“It is a must-see. It’s one of those things that you see and after you see it you go, ‘I didn’t realize that I needed that.’”
-Alton Fitzgerald White, critically acclaimed Broadway actor
Beginning Friday, March 7, through Saturday, March 22, 2025, join us on select dates from 7:30-10 p.m to experience the Ohio premiere of HIGHER – an original rock musical developed by American Legacy Theatre – newly rewritten, and returning to production for the first time since its world premiere in 2021!
HIGHER shines its light on the emotional rollercoaster of addiction, told through a gripping love story.
ALT presents HIGHER and its message of hope from playwright Mark Levine with the mission to reduce stigma surrounding those impacted by the opioid crisis, which continues to affect millions of people from all walks of life in America, and especially the midwest.
THE STORY & 2025 PERFORMANCES:
During the performance, you’ll experience Benjamin's All-American beginnings, and see how life’s harsh realities align to derail his dreams. As he searches for meaning and belonging, his newfound love, Mara, offers a tempting and dangerous "solution."
Supported by a dynamic seven-person ensemble, watch Benjamin’s journey unfold, leading him to discover powerful ways to rise above his pain, and ultimately to make the hardest decision of his life. This compelling new work explores struggle, transformation, and hope in ways that every viewer will be moved by.
Performances will take place at the Contemporary Arts Center – not on their stage, but brought to life within gallery spaces, and reimagined in a way you need to see to believe!
CREATORS:
Book, Music, and Lyrics by: Mark Levine
Arranged and Orchestrated by: Eric Knechtges
Developed by: American Legacy Theatre
FUNDING SUPPORTERS:
HIGHER is developed through Playwrights for Change - a program supported in part by the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. Foundation. ALT receives additional support from the Ohio Arts Council and the generosity of community contributions to the annual ArtsWave campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding.
WHY WE DO IT:
The opioid crisis affects millions of people from all walks of life in America, but especially the midwest. The crisis does not discriminate. Some people did not make it through, but for some there was a tale of hope. ALT presents one such story.
Directed by Matthew David Gellin this original rock musical is the first of its kind in American musical theatre. Never before has this topic been addressed in this way. ALT built this platform so we could bring people from all walks of life together to build a shared vocabulary and shared experience.
Our playwright, Mark Levine, said he created this musical for one simple reason: reduce stigma.
We at ALT have been asked for over two years to bring back this piece addressing this issue to light. We are thrilled to bring what you have asked. We are even more thrilled that ALT is setting the tone for Cincinnati to be a crucible for new work.
OUR COMMITMENT:
We do offer subsidized tickets if you receive SNAP benefits and our prices are detrimental for your family, or if you are a veteran/active military. Please reach out to us directly at 513-443-5429 (LGCY) so we ensure you have a part in this experience and your voice is heard.
ARRIVAL & PARKING:
There is ample parking in garages in and around the museum. There is also street parking, but please check the signage to ensure you are parked legally.
Upon entering the museum, you will take the elevator up to the 4th floor. Please note that the restrooms are on the Lower Level in the museum.