Three LCT Reviewers will share the shows they are most excited about in the upcoming jam-packed 2025-26 Cincinnati theatre season
Summer is drawing nigh and as autumn creeps in, we are graced with change. Whether it’s back-to-school excitement, pumpkin fever, or preparing for the next tailgate, there is something else consistent with this time of year: a new theatre season is upon us!
Here are just a few of the announced shows to which I am looking forward.
Clifton Players (Northside)
This September, the power hitters are coming out to play at Liberty Exhibition Hall. Director Kevin Crowley is bringing audiences The People in the Woods by Nancy Bell. Described as a dark comedy, People tells story about a couple who retreat into the woods in the interest of being survivalists, but things do not go as planned. With a cast that includes Randy Bailey and husband-and-wife team Carter Bratton and Miranda McGee (or the McBrattons as I like to call them), this promises to be not only entertaining, but well-performed.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (OTR)
ETC’s opening show this season is a throwback to its past: Next to Normal with Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey and Music by Tom Kitt. Dubbed as one of ETC’s most popular productions, this touching musical addresses mental health, loss, and family dynamics. The kicker? Jessica Hendy (Walking with Bubbles) will be returning to her hometown to reprise the role of matriarch, Diana! This promises to be an impactful evening of theatre.
The Carnegie (Covington, KY)
Hold on to your hats: I’m about to admit I’m excited about another musical! In early 2026, Anything Goes will grace the stage as a co-production of The Carnegie and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. (What can I say. I’m a sucker for both great tap numbers and a Cole Porter soundtrack.) This playful offering is set aboard the SS American where con men are the heroes and romance is a bit “off.” It promises to boast some strong vocal and dance talent to complement the catchy score. All aboard!
Falcon Theatre (Newport, KY)
Just in time for The High Holy Day (aka St. Patrick’s Day to non-Irish folk), Falcon Theatre is presenting Crocodile Fever by Meghan Tyler. “Sisters, an abusive father, the IRA and yes, a crocodile”, we will be taken to late 1980s Northern Ireland where two sisters try to find common ground during the unsettling time of The Troubles. Add in dark humor and some bloody good action and this Northern Irish girl is ready.
Know Theatre of Cincinnati (OTR)
Know’s 28th season is an all-around feast for the senses. With the absence of BLINK in 2025, Artistic Director Bridget Leak has concocted a delightful alternative: octKNOWber. Various groups of local artists will be taking over the Know Underground to share their talent on the cabaret stage. (Keep an eye on their site. Even more October events are being added as we speak, including a certain group by the name of The Anti-Pestilence League.) However, it is another kind of spooky faire which has piqued my interest: The Ravenside Occurrence by local playwright Derek Snow. Under the direction of Caitlin McWethy, the 19th century tale of four asylum fugitives is told alongside a live string quartet. What is there to be done when racism and misogyny haunt the living? Find out this Spring.
The Human Race Theatre Company (Dayton, OH)
As part of its 40th season (yay!), HRTC is presenting quite the line-up. But it’s one of their later performances for which I am most eager: Hay Fever by the one and only Noel Coward. If you enjoy a good farce, this is a great one. A retired actress and her novelist husband try to enjoy a quiet weekend in the country, but a series of misunderstandings, flares of temper, and endless drama get in the way of their plans. HRTC correctly recommends this show if you are a fan of Noises Off and one of my personal favorites to grace The Loft’s stage, This is Tom Jones!
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (OTR)
In one of its last shows of the 2025-2026 season, Cincy Shakes is bringing us the rarely produced Pericles by some guy named Will. Reimagined with an interstellar theme, the titular prince sets off on an epic voyage in search of–what else?–true love. If that isn’t exciting enough, I have two words for you: Giles Davies. Yes–the fair gentleman has returned to Cincinnati and no number of parades in celebration could possibly suffice. His talent, coupled with a play most of probably haven’t seen live in this city, should serve as a helluva combination.
LCT Welcomes The New Season: Sweet and Lowdown
Theatre veterans and novices alike have a lot which they can look forward to this season. From encore shows to new ones, there really does seem to be something for everyone. I have said it before and I will continue to say it: the greater Cincinnati area has some true, honest-to-goodness talent. It is easy to spot the people we see perform on the stage, but there are many incredible set designers, costumers, stage managers (truly, one of the most thankless jobs in theatre – where would be without them?), musicians, and so much more.
So get out there, buy those tickets, and support live theatre! The artists will thank you.
