The Columbus Symphony Survives and Thrives in an Uncertain Arts Landscape

Building on its foundations of creativity and cooperation, the organization has explored new ways to educate and connect the community in a turbulent time
For centuries, symphony orchestras have brought important music works to life and have become integral to the cultural identities of their resident communities. The Columbus Symphony was founded in 1951, evolving in size, scope, and significance along with our growing city. Every year, the Symphony’s reach extends to more than 150,000 Central Ohioans through its […]
Theatre Review: Broadway Across America Season Roars Out of the Gate with ‘Dear Evan Hansen’

Dear Evan Hansen is the rare contemporary Broadway musical to captivate a wide swath of public attention. On every trip I’ve made to NYC since its transfer from Off-Broadway’s Second Stage Theater to the great white way, I’ve seen more Playbills for and overheard more conversations about this show by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul […]
Review: Jubilant Hit Revival of “Hello, Dolly!” Comes to Broadway In Columbus

Hello, Dolly!, Jerry Herman (music and lyrics) and Michael Stewart’s (book) adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker, has delighted audiences since its 1964 debut. A high-water mark for productions comes to the Ohio with the first tour of the 2017 Broadway smash revival, directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Warren Carlyle. This tale of […]
Interview: Patton Oswalt

The acclaimed comedian and actor brings a new hour to the Ohio Theatre on Sunday night
My wife, Julie, and I sat in the audience at the Palace Theatre during Patton Oswalt’s last show in Columbus in 2017 — a set that echoed much of what would be seen in his then-forthcoming Netflix special, Annihilation. While his astutely acidic take on his surroundings has never failed to make me laugh, he displayed […]
Disney’s Aladdin Comes to Columbus

Disney’s stage adaptations of their animated musicals are surefire crowd-pleasers. That trend continues when the national tour of Aladdin rolls into town this month. I spoke with Zach Bencal who originated the role of Babkak on this, the first national tour, including Columbus, by phone from the Atlanta stop on the tour. Bencal’s infectious enthusiasm was […]
CSO: Leonard Bernstein Centennial Celebration

CSO Music Director Rossen Milanov leads the Columbus Symphony, guest violinist Daniel Rowland, guest soprano Jennifer Lynn Cherest, and the Columbus Symphony Chorus in a unique concert celebrating legendary composer, conductor, and educator Leonard Bernstein. This kaleidoscope of Bernstein’s most popular Broadway works includes On the Town: Three Dance Episodes, West Side Story: Suite for […]
CSO: Leonard Bernstein Centennial Celebration

CSO Music Director Rossen Milanov leads the Columbus Symphony, guest violinist Daniel Rowland, guest soprano Jennifer Lynn Cherest, and the Columbus Symphony Chorus in a unique concert celebrating legendary composer, conductor, and educator Leonard Bernstein. This kaleidoscope of Bernstein’s most popular Broadway works includes On the Town: Three Dance Episodes, West Side Story: Suite for […]