A lecture on poetry or sea otters? You choose. A Greek tragedy or Rachmaninoff? Dance and theater companies wrap up their seasons and the legendary Quatuor Ébène finally comes to Cincinnati. Add a hint of Brazilian jazz and you’ve got a tasty recipe for a cultural feast.
Wednesday, April 8
Cincinnati Zoo, Barrows Conservation Lecture | 7 p.m. 3400 Vine St., Avondale. 513-281-4700. DETAILS: The Barrows Conservation Lecture hosts Jane Bacchieri, executive director of Elakha Alliance for a conversation about Oregon’s long cultural history with the sea otter and what conservationists are doing to rectify its 100-year absence. Elakha is the Chinook word for sea otter. During the fur trade of the late 19th century, the sea otter population was nearly decimated. Oregonians are seeking to bring them back as they are critical to the region’s coastal environment. We don’t often post videos to accompany a lecture promotion, but check this one out. You will want to hop on a plane to explore the Oregon coast and these adorable kelp-protecting creatures.
Harriet Beecher Stowe House, Voices for Truth Literary Discussion Series | 7 p.m. 2950 Gilbert Ave., Walnut Hills. 513-751-0651. DETAILS: Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African-American poet to win the Pulitzer Prize. Celebrate National Poetry Month with a discussion about this groundbreaking poet, known as a bridge between “the academic poets of her generation in the 1940s and the young Black militant writers of the 1960s.” Join John Getz, Xavier University professor emeritus, and poet Zinnia Stewart, HBS community outreach coordinator, for this exploration of Brooks’ life and work.
Thursday, April 9
College-Conservatory of Music, “Antigone” | 8 p.m. Cohen Family Studio Theater, University of Cincinnati. 513-556-4183. DETAILS: In this classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles, Antigone seeks to bury her shamed brother, Polynices, after he is killed in a duel with their brother, Eteocles, over the Theban throne. This production is a collaboration with the UC Classics Department and features Greek choral odes written by CCM composition professor Ellen Harrison. Antigone ultimately defies her uncle, Creon, and buries her brother, choosing the law of the gods over the law of humans. From a living tomb to blind prophets, Antigone is a tale of justice and heartbreak. Runs through April 11.
Friday, April 10
Cincinnati Ballet, Director’s Vision: “Liberty in Motion” | 7:30 p.m. Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-5219. DETAILS: It’s a wrap for Cincinnati Ballet as first-company dancers take the stage for these, their last performances of the season. In this patriotic triple bill, choreographers Justin Pack, Claudia Schreier and the legendary George Balanchine are featured with their works “The Times are Racing,” “First Impulse” and Balanchine’s “Serenade,” his first ballet created in America. Runs through April 12.
DE LA Dance Company, “Studio Works” | 7:30 p.m. Anderson Center Theater, 7850 Five Mile Rd., Anderson Township. 513-871-0914. DETAILS: Join DE LA Dance for “an evening of discovery, creativity and excitement,” as the door is opened on the future of dance. New works by emerging choreographers, as well as a new work by the company’s resident choreographer, Alexandra Brannon, intend to show us bold, new visions of ballet. Also on tap is a preview of the company’s upcoming full-length production of “Cinderella.” Runs through April 19.
American Legacy Theatre, “Bridge City” | 7:30 p.m. Hughes High School, 2515 Clifton Ave., Clifton Heights. 513-443-5429. DETAILS: “Amplifying voices that are too often unheard.” American Legacy Theatre, founded in 2016, believes theater to be a “shared civic experience” rather than the luxury the company feels it has become. “Bridge City,” by Kennen Butler, is a musical about people who are asked to move, adjust or disappear in the name of progress. The show is built on hip-hop, R&B, funk and soul that centers on love, joy and resilience. Runs through April 26.
Xavier University, “Spring Awakening” | 7:30 p.m. Gallagher Student Center Theatre, 3800 Victory Parkway, Evanston. 513-745-3939. DETAILS: The Tony award-winning, coming-of-age musical follows a group of adolescents in late 19th-century Germany as they navigate the tumult of burgeoning youth. Morality, sexuality and (yes) rock-and-roll could create a recipe for fun and frivolity (both cast and audience). With book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik, the musical is directed by Stephen Skiles with music direction by Scott Buzza. Runs through April 18.
Northern Kentucky University, “Mamma Mia” | 7:30 p.m. Corbett Theatre, NKU Fine Arts Center, Highland Heights. 859-572-5464. DETAILS: Mamma Mia! Put a dime into everybody’s favorite jukebox musical for a fun date night or girls’ night out. On the eve of her Greek wedding, a young woman’s quest to learn her father’s true identity brings three lovers from her mother’s past to the wedding festivities. Some of ABBA’s most famous hits, including “Super Trouper,” “Dancing Queen,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” make for a one-of-a-kind wedding day and possibly a special evening at the theater. Runs through April 19.
Saturday, April 11
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, “Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2” | 7:30 p.m. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-301-3300. DETAILS: Sergei Rachmaninoff’s second symphony was written in 1906-1907 and premiered in 1908 in St. Petersburg under the direction of the composer. It’s 60-minute length has been subjected to multiple revisions over the years, reducing the piece to 35 minutes in some versions. Today’s orchestras typically perform the original 60-minute version. Totally worth it, though. The program opens with American composer Margaret Brouwer’s “Pulse” and Canadian violinist James Ehnes performs Max Bruch’s lush and lyrical “Scottish Fantasy.” Spanish conductor Ramón Tebar steps to the podium. Repeats Sunday at 2 p.m.
Playhouse in the Park, “The Piano Lesson” | 7:30 p.m. Rouse Theatre, Mt. Adams. 513-421-3888. DETAILS: During the Great Depression, Berniece and her brother Boy Willie tangle over the disposition of their cherished, heirloom piano. Sell it or keep it? August Wilson’s award-winning play is about family, legacies and the life-altering choices we make. Nubia Monks (Berniece) and James T. Alfred (Boy Willie) make their PIP debuts. Directed by Lou Bellamy. Runs through May 3.
Sunday, April 12
Cincinnati Contemporary Jazz Orchestra, Rhythm and Radiance: The Flavio Silva Trio | 2 p.m. First Unitarian Church, 536 Linton St., Avondale. 513-281-1564. DETAILS: Brazilian jazz is on tap as the Flavio Silva Trio combines original compositions with reimagined Brazilian favorites for an afternoon of samba pulse and harmonic richness. Enjoy a complimentary wine and cheese intermission with your ticket.
Tuesday, April 14
Violinists Pierre Colombet and Gabriel Le Magadurem, violist Marie Chilemme and cellist Yuya Okamoto
Chamber Music Cincinnati, Quatuor Ébène | 7:30 p.m. 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-977-8838. DETAILS: Making familiar repertoire accessible in new ways while seeking exchange with an audience has become the hallmark performance of this French quartet. The group was founded in 1999 when a little distraction in a university practice room (have no idea what that is) led to some improvisation of jazz and popular songs. The rest is history. Recordings include Mozart’s String Quintets K. 515 and K. 516 and a six-continent recording of the complete Beethoven string quartets. This program features the aforementioned Mozart and Beethoven, plus Debussy’s quartet. Lauded as one of the “Ten Greatest String Quartet Ensembles of All Time” by BBC Music Magazine, Quatuor Ébène is making their Queen City debut, finally.
Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative, “Martha’s Will” | 7:30 p.m. Fifth Third Bank Theater, Aronoff Center, downtown. 513-621-2787. DETAILS: In September 1919, wealthy Cincinnatian Martha dies. Her lawyer gathers potential heirs to participate in parlor games reminiscent of the early 20th century. The historical events of the time add layers of intrigue that foreshadow how Martha’s “will” is imposed, showing that things aren’t always as they seem to be. “Martha’s Will,” by CPI playwrights Susan Decatur and Doug Decatur, was a 2025 Austin Film Festival selection in the playwriting competition. CPI was founded in 1996 to provide opportunities for local playwrights, directors and actors to pursue their art and craft.
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