OHIO Lancaster Theatre to present ‘Leading Ladies’ and ‘right before i go’ in March

The Ohio University Lancaster Theatre will present two productions this March in the Wagner Theatre, located in Brasee Hall at 1570 Granville Pike in Lancaster. The performances are open to the OHIO community and the public.

'Leading Ladies,' set for March 4-8

The season opens with “Leading Ladies,” by Ken Ludwig, running March 4 through March 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. Additional matinee performances will be held March 7 and March 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 and are available online at ohio.edu/lancaster/theatre.  

Set in the 1950s, the comedy follows two struggling Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, who are desperate for work and short on cash. When they learn that a wealthy elderly woman intends to leave her fortune to her long-lost English nephews, they decide to impersonate the heirs and claim the inheritance. Upon arrival, they discover the relatives are not nephews but nieces. They must quickly adjust their plan and take on even more elaborate disguises. The result is a fast-moving farce filled with mistaken identities, romantic complications and physical comedy.

Director Victor Jones said the production has been a welcome creative outlet for the cast and crew.

“Working on a comedy has been exactly the perfect thing for all of us,” Jones said. “We walk into rehearsal ready to work, and we leave having laughed for two or three hours. That kind of joy carries over into the performance.”

Jones added that comedy requires discipline and precision.

“People often think tragedy is the most difficult genre, and it is challenging,” he said. “But comedy demands timing and pacing. This show has become a master class in comedic timing for our students.”

'right before i go,' to be performed March 23-25

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Later in March, audiences are invited to experience the play everyone will be talking about, “right before i go,” by Stan Zimmerman.

OHIO Lancaster Theatre students recently had the opportunity to meet virtually with Zimmerman, best known for his writing work on “The Golden Girls,” and “Gilmore Girls,” along with many other celebrated productions. Hearing directly from the creative mind behind the script gave students deeper insight into the story’s purpose, themes, and impact.

One of the students involved in the theatre program shared that the experience was inspiring. “Hearing from Stan Zimmerman made this project feel even more meaningful. Understanding why he wrote the play and the real stories behind it reminds us that this is bigger than a performance. It is about people, connection, and compassion.”

“right before i go,” is a powerful staged reading presented by Ohio University Lancaster Theatre in partnership with the Fairfield County ADAMH Board. The production shares the real final words and letters of individuals lost to suicide, including veterans, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals who experienced bullying, those battling depression, and public figures. Interwoven with the voices of survivors, the piece offers an honest and compassionate message about understanding, connection and the importance of mental health awareness.

Since its premiere at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in 2015, the play has traveled nationwide, fostering dialogue and promoting suicide prevention in communities across the country. Broadwayworld.com described the production as “poignant, deeply moving, and surprisingly light,” noting its raw and authentic approach to storytelling.

Jones explained that theatre can serve as a bridge between art and advocacy.

“Theatre is not only meant to entertain,” Jones said. “It can also help us face difficult realities with empathy and courage. This production creates space for conversation, reflection, and support within our community.”

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“right before i go” will be performed March 23 through March 25, 2026, at 7 p.m. in the Wagner Theatre. The running time is approximately 75 minutes. A special talk back discussion will immediately follow each performance. The production contains strong language and adult themes.

Admission is pay what you can, with a suggested donation of $10 cash. All proceeds benefit Fairfield County ADAMH and Ohio University Lancaster Theatre. Team members from Fairfield County ADAMH will be present at each performance to provide information, resources and compassionate support related to the play’s themes.

“right before i go.” is presented by arrangement with TRW Plays. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The service is available 24 hours a day, free, and confidential.

Both productions will take place in the Wagner Theatre in Brasee Hall on the campus of Ohio University Lancaster. Additional details and ticket information can be found at ohio.edu/lancaster/theatre.

Ohio University Lancaster Theatre continues to provide opportunities for students to develop their craft while offering the community performances that entertain, challenge and inspire.