Monthly Archives: October 2012

October 24, 2012 · 6:05 pm

PIP’s Shelterhouse Season Continues with HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY, Nov. 3-Dec. 23

(CINCINNATI) – Go beyond the legend to the roots of Hank Williams’ music in

HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. This spectacular musical biography of the legendary singer-songwriter begins previews in the Playhouse’s Thompson Shelterhouse Theatre Nov. 3 and continues through Dec. 23.

The journey starts in the backwoods of Alabama and winds up at center stage of the Grand Ole Opry. Featuring more than 20 of the singer’s most popular songs, including “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Hey, Good Lookin’” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” Lost Highway is an honest and mesmerizing portrait of the drifting cowboy who became one of the most influential country artists of all time.

The highway of Williams’ life was an infamously brief one, ending in the backseat of his powder blue 1952 Cadillac convertible, either late New Year’s Eve 1952 or early New Year’s Day 1953. He left Montgomery, Ala., on Dec. 30, 1952, with a college student hired to drive him to concert dates in Charleston, W. Va., and Canton, Ohio. Due to an unusual Southern snowfall, the journey was a series of delays, with Hank’s death occurring between Knoxville, Tenn., and Oak Hill, W. Va., where he was officially declared dead.

Nearly 60 years after his death, Hank’s legacy still runs strong. Of the mere 30 singles released during his lifetime — and five released posthumously, including the iconic “Your Cheatin’ Heart” — 11 went to No. 1. His songs have been recorded by countless artists of diverse musical genres. Hank and his record producer, Fred Rose, were two of the first three country music figures inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1961, and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 acknowledged his crossover influence.

-more-

The Hank Williams Memorial Lost Highway, a portion of I-65 in Alabama, was dedicated in 1997. Bob Dylan, who lists him as a major influence, spearheaded the 2011 release of The Lost Notebooks of Hank Williams, previously unheard lyric compositions from his songwriting notebooks set to music by such artists as Dylan, Alan Jackson, Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow and granddaughter Holly Williams.

The cast of HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY includes Peter Oyloe as Hank Williams, Mississippi Charles Bevel as Tee-Tot, Annie Fitzpatrick as The Waitress, Sally Mayes as Mama Lilly, Steven G. Anthony as Hoss, Brian Gunter as Jimmy (Burrhead), H. Drew Perkins as Leon (Loudmouth), Jason Edwards (Smoke on the Mountain and Sanders Family Christmas: More Smoke on the Mountain) as Fred Rose (Pap), Russ Wever (Always… Patsy Cline) as Shag and Morgan Hallett (Love, Janis) as Audrey Williams.

Randal Myler (Love, Janis; Appalachian Springs; Always … Patsy Cline), who co-authored and directed It Ain’t Nothin’ But the Blues, will direct. Other members of the production team include Musical Director Dan Wheetman, Set Designer Vicki Smith, Costume Designer Gordon DeVinney, Lighting Designer Don Darnutzer and Sound Designer Timothy J. Ryan. The Production Stage Manager is Jenifer Morrow.

Prices for HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY range from $30 – $80, depending on day and seat location and are subject to change. Tickets are just $30 for the preview performances at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3; 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7. The official opening night is Thursday, Nov. 8 at 8 p.m.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there is no performance on Thursday, Nov. 22. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets to HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY are on sale now. For more information, call the Playhouse box office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit http://www.cincyplay.com. Call 513-345-2248 for TDD accessibility.

The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.

The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to ArtsWave.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Special Performances

Meet the Artists

These free programs allow audiences to interact with cast members and others associated with the production following the show.

  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18
  • 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21

Dining Options

Karlo’s Bistro at the Playhouse offers full-service dining prior to most evening performances. Dinners include salad, entrée and dessert. Reservations are required by noon on the day of the show. The price is $27. Karlo’s Casual Fare offers busy theatre patrons an alternative light, quick bite prior to the show. Options include salads, sandwiches, soups, pasta and desserts. No reservations are required. Credit cards are now accepted.

Sponsors

Production Sponsors: Clark, Schaefer, Hackett and Company

Honorary Producers: Richard and Teddie Curry

The 2012-2013 Thompson Shelterhouse Theatre Series is presented by The Heidelberg Distributing Co.

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October 24, 2012 · 5:06 pm

MY LEFT BREAST runs Nov. 8-10

MY LEFT BREAST
Presented by Miami University Hamilton Theatre
Nov. 8-10
Hamilton

Directed by Bekka Eaton Reardon
Featuring Sarah Senff

Winner of the 1995 OBIE Award for Playwriting and The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for Best Play written by a Woman in the English language.

“A metaphor of resilience… done with a self-aware humor and a literary acuteness that makes her hour on the stage an enlarging experience.” —The New York Times

  • Thu-Sat, Nov. 8-10 at 7:30pm

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October 24, 2012 · 1:09 pm

Capitol Steps Bringing TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN…FOR PRESIDENT to MU Oct. 28

The Capitol Steps perform two shows, 2pm and 7:30pm, Sunday, Oct. 28, at Hall Auditorium, Oxford, Ohio.

Oxford, Ohio – Capitol Steps, a former group of Senate staffers who now set out to satirize the very people and places that employed them, are on the road and headed to Oxford. The group will perform in two 90 minutes shows at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 28th at Hall Auditorium, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

The group was formed in December of 1981 when some staffers for Senator Charles Percy were planning entertainment for a Christmas party. They decided to dig into the headlines of the day, creating song parodies & skits that conveyed a special brand of satirical humor.

In the years that followed, many of the Steps ignored the conventional wisdom (“Don’t quit your day job!”), and although not all of the current members of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers, together the performers have worked in a total of eighteen Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate experience.

Since they began, the Capitol Steps have recorded over 30 albums, including their latest, Take the Money and Run — for President. They’ve been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS, and can be heard 4 times a year on National Public Radio stations nationwide during their Politics Takes a Holiday radio specials.

Capitol Steps is presented by the Miami University Performing Arts Series and is sponsored by the Baymont Inn & Suites, Jerome Conley, and Kona Bistro. Media partners are 88.5 WMUB, 90.9 WGUC, and 91.7 WVXU. Tickets are $35 for adults, $34 for seniors and $17 for students and youth.

For tickets or more information, go online to www.MiamiOH.edu/PerformingArtsSeries or call the Miami Box Office at (513) 529-3200.

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October 24, 2012 · 12:34 pm

Clifton Performance Theatre Offers Classes, Productions and Birthday Parties – Oh, My!


Children’s Musical Workshops
Learn to perform an entire musical for your family and friends in just four weeks! Join friends and other area students ages 5-15 as you learn about what it takes to put on a staged production. From theater terminology to backstage tasks to acting, singing, and performing in front of an audience – this hands-on experience is a terrific opportunity to become educated about theater while having fun.

We have two new sessions starting immediately. They include:

  • Sleepy Hollow (Written by James Crowley, music by Jeff Holmes) – When Schoolmaster Ichabod Crane arrives in the quiet little village of Sleepy Hollow, he finds that many of the Hollow’s residents view him as an odd creature who does not belong. But the ladies, including Katrina Van Tassel, soon notice that he possesses qualities that the local farm boys do not – among these…culture and refinement. And Ichabod notices Katrina as well; however, she already has a suitor…Brom Bones. Brom, however, holds secrets that are best never told. A wonderful, not-too-spooky way to let your creative side appear!

    Rehearsals: Mondays and Wednesdays, November 5-28, 6:00-7:30 p.m. (No rehearsal Wed., Nov. 21 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Make-up class on Fri., Nov. 30, 6-7:30 pm.). Performances: Sat., Dec. 1 and Sun., Dec. 2, 3 p.m. Cost: $185

  • A Christmas Carol (script adapted by Carol Brammer) – A classic and inspiring production for the holiday season! Full of humor, bah humbugs and some thought-provoking moments, so…
    Come one! Come all!…Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?…In the lane, snow is glistening…Scrooge in sight!…He’ll get such a fright!

    Rehearsals: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nov. 6-Dec. 6, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Performances: Sat., Dec. 8 and Sun. Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. Cost: $185

Improv for Teens
This class teaches the art of making up theater on the spot – think Second City in Chicago. Taught by local professional actor and Playhouse regular Kevin Crowley. Session Two: Saturdays, Nov. 3-Dec. 15, 12:30-2pm, except Nov. 24. Cost per session: $235.

Baby Box musical theater preperatory class
For ages 3-7, this ongoing class takes place Saturdays, 10-11am. Session One: Sept. 15-Dec. 15 (except Saturday, Nov. 24). Session Two: Jan. 12-April 27, 2013. Cost per session: $225. Pro-rated fee: $15 per class.

Adult Acting Classes
Taught by local professional actor and Playhouse regular Kevin Crowley, Session Two: Tuesdays, Oct. 30-Nov. 18, 8-9:30pm. Cost per session: $235.

Clifton Performance Theatre also is a great place to celebrate birthdays! For class registration and info on birthday packages and productions, go to www.cliftonperformancetheatre.com or call 513.861.SHOW (7469). CPT is located at 404 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45220.

 

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October 24, 2012 · 12:20 pm

CCM Presents Acclaimed Rock Opera CHESS Oct. 25-28

Featuring music by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson with lyrics by Tim Rice, CCM’s Mainstage Series continues this month with the must-see musical CCM Presents Acclaimed Rock Opera ‘Chess’ Oct. 25-28.

CINCINNATI, OH —The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) proudly presents the acclaimed rock opera Chess as the next installment in this year’s Mainstage Series. Featuring music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (of the Swedish rock group ABBA) with lyrics by Golden Globe, Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winner Tim Rice (of Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Lion King and more), Chess has what Time magazine calls “one of the best rock scores ever produced.” Directed by Aubrey Berg with musical direction by Stephen Goers, choreography by Diane Lala, scenic design by Mark Halpin and costumes by Rebecca Senske, CHESS runs Oct. 25-28 in UC’s Corbett Auditorium.

Set in Bangkok and Budapest during the World Chess Championship of 1972, CHESS uses the board game as a metaphor for the Cold War struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union, with each superpower vying to win international tournaments for purposes of propaganda. The romantic triangle between two young grand masters – an American and a Russian – and the woman who manages one and falls in love with the other, forms the heart of this intriguing tale.

“The setting for CHESS is abstract – a chessboard on which the action plays out,” explains Aubrey Berg, CCM’s Patricia A. Corbett Distinguished Chair of Musical Theatre and the director of this production. “Though the protagonists feel they are acting independently, they are ultimately revealed as pawns in a greater power struggle.”

This concept also spoke to scenic designer Mark Halpin, a visiting assistant professor of scenic design at CCM. “I tried to suggest a world that is inhabited mostly by people who engage with things on a logical, intellectual level,” Halpin says. “The shapes and forms are repetitive, cold and cerebral, and it’s when peoples’ emotions clash with that world that things get interesting.”

Several songs from Chess have become international hits, with “One Night in Bangkok” reaching Number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the duet “I Know Him So Well,” holding the No. 1 spot on the U.K. singles charts for four weeks.

Junior Aubrey Ireland plays Florence Vassy, the woman desperately caught between Freddie (the American) and Anatoly (the Russian) in this double-cast production. “The score to CHESS is absolutely stunning,” Ireland says. “It has the perfect blend of moving power ballads and gut-wrenching emotions that play so well on stage.” The original Florence was played by long-time British pop star Elaine Paige and Ireland feels fortunate that she’s able to perform “such an epic piece.”

Of the dramatic elements of CHESS, Berg says, “The action plays out in a world of spies, counter-agents and super-powers vying for supremacy.”

Senior Josh Tolle, one of two CCM students playing Freddie, echoes this fantastic theme: “They’ve really turned Corbett Auditorium into the set of a James Bond film. If you want to see a show where people are forced to combat the circumstances they’ve been given, fight hard for love even when it may be a losing game and pick up all of the pieces against all odds, this is a night for you.”

Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 25
  • 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26
  • 2 & 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28

Location
Corbett Auditorium, College-Conservatory of Music
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Tickets to Chess are $30 for adults, $19 for non-UC students, $17 for UC students with $12 student rush tickets available for the Saturday matinee beginning at 1 p.m. on Oct. 27.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online at ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice.

Subscription packages are also still available for CCM’s 2012-13 Mainstage Series. For more information on CCM’s Mainstage Series subscription options, visit ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice/subscription.html.

Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.

CCM Season Presenting Sponsor and Musical Theatre Program Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

ArtsWave: Community Partner

Macy’s: Mainstage Season Production Sponsor

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the leading conservatories for the performing and electronic media arts, composition, scholarship and pedagogy.

CCM is the largest single source of performing arts events in Ohio with an annual calendar of nearly 1,000 performances and presentations, ranging from solo recitals to full-scale opera and musical theatre performances.

All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events or to view CCM’s 2012-13 season brochure visit our website at http://ccm.uc.edu.

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