Columbus Stage Hosts 'Eureka Day' Comedy About School Board Vaccine Disputes
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio opens its 2026-27 season with a play set in California that uses humor to explore community division and personal decision making.
By Ivan Mori ·
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio launches its 2026-27 season on Thursday with the debut of 'Eureka Day,' a comedic play staged at the Riffe Center Studio Theatres. The production is directed by Allie Moss and will run through November 22.
The play is set in Berkeley, California, and centers on the parent executive board of an elementary school. The members face a mumps outbreak while disagreeing on vaccination policies. Moss noted that the situation sounds intense but functions as a comedy where audiences see their own reflections.
Julia Chen Myers, who plays Meiko, a committee member, stated that the plot extends beyond the vaccine debate. She explained that the story addresses trauma and morality, focusing on why individuals make specific decisions even when others disagree with their reasoning.
Moss, who grew up in Columbus and lived in the Bay Area for eight years, cited the recognizability of the characters as a primary motivation for directing the work. She described the experience as a homecoming, noting that she grew up attending shows at The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio.
The director expressed confidence that local audiences would connect with the characters, suggesting that Columbus residents know these types of people without needing the specific Berkeley context. Myers added that viewers often realize they know exactly who certain character types are or have met them before.
Moss highlighted the perspective of college students, arguing they occupy a unique position as both students and parents. She predicted this dual viewpoint would make the experience particularly engaging for that demographic group.
Preview performances occur Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Friday at 8 p.m., with the official opening set for Saturday at 8 p.m. The run continues through Sunday, November 22. The theatre offers Pay-What-You-Want tickets for previews and $20 student rush tickets for all regular shows.
Discounted tickets must be purchased in person at the box office starting two hours before showtime. Myers described the play as a reminder to listen to one another, a necessity she emphasized given current national divisions.
