Throughout April 2026 on Wednesdays I’m sharing the 2026-2027 seasons announced by each of Cincinnati’s professional theater companies. This week I’ll offer information about offerings by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
“This season is about bold storytelling and theatrical exhilaration,” said Cincy Shakes Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips in the company’s season announcement. “From Shakespeare’s fiercest political dramas to side-splitting farce, from American history reclaimed to modern media satire, we are inviting audiences into stories that entertain, challenge, and ignite conversation.”
CSC’s summer offering via FREE Shakespeare in the Park a sites around the Tristate will be the beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing (July 14–September 6, 2026), directed by Robert Carleton Stimmel. Imagined in a time after the American Revolution, this lively take on Shakespeare’s sparkling romance follows Beatrice and Benedick as their witty war of words masks something far more tender. Audiences can expect laughter, heart, and a celebration of community under the open sky. The full tour schedule will be announced later this spring.
Pairing with Much Ado About Nothing running concurrently in the parks and launching the summer inside the Otto M. Budig Theater is the world premiere of Dogberry and Verges are Scared (July 10–25, 2026) by Michael Doherty and Will Mobley, directed by Matthew Decker. Inspired by Much Ado About Nothing, this buddy comedy follows Messina’s most misguided watchmen as they stumble into saving the day. Armed with lanterns, loyalty and very little logic, Dogberry and Verges take center stage in a brand-new adventure fueled by paranoia, pride and plenty of nonsense. “This play has already taken Philadelphia Fringe by storm and is an Edinburgh Fringe hopeful. We are excited to give it its Cincinnati stop in this rolling World Premiere,” said Phillips.
Jane Austen fans will delight in the regional premiere of The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged) (July 31–August 23, 2026) by Jessica Bedford, Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast and Meghan Winch, an affectionate and fast-paced parody condensing Austen’s beloved novels into one sparkling theatrical spectacle. With rapid-fire quick changes and Regency ridiculousness, this playful romp offers devoted fans clever nods while welcoming newcomers into Austen’s world. The production will be staged by Jenny Lavery in partnership with Merrimack Repertory Theater in Lowell, MA.
The fall begins with Network (September 11–26, 2026), adapted for the stage by Lee Hall and based on Paddy Chayefsky’s Academy Award winning film. The production will be directed Phillips. Set in the 1970s as television tightens its grip on American culture, veteran anchorman Howard Beale (played by actor Barry Mulholland, (above, photo by Mikki Schaffner) unravels live on air. What begins as a breakdown becomes a broadcast phenomenon in a world where outrage sells and attention is currency. A recent sensation on Broadway and in London, Network receives its regional premiere here in Cincinnati.
The Halloween season brings back fang-filled fun with an encore production of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (October 9–31, 2026) by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, again directed by Phillips and starring Chris Guthrie (above, photo by Mikki Schaffner) as a very modern vampire. “This was one of our most successful productions of all time, and we loved welcoming in new folks at the Halloween season, so we are presenting it again!” he said Mr. Phillips. The wildly irreverent romp reimagines Bram Stoker’s gothic classic with outrageous twists and nonstop laughs, making it the most wickedly fun way to celebrate the spooky season.
In November Cincy Shakes will offer Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor (November 13–December 5, 2026). Set in a sparkling winter wonderland, this holiday-infused production follows two clever women who outwit the boastful Sir John Falstaff in a comedy filled with disguises, delicious comeuppance, and seasonal cheer. CCM theater professor Brant Russell will direct.
The holiday hilarity is Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez returns for its 20th anniversary season of (December 11–27, 2026). Directed by Jeremy Dubin, the fast-paced mashup of Dickens, Dr. Seuss and pop culture favorites continues to be a cherished tradition for many seeking festive fun with a mischievous twist.
2027 will begins with The African Company Presents Richard III (January 29–February 14, 2027) by Carlyle Brown. This riveting true story follows an all-Black theater troupe in 1821 determined to stage Shakespeare’s tragedy on their own terms while facing resistance from a rival white company. As tensions rise, the performance itself becomes an act of defiance. It will be staged by Cincy Shakes’ Associate Artistic Director Candice Handy.
Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy returns in Hamlet (March 5–28, 2027), a gripping portrait of a prince caught between grief and action surrounded by mystery, revenge and intrigue. Renowned for its unforgettable language and raw psychological power, Hamlet remains the ultimate theatrical event. This classic production will pull audiences into Hamlet’s fractured reality and refuse to let go.
Cincy Shakes continues its “40×40” initiative to bring Shakespeare’s complete 40-play canon to the stage again with a production of Coriolanus (April 16–May 2, 2027), directed by Courtney Lucien. Shakespeare’s fierce political tragedy is the story of a celebrated warrior who knows how to conquer enemies but not how to win hearts. As unrest brews in Rome, personal pride collides with public power in this drama of sweeping intensity. “We haven’t produced this play since 2000 and are thrilled to bring in back to the stage once again,” said Phillips.
The season will conclude in spectacular chaos with the regional premiere of Peter Pan Goes Wrong (May 28–June 27, 2027) by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields. Directed by Phillips and featuring the cast from 2025 season’s hit including Candice Handy (above, photo by Mikki Schaffner), The Play That Goes Wrong, this side-splitting comedy sends Neverland into full theatrical meltdown with flying mishaps, collapsing sets and delightful disaster.
Here’s a quick recap of the 2026-2027 season:
FREE Shakespeare in the Park – Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare – July 14-Sept. 6, 2026
Dogberry and Verges are Scared by Michael Doherty and Will Mobley – July 10-25, 2026
The Complete Works of Jane Austen (Abridged) by Jessica Bedford, Kathryn MacMillan, Charlotte Northeast & Meghan Winch – July 31-Aug. 23, 2026
Network, adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, based on the Paddy Chayefsky film – Sept. 11-26, 2026
Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen – Oct. 9 – 31, 2026
The Merry Wives of Windsor byWilliam ShakespeareNovember 13 – Dec. 5, 2026
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, & John K. Alvarez –
Dec. 11 – 27, 2026
The African Company Presents Richard III by Carlyle Brown – Jan. 29-Feb. 14, 2027
Hamlet by William Shakespeare – March 5 – 28, 2027
Coriolanus by William Shakespeare – April 16 – May 2, 2027
Peter Pan Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields – May 28 – June 27, 2027
For subscriptions: cincyshakes.com or 513-381-2273, x1. Single tickets go on sale May 1, 2026.