Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s upcoming season promises to take audiences on fantastic voyages to unknown lands, revisit beloved comedic gems, tackle searing controversies and explore new facets of the Shakespeare canon.
“All while delivering an exceptional theater experience,” said Brian Isaac Phillips, the Over-the-Rhine-based theater company’s producing artistic director and CEO.
Cincy Shakes unveiled its 2025-2026 season on Wednesday. The 10-shows lineup features many familiar favorites and classic productions. Things get started this July with a beloved local tradition: Shakespeare in the Park.
Starting in 2007, the free, touring theater program has taken place at more than 30 parks and venues across Greater Cincinnati, showing a range of productions to ardent and new fans of The Bard’s work. This summer’s selection, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” will take place July 1 through Aug. 31. The tour schedule will be available this spring.
“Audiences can look forward to stepping into an enchanted forest filled with mischievous fairies, starry-eyed lovers, and moonlit magic – all under the open sky at no cost,” Phillips said.
The action returns to Cincy Shake’s Elm Street home on July 18 for the kickoff of the company’s mainstage season. Leading off is a return engagement of “The Play That Goes Wrong” (July 18-Aug. 10) by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields.
“We were overwhelmed by the response to last summer’s production, with audiences calling it one of the funniest things they had ever seen,” Phillips said. “So we wanted to bring it back with as many original cast members as possible.”
Following is the regional premiere of Amy Herzog’s new adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People” (Sept. 5-20). This drama follows a doctor who risks everything to expose a shocking secret. The adaptation won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.
Just in time for Halloween, “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” (Oct. 3-Nov. 1) by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen takes a comedic spin on Bram Stoker’s gothic tale. This fast-paced farce is filled with slapstick humor and outrageous twists.
November brings a retro twist on Shakespeare’s “Love’s Labour’s Lost” (Nov. 14-Dec. 6). Set in a 1980s high school, the production blends classic mischief and romance with neon colors and nostalgic fun.
Returning for its 20th season, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” promises to deliver an irreverent mashup of beloved holiday classics during its nearly monthlong run, Dec. 11-28.
Charles Fuller’s “A Soldier’s Play” will help ring in the new year, Jan. 30-Feb. 15, 2026. The story follows the investigation of a murder on a segregated World War II Army base. The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama remains a powerful exploration of racism and justice.
The return of Shakespeare’s “Othello” (March 6–29, 2026). “This will be the first time we’ve staged a fully classical, Elizabethan production of ‘Othello,’” Phillips said.
“Pericles” (April 17-May 3) presents a sci-fi reimagining of the Shakespearean epic. Producing this show is the first step in a multi-year effort to present the entire Shakespeare canon again, Phillips said.
The season concludes with Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma” (May 22-June 14). This energetic take on Austen’s classic follows the headstrong matchmaker in a fresh, comedic spin on Regency-era charm.
2025-26 Season Schedule
- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Free Shakespeare in the Park) – July 11-Aug. 31
- “The Play That Goes Wrong” – July 18-Aug. 10
- “An Enemy of the People” – Sept. 5-20
- “Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors” – Oct. 3-Nov. 1
- “Love’s Labour’s Lost” – Nov. 14-Dec. 6
- “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” – Dec. 11-28
- “A Soldier’s Play” – Jan. 30-Feb. 15, 2026
- “Othello” – March 6-29, 2026
- “Pericles” – April 17-May 3, 2026
- “Emma” – May 22-June 14, 2026
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
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