2020 has been a year of lots of surprises, but the show must go on. Happily, the curtain will rise on The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 101st season. While the upcoming season is going to look a little different from seasons past, it’s going to be an incredible season full of heart and soul. From virtual offerings to brand-new shows, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has reimagined their 2020-21 season into something truly special.
Here are 5 things you can expect from The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 101st season:
1. 4 all-new* shows
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) has pivoted their 101st season with a playbill of guaranteed hits. Kicking off the season will be The Velveteen Rabbit (Nov. 12-Dec. 13), followed by Garfield: The Musical with Cattitude (Jan. 21-Feb. 14), Rapunzel’s Hairy Fairy Tale (Feb. 25-March 21) and (fingers crossed!), Matilda The Musical Jr. (April 17-25).
Live performances located at the RED BANK facility will take place Thursdays and Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays at 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm and 5 pm. At The Taft, performances will take place Friday at 7 pm, Saturdays at 11 am, 2 pm and 5 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm and 5 pm. Mandatory masks and social distancing will be required.
ALS interpretation and audio description will be offered for ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR. on the first Saturday at 2 PM performance at the Taft Theatre. Sensory-friendly performances will be announced at a later date.
*Matilda The Musical Jr. was originally supposed to play last spring at the Taft, but was cancelled due to COVID-19.
2. A socially distant, yet more intimate theatre experience
TCT’s 101st season has been relocated to the theatre’s Redbank Road theatre, which is brand-new and absolutely wonderful. TCT’s first three shows will take place on the Ralph and Patricia Corbett Showtime Stage at TCT’s Red Bank location. Seating will be very limited, demand is high, and performances are expected to sell out quickly.
Looking towards next spring, TCT is hopeful they will be able to present the final show of the season at the Taft Theatre. TCT will follow all State and CDC guidelines with reduced capacity seating models and safety protocols in place as necessary. (Read more about TCT’s COVID-19 protocol here.)
3. Great value – and tons of options
The new line-up includes in-person performances for those who would like to experience a socially-distanced live show, and digital experiences for those who would prefer to enjoy the production from the comfort of their home.
Prices for the re-imagined 2020-21 Season range from $25-$30 for all live shows**. Access to each Broadway On Demand production is $15. A pre-sale price of $12 is available until shows begin streaming. Details as to how to purchase shows through Broadway on Demand coming soon to TCT’s website. Tickets for the live performances will be available beginning today, August 24, and can be purchased on TCT’s website. Due to capacity restrictions, performances may sell out very quickly — so secure your tickets now!
Please note: current subscribers to the postponed 2020-21 MainStage Season will be refunded, but will be able to secure the same seats for the 2021-22 Season. All subscribers from our 2019-20 season will also be able to secure the same seats for the 2021-22 season.
4. On demand access
TCT’s first three shows of the season will be available digitally, for patrons not yet comfortable with an in-person theatre experience. This includes Broadway on Demand.
Accessibility to our programming is incredibly important right now — and TCT is giving families options. Due to the limited capacity of our Showtime Stage, TCT’s first three productions will be available to purchase digitally though their website in partnership with Broadway on Demand.
5. Lots and lots of fun
TCT’s 2020-21 season is full of heart and hope, where you can literally “press play” to see a play. TCT is proof positive that during uncertain times, we can all rely on theatre. From the heartfelt story of a much-loved rabbit to a lasagna-loving cat, to a hairy fairy tale featuring just two actors and one of literatures most beloved heroines, TCT’s 101st season is going to be absolutely delightful.
Also, if you were eagerly anticipating TCT’s previously announced 101st season (which was supposed to kick off with Disney’s Descendants!) fear not: the show(s) will still go on, next year. TCT’s originally scheduled 2020-21 season, which featured Disney’s Descendants, Elf The Musical, Jr., Doctor Dolittle Jr. and Princess & Frog, are still in the pipeline, and will make for a very exciting 2021-22 season.
