A world premiere production inspired by the classic, Uncle Vanya

WRITTEN BY BETH HYLAND
DIRECTED BY MARISSA WOLF

ON THE HERTZ STAGE
FEBRUARY 25 – MARCH 22, 2026

The Alliance Theatre is excited to announce the cast of its upcoming world-premiere production, FIRES, OHIO. Written by 2025 Alliance/Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition winner Beth Hyland and directed by Marissa Wolf, Artistic Director of Portland Center Stage, FIRES, OHIO runs on the Hertz Stage, February 25 through March 22, 2026. Opening night is Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

Inspired by the classic family drama Uncle Vanya, FIRES, OHIO updates a beloved story for our painfully absurd present, taking a hilarious and heartfelt look at the natural (and personal) disasters that transform our everyday lives. In addition to winning the 22nd annual Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, FIRES, OHIO has been awarded the Kennedy Center’s Paula Vogel Award and the Mark Twain Prize for Comic Playwriting.

“On the first page of Beth Hyland’s magnificent script, FIRES, OHIO, is a quick exchange of dialogue from the Seinfeld episode “The Keys” where George and Kramer are in conversation about their different approaches to life – George craves and Kramer yearns…this yearning, this soulful ache for purpose is distinctly Chekhovian, as is FIRES, OHIO. Our playwright has masterfully created characters who (not unlike the characters in UNCLE VANYA) are grappling with regret over their unsatisfactory lives and resentment towards the people in their orbits.  And yet, even in their feelings of ennui, we sense the electricity of the yearning. We empathize with their restlessness in the search for life’s meaning but are energized by their relentless quest to figure it all out. Oh, and it’s painstakingly relatable…and funny. ”

– Amanda Watkins, Director of New Work

The cast of Fires, Ohio features Chisom Awachie (Alliance Theatre debut) as Erin, David de Vries (Alliance Theatre: A Christmas Carol, Netflix: Ozark, Theatrical Outfit: Freud’s Last Session) as Professor, Tiffany Denise Hobbs (Alliance Theatre: A Tale of Two Cities, Actor’s Express: Doubt, Aurora Theatre: The Color Purple) as Elena, Rebeca Robles (Horizon Theatre: The Wolves, Synchronicity: The Hero’s Wife, Yale Drama: Uncle Vanya) as Sonia, and Billy Harrigan Tighe (Alliance Theatre: Millions, Broadway: The Heart of Rock & Roll, PIPPIN, West End: The Book of Mormon) as John.

The creative team is led by Director Marissa Wolf and Assistant Director SaRee Grimes​, and includes Lighting Designer Robert J. Aguilar, Scenic & Costume Designer Lex Liang, Sound Designer Madeleine Oldham, Fight Choreographer Jake Guinn, and Intimacy Consultant Laura Hackman.

Additional production support includes Stage Manager Xiaonan (Chloe) Liu, and Stage Management Production Assistant Phoebe Sweatman.

Performances of FIRES, OHIO run on the Hertz Stage February 25 through March 22, 2026 – learn more.