5 great theater productions to check out this month in the region

Theatergoers who want to take in a performance this month can choose from a number of area shows, ranging from beloved musicals and a faith-shaking play to a Monte Carlo-themed fundraiser and more.

MORE POPULAR STORIES

Latest movie to use Hamilton as a set comes to town Monday: What you should know

Burger chain makes Butler County debut at Bridgewater Falls

PHOTOS: See how 1970s Middletown dealt with major snowstorms

Here are five shows coming up in January:

“Finding Neverland”

Victoria Theatre Association will present “Finding Neverland” from Tuesday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 20. “Finding Neverland” tells the story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters — Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Captivated by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. Barrie takes a monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where childhood wonder lives on forever. Tickets start at $26 (plus service fees,) and may be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com, at the theater box office or at (937) 228-3630.

“Almost Heaven”

At La Comedia Dinner Theatre from Thursday, Jan. 17 to Sunday, Feb. 17, guests can enjoy a delicious buffet combined with the songs of John Denver in a live production of “Almost Heaven.” The show is a tribute to John Denver and reflects on the life of the accomplished musician and songwriter. The show incorporates many of Denver’s best-loved songs like “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” “Leaving On A Jet Plane,” “Calypso” and many more. Tickets range from $30 to $75. For tickets and show times, visit www.lacomedia.com, or call (800) 677-9505. La Comedia Theatre is located at 765 W. Central Avenue in Springboro.

Musical Monte Carlo Night

Lebanon Theater Company (LTC) will host its annual fundraising gala, Musical Monte Carlo Night, on Friday, Jan. 18 and Saturday, Jan. 19. Produced by Dawn Stone with musical direction by Jay Mills, this interactive event will feature music about chance, luck and love. Hosted and performed by the incredible talent that makes up the Lebanon Theatre Company, guests can look forward to an unforgettable evening. The talent of LTC will challenge audiences in a test of musical knowledge, taste and prowess. Will participants be able to “Stump the Pianist” or guess the “Musical Category,” and possibly win a prize for their efforts? Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. The gala will feature a cash bar, appetizers and chef-carved beef tenderloin. Tickets are $75 per person. Proceeds from the event will support LTC and help to cover operating expenses. For further details, go to www.ltcplays.com. The theater, The Mechanic Street Playhouse, is located at 10 S. Mechanic St. in Lebanon.

“Fiddler on the Roof”

“Fiddler on the Roof” will be at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center from Tuesday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 27. The heartwarming musical tells the story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and life, love and laughter. This timeless classic is packed with Broadway hits, including “To Life (L’Chaim!)” “If I Were A Rich Man,” “Sunrise Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.” Ticket prices start at $31 and are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office at 650 Walnut St., online at CincinnatiArts.org, or by calling (513) 621-ARTS. For more information, and a schedule of performances, visit www.broadwayincincinnati.com.

“The Christians”

On Friday, Jan. 25 and Saturday, Jan. 26, Middletown Lyric Theatre will present Lucas Hnath’s “The Christians.” Show times are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with an additional afternoon performance on Saturday at 3 p.m. Directed by Charley Shafor, performances will be held at First United Methodist Church at 120 S. Broad St. in Middletown. The production focuses on influence and faith in a megachurch. Twenty years ago, Pastor Paul’s church was nothing more than a modest storefront. Now he presides over a congregation of thousands. Today should be a day of celebration. But Paul is about to preach a sermon that will shake the foundations of his church’s belief. Tickets are $15 per person for reserved seating (plus ticketing fees). Tickets are available at www.middletownlyric.org. Advance purchase is recommended. If available, tickets may be purchased at each performance. Visit www.middletownlyric.org or call (513) 425-7140 for more information.

About the Author