Broadway In Cincinnati, the theatrical organization that draws the most people to see live theater each year in the tri-state area, continues to bring first-class, New York-quality touring musicals to the Aronoff Center in 2018.

“School of Rock” (February 21-March 4) is a fantastic show for those who think they don’t like Broadway, says Genevieve Holt, Broadway In Cincinnati general manager. It’s the perfect reason for getting out of the house for a fun escape during those final weeks of winter. And “The King and I” (April 10-22) is a great introduction to a classic musical – gorgeous, and perfectly executed – for young and old. The cast, Holt adds, is top-tier talent.

Laura Michelle Kelly, Baylen Thomas and Graham Montgomery in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I.

The Empowering Force of Music

Based on the hit film by the same name, the hilarious “School of Rock” follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

Written by Julian Fellowes of “Downton Abbey” fame, “School of Rock” features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber (“Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats,” “Jesus Christ Superstar”), all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids’ rock band playing their instruments live on stage.

The central message of the show? The empowering force of music.

“ ‘School of Rock’ is an absolute delight to watch,” says Holt. “The energy is infections, the music makes you want to jam out and the story is both sweet and inspiring. It truly has appeal for all ages, but it’s especially fun for kids to see their peers rocking out onstage. I love this show!”

The cast of the School of Rock Tour.

Too Beautiful to Miss

Two worlds collide in the “breathtaking and exquisite” (New York Times) musical, “The King and I,” directed by Bartlett Sher. One of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s finest works, the score features such beloved classics as “Getting to Know You,” “Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.”

Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist king, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, “The King and I” was dubbed “too beautiful to miss” by New York Magazine.

“This production of ‘The King and I’ may be one of the best ever produced,” Holt says. “It’s a gorgeous interpretation of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. If you love ‘The King and I,” you will be enchanted with this production. If you’ve always wanted to see ‘The King and I,’ this is your chance to see it at its very best.” 

The cast of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I.

The Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth presents shows at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information, call 513.621.ARTS or visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com.