ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Presented by Kincaid Regional Theatre
June 9-16
Falmouth
Who could ever forget the adventures of Alice and the most unusual characters she meets, after falling down a rabbit hole! The Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat and the White Rabbit make his charming story one you won’t want to miss!
Filed under On Stage
Betsy Morgan as Fantine. Photo by Deen van Meer.
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LES MISERABLES presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through May 13. You can read the show description here.
A quick note: I did see the original tour twice at the Taft Theatre a quarter century ago. My memory is a bit fuzzy so I won’t get too specific about changes in the anniversary tour.
Well, THAT would be the reason the TV version couldn’t hold my attention. Nothing compares to the power of the sound in a live performances of LES MISERABLES. And that is certainly what the orchestra and the large, talented ensemble delivers.
Musically and vocally it sounds fantastic. Every member of the ensemble was working hard, offering great character work and vocals. The leads were strong performers as well. Personal favorites included Peter Lockyer as Jean Valjean (who’s BRING HIM HOME stopped the show), Betsy Morgan as Fantine, Max Quinlan (CCM MT ’10) as Marius and [confirming young actor’s name] as Gavroche.
The Company of the New 25th Anniversary Tour. Photo by Deen van Meer.
Where the original tour relied mainly on a turn-table and pieces for the set, the anniversary tour features two large (and long) multi-level trucks on each side of the stage and numerous other components that roll and fly in. You can’t help but wonder where they are storing it all off stage.
A major component to this set is the background projections used throughout the production. It is very successful when used to transition from scene to scene. Some of the changes from one scene into another are so subtle you don’t notice the process. Projection movement was used to great effect for the sewer scenes, but the street scene’s moving effect looked a little choppy. My guest reminded me that the original run used projections to display date and location changes, and she missed that information in this production.
The Company of the New 25th Anniversary Tour. Photo by Deen van Meer.
Opening night did have a few hiccups. Nadine Malouf in the role of Eponine struggled with high notes in ON MY OWN (though the rest of the song and A LITTLE FALL OF RAIN were wonderful). Also a light at the audience right proscenium (usually used when there are sign-language interpreters) suddenly lit during a scene.
Overall, LES MISERABLES is a treat for the eyes and ears and a great reunion with some old friends. Fans and first-timers should find much to enjoy.
Click here for a complete list of show times, local media coverage and other reviews for LES MISERABLES.
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Filed under Reviews
HONK!
Presented by Acting Up
June 8-10
Mason
HONK! is the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms. Witty and hilarious, but also deeply moving, HONK! will treat you to equal amounts of laughter and tears, with its charm, humor and message of tolerance.
Official page with cast list | Online ticketing | FaceBook event |
Filed under Family-Friendly, On Stage
SATURDAY, JUNE 9TH at 7:30 p.m.
On Sale Friday, May 11, at 10:00 a.m.
Cincinnati, OH – Live Nation welcomes comedian Aziz Ansari to the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Saturday, June 9th, 2012 at 8pm.
All Tickets are $39.00 and go on sale May 11 at 10:00 a.m. at CincinnatiArts.org, LiveNation.com, (513) 621-2787, and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.
All tickets subject to applicable service charges and fees.
Dates and times subject to change without notice.
Ansari has quickly established his presence in the comedy world. He is currently starring in a popular television series, is developing a number of films and will soon debut his second hour-long standup special. The Hollywood Reporter said that he “has become one of the most prolific writers and performers on the comedy scene in recent years” and Rolling Stone recently placed him on the cover of their special comedy issue labeling him “the funniest man under 30.” In addition, Paste Magazine has named him one of the “Top 10 Comedians of the Decade.” Ansari also wrapped a much buzzed about gig as the host of the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.
Ansari co-stars opposite of Amy Poehler in the Emmy nominated NBC series Parks and Recreation, which is currently in its fourth season. The series received its first Emmy nomination in 2011 for “Outstanding Comedy Series.” Ansari’s portrayal of government employee Tom Haverford, has earned him much critical praise including Entertainment Weekly naming him one of their “Breakout TV Stars,” TV Guide naming him a “Scene Stealer” and Yahoo! TV placing him in the number one spot on their list of “TV MVPS: The Most Valuable Performers of the Fall Season.” People Magazine recently named him 2011’s “Funniest Dude in Prime Time.”
Ansari is also keeping busy in the film world and was most recently seen starring in the action comedy 30 Minutes or Less opposite Jesse Eisenberg and Danny McBride. He will next voice a character in Twentieth Century Fox’s Ice Age: Continental Drift. Mandate Pictures also picked up a comedy feature pitch by Ansari and Matt Hubbard, which he will star in alongside Danny McBride. Additionally, Ansari is developing three films for Judd Apatow and Universal with Director Jason Woliner. The collaboration with Apatow began on Universal’s Funny People, where Ansari created the popular character of ‘Raaaaaaaandy,’ who went on to become a viral hit on FunnyOrDie.com. Ansari also appears in Get Him to the Greek alongside Russell Brand, Jonah Hill and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, as a co-worker of Hill’s character. He has had roles in the hit comedies I Love You, Man and Observe and Report.
In 2010, Ansari released an hour-long standup special on Comedy Central titled Intimate Moments for a Sensual Evening. The special and subsequent DVD/CD were both extremely successful and the album continues to be a mainstay on iTunes’ comedy best-seller list. Ansari has also become a regular on the late night circuit with recent memorable appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Ansari recently wrapped up a major multi-city standup tour called the “Dangerously Delicious Tour” and will soon release this as another hour-long standup special. He began performing standup in 2001 while attending NYU and continues to perform at venues all over the world today. In 2005, Rolling Stone named him their choice for “Hot Standup” on their annual Hot List, and he was also awarded the Jury Award for Best Standup at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen in 2006.
Ansari first came to audience’s attention on MTV’s hit sketch comedy series Human Giant. The series is based around short films starring Ansari, along with Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer. Many of their sketches have become internet sensations and have popularized the trio with young people all across the U.S. Ansari also had a very memorable guest starring role on HBO’s Flight of the Conchords, in which he portrayed a racist fruit vendor and was seen in a multi-episode arc on Scrubs.
About Live Nation Entertainment:
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE-LYV) is the largest live entertainment company in the world, consisting of five businesses: concert promotion and venue operations, sponsorship, ticketing solutions, e-commerce and artist management. Live Nation seeks to innovate and enhance the live entertainment experience for artists and fans: before, during and after the show. In 2009, Live Nation sold 140 million tickets, promoted 21,000 concerts, partnered with 850 sponsors and averaged 25 million unique monthly users of its e-commerce sites. For additional information, visit www.livenation.com/investors.
Filed under Press Releases
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER – Washington Township Town Hall Theatre in Centerville, Ohio seeks candidate to supervise all main-stage rehearsals and performances. Typical tasks may include but are not limited to: managing auditions, rehearsals, production meetings, performances, as well as supervising staff and young people. Duties are determined and performed under the direction of the Recreation Supervisor. Undergraduate degree in theatre required. Some professional experience preferred. Part-time evening and week-end hours 25-35 hours per week Salary: $10.97/hr. THT is a 300-seat theatre operated by the Washington Township Recreation Center and presents theatre for young audiences. Position is classified as PT Recreation Assistant. Application materials are available online at www.washingtontwp.org or apply in person at the Washington Township Recreation Center, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Road in Washington Township. For questions contact Mary Scott, HR at (937) 438-7985 ext. 2818 or email: mscott@washingtontwp.org. EOE
Filed under Casting Call
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 