Nina West musical to premiere in Columbus in 2027

By AI, Created 5:19 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Columbus Children’s Theatre will premiere The You Kind of Kind: The Musical on April 2, 2027, at the Riffe Center in downtown Columbus. The show adapts Nina West’s children’s book and puts a local spotlight on a story about kindness, empathy and individuality.

Why it matters: - The world premiere gives Columbus Children’s Theatre a new original production built from Nina West’s best-selling children’s book. - The musical centers themes of empathy and inclusion for young audiences and family viewers. - The production adds another locally rooted project to Columbus’s arts calendar in spring 2027.

What happened: - The You Kind of Kind: The Musical will debut on April 2, 2027, in Columbus, Ohio. - The run is scheduled through April 23, 2027. - Performances will take place in Studio 1 at the Riffe Center in downtown Columbus. - Columbus Children’s Theatre commissioned the musical. - Artistic Director Zac DelMonte and Executive Director Susan Pringle are leading the company.

The details: - The musical is based on Nina West’s children’s book The You Kind of Kind. - Caleb Damschroder wrote the original score and co-wrote the lyrics with Nina West. - Eric Ulloa and Nina West wrote the book. - Kevin J. Zak is directing the production. - The show is built around individuality, empathy and the transformative power of kindness. - Columbus Children’s Theatre said the project reflects its work commissioning new pieces by artists with national influence. - The organization said the production fits an evolving theatrical landscape where empathy, inclusion and authenticity matter to young audiences.

Between the lines: - Nina West framed the project as personal, linking the musical to her hometown and the support she has received in Columbus. - Eric Ulloa described the work as part of a broader legacy of entertainment that teaches community and kindness. - Caleb Damschroder said the musical is meant to show young audiences that thoughtfulness can be powerful and that kindness can be cool. - The commission also signals Columbus Children’s Theatre’s interest in new work that reflects the diversity and complexity of contemporary families and communities.

What’s next: - Casting and additional production details will be announced later. - Columbus Children’s Theatre and Nina West’s official social channels will carry more information. - The company is expected to continue building out the premiere ahead of the April 2027 opening.

The bottom line: - Columbus is getting a hometown premiere built from a nationally visible artist’s children’s book, with a clear focus on kindness, inclusion and family audiences.