Monthly Archives: May 2014

May 31, 2014 · 12:47 pm

PAPA SQUAT’S STORE OF SORTS Review

CFF_Papa SquatsPAPA SQUAT’S STORE OF SORTS presented by Paul Strickland as part of the 2014 Cincinnati Fringe Festival.

You can read the show description here.

Winner of the 2013 Cincinnati Fringe All Access Pick for his inaugural show, AIN’T TRUE AND UNCLE FALSE, Paul Strickland takes us back to the Big Fib Trailer Park this year with PAPA SQUAT’S STORE OF SORTS.

As I said last year, Strickland is a charismatic and talented storyteller and singer/songwriter. Over the last year, Paul has matured into a confident performer and it sits well on him. The songs in PAPA SQUAT showcase Strickland powerful singing voice and had  the audience foot-tapping along.

His opening performance was sold out and ended with a standing ovation. Overall a homespun, fun and entertaining followup to last year’s debut. Four performances remain through June 7.

Have you met my friend Paul? He still tells the greatest stories…

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May 31, 2014 · 10:24 am

Fringe Update: Two Sell-Outs on Friday

CFF_logoThe fourth night of the 2014 Cincinnati Fringe produced two sold out performances.

The two productions and their remaining performances are:

I’d recommend you purchase your tickets in advance.

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May 30, 2014 · 1:52 pm

HOT DAMN! IT’S THE LOVELAND FROG! Review

CFF_The Loveland FrogHOT DAMN! IT’S THE LOVELAND FROG! presented by Hugo West Theatricals as part of the 2014 Cincinnati Fringe Festival.

You can read the show description here.

No sophomore slump for Mike Hall and Joshua Steele. Their Hugo West Theatricals (responsible for the 2012 audience favorite, DON’T CROSS THE STREAMS) returns to the Cincy Fringe with HOT DAMN! IT’S THE LOVELAND FROG!, a bluegrass musical comedy based on an amphibious anomaly first sighted in Loveland, Ohio back in 1955.

A part of the success of THE LOVELAND FROG is that it is very obvious that everyone involved with the production is having a blast, and that energy is infectious. The talented ensemble, which includes an all-star local cast, brings the quirky Loveland inhabitants to life, under the direction of Michael Sherman and music direction of Steve Goers.

The sold-out opening night audience laughed out loud through the entire production, at times even causing a slight delay in the performance until we got it out of our system. Each character has a chance to shine and there are some great bits peppered throughout the show.

If I had to pick a favorite moment, it would be “When Bobby Holds Me Tight.” A great ballad with a good balance of humor and sweetness, nicely performed by Erin Ward & Abby Rowold. Also, the trio of Bill Hartnett, Randy Lee Bailey and Miranda McGee, is comedy gold. Remaining cast members include Joe Hornbaker, Brad Myers, Steve Goers, John Jacobs, Jack Bogard, Kelcey Steele and Reggie Willis.

Overall THE LOVELAND FROG will make you hoot and holler with laughter. Great job. Get your tickets early.

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May 30, 2014 · 12:06 pm

BPI Announces Cast and Crew of THE JESTER PRINCE

BPI_logo

Updated 7/18

CINCINNATI – May 29, 2014 – Beechmont Players, Inc. (BPI) is proud to announce the cast and crew of its summer family-friendly musical production, THE JESTER PRINCE, written and directed by local playwright, Frederic Tacon:

Cast:

  • Lester the Jester – Brody McKinnon
  • Princess Leona – Emma Jencson
  • King Wigglesworth – Steve Phelan
  • Jumpstart – Nicole Simon
  • Tumblestump – Colin Daly
  • Sir Rocco Wretched – Karl Bolinger
  • Ma Wretched – Jody Hart
  • Divot/Edgar – Stanton Granger
  • Prince Vince – Bryce Willson
  • Prince Darin – Bryson Sanders
  • Ensemble: Amy Sullivan, Bert Bathiany IV, Kyle Joseph Green, Molly Barresi, Stephanie Crawford & Stephanie Mooney

Production team:

  • Director: Frederic Tacon
  • Producer: Pam Kaesemeyer
  • Music Director: Julie DeMatteis
  • Choreographer: Pam Blessing
  • Stage Manager: Jennifer Mielbrecht
  • Set Design: Scott Baker
  • Costume Design: Faye Crawford
  • Lighting Designer: Missi Malone
  • Sound Designer: Eric Bardes
  • Props Design: Tony Koehler
  • House Manager: Donna Surber
  • Master Carpenter: Gary Fruhwirth
  • Photographers: Jennifer Mielbrecht and Barbara McFarland
  • Puppet Design: Cincinnati Area Puppetry Guild

Synopsis: The spirited princess has been kidnapped, and her friend, the court jester, is leading a cowardly thief, a clumsy page and the disguised king to rescue her. Through forest and cave, past a dragon and kidnappers, this band of unlikely heroes seeks princess, adventure, love and a happy ending in this funny, heart-warming family musical.

THE JESTER PRINCE will be performed Aug. 1 – 9, 2014, at the Anderson Center Theatre. Tickets are $12 general admission and $9 students, seniors and active military; they can be purchased online at www.beechmontplayers.org, by calling 513-233-2468 or at the door.

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May 30, 2014 · 11:40 am

SHORT ATTENTION SPAN THEATRE Review

CFF_Short Attention SpanSHORT ATTENTION SPAN THEATRE presented by Short Attention Span Theatre as part of the 2014 Cincinnati Fringe Festival.

You can read the show description here.

Eight talented young performers from Tucson Az. tackle 30 original plays in 60 minutes, all written by the SAST Ensemble. Their success earns them bragging rights and candy. If they fail, the prize goes to the audience, who also choose the performance order. After a quick introduction by the host, the timer is set, the audience calls out their first script number, and we are off.

The wide variety of scripts are smart, clever and funny. The random order creates addition laughs as some play endings leave performers ill-prepared to jump into the next one. I was also impressed with the pacing of the show. Even though chaos reigns between the plays as the ensemble scrambles to strike and reset the stage, the actual performances never feel rushed. The opening night audience become strongly invested in the challenge, and were vocal in their disappointment when  the timer dinged during the final play.

Be sure to grab a performance card that includes all 3o play titles to follow along.

Overall an entertaining and unique experience.Well done.

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