The World Goes ‘Round: A Musical Reflection Right Here at Home

A Local Stage Brings Broadway Depth

If you’re looking for a burst of heart, humor, and humanity this winter, make your way to Maumee Valley Country Day School later this February. TBD Productions is bringing The World Goes ‘Round to the stage—a celebration of the extraordinary songwriting partnership of John Kander and Fred Ebb, the duo behind Broadway classics like Cabaret and Chicago.

This isn’t your typical “feel-good” musical. It’s something richer, something real. Kander and Ebb never shied away from life’s messier truths—loss, love, doubt, and resilience. Their music finds light in even the darkest corners, wrapping complex emotions in melodies that lift the spirit.

“Their songs make you laugh, ache, and hope—all in the same breath.”

A Message for Our Moment

It’s no secret the world feels uncertain lately. Between constant headlines and daily stress, we could all use a reminder that we’ve been here before—and that we’ll get through.

That’s exactly what Kander and Ebb’s work offers. The title song, “The World Goes ’Round,” says it plainly: life keeps moving, through every heartbreak and triumph. Some of these songs were written half a century ago, yet they could have been written yesterday.

That’s the brilliance of their artistry—it transcends time. Their words and music meet us right where we are, with compassion, wit, and a touch of hope.

“These songs remind us that even in chaos, there’s something worth singing about.”

Friendship at the Heart of the Cast

This production’s cast of five performers brings that timeless message vividly to life. Forged in friendship and united through music, they share an onstage chemistry that feels both intimate and electric.

“They’re some of the most talented musicians I know,” says Matt Zwyer, the show’s  director. “Each one brings honesty and heart to these songs, which is exactly what Kander and Ebb’s work demands.” Musical theatre lovers may recognize the performers’ names from other local productions: Cyndy Brookover, Annelise Clifton, Courtney Rahe, Luke Rosen, and Matt Zwyer. 

If you’ve attended past TBD performances, you already know to expect extraordinary musicianship and storytelling. This show delivers both in spades—a cabaret-style evening that feels like it was made for a cozy night out among neighbors.

A Full Spectrum of Emotion

Life, as we all know, is not tidy. It’s laughter and heartbreak, triumph and regret—sometimes in the same hour. The World Goes ’Round captures that full emotional range with humor and grace.

One song soars with brassy defiance, the next melts into tender reflection. Through it all, the theme remains constant: no matter what comes, we carry on. This is a musical about endurance—about finding meaning and music in every season of life.

That message feels especially timely for this community moment. When we gather for live performances like this, we’re reminded that art doesn’t just entertain—it connects. It gives us the courage to look at the world as it is and still find beauty.

“When life feels off-key, music helps us find harmony again.”

A Community Worth Applauding

For readers of Anthony Wayne Neighbors, this is more than a show—it’s a celebration of local artistry and shared experience.

The World Goes ’Round runs February 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., and February 22 at 2 p.m. at Maumee Valley Country Day School, 1715 South Reynolds Road in Toledo. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), this event highlights how timeless music and community spirit can still make the world go ’round.

So, gather your friends, silence your phones, and let yourself get swept up in this musical journey. You’ll leave reminded that even in life’s wildest moments, the rhythm never stops.

“Life’s not always perfect—but it’s always worth singing about.”

TBD Productions is a new theatre company in Northwest Ohio. The idea for the name of the company actually comes from the Bible: 1 John 3:2 says, “Friends, here and now we are children of God. What we will become has yet to be determined (TBD), but we know that when we see Christ, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is.” After select performances TBD will offer a “talkback,” an opportunity for the actors and a moderator to engage with the audience. One purpose of this conversation is educational, to help audience members think about the themes in the play and to wrestle with the question of how we might come together as a community, without being prompted by a catastrophe. Also, the cast gets to find out directly what the audience thought of the show, what material resonated. But more importantly, TBD hopes the talkbacks will give audience members an opportunity to consider the context of what they have just seen on stage. A talkback is also an opportunity where people can hear someone else and maybe say, “That person had an experience that resonates with me, so maybe I can have a conversation with them."   In this way, the play is not just a cultural event, but also a community building opportunity, emphasizing the community in community theatre.