Monthly Archives: January 2015

Auditions Announced for Playhouse South’s THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

PSI_logoPlayhouse South will be holding open auditions for THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE on January 19th and 20th at 7:00. Please prepare a 45 second upbeat Broadway style song that showcases personality. There will not be a dance audition, but the show will have some dance choreographed by Annette Looper. The show opens March 6th and runs through the 15th. If you have any questions please e-mail the director, Carrie Thurston at carrie.thurston@gmail.com.

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Stage Notes For Jan. 9

Corinne Mohlenhoff in 2011 THE HANDMAID'S TALE. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Corinne Mohlenhoff in 2011 THE HANDMAID’S TALE. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

A potpourri of arts news items from local and national sources.

  • WVXU interviewTamara Winters, the new associate artistic director for Know Theatre Cincinnati, joins Jim Stump for a preview of their next mainstage production, an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s THE HANDMAID’S TALE, written by Cincinnati native Joe Stollenwerk.
  • Enquirer article: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park education director to retire when season ends
  • Enquirer article: Fringe show [SOMETHING SOMETHING NEW VAGINA] a timely look at transgender issues
  • Enquirer article: [AND BABY MAKES SEVEN] shines light on gay parenting issues
  • CityBeat articleMamLuft&Co. Dance Brings Mixed Repertory to Aronoff

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CINDERELLA 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.

Paige Faure in the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Paige Faure in the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

CINDERELLA presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Jan. 18. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Magical CINDERELLA is a mixed bag of tricks.

The  tour of the Broadway version of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA opened Tuesday at the Aronoff Center for a two-week run. Originally written for television, this heavily-revised Broadway version closed last Sunday (Jan. 3rd) in NYC after an almost two-year run.

One of the strongest aspects of the production is the theater magic. The  metamorphosis of the pumpkin into a carriage works extremely well.  But it is the multiple costume transformations on-stage that are simply jaw-dropping, sending murmurs of delight throughout the audience.

Kecia Lewis & Paige Faure in the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Kecia Lewis & Paige Faure in the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Strong vocal performances include leads Paige Faure as Cinderella and Kecia Lews as the fairy godmother. The hard-working ensemble are also to be commended for the vocal contributions to the great sound of the production.  Aymee Garcia and Ashley Park are fun to watch as Cinderella’s stepsisters.

For me, the new book by Douglas Carter Beane is the weakest aspect of the production. I agree that the original book by Hammerstein was far from flawless, and I understand the desire to update the antiquated story for a new generation of theater goers, but the heavy-handed insertion of social issues and the mimicking of other successful contemporary musicals doesn’t make for a good script.

Ashley Park and David Andino in the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Ashley Park and David Andino in the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Elements like the unnecessary and  tortuous explanation of  Cinderella’s name, and why her gown slippers are made of glass, are just odd.

In the new book, Gabrielle, one of the step-sisters, apologizes for her mother’s ill-treatment of Cinderella, but the motivation for this sudden change of heart, after years of silence, is nowhere to be found. This plot change also turns “Stepsisters Lament,” a great comic number for the two jealous stepsisters into a catty bitchfest by still-mean stepsister Charlotte, and the Ladies of the Court, on the steps of the palace.

The Cast of the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

The Cast of the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

With Prince Topher’s parents now being deceased, new character Sebastian, the kingdom’s Lord Chancellor, is responsible for keeping the Prince away at school until he “comes of age,” and is responsible for instigating the policies that have caused the land’s social inequality. Near the end of the show, when Sebastian’s plotting is exposed, not only are there no consequences for what he has done, but he is invited to run for office in the Prince’s newly established elections.

Paige Faure & Andy Jones in the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. Photo © Carol Rosegg.

Paige Faure & Andy Jones in the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA. Photo
© Carol Rosegg.

Purposeful comic moments are not really all that funny. Contemporary references, like having Lord Pinkleton (who replaces the Herald) talk about news-cycles and returning in 20 minutes with sports and weather is just eye-rolling-ly bad.

Overall, I found the production to be decent, but not particularly engaging. Enjoyment of this version of CINDERELLA seems to hinge on your personal reaction to the new book. If I have a choice, I prefer the simplicity and charm of the original.

My rating: 3.75 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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Stage Notes for Jan. 8

FLI_The Musical Comedy Murders castA potpourri of arts news items from local and national sources.

  • Behind the Curtain review: CINDERELLA
  • Enquirer review: CINDERELLA
  • Cincinnati Redefined review
  • Playbill article: Broadway’s ANNIE Will Welcome Tony Winner Faith Prince
  • Playbill article: Chita Rivera Will Return to Broadway in Kander and Ebb’s THE VISIT
  • River City News article: She Grew Up Loving Mysteries — Now She’s Directing One in Newport [THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940 at Footligthers Inc.]
  • Sappy Critic review: CINDERELLA
  • CityBeat review: CINDERELLA

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Auditions Announced for CLP’s 1776 at the Incline Theater

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions will hold auditions for the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater summers production of 1776.

Sunday, March 15 and Monday, March 16, 2015 from 6-9:30pm

All auditions will be held at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Avenue in West Price Hill.

Important Audition Information:

  • Please prepare 16 bars of a song that best showcases vocal ability in the style of the show.
  • Please dress appropriately.
  • Must be a minimum of 16 years of age to audition.
  • Cast members do not have to be the actual ages of the characters – just must be able to look age appropriate and act accordingly.
  • MUST HAVE A RESUME listing theatrical experience in order to audition.
  • A headshot/picture is appreciated but not required.

Please note: No more than two conflicts will be accepted during the rehearsal process for this production.

1776
July 8 – July 26, 2015
Book by Peter Stone Music and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards Based on a concept by Sherman Edwards

Witness the birth of a nation as our forefathers struggle to craft the Declaration of Independence.
The seminal event in American history blazes to vivid life in this most unconventional of Broadway hits. 1776 puts a human face on the pages of history as we see the men behind the national icons: proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty and ultimately noble figures determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation. It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence…if only our founding fathers can agree to do it! 1776 follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. 1776 is a funny, insightful, and compelling drama with a striking score and legendary book.

Matthew Wilson, Director/Choreographer;
Michael Kennedy, Music Director; Melanie D. Hall, Production Stage Manger

Rehearsals begin: Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Performance dates: July 8 – July 26, 2015
All roles are paid positions. No roles have been precast.

Roles include:

  • ABIGAIL ADAMS
    Loving wife to John Adams. Intelligent, quick-witted, and talented with a pen, Abigail is a radiant and shapely beauty. Every bit as bright as her husband.
    Female, 32 yrs old Range: Db4 – F5
  • BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Delegate from Pennsylvania. Franklin is intelligent, well-traveled, and pleasantly cunning. A jolly and admirable fellow with whom one would desire to have a friendship. Male, 60-70 yrs old Range: Ab2 – Eb4
  • COL. THOMAS McKEAN Delegate from Delaware. McKean is florid and likable with a charming, yet commanding, Scottish Brogue. Male, 42 yrs old Range: C3 – Eb4
  • COURIER The message runner between General Washington’s army and the Continental Congress. He has witnessed the hardships of war firsthand, although his innocent disposition and appearance may imply otherwise.
    Male, 15-20 yrs old Range: C3 – Db4
  • EDWARD RUTLEDGE Delegate from South Carolina. Despite his good looks, Rutledge is haunting and somewhat ominous as the youngest member of the Continental Congress. There is a serpent-like quality to him. Male, 26 yrs old Range: C3 – A4
  • JOHN ADAMS Delegate from Massachusetts. John is a dutiful husband. Opinionated, passionate, and a bit boisterous, he wears his age with pride. Starving for independence from England. Male, 41 yrs old Range: C3 – F#4
  • JOHN DICKINSON Delegate from Pennsylvania. A thin, hawkish gentleman. He is sharp-tongued and a touch detestable. Male, 44 yrs old Range: A2 – E4
  • MARTHA JEFFERSON Thomas Jefferson’s very-much-in-love wife. Her looks are striking, her dancing delightful, and her humor appealing. She doesn’t shy away from a good time. Joy radiates from her. Female, 27 yrs old Range: Bb3 – D5
  • RICHARD HENRY LEE Delegate from Virginia, Lee is a willowy aristocrat. His flamboyancy is intoxicating and borderline infuriating. Male, 45 yrs old Range: C3 – G4
    ROBERT LIVINGSTON Delegate from New York. Recently a father, Livingston’s disposition has become one of humility and graciousness. He has changed considerably over the years.
    Male, 30 yrs old Range: Bb2 – F4
  • ROGER SHERMAN Delegate from Connecticut. A coffee drinker with a penchant for hyperactivity, Sherman is a simple and balding cobbler.
    Male, 55 yrs old Range: C3 – Bb4
  • STEPHEN HOPKINS Delegate from Rhode Island. Hopkins’ drinking has led to an appearance befitting of the 2nd oldest in the Continental Congress. He has a dirty old man playfulness about him. Male, 70 yrs old Range: C3 – Eb4
  • THOMAS JEFFERSON Delegate from Virginia. Though noticeably tall, Jefferson is mild-mannered and sweet. Along with being a well read man, he is very much in love with his wife.
    Male, 33 yrs old Range: C3 – G4
  • Numerous other male roles comprise the rest of the Continental Congress including:
    • John Hancock- 39 yrs.
    • Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Congress, 46 yrs.
    • Josiah Bartlett- 46 yrs.
    • Andrew McNair, Congressional Custodian, 45 – 65 yrs.
    • Lewis Morris- 50 yrs.
    • A Leather Apron, McNair’s Asst., 15 – 25 yrs.
    • John Witherspoon- 53 yrs.
    • Lyman Hall, 52 yrs.
    • James Wilson- 33 yrs.
    • Joseph Hewes, 46 yrs.
    • Cesar Rodney- 48 yrs.
    • Samuel Chase, 35 yrs.
    • George Read- 42 yrs.

For more information on auditions, contact us at (513) 241 – 6550. Check us out on the web @ www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com

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