Last month I posted information about the upcoming 2026-2027 seasons for Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (April 1), Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (April 9), Know Theatre of Cincinnati (April 12) and Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (April 21). But before those get under way, you can enjoy a busy selection of summer theater. Here’s a rundown of shows to consider, arranged chronologically by opening dates:
May 27: 1776 (Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre, through June 21). America’s Founding Fathers fuss and fight about voting for independence. This tuneful musical is presented in the spirit of America’s 250th celebration this summer. https://thecarnegie.com/2026-season/
May 29: Cincinnati Fringe Festival (Know Theatre and elsewhere in Over-the-Rhine, through June 13). The 2026 Fringe features more than 150 performances of 35 unique theater productions from local, national and international theater artists. There’s free programming nightly at 10pm, and free shows for kids on weekend afternoons. www.cincyfringe.com
June 10: The Lion King (Broadway in Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center, through July 5). It’s been a hit for three decades, seen by more that 100 million people around the world. It’s a story of hope and adventure performed with stunning visuals — including remarkable puppets and costumes — and music by Elton John. This touring has been a hit at the Aronoff multiple times over the years, and it’s sure to be a best seller again this summer. https://cincinnati.broadway.com/shows/disneys-the-lion-king-2/
June 19: Dear Evan Hansen (The Carnegie in Covington, through June 28). The award-winning musical about a high school senior with social anxiety who becomes entangled in a lie after a classmate’s suicide. It’s all about the tangled impact of social media. https://thecarnegie.com/2026-season/
July 8: Always … Patsy Cline (Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre in Price Hill, through August 2). Based on a real pen-pal correspondence between the celebrated country singer and her biggest fan. https://thecarnegie.com/2026-season/
July 10: Dogberry and Verges are Scared (Cincy Shakes’ Otto M. Budig Theatre in Over-the-Rhine, through July 25), the world premiere of a wildly funny new adventure following a pair of bumbling constables originally portrayed in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. www.cincyshakes.com
July 14: Much Ado About Nothing – Free Shakespeare in the Park (Cincy Shakes at numerous parks across the Tristate, through September 6). A compact touring production of Shakespeare’s enduring comedy about Beatrice and Benedick, a pair of sparring lovers is full of mistaken identities and joyful chaos. Performances are free and open to the public; no need to RSVP. Here’s a link to the parks where the show will be offered: https://cincyshakes.com/on-stage/much-ado-park
July 22: Murder for Two (The Carnegie in Covington, through July 26). A musical whodunit with a killer twist. One actor plays the detective; the other plays all the suspects. It’s a madcap homage to classic murder mysteries. Notice that this is a one-week run. https://thecarnegie.com/2026-season/
July 23: Newsies (Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre at the Covedale, through August 2). This is the 44th consecutive year that Cincinnati Landmark Productions has staged a summertime musical featuring local high school talent. This is a perfect choice about a bunch of teenaged newsboys striking for better treatment and what’s right. Based on the 1992 Disney movie. https://cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/cypt/Default.aspx
July 31: The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged) (Cincy Shakes’ Otto M. Budig Theatre in Over-the-Rhine, through August 23). An affectionate parody full of pride, prejudice, persuasion and plenty of proposals, condensing Austen’s courtships, catastrophes and social quandaries into an entertainment built on silliness. www.cincyshakes.com
August 14: La Cage aux Folles (The Carnegie in Covington, through September 23). Set inside a club where drag queens entertain with a classic Jerry Herman score, the musical is a celebration of family, love and being true to oneself. https://thecarnegie.com/2026-season/
August 19: Crazy for You (Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre in Price Hill, through September 13). A zany rich-boy-meets hometown girl romantic comedy with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by his brother Ira. https://thecarnegie.com/2026-season/