Yearly Archives: 2013

POE AND MATHEWS: A MISADVENTURE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE Review

Brian Kuwabara as Cornelius Mathews & Emily Windler as Edgar Allan Poe. Photo by Jacob Drabik.

POE AND MATHEWS: A MISADVENTURE IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE presented by Grumble Productions as part of the 2013 Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Click here for the show description, a list of show times, links to local media coverage and other reviews.

Thanks to my Dad, I was exposed to Laurel & Hardy, Abbott & Costello, The Three Stooges and The Bowery Boys at an early age. POE & MATHEWS brought back those memories and reminded me of the affection I have for this type of physical comedy.

Brian Kuwabara as Cornelius Mathews & Emily Windler as Edgar Allan Poe. Photo by Jacob Drabik.

Brian Kuwabara as Cornelius Mathews & Emily Windler as Edgar Allan Poe. Photo by Jacob Drabik.

Emily Windler plays straight-man Edgar Allan Poe to Brian Kuwabara’s bumbling Cornelius Mathews. The two make a great team and compliment each other nicely. Personally, I got a big charge out of Windler’s much put-upon Poe. The mannerisms, the voice, the faces, the eye-rolls in exasperation combined to make an entertaining character to watch.

The script is good and flows nicely. Veiled (and blatant) movie references, commentary asides about the venue, and improper word choice are some fun bits. A small complaint, there was one “stage” that felt like it was going a bit long, a few minutes before it actually ended.

Overall, a fun, laugh-filled hour at The Coffee Emporium.

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.

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

Leave a comment

Filed under Cincy Fringe Festival, Reviews

2013 Speakers for Thursday’s trueFRINGE

TRUE_logoFor the third year in a row, True Theatre has been invited to the Cincinnati Fringe Festival to provide an evening of entertainment of “true stories told be real people.” In this case, all the “real people” are artists associated with the 2013 Festival!

If you’ve seen any of these people’s shows as part of the Festival, then you’ll know already what a treat it will be to hear each one tell a true, personal story about life as a performing artist.

If you come to trueFRINGE (8:30pm, Thu, June 6, at the Coffee Emporium on 110 Central Parkway, downtown) you will hear from:

With Live Music by Andrea Young Lee!

Tickets for this “off-season” show are purchased like tickets to any other show produced as part of the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. You can call the box office (513.300.5669) or visit www.cincyfringe.com/performance/truefringe/ to buy them.

See you soon, and until then: Be true!

Leave a comment

Filed under Cincy Fringe Festival, Press Releases

BUTCHER HOLLER HERE WE COME Review

Photo by Joe Bourguignon.

Photo by Joe Bourguignon.

BUTCHER HOLLER HERE WE COME presented by Aztec Economy as part of the 2013 Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Click here for a list of show times, local media coverage and other reviews.

You gotta love a show with your name (kinda) in the title. 🙂

I remember visiting Mammoth Caves, and sitting in that large chamber when they turn out the lights. So dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face. The underground venue at MOTR Pub comes close to that kind of darkness.

Photo by Joe Bourguignon.

Photo by Joe Bourguignon.

The concept for the show is very interesting. It’s 1973 and the audience is trapped with five coal miners after a cave collapse. Usually the only lights, if any, are the headlamps of the miners.

The ensemble is talented and does great work. The confrontation scene was well done albeit a bit stressful. 🙂

The description promises that the show brutally weaves “through family histories, complicated friendships, crooked politics, childhood visions, audacious hopes, eerie dreams, criminal addictions, and fervent spirituality.” Which it does. But for me, with the lack of visual information, I had a hard time keeping track of who was who, (aside from “Hiccup”) and their personal connections. Perhaps a short scene before the lights go out could help establish some of the characters and relationships for the audience.

Overall a fun and unique experience.

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.

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

Leave a comment

Filed under Cincy Fringe Festival, Reviews

Rehearsal Pianist Needed For ACTUP’s CHILDREN OF EDEN

ACTUP_logoActing Up (the young performers community theater based in Mason, OH) is looking for a rehearsal pianist for their upcoming production of “Children of Eden.” Rehearsals are set to start approximately July 21 (Mon-Thurs 6:30-8:30 and Sundays 2-5)and the performances are Sept. 27-29. Of course, the rehearsal pianist would not be needed at all these dates.

If you have any interest or know anyone please let us know at ActingUp@ActingUp.com or call 513-494-6062. More information can be found at www.ActingUp.com. Thank you for your consideration.

Leave a comment

Filed under Casting Call

TCT Seeks Experienced Freelance Carpenter/Scenic Artist

TCT_logoThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is looking for an experienced freelance carpenter/scenic artist who can help build and paint scenery for four MainStage productions, a fundraising gala, and five small touring shows. Works directly with our resident set designer/TD in our fully-equipped scene shop.

Duties include, but are not limited to: layout, carpentry, basic scene painting, and equipment maintenance. Welding skills a plus! Employment starts in August and consists of approximately 32 weeks of work, on and off, through April. Hourly rate negotiable. Send resume to 1008 Kieley Place, Cincinnati, Ohio 45217. Fax to 513-569-8084 or e-mail to sets@fuse.net.D in our fully-equipped scene shop.

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Casting Call