Monthly Archives: February 2014

Top Stories for the Week of Jan. 27-Feb. 2

  1. Annie Fitzpatrick as Elizabeth & Wesley Carman as Bailey. Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

    Annie Fitzpatrick as Elizabeth & Wesley Carman as Bailey. Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

    KTC’s PLUTO Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

  2. QCP Announces Auditions for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND and Disney’s JUNGLE BOOK KIDS
  3. SBP Announce 2014/2015 Season
  4. The Passing of Tom Fox
  5. CLYBOURNE PARK Review
  6. Casting Call for Independent Film TEN YEARS DEEP
    MUHT Announces Auditions for UNCLE VANYA
  7. REVELATION Runs Jan. 24-Feb. 8
  8. CCPA Announces Auditions for A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
  9. THE SOUND OF MUSIC Review
    TDW Announces Cast of SUITE SURRENDER
  10. LES MISERABLES Runs Feb. 27-March 9

Top Blog Tags and Categories

  1. Press Releases
  2. On Stage
  3. League of Cincinnati Theatre Awards
  4. Auditions
  5. Know Theatre of Cincinnati
  6. Reviews
  7. UC College-Conservatory of Music
  8. Queen City Productions
  9. Season Announcements

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Broadway in Cincinnati 2014-2015 Season Announcement

FIFTH THIRD BANK BROADWAY IN CINCINNATI
PRESENTED BY TRIHEALTH
ANNOUNCES 2014 – 2015 SEASON

Season includes the long awaited return of
Disney’s THE LION KING
SEASON PACKAGES ON SALE NOW!

Stuart Ward & Dani de Waal from the ONCE Tour Company © Joan Marcus

Stuart Ward & Dani de Waal from the ONCE Tour Company © Joan Marcus

Cincinnati, OH (February 3, 2013) – Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth announces its incredible 2014-2015 season which includes the long-awaited return of the Tony®-winning Best Musical Disney’s THE LION KING, Tony®-winning Best Musical ONCE, and a family favorite revival of Tony Award® winning RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA among others.

2014-2015 SEASON SHOWS

DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE September 23 – October 5, 2014
ONCE November 11 – 23, 2014
ELF The Musical* December 2 – 7, 2014
RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA January 6 – 18, 2015
ANYTHING GOES* February 17 – 22, 2015
Disney’s THE LION KING March 31 – April 26, 2015
I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE June 2 – 14, 2015 

*Season Subscribers pick one to complete six-show season package.

Season tickets for the 2014-2015 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Season presented by TriHealth will go on sale Monday, February 3 starting at 9:00am. There will be three convenient ways to purchase season tickets:

  1. Select your seats in person at the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth Box Office in the Aronoff Center, downtown at 650 Walnut Street, Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
  2. Order online 7 days a week/24 hours a day at BroadwayinCincinnati.com
  3. Call the Broadway Across America toll-free Cincinnati Season Ticket Hotline at 800.294.1816. The Hotline hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Saturday 12:00pm – 5:00pm, and closed Sunday.

Prices for the six-show season subscription range between $165.00 and $591.00 depending on seat location.

MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN Order before March 17 and make three easy monthly payments. This offer is only available using a credit card.

EXCLUSIVE SEASON TICKET HOLDER BENEFITS

  • Exclusive no-fee ticket exchange privileges.
  • Priority purchase opportunities for additional tickets to series shows and any season specials.
  • Lost ticket insurance and replacement service.
  • Purchasing privileges in any of our other Broadway Across America cities.
  • Same premium seat location for all two-week season shows.
  • Priority renewal for future seasons.
  • Discounts to community businesses. 

SEASON PATRON CLUB
In addition to all of the regular season ticket holder benefits, special Patron Club season tickets (available with an annual membership fee of $110) guarantee seating in the front orchestra or first three rows of the loge and include extended benefits such as complimentary parking for season shows, name recognition in the PLAYBILL program and starting this year, a Broadway Concierge Line to assist patrons with purchasing tickets for shows on Broadway.

CLOUD CLUB
For theatre lovers on a budget, the “Cloud Club” offers our six-show package with COMPLETE subscription benefits starting at $165 for all performances.

THE JANET TAYLOR EDUCATION PROGRAM
Season ticket holders are encouraged to consider an optional $5.00 contribution to support the Janet Taylor Broadway in Cincinnati Education Program. The Education Program was founded in 1988. Its mission is to introduce students and teachers to the outstanding education value of quality touring Broadway shows. Students throughout the region — from public, private and parochial schools — have the opportunity to participate in this ticket subsidy program and interact with professional performers and technicians from the touring productions.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth shows typically run for two weeks at the Aronoff Center. Performance options are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30pm, Friday evenings at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00 & 8:00pm and Sundays at 1:00 & 6:30pm. (All times are subject to change.) An audio-described performance for the visually impaired and an American Sign Language interpreted performance for the deaf are available. Anyone requiring either of these services or accommodations for the physically challenged should request so when purchasing season tickets.

GROUP SALES AND SINGLE TICKETS
Group sales information is now available for all shows. Reservations may be made by calling Group Sales Manager Peggy Holthaus, at 513.369.4363 or email at Peggy.Holthaus@BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. For more information visit BroadwayinCincinnati.com.

Tickets for individual shows are not available at this time.

2014-2015 Season Show Descriptions:

DIRTY DANCING September 23 – October 5, 2014

DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing.

Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit features the hit songs “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.” London’s Sunday Express says “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!”

It’s the summer of 1963, and 17 year- old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing.

On vacation in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents, Baby shows little interest in the resort activities, and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles upon the staff quarters when an all-night dance party is in full swing. Mesmerized by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the reumbles upon the staff quarters when an all-night dance party is in full swing. Mesmerized by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor.

Baby’s life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady both on-stage and off with breathtaking consequences.

ONCE November 11 – 23, 2014

Winner of 8 2012 Tony® Awards including Best Musical, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights… but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It’s an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.

ELF The Musical December 2 – 7, 2014

ELF The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.

The New York Times says that ELF is “Splashy, peppy, sugar-sprinkled holiday entertainment!” USA Today calls ELF, “Endearingly goofy!” Variety proclaims, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”

Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone).

RODGER’S + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA January 6 – 18, 2014

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA is the Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of THE SOUND OF MUSIC and SOUTH PACIFIC that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream… or a really great pair of shoes.

ANYTHING GOES February 17 – 22, 2014

All aboard for this saucy and splendid production of ANYTHING GOES, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and Choreography! One of the greatest musicals in theater history, Cole Porter’s first-class musical comedy is sailing to Cincinnati. Based on Roundabout Theatre Company’s production, The New York Times calls it “Musical-comedy joy” and USA Today hails it as “Glorious and exuberant!”

When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention get tossed out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love…proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. Peppering this timeless classic are some of musical theatre’s most memorable standards, including “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” “You’re the Top,” and of course, “Anything Goes.”

Disney’s THE LION KING March 31 – April 26, 2015

Experience the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING when Cincinnati’s best-loved musical makes a triumphant return to the Aronoff Center following its record-breaking 2007 engagement! Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” Let your imagination run wild when the Tony Award-winning Broadway sensation returns to the Aronoff stage.

I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE June 2 – 14, 2015

I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE is the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history! America’s favorite foursome – Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel – is live on stage and in color for the very first time!

It’s 1952 and you are a member of the studio audience awaiting the filming of two hilarious and oh-so-familiar I LOVE LUCY® episodes. Imagine stepping back in time onto the Desilu Playhouse soundstage where a charming host entertains and enlightens you to the behind-the-scenes filming process, the 1950s hi-fidelity technology and this brand-new thing called “television.” The episodes begin and you witness, firsthand, the side-splitting antics of that crazy redhead in the Ricardo’s New York apartment and thrill to the Cuban sounds of “The Ricky Ricardo Orchestra” at the famed Tropicana Nightclub. In-between scenes? The Crystaltone Singers perform live advertising jingles of the show’s newest sponsors in perfect 50s style harmony. Can you say “Brylcreem?!”

L.A. Examiner’s Ron Irwin says I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE is “an absolutely brilliant and utterly engaging tribute to that iconic television show!” TV Guide’s William Keck calls it “the most entertaining stage production I’ve seen in years – including Broadway!”

# # #

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 14/15 Season and the season is presented by TriHealth. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the 14/15 Cincinnati Season.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com and is operated by John Gore (Owner & CEO). BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring musicals and plays in North America, operating in 40 markets. As a leading Broadway producer, BAA is dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre. Current/upcoming productions include Beautiful, Betrayal, Bullets Over Broadway, Little Miss Sunshine, Million Dollar Quartet and Pippin. Past productions include Hairspray, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Memphis, Promises, Promises, The Producers and War Horse. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

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FT’s SEMINAR Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

FT_Seminar

Michael Shooner and the cast of SEMINAR.

LCT Panelists have recognized the Falcon Theatre’s production of  SEMINAR with a 4 Star Rating.

SEMINAR was praised as “a delight and a high point for Falcon. They had everything moving and going in the right direction with this production.” Panelists praised the entire ensemble for making their characters “endearing and amusing”. Michael Shooner as Leonard and Ian Kramer as Martin were particularly impressive. Shooner was “outstanding as the writing seminar teacher. He is like a bull on stage, running over the student’s egos”. Kramer was “equal parts sardonic, rebellious, and naïve–he perfectly fit the part.”

SEMINAR is a tightly written character study by Theresa Rebeck, filled with biting humor, which follows four eager students as they vie for the approval of a writing professor with a reputation for being incredibly demanding.

SEMINAR continues through February 15th. Tickets can be purchased at www.falcontheater.net.

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

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.com.

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ETC’s TRIBES Earns 4.5 Star LCT Rating

Dale Dymkoski as Billy & Kelly Mengelkoch as Sylvia

Dale Dymkoski as Billy & Kelly Mengelkoch as Sylvia

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized Ensemble Theatre’s production of Tribes with a 4.5 Star Rating.

Tribes centers around Billy, the deaf son of a fiercely outspoken family obsessed with self-expression. He has adapted brilliantly to his family’s unconventional ways, but they’ve never bothered to return the favor. However, when he finds a new family in the deaf community, tensions reach an all-time high in this touching play about membership in your tribe.

Panelists described Tribes as “an important play…another coup for the Ensemble theatre and I am sure people will flock to this excellent production.” Actors Dale Dymkoski, as Billy, and Kelly Mengelkoch, as Sylvia were praised in their leading roles: “They were able to convey such emotion with few or no words and I was just mesmerized in their comfort level… Mengelkoch is an actress at the top of her game, giving a wonderfully nuanced and delicate performance.” Panelists were impressed with Michael Evan Haney’s direction: “Great ensembles are not created by accident. No matter how talented the individual actors may be, it takes a skilled director to blend and mold an ensemble of this caliber. Michael Evan Haney once again proves that he is one of the best directors in Cincinnati.”

Panelists also singled out Brian Mehring for his scenic design and Fitz Patton for sound design. “Brian Mehring’s set and lighting turned a normal house into something spectacular… meticulous to detail and creative.” “The sound design was intriguing, especially in conveying the silence that Billy hears, or the buzzing of his hearing aids….exceptional, real and believable.”

Tribes continues through February 16th. Tickets can be purchased at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

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.com.

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REVELATION Review

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.

REVELATION presented by Untethered Theatre Company through Feb. 8.

Leah Strasser as Rebecca, Paul Morris as Dan & Ben Dudley as Brandon.

Leah Strasser as Rebecca, Paul Morris as Dan & Ben Dudley as Brandon.

I’ve spent the last several days replaying REVELATION in my head, trying to resolve the script, direction, acting choices and overall tone into something that makes sense to me…and I can’t.

The world created in REVELATION doesn’t seem to follow any logic. A few examples include: A world where wearing a name brand can kill you, but only if you go outside. Swimming across the Hudson River-turned-to-blood leads to disease, but apparently a shower and change of clothes waits on the other side as well. That 43 people will patiently wait their turn to be killed by one man with a shotgun. And where, like in a Saturday morning cartoon, you can pull off the steering wheel off and hand it to the person in the passenger seat to take over the driving duties. I could go on.

This is how my mind processes what I see on stage. And not being able to “buy into” this “reality” keeps me from becoming vested in the show.

For me, REVELATION needs an overall tone, more depth to the lead characters, and a strengthening of the themes that are being explored.

More information |

My rating: 3 out of 5

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.

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