Monthly Archives: December 2014

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 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.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer) celebrates his renewed holiday spirit . Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer) celebrates his renewed holiday spirit . Photo by Sandy Underwood.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through Dec. 28. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Now in it’s 24th season, Playhouse’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL continues to entertain audiences of all ages (well ages 6 and up 🙂.)

: The Ghost of Christmas Past (Dale Hodges, left) and Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer, right) look on as Boy Scrooge (Ethan Verderber) is summoned home by his sister Fan (Kinley Brooke Shoemaker). Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The Ghost of Christmas Past (Dale Hodges, left) and Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer, right) look on as Boy Scrooge (Ethan Verderber) is summoned home by his sister Fan (Kinley Brooke Shoemaker). Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The great sets and costumes, broad humor and a healthy dose of theatre magic are only responsible for part of the success. Each holiday season, director Michael Evan Haney brings together a talented 29-person cast of new faces, local children and a who’s who of our city’s favorite actors, many of whom have become traditions themselves.

The ghost of Jacob Marley (Gregory Procaccino) appears to a terrified yet skeptical Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer) . Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The ghost of Jacob Marley (Gregory Procaccino) appears to a terrified yet skeptical Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer) . Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Bruce Cromer leads the cast as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. This is his tenth year in that role, and previous to that, he played Bob Cratchit for eight. Cromer is excellent in the role and his gradual, touching and comedic transformation throughout the show is a joy to watch.

Gregory Procaccino has the distinction of performing in all 24 performances of CAROL. This year, Procaccino continues to terrorize Scrooge as the ghost of Jacob Marley.

Having performed in 22 of the 24 productions of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Dale Hodges returns as the sprite-ly Ghost of Christmas Past.

Making his ninth appearance, Stephen Skiles is first seen as Mr. Sosser.

Young Scrooge (Jared Joplin, right) courts Belle (Joy Farmer-Clary, left) as Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer, second from left) and other cast members witness this scene from Ebenezer’s past. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Young Scrooge (Jared Joplin, right) courts Belle (Joy Farmer-Clary, left) as Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer, second from left) and other cast members witness this scene from Ebenezer’s past. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Nick Rose returns for a fifth time,beginning as Mr. Cupp.

Jared Joplin returns for a second time in the role of Young and Mature Ebenezer Scrooge. When both Scrooges stand side by side on stage it’s easy to believe they are the same person at different ages. Joplin’s first performance in this role was in 2004, where he played opposite his real-life father, Joneal Joplin, in the elder’s final year as Ebenezer Scrooge.

The cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL gathers for holiday revels with Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The cast of A CHRISTMAS CAROL gathers for holiday revels with Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Cincinnati-native Ryan Wesley Gilreath returns, for his second year, to the production that inspired him, 21 years ago, to pursue acting. This year he performs as Bob Cratchit.

Kelly Menglekoch, an 11-year resident ensemble member at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, returns this year as Mrs. Cratchit.

Annie Fitzpatrick makes her CAROL debut this year with a great comic turn as Mrs. Fezziwig.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer, center) and Tiny Tim (Ty Joseph Shelton) lead the 29-member cast in the finale. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer, center) and Tiny Tim (Ty Joseph Shelton) lead the 29-member cast in the finale. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Be sure to pay attention, as most of the actors appear as several different characters.

It would take a true Scrooge indeed not to enjoy this fabulous production and annual Christmas present from the Playhouse.

God bless us, every one! indeed.

My rating: 4.50 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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EdTA Seeks Membership Service Specialist

EdTA_logoMEMBERSHIP SERVICE SPECIALIST

The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is a professional organization for theatre education with over 100,000 members nationwide. EdTA’s mission is shaping lives through theatre education by: Honoring student achievement in theatre and enriching their theatre education experience; Supporting teachers by providing professional development, networking opportunities, resources, and recognition; and Influencing public opinion that theatre education is essential and builds life skills. EdTA operates the International Thespian Society (ITS), an honorary organization that has inducted over 2 million theatre students since its founding in 1929.

POSITION:

EdTA seeks a Membership Service Specialist to perform day-to-day customer support, data processing, and clerical duties in an office/service center environment. This is a full-time, entry level position with benefits. This individual will have heavy interaction with members, non-members, and staff.

SUMMARY OF BASIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Membership Service Specialist answers phones, processes an array of transactions, responds to emails, troubleshoots and solves problems, implements retention/recruitment efforts, and supports fulfillment of member benefits in many ways. Essential skills include: excellent written and verbal communication, strong solo and team work ethic, fast and accurate data entry/computer skills, and a warm and upbeat professional demeanor. Theatre knowledge is a plus.

JOB TITLE: Membership Service Specialist

POSITION REPORTS TO: Membership Manager

EDUCATION REQUIRED: High school diploma. Theatre education is helpful. Basic knowledge of accounting is helpful.

STATUS: Nonexempt; Regular full-time

STARTING WAGE: $11.00

BENEFITS: Include medical, dental, life, retirement (403 B), vacation, casual work environment

JOB DESCRIPTION:

– Answers telephone calls and provides prompt, courteous, complete service to members and non-members of the Association. Provides comparable level of professional service with respect to fax, mail, email, and other communications with the Association. Routes incoming calls to Association staff as needed.

– Enters dues, registration, subscription, merchandise order and other transactions to the association management software.

– Reviews and approves web transactions submitted to the Association website: Schooltheatre.org.

– Facilitates successful member navigation of the Association website and online transactions.

– Maintains Association database and records according to established procedures and standards.

– Fulfills membership benefits (membership cards, certificates, etc.).

– Process claims for lost magazines, resolve subscription problems, make subscription changes, send back issues, etc. as needed.

– May serve as liaison with select Association vendors.

– Provides recruitment information to prospective members.

– Consults with troupe directors and serves as a reference on membership and troupe management issues.

– Makes follow-up contact with prospective members to answer questions and encourage membership.

– Fulfills requests for Association information and supplies from members.

– Assists with monthly billing as needed.

– Assists with mailings as needed.

– May serve as backup to the Inventory and Shipping Coordinator for daily mail procedures including receiving incoming mail, opening, date stamping, sorting, routing, metering, etc.

– Responsible for checking, monitoring, maintaining, and clearing the Association’s automated telephone system.

– May be asked to travel on behalf of the Association.

– Performs other duties as assigned by authorized co-workers.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

– Strong customer service skills and experience

– Strong organization, multi-tasking, and time management skills

– Very strong verbal and written communication skills

– Self-motivated self-starter

– High degree of accuracy is necessary

– Excellent keyboard skills required (60 WPM minimum)

– Must be able to maintain a high level of confidentiality and good judgment

– Positive, team-oriented attitude

– Knowledge of and experience in theatre is a plus

COMPUTER SYSTEMS USED:

Microsoft Windows, Excel, Word, Outlook, and Internet Explorer. Adobe Acrobat a plus. Association Management Software or similar experience ideal.

Please submit cover letter, résumé, salary history and/or requirements by email to:

EdTA
Attn: David LaFleche, Director of Membership
members@schooltheatre.org.

No phone calls, please.

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Auditions Announced for BPI’s INHERIT THE WIND

BPI_logoBeechmont Players, Inc. (BPI) is gearing up for its third production of the 2014-15 season, INHERIT THE WIND, directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn and produced by Darcy Little.

Audition details:
7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Anderson Center Theatre (7850 Five Mile Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45230).

Call-backs, if needed, will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, at the Anderson Center Theatre.

Auditions will consist of readings from the script.

Please bring a resume and headshot. Headshots will be taken of those who don’t bring one.

Show synopsis:
This fictionalized account of the Scopes “Monkey” trial in Tennessee addresses basic issues which are still controversial today. Thinly disguised characters portraying William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow oppose each other in this dramatic re-creation of the trial of a teacher for teaching Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution to a high school science class. It’s faith versus science in a play that reflects conflicts that still trouble our society.

The run of the show is May 8 – 16, 2015.

Character descriptions:

Inherit The Wind Characters: Cast size – 21 men, six women, two boys, one girl

Matthew Harrison Brady, a three-time presidential candidate and nationally known attorney. He is a Populist and a dynamic public speaker even though he is in his late 60s or early 70s.

Henry Drummond, another nationally known attorney who was once Brady’s closest friend and political confidante. He is about the same age as Brady. Folksy but can bristle when pushed.

Bertram “Bert” Cates, a Hillsboro high school teacher in his 20s who has taught the theory of evolution in violation of a state law banning its teaching in classrooms; uncomfortable in the limelight.

E. K. Hornbeck, a reporter for the fictional Baltimore Herald newspaper. He is young,sarcastic, cynical, and deeply opposed to religious belief.

Reverend Jeremiah Brown, a fundamentalist preacher who believes fervently in Biblical literalism. He is widowed, and has a daughter – Rachel Brown.

Rachel Brown, the Rev. Brown’s daughter. She is 22, romantically involved with Bertram Cates before all this happened and is now very conflicted about the situation.

The Judge, a local county court judge who is subtly sympathetic to Rev. Brown’s views.

Howard Blair, a 13-year-old high school student who was in Bertram Cates’ class.

Melinda Loomis, a 12-year-old girl who believes strongly in the Bible.

Tom Davenport, the local district attorney who prosecutes Bertram Cates.

The Mayor, the top elected official of Hillsboro who is openly supportive of the Rev.Brown but also deeply political and concerned about the economic future of his town.

Meeker, a bailiff at the Hillsboro courthouse; very laid back.

Mrs. Sarah Brady, Matthew Harrison Brady’s wife; gracious, but protective of her husband.

Mrs. Krebs, a loudly outspoken supporter of Rev. Brown and leader of the Ladies’ Aid Society.

Various other townspeople.

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Auditions Announced for Troy Civic Theatre’s DIXIE SWIM CLUB

TROY_logoDIXIE SWIM CLUB Auditions:

December 16 & 17 at 7pm at the Barn

300 Adams Street
Troy, Ohio, 45373

Parts are available for five women ages 35 through 55.

Five Southern women, whose friendships began on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every summer to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on the Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. The play takes place over four weekends spanning three decades. As their lives unfold and the years pass, these women increasingly rely on each other to get through the challenges that life flings at them. THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB is a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever.

For any questions, please call Director Cathie Melvin at 937.405.8165.

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Know Theatre’s BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Kate Glasheen as Angela, Burgess Byrd as Patrice &  Sam Ray as Simon. Photo by Daniel R. Winters.

Kate Glasheen as Angela, Burgess Byrd as Patrice & Sam Ray as Simon. Photo by Daniel R. Winters.

Panelists found the play “an unusual, fanciful story…captivating and filled with charm, quirks and surprises…a must-see production.”

In BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS, a blue scarf, a piece of chalk, and a pocketful of leaves are clues that lead Angela on a quest from her New York apartment to a cave in Moscow in search of someone missing. Inspired by the magical realism of Jorge Luis Borges, BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS explores what it takes to come back to life when you’ve been smothered by grief.

BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS continues December 20th. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.knowtheatre.com/

Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT party in the summer.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.info.

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