7 Musicals to See in Ohio This Fall

Les Misérables | Sept. 18–22
Enjoy a timeless tale with this classic set in 1800s France. Coming to the stage at Connor Palace in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square, this tale told completely through song centers on the life of Jean Valjean after his time in prison. The musical showcases themes of love and triumph through songs like “I Dreamed a Dream” and “One Day More,” which are part of the show’s Tony Award-winning score.


Hamilton | Oct. 1–13
Recount the life and legacy of the “ten-dollar founding father” as this 11-time-Tony Award-winning musical brings its North American Tour to the Schuster Center in Dayton. Through sharp costuming, captivating choreography and a dramatic yet humorous score by Lin-Manuel Miranda, watch the birth of America through the eyes of our forefathers and performances of show favorites such as “My Shot,” “Guns and Ships” and “The Room Where it Happens.”

The Rocky Horror Show | Oct. 3–Nov. 2
Do the “Time Warp” at this classic Halloween show that led to the beloved movie “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In this unique musical experience written by Richard O’Brien, Janet and Brad find themselves in the eclectic the mansion of Frank-N-Furter, a scientist who is building his perfect monster, Rocky. Coming to life on the Garden Theater stage in Columbus’ Short North neighborhood, audience members can grab a participation bag to play along during the musical.


The Book of Mormon | Oct. 8-13
Enjoy this nine-time Tony Award-winning musical as it takes the Ohio Theatre stage in Columbus and follows the story of two missionaries and their zany journey across the globe to spread their religion to others. From the minds of funny men Trey Parker and Matt Stone, who were the writers behind the South Park television series, watch this story unfold with the help of songs such as “All-American Prophet”.

Mean Girls | Oct. 29–Nov. 3
“You can’t sit with us” in this musical version of the 2004 award-winning film that is coming to Cleveland’s Key Bank State Theatre. Follow Cady Herron to her new school, where she encounters known mean girls Gretchen Wieners, Karen Smith and the queen of them all, Regina George. With powerhouse songs like “World Burn” and “Revenge Party,” be sure to don all the pink you can to enjoy this show — and don’t end up in Regina’s Burn Book!

Dear Evan Hansen | Nov. 12–13
For one night only at the E.J Thomas Performing Arts Hall on the University of Akron campus, this Tony Award-nominated show takes the stage as part of the Broadway in Akron series. A tale of coming of age and doing a good thing for all the wrong reasons, follow Evan Hansen as he navigates the passing of fellow student Connor Murphy. The score includes powerful numbers like “Waving Through a Window” and You Will Be Found,” all written by award-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Funny Girl | Nov. 19–Dec. 1
Visit Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center during the Broadway revival run of this musical originally made popular by Barbara Streisand. Follow the story of Fanny Brice through songs like “I am the Greatest Star” and “Don’t Rain of My Parade” as she overcomes the odds and becomes a Broadway star in her own right. With an award-winning score, fabulous costuming and choreography that will make you want to try it yourself at home, this show is the perfect finale to the fall theater season.

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