A New Adventure Begins
In the world of live theater, there’s nothing quite like a performance that changes every time you see it. That’s exactly what “Dungeons & Dragons™: The Twenty Sided Tavern” promises as it launches its national tour across the United States. A fully interactive show built on the iconic fantasy role-playing game, this production invites audiences to become active players in the story—and it’s drawing talent from across the industry to bring its magic to life.
Among the latest additions to the team is James Simon, producer, who joins the production as an Associate Producer. Known for his deep love of storytelling and innovative theatrical work, Simon brings a sharp eye and passion for live experiences that truly connect with audiences. His involvement adds even more energy to what’s already an unpredictable and uniquely engaging show.
What Makes This Show Different
At its core, The Twenty Sided Tavern is more than a theatrical performance. It’s a full-fledged experience that merges the creativity of live improv with the endless possibilities of tabletop gaming. Every night, audience members make decisions that directly impact the direction of the story. Will the heroes survive the dungeon? Will the wizard’s spell land—or fizzle? Will the party stay united or split in chaos? The answers change with every roll of the dice and every audience vote.
This kind of immersive storytelling stands out in a crowded theater landscape. There’s no script that’s followed to the letter, no two performances that are exactly alike. Instead, the show offers hundreds of potential paths, a handful of final endings, and a wild ride from start to finish. For fans of D&D, improv, or just live entertainment in general, it’s a night at the theater unlike any other.
Why James Simon Got Involved
For James Simon, producer, this kind of fresh, genre-bending theater is exactly the kind of work he finds most exciting. With years of experience in both Broadway and Off-Broadway, as well as producing in the UK, he’s always had an eye for shows that push boundaries. He describes his decision to join The Twenty Sided Tavern as a natural fit.
“I’m really excited to bring this unique experience across the country,” Simon shared recently. “This show has a little bit of everything—comedy, action, suspense—and it changes every performance based on what choices the audience makes for our heroes. Maybe they’ll be victorious, maybe not, but it’s a fun time for all. It doesn’t matter if you’re into gaming or not. It’s always fresh and funny every show.”
That kind of enthusiasm has become a signature of Simon’s producing style. He looks for projects that connect with people, challenge expectations, and, above all, entertain. The Twenty Sided Tavern checks all those boxes—and then some.
An Expanding Audience
One of the most fascinating elements of this production is how it welcomes everyone into the experience, whether they’re longtime D&D fans or total newcomers. There’s no gatekeeping here. You don’t have to know your hit points from your perception checks to have a great time. The show is built to be accessible, inclusive, and fun. It’s a celebration of creativity, choice, and community—the same elements that have made tabletop gaming such a beloved pastime for decades.
As the tour gets underway, audiences across the country will have a chance to step into the world of fantasy, magic, and mayhem. The adventure begins July 18 in Richmond, Virginia, and continues through cities like Washington, D.C., Chicago, and San Diego, with more stops to be announced. At each location, the show adapts, evolves, and reinvents itself based on the crowd, the decisions made, and the performers’ improvisational skills.
The Heart of the Forgotten Realms
Part of what makes The Twenty Sided Tavern so compelling is its setting. Taking place in the beloved Dungeons & Dragons universe of the Forgotten Realms, the production is steeped in rich fantasy lore while maintaining a lighthearted tone. The actors, dressed as knights, wizards, rogues, and bards, guide the audience through dungeons, taverns, and uncharted lands. But don’t expect a traditional script. Instead, be ready for quick wit, unexpected twists, and plenty of audience participation.
Digital and analog challenges help propel the story, allowing audience members to vote on what happens next. The format encourages laughter, cheers, and the kind of camaraderie usually found around a kitchen table at a late-night D&D session. That same spirit is what James Simon hopes will resonate with theatergoers, whether they come in wearing cosplay or just looking for something fun to do on a Friday night.
Looking Ahead
As the national tour takes off, the creative team behind The Twenty Sided Tavern is excited to see how audiences in different cities shape the story. Each show is, in effect, a premiere. And with producers like James Simon on board, the production has both creative passion and seasoned leadership driving it forward.
For Simon, this is more than just another credit—it’s a chance to bring a bold, innovative idea to communities across the country. In an industry that’s always evolving, projects like this prove that live theater still has new ways to surprise and engage us.
Whether you’re a devoted gamer or just someone looking for a night of unexpected laughs and fantasy storytelling, The Twenty Sided Tavern invites you to roll the dice. With every show built from scratch and shaped by the crowd, it’s a reminder that theater is at its best when it’s alive, responsive, and shared.
To find out more about upcoming cities and ticket information, you can visit the official website at thetwentysidedtavern.com/tour.
And if you happen to be in the audience one night, know this: your decisions just might change the course of the story.