My husband and I are avid theatergoers and feel eternally blessed that Cincinnati has The Aronoff Center for the Arts and the Broadway in Cincinnati series. We have been lucky enough to sit in the audience for many, many amazing shows at The Aronoff through the years, and look forward to more.
I aspire to one day having a spot in these box seats. Photo credit: Philip Groshong via Broadway in Cincinnati
We look forward to the season announcement from Broadway in Cincinnati almost like a kid awaiting Christmas (or sports fans awaiting draft picks). It’s important and plans our date night choices for many months to come. I look at the experience of date night at The Aronoff as a three-fold delight:
- It’s close to so many amazing restaurants — and what’s date night without a little dinner first?
- It’s a beautiful venue — you feel elegant just walking in the door! What a treat to feel like you’ve just walked into a New York City theater.
- The shows are fantastic and the talent is amazing. I always leave with plenty to talk to my date about and, generally speaking, a new tune stuck in my head.
Dinner and a Show
First things first, let’s talk about all of the amazing restaurants within walking distance of The Aronoff: Nada (right next door), Bru Burger, Prime Cincinnati, Jeff Ruby’s and Nicholson’s all are right across the street, Via Vita, Palomino and Boi Na Braza all are a short walk away on Fountain Square. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check Date Night Cincinnati’s Dinner and a Show post for a list of fantastic downtown eateries to visit before your date or afterward for drinks and dessert. Needless to say, if planning a date from start to finish is on the agenda, this should make its way to the top of your list.
Prime Cincinnati
The Aronoff is its own Attraction
The Aronoff opened in 1995 in the perfect location — right in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the space consists of three performance spaces: The Procter & Gamble Hall, Jarson-Kaplan Theater and Fifth Third Bank Theater. All of the theater spaces are state of the art and built to impress. In addition to the performance spaces, the building houses meeting and reception rooms, space for rehearsals and (a hidden gem) the Alice F. & Harris K. Weston Art Gallery. The next time you visit, take a minute to pause and admire the internationally recognized artist pieces displayed in the gallery. It’s truly a gorgeous building, our little bit of NYC right in the heartland. If you’ve never been, you are missing out.
Photo credit: Aronoff Center/Broadway in Cincinnati
Amazing Productions
I always had been a theatrical and drama-filled kid, but the turning point for me was experiencing Phantom of the Opera at the Aronoff for the first time shortly after the theater opened. It was life changing. Ever since, I’ve been hooked. I’ve seen so many amazing shows there — with friends, with my husband, my mother and my kids. There really is something for everyone, no matter your dramatic tastes. Just this season alone we’ve been treated to The Sound of Music, Phantom of the Opera (my favorite!), The Little Mermaid and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (the funniest date night yet!).
The upcoming Something Rotten! promises to be even more hilarious date night fare. Check it out:
A mash-up of 16th century Shakespeare and 21st century Broadway, Something Rotten! tells the story of
brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two playwrights stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rockstar Will Shakespeare. When a soothsayer foretells the next big thing in theatre, the Bottom brothers set out to write the world’s very first musical.
Knowing what I know of the actors, director and the book upon which this show is based, I anticipate a night full of cheeky, snarky fun. My husband is just as excited to see the show. He’s really become a theater lover as well. Date night win for me!
If you are looking for a fun night out, but something a little more special than just dinner and a movie, keep an eye on the show announcements for The Aronoff. You definitely will find the perfect show for you and your special someone. Besides Something Rotten!, you still have time to get tickets for Mamma Mia!, The Illusionists Live from Broadway, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.
Photo Credit: Aronoff Center/Broadway in Cincinnati
Tickets for Something Rotten!, along with the remaining shows in the Broadway in Cincinnati theater season, can be found at www.BroadwayinCincinnati.com, or you can select your seats in person at the Broadway in Cincinnati Box Office in the Aronoff Center at 650 Walnut Street. You also can call the box office at 800-294-1816.
Cast of Something Rotten! Photo Credit: Broadway in Cincinnati
I highly recommend The Aronoff as a date night destination, but keep in mind there are a wealth of talented local theater companies to enjoy as well: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Falcon Theater, The Carnegie and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Take advantage and see as many shows as you can. You’ll love every moment!
BONUS:
Broadway in Cincinnati just announced their 2017/18 season offerings and they are amazing!
Wicked
Finding Neverland
A Christmas Story
Waitress
School of Rock
Chicago
The King and I
Disney’s Aladdin
The Book of Mormon
EXTRA BONUS – The 2018/19 season will see the touring production of Hamilton An American Musical take the stage at The Aronoff!
This is a don’t miss season – for the date nights alone!
Click here for more info on The Aronoff!
Save
650 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Check online for show times.
