Monthly Archives: April 2012

April 20, 2012 · 9:58 am

REASONS TO BE PRETTY Review

Steve Early as Greg. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

REASONS TO BE PRETTY presented by New Edgecliff Theatre through April 28. You can read the show description here.

Director Mark Seasmon leads a strong ensemble in this successful season closer for NET.

I think what I liked most about REASONS TO BE PRETTY was how my initial reaction to all four characters was totally different to how I felt about each of them by the end of the play. The fact that I went from point A to point B, without noticing (or feeling manipulated) during the show, speaks to the quality of the script, direction and the performances.

Steve Early as Greg & Rachel Mock as Steph. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Favorite scenes include the run-in at the restaurant between Greg (Steve Early) and Steph (Rachel Mock) and the “information hunt” between Carly (Mindy Heithaus) and Greg in the warehouse break room.

A few small observations from opening night:

As an actor, I think it’s very difficult to start a scene (much less a show) at the beginning of a relationship-ending argument. I felt that Steph entered a little too “hot” and limited how much room she had to grow the emotion in the first scene. I was also a little unclear, for me, as to why “the comment” was such a hot button for Steph.

Mindy Heithaus as Carly & Justin Baldwin at Kent. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

For Greg, I understand what you were going for in the first two scenes, it just felt that maybe you pulled back a bit too much. Energy level wise, you didn’t seem to be on the same plane  with Steph and Kent (Justin Baldwin).

Justin Bladwin is clearly having a blast being “that guy.” There was a couple of times when the pause between the end of a line and Kent’s vocalizations was just a hair too long, which seemed to throw Greg off it bit. While it’s totally in character for Kent to use this as a tactic to screw with Greg, I wasn’t sure if it was on purpose.

Steve Early as Greg & Mindy Heithaus as Carly. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

As I said, these are minor complaints on a well-done production with performances that I found to be natural, honest and believable. REASONS TO BE PRETTY is a very interesting commentary on contemporary relationships (including friendships) and how time and complacency can take their toll. Congratulations to the cast and crew.

A word of warning for patrons offended by language. Playwright LaBute is not afraid to use swearing (and we are well into double digits by the end of the first scene), but it does serve a purpose. The show runs a bit over 90 minutes with no intermission.

Click here for a complete list of show times, articles and other reviews for REASONS TO BE PRETTY. 

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the showor my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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April 20, 2012 · 8:09 am

CSC Concludes a Fantastic Season with Shakespeare’s Explosive Tale, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Jeremy Dubin directs William Shakespeare’s controversial
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, opening on May 11, 2012

Brian Isaac Phillips as Shylock, Kelly Mengelkoch as Portia & Jared Joplin as Antonio. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

CINCINNATI, April 19, 2012 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company concludes its fantastic and popular eighteenth season with William Shakespeare’s THE MERCHANT OF VENICE opening May 11. This production features CSC Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips as Shylock, CSC Ensemble Member Kelly Mengelkoch as Portia and introducing to Cincinnati audiences, Jared Joplin as Antonio, the Merchant of Venice. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE opens on May 11 and runs through June 3 2012. The production design is generously sponsored by Taft, Stettinius and Hollister.

In one of the Bard’s most controversial and thrilling plays, Antonio (Jared Joplin) covers a debt for his friend Bassanio (Billy Chace) who will use the money to woo the delightful Portia (Kelly Mengelkoch). The loan is secured from the complicated and persecuted Shylock (Brian Isaac Phillips), who has much reason to resent Antonio. Shylock agrees to lend the money at no interest save a “pound of your fair flesh…” When it seems that Shylock’s debt will go unpaid, Antonio must face a terrible fate. The matter is brought to the courts of Venice in Shakespeare’s original courtroom battle, where Portia disguises herself to save the best friend of the man she loves. THE MERCHANT OF VENICE comes to life across lines of religion, race and wrongdoing.

CSC Artistic Associate Jeremy Dubin returns to the director’s chair at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company following his previous celebrated productions of “An Ideal Husband”, “Twelfth Night” and “Engaged!”. Mr. Dubin says of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE that “the play continues to fascinate, to incite controversy, to spark heated, even vitriolic debate. This play has been twisted, squeezed man-handled and molded to fit every conceivable political agenda and cultural sensibility. It was used by Nazis as anti-Jewish propaganda, it was used by Zionists to support the creation of a Jewish homeland. Shylock has been a comedic villain, a surrealist nightmare, a hapless victim and a tragic hero. In attempts to solve the play’s “problems”, it has been subject to productions where, according to Arden’s editor, John Drakakis, ‘the novelty of the staging assumed a greater importance than the play itself.’ We will not do that. Let’s instead honor and admire the head-scratching, brow-furrowing complexity obdurateness of it. Let us acknowledge and appreciate a play that makes us uncomfortable because it has no easy solution.  For this is, I have come to realize, what I love about the play.”

Brian Isaac Phillips, CSC’s Producing Artistic Director, will be featured as Shylock. He has most recently been seen on the stage in Cincinnati in “Collapse” at Know Theatre, “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” and “The Seafarer” at Ensemble Theatre and “The Goat or Who is Silvia?” at New Stage Collective. At home at CSC, Mr. Phillips has been seen as Hamlet in “Hamlet”, Hal in “Henry IV”, Bottom in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and Stanley in “A Streetcar Named Desire”. Portia is played by eighth year ensemble member, Kelly Mengelkoch. This season, Kelly has been featured as Queen Katherine in “Henry VIII: All is True”, Elinor in “Sense & Sensibility” and as the Princess of France in “Love’s Labour’s Lost”. She was featured last season in “Blithe Spirit” as Elvira and in “Pride & Prejudice” as Jane Bennett. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to introduce Jared Joplin to Cincinnati Shakespeare audiences. Some of his most memorable roles include “Player #2” in “Shipwrecked…” (along side his father Joneal Joplin and his sister Jennifer Joplin), Young Scrooge/Ghost of Christmas Future in “A Christmas Carol” (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, directed by Michael Haney) and Donalbain in “Macbeth” (directed by Rick Sordelet). Mr. Joplin recently spent the start of the decade in Public Services for Cirque du Soleil’s North American tour of “Kooza”.

Performances of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE are scheduled from May 11- June 3, 2012 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Preview performances are on May 9 & 10, and tickets are only $14. No performance on Sunday May 13, 2012. The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$28 on Thursday Nights and Sunday Matinees and from $26-$32 on Friday and Saturday Nights. Ticketing fees may apply. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as Enjoy the Arts and AAA members. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.

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About Season 18:

Season 18 is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council and is supported, in part, by the generosity of thousands of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave, formerly the Fine Arts Fund. The season design sponsor is Judge Mark Painter. Creative Services are provided by Possible Worldwide. Season 19 has been announced. All of the dates and info are available online at http://www.cincyshakes.com/season-19.html

About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages. Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces eight main stage productions each season at its home on Race Street. CSC employs a resident company of actors and artists who live and work in Cincinnati year-round, and performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Performance Schedule
5/9/12 7:30 PM (Preview)
5/10/12 7:30 PM (Preview)
5/11/12 7:30 PM (Opening)
5/12/12 7:30 PM
5/17/12 7:30 PM
5/18/12 7:30 PM
5/19/12 7:30 PM
5/20/12 2:00 PM
5/24/12 7:30 PM
5/25/12 7:30 PM
5/26/12 7:30 PM
5/27/12 2:00 PM
5/31/12 7:30 PM
6/1/12 7:30 PM
6/2/12 7:30 PM
6/3/12 2:00 PM

Cast
Benjamin, Darnell Pierre Lorenzo/ Prince of Morocco
Bond, Ian Salerio (& Salarino)/Prince of Aragon
Chace, Billy Bassanio
Clark, Sara* Jessica
Davenport, Cary Launcelot Gobo/ Tubal
Hopkins, Jim* Salanio/ Duke
Joplin, Jared* Antonio
McGee, Miranda Nerissa
Mengelkoch, Kelly* Portia
Phillips, Brian Isaac* Shylock
Rader, Maggie Lou Portia’s Attendant, Rialto Wench
Rose, Nick* Gratiano

Production Details
William Shakespeare’s THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Directed by Jeremy Dubin
Stage Manager: Justin McCombs*
Costume Design: Heidi Jo Schiemer
Lighting & Scenic Design: Andrew Hungerford
Sound Design: Doug Borntrager

Tickets & More Information
Thursday & Sunday: Adults: $28, Seniors: $24, Student: $22 Friday & Saturday: Adults: $32 Seniors: $28 Student: $26
Discounts available for ETA/START, AAA
Preview Tickets are $14.
Student Rush tickets w/ ID 30 minutes prior to show time for $14 (if available).

Tickets may be purchased through the CSC Box Office: 513.381.2273 ext. 1 or online at www.cincyshakes.com

Group discounts are available starting at 6 people. Go online or contact the box office. Limited accessible seating is available for persons using wheelchairs. Please ask the box office for assistance. Assisted Listening Devices are available at the box office. Thursday performances feature a pre-show “Dumb Show” Sunday performances are followed by a Talk-Back with the cast on the stage.

*Member of Actor’s Equity Association, the professional union of actors and stage managers in the United States.

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April 19, 2012 · 9:55 pm

AEA Auditions for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will be holding Equity and Equity-Eligible (EMC) Principal auditions on Monday, May 7, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 2012-13 Season. Auditionees should prepare one or two contrasting monologues, not to exceed 3 minutes.

For a musical audition, one monologue and one song (not to exceed 3 minutes) should be prepared. Musical auditions will only be seen from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. An accompanist will be provided. Clearly marked music will be required for the accompanist. No pre-recorded music will be permitted.

Blake Robison, incoming Artistic Director, and Michael Evan Haney, Associate Artistic Director, will be attending these auditions. They will take place at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

Visit our website at www.cincyplay.com for information about the 2012-13 Season. Only Equity and Equity-Eligible will be seen at this time.

To reserve an audition time, please call 513/345-2242.

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April 19, 2012 · 6:21 pm

LCT Recognizes Justin Baldwin for NET’s REASONS TO BE PRETTY

Justin Baldwin as Kent. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

(CINCINNATI, APRIL 16, 2012)– Justin Baldwin has earned a League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) Award for his performance in New Edgecliff Theatre’s production of REASONS TO BE PRETTY. Baldwin was recognized in the category of featured actor in a play.

REASONS TO BE PRETTY is a darkly romantic drama by Neil LaBute that follows two couples as they navigate the conflicting loyalties of love and friendship. When Greg confesses to his girlfriend of four years that she’s not physically perfect, it not only affects their lives but the lives of their close friends Carly and Kent, played by Baldwin, whose relationship is far from perfect.

According to one LCT panelist, “Baldwin’s character is a male stereotype, but he was able to skillfully craft it so Kent did not come off as one-dimensional.” Another praised Baldwin’s “raw emotional truthfulness.”

Baldwin serves as the associate managing director at New Edgecliff. Earlier this year, he appeared in the LCT Award-winning ensemble of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. A 2008 graduate of Miami University, Baldwin spent three years with the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, where his credits included Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Measure for Measure and Pericles. He’s also appeared in The History Boys at New Stage Collective and A Christmas Carol with Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

Reasons to Be Pretty continues through April 28. Details and ticket information can be found at www.newedgecliff.com.

The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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April 19, 2012 · 6:15 pm

Ron Shaw Earns LCT Award for Scenic Design of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES

(CINCINNATI, APRIL 16, 2012)– The League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) has recognized Ron Shaw with an award for his scenic design in the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center’s production of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES.

Shaw was praised for the show’s “delightful” setting: a shabby gas station, run by Jackson and L.M., which sits across from the Double Cupp Diner, managed by sisters Prudie and Rhetta Cupp. According to one LCT panelist, “I thought the set was perhaps the best designed and executed I’ve ever seen at the Carnegie.”

Shaw, an associate professor at Northern Kentucky University, last designed at the Carnegie in 2011 for the theatre’s production of The Odd Couple. He has worked as a set, lighting and costume designer at other venues including Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, ArtReach Touring Theatre, Charlotte Repertory Theatre and the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES is a hilarious and heartwarming country western music revue, with original songs including “Farmer Tan” and “The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine.” The show continues through April 29. Details and ticket information can be found at www.thecarnegie.com.

The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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