Ana-Brit Asplen

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 up in a time of terror and isolation.

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 stage, this show is still a hit.

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 stage, Clue is a solid comedy play.

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 and energetic performances on opening night.

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 dancing.

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 evening is to enhance Christmas magic and joy for all, and in this it certainly succeeds.

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 appreciated by anyone.

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.

Trouble in Mind made its Broadway premiere in 2021, 66 years after it was produced off-Broadway at Greenwich Mews Theatre. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is known for its unique takes on classic stories and reviving them for a fresh audience, and this play is no exception. Known for its general themes of racism and sexism from a black perspective, the play eerily reflects a modern culture and language despite being written several decades ago. Manipulative tactics are used strategically by the characters, performative allyships are shattered, and false dignity is stripped for raw truth.

Moulin Rouge! is based on the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film of the same name and originally starred Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. Known for its somber tale and use of modern music in a vintage setting, the story and its elements translated extremely well to the stage while also being different enough to appreciate the stage musical in its own right. The updated music for a 2023 audience, a strong cast and crew, and a tale of desperate, devoted love all make this production Moulin Rouge! excel beyond the surface of the fantasy.

From the opening of a quirky theatre etiquette lesson from the monkey, to the city-specific references of Skyline Chili, to the dance party curtain call reprise of 'I Like to Move It, Move It', Madagascar the Musical provided the audience with countless zany and laughable moments.