Lighthearted, clever, and contagiously fun — The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati production captures the chaos of middle school through spirited musical numbers and playful stagecraft.
By Afshin Razi
The Wimpy Kid Legacy: From Doodles to Downbeats
Long before he was a household name, author and cartoonist Jeff Kinney was just a kid growing up in Maryland. Surviving a typical middle school experience was the inspiration that grew into Diary of a Wimpy Kid, a webcomic that quickly exploded into a global phenomenon spanning over 19 books and several feature films. But it wasn’t until 2016 that the “Wimpy Kid” found his singing voice, when the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis commissioned this stage adaptation. With a script by Kevin Del Aguila and a score by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler, the show successfully translates Kinney’s iconic “stick figure” aesthetic into a living, breathing theatrical experience.
The story centers on 11-year-old middle child Greg Heffley as he enters the daunting world of middle school. Greg isn’t your typical hero; he’s a self-proclaimed “wimpy kid” who is obsessed with one thing: popularity. As he navigates the social hierarchy of the cafeteria and the gymnasium, Greg hatches a series of schemes to climb the social ladder, often at the expense of his loyal, “uncool” best friend, Rowley Jefferson.
At its heart, the show explores the messy, often hilarious reality of pre-teen identity. It’s a story about the pressure to fit in, the value of true friendship, and, of course, the terrifying social stigma of the “Cheese Touch,” a piece of moldy Swiss on the blacktop that serves as the ultimate middle-school pariah. By the time the final note of the 60-minute production rings out, the audience is left with a resonant message: being yourself is far more important than being popular.
A Young Cast That Delivers Big Laughs
A talented cast of mostly youth keeps the energy sky-high. As Greg Heffley, Jonah Aschliman captures the character’s duality of confident, self-assured presence and nervous insecurities with strong acting and a surprisingly full singing voice. He carries the weight of the production with ease, making Greg’s often questionable choices feel relatable and humorous rather than off-putting.
Kari Keeler Stewart, in four different roles (Mrs. Heffley, Fregley’s mom, Mrs. Clayton, and Mrs. Ira), is a force of nature. Her comic timing is spot-on; she slips into each part with a different accent or quirk, wringing maximum laughs out of every appearance.
Keya Vadivelu, appearing in her 12th TCT MainStage production, proves to be a scene stealer as Chirag Gupta. With strong vocals, confident movement, and a natural stage presence, she brings a lively spark to each moment she is on stage, drawing the audience’s attention without ever feeling forced.
The rest of the ensemble is fun and energetic too. Even without huge numbers or glitzy costumes, the cast’s enthusiasm is contagious, and they make even simple moments feel charming. Anyone who’s survived middle school will find something to chuckle at in their performances.
Smart Direction Behind the Locker Doors
Director/choreographer Maddie Jones keeps the show moving at a brisk, age-appropriate pace. The choreography is lively and playful without ever feeling too complicated, allowing kids to follow along and even join in with clapping or simple moves.
The new Emery Theater’s technical toys are put to good use. A revolving stage lets scenes change in a blink, fog machines and colorful lighting by Benjamin Gantose add to the excitement, and video projections give a cartoonish feel when Greg is “writing in his diary.” Scenic designer Seth Howard and costume designer Cat Schmael-Swope keep things simple but effective. A few well-placed school lockers, posters, and Greg’s sketchy cardboard time capsule stand-in set the scene and allow the actors to carry the action. Jacob Priddy’s music direction is solid, keeping the production’s musical momentum moving smoothly and supporting the youthful energy that drives the show forward.
Thumbs Up for this Production
Diary of a Wimpy Kid creator Jeff Kinney was in Cincinnati to attend the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s opening-night performance at the Emery Theater on Friday, February 20. Kinney later joined the cast on stage for a brief post-show talkback and described the experience as “weird but wonderful” as he watched his middle-school creation come to life. In other words, the man who wrote the books gave this production a thumbs-up.
Greg Heffley may stumble through middle school, but TCT’s execution at the Emery Theater lands firmly on its feet. Families seeking a lively and accessible theatrical outing will be rewarded with a production that delivers energy, humor, and a genuine sense of fun.
Get Tickets to Diary of a Wimpy Kid
The show runs February 20 through March 8, 2026, at the Emery Theater. Tickets are available through the TCT Box Office at (513) 569-8080 or online at thechildrenstheatre.com/tickets.
