BEREA, Ky. — If you’re looking for a simple “what are we doing this weekend?” answer, The Spotlight Playhouse has a strong late-winter run lined up: a Valentine’s-weekend murder mystery dinner, a youth “Lion King” double-cast run, and a teen-led Shakespeare comedy.
Here’s the full preview—with a little more about what each show actually is.
1. “The Tomb” — Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Dates: Feb. 13–15, 2026
What it’s about:
Set in 1899 Egypt, The Tomb drops you into an era of archaeology fever, old-world intrigue, and whispered motives—then asks you to solve a murder while you eat. The story plays out around you as characters mingle, clues surface, and the room becomes part of the action.
What it feels like:
This isn’t a sit-in-the-dark-and-watch kind of show. It’s interactive theater: you’ll get the fun of following the plot, spotting suspicious behavior, and comparing notes with your table. You can be as involved as you want—some people go full detective, others just enjoy the ride.
Why it’s a Valentine’s weekend pick:
Because it’s dinner + theater + a built-in conversation starter. If you’ve ever struggled to pick between “date night” and “something different,” this is the rare option that’s both.
2. Disney’s “The Lion King KIDS” — Spotlight Acting School (Ages 4–11)
Dates: Feb. 20–March 1, 2026 (Two Casts, Two Weekends)
- Blue Cast: Feb. 20–22
- Purple Cast: Feb. 27–March 1
What it’s about:
The kid-friendly stage version of The Lion King follows Simba, a young lion who’s meant to become king, as he learns what courage and responsibility look like—helped along by unforgettable friends and music most families already know.
What it feels like:
This one is pure family joy: bright costumes, big songs, and the special kind of energy you only get when kids take the stage and own it. It’s also a “Berea tradition” kind of night out—parents and grandparents turning out to support young performers.
Why two casts matters:
Spotlight Acting School splits performances into casts so more kids get a chance to shine, which is part of what makes these youth shows such a community magnet.
3. “The Taming of the Shrew” — Spotlight Acting School (Ages 14–18)
Dates: March 6–15, 2026
What it’s about:
One of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies, The Taming of the Shrew is a fast, messy, battle-of-wills story built around courtship, pride, performance, and power—and the chaos that happens when strong personalities refuse to back down.
What it feels like:
This is where teens get to show range: big language, quick timing, physical comedy, and character work that demands confidence. Shakespeare can sound intimidating until you remember this is theater built for laughs, momentum, and audience reaction—and a youth cast often makes it feel immediate and surprisingly accessible.
A quick note for modern audiences:
Shrew is often discussed through a contemporary lens because of its themes. Directors and casts frequently approach it thoughtfully, leaning into comedy, irony, and character agency in ways that make it land for today’s audiences while still honoring the classic text.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Venue: The Spotlight Playhouse, 214 Richmond Road, Berea
Tickets & Times: Available at thespotlightplayhouse.com
Why this run matters:
This is peak “Berea weekend planning” content: three consecutive show windows that bring families, grandparents, and visitors out to support local performers—fueling dinners, babysitters, and all the small-town ripple effects that keep arts-driven communities healthy.