For Shaun Bengson, music offered a way out of the church. Now it is helping him confront the prospect of losing his hearing.
That contradiction lies at the heart of Ohio, the autobiographical musical created and performed by Abigail and Shaun Bengson, the married indie-folk duo known as the Bengsons. After performances in Edinburgh, Bristol and London, the show will make its New York debut at Greenwich House Theater in January.
Directed by Caitlin Sullivan, Ohio draws on Shaun’s departure from religion and his experience with acute degenerative hearing loss. The couple’s songs explore what happens to faith and hope when the future becomes uncertain.
The production arrives with considerable acclaim. Its sold-out engagement at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe won a Scotsman Fringe First Award, followed by runs at Bristol Old Vic and London’s Young Vic.
The Bengsons, who received a 2024 Obie Award for sustained achievement in performance, previously created My Joy Is Heavy and The Keep Going Songs. Sullivan also directed the latter production.
Previews begin January 17, 2027, with opening night January 26. The limited engagement runs through March 27 at Greenwich House Theater, 27 Barrow Street. Tickets start at $39 and are available at bengsonsohio.com.
