CINCINNATI - Opioid addiction is a rising concern across the state, and organizations are doing all they can to help combat the problem. One theatre production in particular is shining light on the issue, in an effort to help get rid of the stigma.

Robert Stimmel goes over his lines before rehearsals officially begin. Stimmel started acting in high school and has been at it ever since. He’s performed in over 100 plays. 

“I just like the magic in the stories that we can tell with starting with something as simple as words from a page and making it into this alternate world,” said Stimmel. 

Stimmel plays the role of Benjamin in the rock musical “Higher” put on by the American Legacy Theatre. The play follows the story of Benjamin and his struggle with depression, pain and heroin addiction. 

“It starts off as simple as a sip of beer and then it kind of spirals into this crazy vortex of what can happen with addiction and substance abuse,” he said. 

The Ohio Department of Health estimates over 4,000 people died due to unintentional drug overdoses. It's a 7 percent increase from 2018. Stimmel says he knows several people himself who have struggled with addiction. It helps him get into character. 

“Hear those stories that I heard from other people and the challenges that they deal with, but also their triumphs as well,” he said. “That really gives me the fuel and forms my choices that I make as Benjamin as well.”

The purpose of this play is not only to raise awareness but to also help get rid of the stigma surrounding people who are addicted. Through playing the role of Benjamin Stimmel says it has helped him become more understanding. 

“It has made me so much more aware of people who are dealing with this, but also knowing that not everyone is outwardly saying that they are dealing with it,” he said. 

For more information about the play and showtimes click here.