

by Paul Batterson · August 10, 2026

What did our critic think of PIPPIN at Short North Stage? Production director Edward Carignan said PIPPIN is a “legacy” show – a performance that can be pulled out of the vault, dusted off, and re-released every five years or so. SNS last did this Stephen Schwartz musical (a personal favorite …

Review: AC/DC POWER UP TOUR at Ohio Stadium

by Paul Batterson · July 17, 2026

Perhaps the biggest change was the audience. In the 1980s, AC/DC was the rebellious band parents warned their children about. Now, the band is the spectacle parents bring their children to experience. It was a little unnerving to hear a mother asking, “Timmy, would you like a cookie?” before the…

Review: MONET TO MATISSE: DEFYING TRADITION at Art Gallery Of South Australia

by Barry Lenny · July 13, 2026

An experience that may possibly require more than one visit.…

Review: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS at Ohio Theatre - A Spectacle in Search of a Soul

by Christina Mancuso · June 10, 2026

Based on Sara Gruen’s beloved 1932 novel - and its 2011 film adaptation, WATER FOR ELEPHANTS is a technical triumph wrapped around a dramatically uneven musical.  Directed by Tony Award nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo), with book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter an…

Review: FLANNEL: A 90S MUSICAL at Shadowbox Live!

by Paul Batterson · June 2, 2026

What did our critic think of FLANNEL: A 90S MUSICAL at Shadowbox Live!?…

Review: 1776 at Abbey Theater Of Dublin

by Paul Batterson · June 1, 2026

What did our critic think of 1776 at Abbey Theater Of Dublin?…

Review: HADESTOWN at Ohio Theatre

by Paul Batterson · May 18, 2026

HADESTOWN will always have a special place in the heart of Ohio Theatre patrons. On Nov. 16, 2021, the musical was the first production in the historic theatre after the COVID epidemic dimmed the lights there for nearly a year and a half. The theatre staff  laid roses on every seat to signal Broadw…

Review: PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Short North Stage

by Paul Batterson · May 17, 2026

What did our critic think of PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Short North Stage?…

Review: LIFE IN MOTION: A STORY TOLD THROUGH DANCE at Shadowbox Live!

by Paul Batterson · April 30, 2026

What did our critic think of LIFE IN MOTION: A STORY TOLD THROUGH DANCE at Shadowbox Live!?…

Guys and Dolls

Aug 8 – Aug 9, 2026

Part of the Park National Bank Broadway Series at the Renaissance Theatre. Audiences praised the production's high-energy performances, choreography, and production values, with one patron calling it big-city production values right here in town.

1776: In Concert

Jun 20

Set in Philadelphia in the days leading up to the American Revolution, this Tony Award-winning musical follows the founding fathers as they debate America's future and pen the Declaration of Independence. Jeff Richmond leads the cast as John Adams, alongside Brian Stepanek as...

Once

Mar 28 – Apr 12, 2025

The story of a guy who gave up on love and music, and the girl who inspired him to dream again. From the very first note, Once draws you in and never lets go. This emotionally captivating musical is the only show to have music that won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, an...

Jesus Christ Superstar

Mar 8 – Mar 16, 2025

A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, Jesus Christ Superstar is a timeless work set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events, but seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores...

The Producers

Nov 9 – Nov 17, 2024

Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly "boffo" hit...

South Pacific

Oct 4 – Oct 13, 2024

South Pacific is a timeless musical masterpiece that transports audiences to the picturesque islands of the South Pacific during World War II. Set against the backdrop of the conflict, the story revolves around two parallel romantic tales that unfold amidst the challenges of war...

Disney's Beauty and the Beast

Jul 20 – Aug 4, 2024

The enchantment never ends in this romantic and beloved take on the classic fairytale. Step into the enchanted world of Broadway's classic, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy...

FeaturedHello, Dolly! Starring Jennifer Simard and Jeff Richmond

Nov 11 – Nov 19, 2023

This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play The Matchmaker bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance, and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre.

FeaturedOnce the Musical

Apr 22 – May 1, 2022

About Once: A MusicalWinner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once features an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage. Its the tale of a Dublin street musician whos about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman...

Sound of Music: In Concert

Mar 19

You wont want to pass up the opportunity to witness the spectacular beauty of The Sound of Music in collaboration with the Mansfield Symphony!In all this is no doubt an iconic sing-along musical that gives us all a refresher course in charm, sweetness and values as its sure to...