Monthly Archives: December 2014

Disney’s THE LION KING on sale Friday, December 5, 9AM

Tickets for Disney’s THE LION KING On Sale
At The Aronoff Center In Cincinnati On Friday, December 5

Performances Begin On March 31 And Play for 4 Weeks
Through April 26, 2015 at The Aronoff Center

L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa. Photo by Joan Marcus. ©Disney

L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa. Photo by Joan Marcus. ©Disney

Cincinnati, OH – Disney Theatrical Productions and Broadway in Cincinnati announced today that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING will go on sale to the public on Friday, December 5 at 9AM.  Cincinnati’s most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the Aronoff Center stage on March 31 for a limited engagement of 4 weeks through Sunday, April 26.  The show’s 8-week premiere engagement in 2003 played a sold-out run at the Aronoff Center.

In Cincinnati, THE LION KING will play the Aronoff Center, March 31 – April 26: Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM, Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM and Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM, Thursday, April 23 at 1:00PM.  Premium Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available. Beginning Friday, December 5, tickets will be available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at www.cincinnatiarts.org and by phone at 513.621.ARTS(2787).  Orders for groups of fifteen or more may be placed by calling 513.369.4363.

Ticket buyers are reminded that CincinnatiArts.org and BroadwayinCincinnati.com are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at the Aronoff Center. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the Aronoff Center is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 15 million theatergoers and grossed over $1 billion to date.  Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its Cincinnati return at the Aronoff Center.  The current schedule is listed below.

ABOUT THE LION KING

In its 18th year, THE LION KING remains ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 22 global productions have been seen by more than 75 million people and, cumulatively, run a staggering 112 years.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years.  Translated into seven different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway,  London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo, Madrid, Sao Paulo, Sydney, Australia  and on tour across North America, the U.K., and Japan.  The Australian production marks the tenth concurrent worldwide production of THE LION KING, the highest number of productions running at any one time in the show’s history.  Having played 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, THE LION KING’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony Awards®:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show around the world.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include:  Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

The Cincinnati engagement of THE LION KING is presented by arrangement with Broadway in Cincinnati and is a subscription offering of the 2014-2015 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Season presented by TriHealth.

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 , under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 40 markets.  As a leading Broadway producer, current productions include Beautiful, and Pippin. Past productions include Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Memphis, Promises Promises, and The Producers.  BroadwayAcrossAmerica.comBroadway.com.

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THE 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS Runs Dec. 18-21

Annie Kalahurka in NET's THE 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS.

Annie Kalahurka in THE 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS.

THE 12 DATES OF CHRISTMAS
Presented by New Edgecliff Theatre and Thomas More College
Dec. 18-21
Crestview

Featuring Annie Kalahurka

When 30 something actress, Mary Connell, catches her fiancé making out with another woman on national TV at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, her shock propels her into a year of grieving, family drama, and dating. Enjoy this unabashed funny yet heart-warming alternative to your typical holiday entertainment.

  • Thu-Fri, Dec. 18-19 at 8pm
  • Sat, Dec. 20 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 21 at 5pm

Facebook event |

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Auditions Announced for MLT’s FORBIDDEN BROADWAY

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY
MLT_logoCreated & Written by: Gerard Alessandrini
Direction & Vocal Direction by Ryan Heinrich

Performance Dates: April 17, 18, 24 & 25

Audition Dates:
Monday, January 12th – 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Tuesday, January 13th – 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Audition Requirements:

  • Please prepare a Comedic Broadway style song. The ability to imitate characters listed in the character description sheet a plus
  • An accompanist will be provided
  • Download the info sheet and character descriptions here.

All Auditions held at:
Middletown Lyric Theatre
1530 Central Avenue
Middletown, Ohio 45044
513-425-7140

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BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Nothing is as it seems. Kate Glasheen as Angela & Rico Reid as Richard.

Nothing is as it seems. Kate Glasheen as Angela & Rico Reid as Richard.

BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati through Dec. 20. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

How far would you go to save the one you lost?

I very much enjoyed Tamara Winters directorial debut with SATURDAY THE 14TH as part of this summer’s SERIALS! Taking on her first Mainstage production, Winters doesn’t disappoint with solid work on the BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS.

Richard (Rico Reid)  just wants Angela (Kate Glasheen) to give him a sign. Something. Anything.

Richard (Rico Reid) just wants Angela (Kate Glasheen) to give him a sign. Something. Anything.

Kate Glasheen returns to the Know stage as Angela, a former teacher struggling to recover from a nervous breakdown, unable to forgive herself for a loss that she feels responsible for. Glasheen expertly depicts Angela’s emotional struggle and her desperate attempt to redeem herself.

Playing Angela’s fiance is Rico Reid as Richard. He convincing portrays Richard’s struggle to stay supportive of Angela after 18 months of putting their life together on hold. His classroom lecture early in the show emphases the theme of the play and is well-performed. I would like to have seen him shift his gaze a bit more to the “class” during dialogue breaks instead of taking his eyes to the floor.

Simon (Sam Ray) in his element: his classroom

Simon (Sam Ray) in his element: his classroom

Simon, a kindergarten teacher suffering a loss of his own, is played by Sam Ray. Ray brings an earnest vulnerability to the role. Simon’s coping mechanism of being stuck in simple “teacher-speak” as he loses himself in his work is fun and a little sad. This habit brings many laughs when Richard serves as his foil.

The performance that didn’t quite mesh for me was Adrianne Underhill as Vivian. Vocally I found her to be flat, and she didn’t offer any kind of emotional connection to Angela. It didn’t have to be displayed to Angela, but the audience should have been given some hint of it. Vivian’s role as instigator of the events in the play indicate she was emotionally invested in Angela’s recovery but I didn’t feel it. I also found Vivian’s costume to be confusing. The baby doll silhouette wasn’t appropriate for the character’s age. If you were going for a cougar look the styling and accessories were off.

Patrice (Burgess Byrd) strikes a deal with Vivian (Adrianne Underhill).

Patrice (Burgess Byrd) strikes a deal with Vivian (Adrianne Underhill).

Burgess Byrd is solid as usual in the role of Patrice. I think there is more humor to be found for the character in the script and a little quirkiness could add an uniqueness to the character.

As scenic designer, Andrew Hungerford again creates a unique look for the show and the choice of material for the back wall doors and the stage floor is very smart. The numerous and varied objects that filled the upstage shelves were well-chosen and well-displayed, courtesy of Sarah Beth Hall. It was fun to explore them as I waited for the show to begin. Solid tech across the board.

Interesting, humorous and thoughtful, BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS is a satisfying tale.

My rating: 4.25 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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Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Announces 2015-2016 Season

TCT_logo​The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati heads into its 91st season featuring a Disney favorite, a holiday classic, a world premiere and everyone’s favorite ogre!  The MainStage 2015-2016 season productions are:

•    Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (October 16 – October 25, 2015)

•    A Charlie Brown Christmas (December 4 – December 13, 2015)

•    Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs (February 12 – February 21, 2016)

•    Shrek The Musical JR. (April 8 – April 17, 2016)

“We are so pleased to be bringing these exciting shows to our greater Cincinnati family right after our 90th birthday celebration!” said Artistic Director, Angela Powell Walker. “These are productions we’ve wanted to produce for a very long time…”

Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (October 16 – October 25, 2015)

Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, Music by Alan Menken.  Book by Doug Wright.Based on the Hans Christian Andersen Story and the Disney Film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.  Directed and Choreographed by Roderick Justice.

Audiences will dive into the 2015-2016 TCTC season with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. which has been adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first she’ll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Family Gala will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (December 4 – December 13, 2015)

By Charles M. Schulz.  Based on the television special by Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson.  Stage adaptation by Eric Schaeffer.  By special arrangement with Arthur Whitelaw and Ruby Persson. Directed by Angela Powell Walker.  Choreographed by Jay Goodlett.

Bring your family and celebrate Christmas with our live rendition of your favorite holiday special!  Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays get you down – Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang are here to remind us all what’s most important during this Yuletide season.

Snow White and the Dancing Dwarfs (February 12 – February 21, 2016)

Story and book by Ken Jones.  Music by Jamey Strawn.  Lyrics by Christine Jones.  Co-Directed by Chris Stewart and Roderick Justice.

You’ve heard the story of the Fairest One of All, but you haven’t heard this version!  In this world-premiere production, the Brothers Grimm fairy tale is turned into a celebration of dance by seven of the grooviest dwarfs this side of the Enchanted Forest.

Ken Jones, wrote and compiled the hit “Santa’s Toy Factory” for The Children’s Theatre’s 12-13 season; and the trio worked together on TCTC’s 2013 holiday production of “The Day Before Christmas” as well as other successful shows including: “Burgertown,” “CHURCH GIRLS, Umatilla USA,” and “LINCOLN: A Pioneer Tale.”

Shrek The Musical JR. (April 8 – April 17, 2016)

Music by Jeanine Tesori. Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.  Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig. Directed by Angela Powell Walker.  Choreographed by Roderick Justice.

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning smash hit film.  It’s a “big bright beautiful world” for everyone’s favorite ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film.  In a faraway kingdom, the green ogre Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits, runaways who’ve been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wise-cracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task – if he rescues feisty Princess Fiona from the Dragon-guarded tower, his swamp will be returned to him. But, a fairy tale wouldn’t be complete without unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Season Ticket Renewals will be going out to current subscribers in January.  New Season Tickets to the 2015-2016 Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati season will be available in May 2015 after renewals are completed.  Prices range from $78 for the popular 4-Show Orchestra or Box Seats Season Ticket Package to just $21 for a 3-Show Season Ticket package in the Second Balcony.  Single tickets go on sale August 20.  For information call 513-569-8080 ext. 10 or visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.  The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

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