January 30 - February 22, 2026
Showtimes are
Fridays 8:00 pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 8:00 pm
Sundays 2pm
Tickets: $30 general
$25 for 65 and over
$15 for students with ID
Friday, January 30 at 8pm
Saturday, January 31 at 8pm (Student Night)
Sunday, February 1 at 2pm
Friday, February 6 at 8pm
Saturday, February 7 at 3pm and 8pm
Sunday, February 8 at 2pm
Friday, February 13 at 8pm
Saturday, February 14 at 3pm and 8pm
Sunday, February 15 at 2pm
Friday, February 20 at 8pm
Saturday, February 21 at 3pm and 8pm
Sunday, February 22 at 2pm
Theatre NOVA presents:
Kayak
by Jordan Hall
January 30 - February 22, 2026
How high’s the water, Mama?
Alone on a vast stretch of water, Annie Iversen recounts the chain of events which stranded her in her son’s old kayak. A doting suburban mother, Annie is blindsided when her son, Peter, falls in love with Julie, a passionate environmental activist. Desperate to protect her son from what she sees as a reckless path, Annie fights to hold on—until the danger she feared finds her instead. Directed by Briana O'Neal.
Directed by Briana O'Neal, the cast features Diane Hill, Cooper Miller, and Grace Lawrence. The production team includes Elise Blochwitz (stage manager), Craig Hane (set designer), Sam Schikora (light designer), Micha Mallet (costume designer), Josie Herman (sound designer), Brady Jacot (assistant director), Eli Hubbel (assistant stage manager).
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Photos by Sean Carter Photography
What Reviewers Are Saying:
“Theatre NOVA’s production of Kayak seems to have chosen just the right play to perform at just the right moment. Events in American cities and around the world are making people wonder what their obligations are in troubled times.” - A2 Pulp
"What really drew me in and had me excited about the play was Craig A. Hane's scenic design. I mean, immediately you notice the Kayak in the middle of the theatre's notoriously quaint stage, but then your eyes begin to wander. I am always blown away by the transformations this place goes through after every show I see..." - Find MI Theatre Blog
What Audiences Are Saying:
Theatre Nova has done it again! We were there last night for the opening of "Kayak" by Jordan Hall and we were drawn into the story from the very first line! Congratulations to all involved, both on and off the stage, and special kudos to to Diane Hill for her tour de force performance as a mother facing numerous challenges as her grown son's life takes them both on an unexpected journey.
Well done! Loved every moment. As always, the actors are terrific! Excellent show. - Anne Bauman
Plays at Theatre Nova always make you think and Kayak was no exception. Excellent acting and unusual script. It’s the kind of play you discuss afterwards, as it lends itself to many interpretations!
We liked the "moral of the play" very much- focused on the importance of doing as much as we can to reduce climate change, pollution, etc. The use of Noah's Ark fable to provoke thought about what humans are doing today, given the path we're on, was brilliant... All three actors were very good but the mother did a fabulous job. - Beverly
Wow. What a great play with great depth. Diane Hill has never been better. The subject is timely and the metaphors abound but the message is very clear. Well done! - Karen Bean
Fascinating play. Very well done! - Jan Wright
Excellent, timely play with immensely talented actors.
Loved it - thoughtful, so well-written and well-acted! It illuminates the many possibilities and conflicts people face in choosing how to life their lives. - Layla Ananda
Smart. Well-written. Topical. Intimate family portrayal We cared about all the character and the issues. - Donna Marie Iadipaolo
Really phenomenal acting, and great story-writing.
A beautifully crafted script with heartfelt grit. The production held my attention tightly, with emotional twists and turns that truly felt like a white water ride!
A very good play! Sharp dialogue. All 3 actors were excellent. - Arthur Wasserman
This was one of the most powerful shows I have seen recently. Three actors, a beautiful set, a sincere and interested audience, humor and passion, moved me deeply in a most surprising way. I laughed and cried-theatre at its’ best. Tragedy and Comedy intertwined gave me hope that we might yet get through these terrible and disruptive times. Thank you to Theatre Nova. - Susan Hamady
Very impactful message, and Outstanding performances.
Such a powerful performance! I sat in my seat trembling as the play came to a close. As a theatre artist, I WANT my audiences to feel that!- Michael Lee
Very impressed! Engaging. Impressive memorization!!- Allison Stephens
It's great to see Diane Hill again. She's a treasure!
The show was both moving and thought-provoking, thanks in no small part to inspired acting and graceful directing that weaved well past and present, dream and reality. - Jill Halpern
It continues to be so heartening and inspiring to gather in community to see and celebrate new works. Thank you!
Every show I see at Theatre NOVA feels intimate, friendly, warm and welcoming.
My friends and I enjoy the plays you put on at Theater Nova since they often provide us with things to discuss on or drive back to Toledo.
The dedication that I see there for live, new theatre is remarkable and I thank you for life changing experiences and the communal experience.
Outstanding, the best this year.
Lovely stage design and performances. It was a very immersive experience to be sure.
I always feel at home and a little more aligned after a NOVA show!
A true winner! Congratulations to cast, playwrights, director and staff!
Theatre Nova is wonderful. I've been a subscriber for years. Great stuff on their stage...always quality acting and staging.
We have attended performances at Theater Nova at least 6 times and always enjoy the intimate setting and appreciate the plays/themes chosen.