by Alan Jozwiak
Now that the new Cincinnati theatre season is underway, it’s a good time to add a few shows to your calendar—productions you might otherwise miss. Here are four worth catching, listed in order of their opening dates. Here are four worth catching, listed in order of their opening dates.
CCM — The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (October 23–25, 2025)
Based on Rick Riordan’s bestselling novel, this musical follows Percy Jackson, a teenager who discovers he’s the half-blood son of a Greek god. With superhuman powers and a mythic destiny, Percy’s story is tailor-made for college-age performers. I’ve been waiting to see this show for years, and CCM’s Musical Theatre program is sure to deliver. The material draws younger audiences, so expect a sell-out—get tickets early.
Falcon Theatre — Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons (November 7–22, 2025)
What if the law limited you to 140 words a day? That’s the outrageous premise of Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons. Oliver and Bernadette try to build a relationship under this restriction, asking how we communicate the things that matter most. Falcon Theatre consistently brings cutting-edge contemporary work to the stage. With Liz Carman directing—her Mr. Parker was a standout last year—this promises to be sharp, funny, and thought-provoking.
Know Theatre of Cincinnati — The Ravenside Occurrence (March 27–April 18, 2026)
This one is months away, but mark your calendar now. Derek J. Snow—actor, director, and playwright—unveils his new ghost story: four escaped inmates from a Victorian asylum find themselves in a deserted inn haunted by a restless spirit. Add in an original string quartet score by Jimmie A. Parker, and you’ve got a chilling, inventive night at the theatre. Snow workshopped this script at Cincinnati Playhouse last year, and word is it’s not to be missed.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company — Pericles (April 17–May 3, 2026)
CSC opened the season with a brilliant An Enemy of the People and now takes on Shakespeare’s Pericles—with a sci-fi twist. The production sets the action in outer space and features veteran CSC actor Giles Davies in the title role. Davies hasn’t performed in Cincinnati in years, making this a doubly rare treat. CSC last staged Pericles in 2005, so this revival is overdue and full of surprises.
And that’s just a sample of what’s ahead.
OK, A Few More Shout Outs
Also on the horizon–this Fall: Cincinnati Children’s Theatre with The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition (October 10–26, 2025), Xavier’s remount of Slut Shaming (October 23–25, 2025), and Covedale’s holiday favorite Holiday Inn (December 4–28, 2025).
Plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Cincinnati theatre this season! Buy a subscription. Support your local arts and artists.
