Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has announced its 2026-27 season, including the world premiere of Theresa Rebeck’s commissioned media satire “Talk,” the centerpiece of its inaugural Made in Cincy: New Works Festival. Other season highlights: two new thrillers for the stage, the regional premiere of the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning “Purpose” and the return of the hit musical about King Records, “Cincinnati King.”
“Our goal for the Made in Cincy: New Works Festival is to create a platform where local and national artists can be seen, supported and celebrated,” said Blake Robsion, producing artistic director.
Here’s a look at the full upcoming season.
Full text for this story was provided via a press release from Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
2026-2027 MOE AND JACK’S PLACE – THE ROUSE THEATRE SEASON
HEIST
- By Arun Lakra
- Directed by Blake Robison
- Co-Produced with Milwaukee Repertory Theater and Gulfshore Playhouse
- Sept. 12-Oct. 11, 2026
Inspired by movies like Ocean’s Eleven, Now You See Me and The Sting – this theatrical caper is a high-tech mystery for the stage. When a team of professional thieves assembles to pull off one last job, the heist goes sideways into a web of danger, betrayal and double crosses. Blending quick-witted banter and heart-pounding suspense with a high-octane production, Heist takes you on a fun and thrilling ride.
GET HAPPY: ANGELA INGERSOLL SINGS JUDY GARLAND
- An Artists Lounge Live Production
- Oct. 17-Nov. 7, 2026
In a vibrant, Emmy-nominated performance seen on PBS, award-winning actress Angela Ingersoll sings the works of Judy Garland in this special concert event. Backed by a dynamite band, Ingersoll delivers virtuosic vocals, passionate storytelling, humor and heart. Classic songs include “Get Happy,” “The Trolley Song,” “The Man That Got Away,” “That’s Entertainment!” and, of course, “Over the Rainbow.” Don’t miss this entertaining and unforgettable tribute to an American icon.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
- By Charles Dickens
- Adapted and Originally Directed by Blake Robison
- Directed by Bridget Leak
- Nov. 20-Dec. 27, 2026
- SEASON EXTRA: Not part of season ticket packages.
The holiday story you love unfolds in spectacular fashion in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre! Charles Dickens’ classic tale of the curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge, who finds his heart changing one fateful Christmas Eve, combines with dazzling set, costume and lighting designs to create a magical experience for your family!
CINCINNATI KING
- Written and Directed by KJ Sanchez
- Jan. 30-Feb. 28, 2027
Celebrate Cincinnati’s King Records in the return of the hit musical that traces the groundbreaking rise of music pioneer Syd Nathan and the artists he produced. Based on interviews, the show chronicles behind-the-scenes tales of King Records hits including “The Twist,” “Blues Stay Away From Me,” “Fever” and “Need Your Love So Bad.” Cincinnati King shines the spotlight on the Queen City’s music roots.
PURPOSE
- By Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
- Directed by Tyrone Phillips
- Co-Produced with Indiana Repertory Theatre
- March 13-April 4, 2027
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play and the Pulitzer Prize, this riveting and hilarious new drama lays bare the influential Jasper family, led by a renowned Civil Rights leader and his formidable wife. When their adult sons return home for a celebration, the evening unravels and ignites long-simmering tensions. Accusations fly and secrets are laid bare as the Jaspers must reckon with their faith, their legacy and their purpose.
ROPE
- Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
- Based on the play “Rope’s End” by Patrick Hamilton
- Directed by Blake Robison
- Co-Produced with Syracuse Stage
- April 24-May 23, 2027
The gripping psychological thriller that inspired the Alfred Hitchock and Jimmy Stewart film of the same name gets a tantalizing new adaptation. Two young men commit “the perfect murder,” then host a dinner party in the very room where the body is hidden. As the evening progresses, tension builds from one moment to the next as one of the killers grows bolder and the other gets increasingly nervous. Will they get away with murder? Rope will captivate fans of suspense-filled thrillers and leave you breathless.
ROSENTHAL SHELTERHOUSE THEATRE
TALK
- World Premiere
- By Theresa Rebeck
- Directed by Melisa Annis
- Sept. 26-Oct. 25, 2026
This world premiere delivers biting satire of the current media environment and will no doubt get people talking. When an unplanned guest is added to the mix of standard talking heads during a live news talk show, the conversation goes off the rails, and the show descends into chaos. All political points of view are represented, and all are skewered as this razor-sharp and funny play shines a satirical spotlight on news and dialogue in today’s fast-moving media world. A centerpiece of the inaugural Made in Cincy: New Works Festival, Talk was commissioned by the Playhouse from the award-winning Broadway and Hollywood writer and Cincinnati native Theresa Rebeck.
THE TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS
- By Ginna Hoben
- Directed by Laura Kepley
- Nov. 7-Dec. 27, 2026
After seeing her fiancé kissing another woman on the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary’s life falls apart – just in time for the holidays. Newly single, she stumbles through the emotional, and often comically absurd, minefield of dating over the next year with each milestone on the calendar bringing dating misadventures. Until the following Christmas arrives and an unexpected encounter opens her heart and a new way forward. This heartfelt one-woman comedy brings humor and a fresh, modern spirit to the holiday season.
MIND READER
- Created and performed by Vinny DePonto
- Jan. 26-Feb. 7, 2027
- SEASON EXTRA: Not part of season ticket packages.
Join acclaimed theatre-maker and mentalist Vinny DePonto for an evening of mind reading, psychic experiments and unexplained phenomena.
I AM MY OWN WIFE
- By Doug Wright
- Directed by Joanie Schultz
- Feb. 20-March 21, 2027
Based on a true story and inspired by interviews conducted by the playwright, I Am My Own Wife is the fascinating tale of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, an elegant and eccentric German trans woman who, against all odds managed to survive the Nazis during World War II and the repressive Communist regime that followed. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, one actor gives a tour-de-force performance of over 30 roles in this profound story of survival.
TABLE 17
- By Douglas Lyons
- April 3-May 16, 2027
Romance, regrets and second chances play out in this entertaining rom-com for the stage. Once engaged, Jada and Dallas meet for dinner to untangle their complicated past. Despite the intrusion of a cheeky waiter and their best efforts to keep it casual, an undeniable spark still lingers. A hit off-Broadway and in Los Angeles, Table 17 is a witty new comedy about love found, lost and possibly reignited. If you love a rom-com, this play is for you!
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.cincinnati.com ’
