Monthly Archives: April 2015

THE UNDERPANTS 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.

Brian Griffin as Versati, Erin Ward as Louise Maske, Michael Hall as Cohen & Randy Lee Bailey as Theo Maske. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Brian Griffin as Versati, Erin Ward as Louise Maske, Michael Hall as Cohen & Randy Lee Bailey as Theo Maske. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

THE UNDERPANTS presented by The Carnegie through April 26. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

As the lights come up and music plays, Theo Maske (Randy lee Baily) and his wife, Louise (Erin Ward) have a pantomimed confrontation over “The Underpants” incident. I thought this was a great introduction to the farce I was about to see. Unfortunately once the dialogue started, that energy seemed to disappear, offering a very sedate and conversational farce for the most part. As the second act progressed toward its hectic conclusion the energy level did reach farce-level.

Tom Manning as Klinglehoff, Jodie Schwegmann-Meyn as Gertrude & Erin Ward as Louise Maske. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Tom Manning as Klinglehoff, Jodie Schwegmann-Meyn as Gertrude & Erin Ward as Louise Maske. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Among the talented ensemble, I really enjoyed Jodie Schwegmann-Meyn as Gertrude. Every time she entered a scene, she brought a great character and great energy to the stage. Tom Manning’s character of Klinlehoff makes an appearance late in the second act. It’s a fun role but I had issues understanding his dialogue at times.

Randy Lee Bailey as Theo Maske & Erin Ward as his wife Louise, Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Randy Lee Bailey as Theo Maske & Erin Ward as his wife Louise, Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The set was a stand out element of the production. Scenic designer Ryan Howell created a great multi-level play space. The color scheme of the set complemented the colors of the theater so well that the set looked like it belong there.

Overall a good production that hasn’t found its equilibrium yet in characterization and tone.

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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CLP Seeks Actress for Val Clark in A CHORUS LINE at the Covedale

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions is seeking one female to play the role of VAL CLARK in a A CHORUS LINE, The Covedale’s 2015/16 season opener. 

Requirements: Seeking a not so shy and fit female to play the role VAL CLARK. It’s a belt role, vocal range G3-D5. Auditionees will be tested for dance ability first, then will be asked to sing. Auditionees will be given a song cut to sing (no need to prep a song separately) and finally, may be asked to read from the script. Please dress appropriately.

MUST HAVE A RESUME listing theatrical experience in order to audition. A headshot/picture is appreciated but not required. Please prepare 16 bars of a song that best showcases vocal ability.

If interested in setting up an audition, please contact Jennifer Perrino at jenniferperrino@covedalecenter.com

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

Val Clark, a foul-mouthed but excellent dancer who couldn’t get performing jobs because of her looks until she had plastic surgery (179)

A CHORUS LINE
September 3 – September 27, 2015
Conceived and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett; Book by James Kirkwood & Nicholas Dante; Music by Marvin Hamlisch; Lyrics by Edward Kleban; Co-Choreographed by Bob Avian; Original Broadway production produced by the New York Shakespeare Festival, Joseph Papp, Producer, in association with Plum Productions, Inc.

A CHORUS LINE is a stunning musical-vérité about a chorus audition for a Broadway musical. It tells of the achingly poignant ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies to land a job in the show, and is a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration. Memorable musical numbers include I Can Do That, At the Ballet, Dance: Ten; Looks: Three, The Music and the Mirror, What I Did for Love, One (Singular Sensation) and I Hope I Get It. It is a brilliantly complex fusion of dance, song and compellingly authentic drama. The show was instantly recognized as a classic.

Matthew Wilson, Director/co-choreographer; Michael Kennedy, Music Director; Angela Kahle, Co- Choreographer; Production Stage Manager, Melanie D. Hall.

Rehearsals begin: Monday, July 27, 2015

Performance Dates:
Thurs. Sept. 3 – Fri. Sept. 4 – Sat. Sept. 5 – Sun. Sept. 6
Thurs. Sept. 10 – Fri. Sept. 11 – Sat. Sept. 12 – Sun. Sept. 13
Thurs. Sept. 17 – Fri. Sept. 18 – Sat. Sept. 19 – Sun. Sept. 20
Thurs. Sept. 24 – Fri. Sept. 25 – Sat. Sept. 26 – Sun. Sept. 27

Performances run Thursday 7:30 pm.; Friday and Saturday 8:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

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

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Auditions Announced for THE ODYSSEY by InBocca Performance

IBP_logoInBocca Performance will be holding auditions for our summer production, “The Odyssey.”

Date: May 16th

Time: 10am-1pm

Where: Village Players of Ft Thomas

What Should I Prepare: Nothing! Come ready to move/dance and do cold readings.

Who Can Audition: anyone going into grades 3-12, and outgoing seniors.

Show Dates, Rehearsals: Rehearsals will begin July 6th. We realise this is a week earlier than usual, but there will be a week’s break in the middle of rehearsals due to our Director’s brother getting MARRIED!

Show Dates, Performances: Aug. 6-9

Camp Cost: $85/child, or $150 for a family (two), plus $50 for each additional child beyond two.

The Show: The Odyssey is an exploration of Homer’s original story mixed with the story of two young people whose friendship must undergo the tests of time, distance, and the pitfalls of young adulthood. It will feature fantastic nautical adventures, mixed with movement and music, as usual!

Please email us at info@inboccaperformance.com with any questions

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CLP Seeks Two Crew Members THE PRODUCERS

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions is seeking two crew members for our inaugural production at The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater of THE PRODUCERS.

Requirements: Must be able to listen and follow instructions with ease. Think and move quickly as needed. Able to work unsupervised. Must have excellent time management skills and leadership qualities to motivate others. Must have problem solving skills and able and willing to move set pieces. Have previous theatrical experience. Must be available for all required rehearsals and performances (see below).

Other Requirements: Must be at least 19 years of age and have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Must be a self starter and dependability is a must. Must be even tempered and have a good sense of humor. Must be willing to work in a unique, collaborative and fun environment!

Paid on a stipend basis.

If interested, please contact Jennifer Perrino, Business Manager at jenniferperrino@covedalecenter.com

THE PRODUCERS
June 3 – June 21, 2015

Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks Based on the 1968 Film
A scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway in Mel Brooks’ laugh-out-loud spectacle.

Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks’ classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, THE PRODUCERS once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly “boffo” hit, winning a record twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night. The plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show (the gloriously offensive “Springtime For Hitler”), hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. With a truly hysterical book co-written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (ANNIE) and music and lyrics by Mr. Brooks THE PRODUCERS skewers Broadway traditions and takes no prisoners as it proudly proclaims itself an “equal opportunity offender!”

Sun. May 17 Wed. May 27
Tues. May 19 Thurs. May 28
Wed. May 20
Thurs. May 21 Sun. May 31 (Tech)
Mon. Jun 1 (Tech/Dress)
Sun. May 24 Tues. June 2 (Final Dress)
Mon. May 25 (Memorial Day off) Wed. June 3 OPEN!
Tues. May 26 (off)

*****************************************************************************
PERFORMANCES Dates:

Wed., June 3, Thurs., June 4, Fri., June 5, Sat., June 6, Sun., June 7
Wed., June 10, Thurs., June 11, Fri., June 12, Sat., June 13, Sun., June 14
Wed., June 17, Thurs., June 18, Fri., June 19, Sat., June 20, Sun., June 21

Wed. Thurs. @ 7:30pm
Fri., and Sat. @ 8:00 pm
Sun. at 2 pm.

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Auditions Announced for AVENUE Q at Beavercreek Community Theatre

bctOpen auditions for AVENUE Q at
Beavercreek Community Theatre
3868 Dayton-Xenia Rd.
Beavercreek, OH 45432
Auditions are April 27-28 at 7PM

Performance Dates: June 19-June 28

Music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, Book by Jeff Whitty

Directed By Shawn Storms
Music Direction by David McKibben
Choreography by Shawn Storms

This is an Edge of the Creek production, so anyone under the age of 18 wishing to audition will need parental consent. The director is looking for actors ages 16 and older.

Please prepare 16-32 bars of a contemporary musical theater number or a number from Sesame Street.

Rehearsals will be on weekends (Saturday Morning/Sunday Evening) and will begin on May 11, with an initial read-through the week of auditions to give those cast their scripts/musical scores.

AVENUE Q is a gut-bustingly hilarious modern musical focusing on a group of unique 20-somethings making their way in the big city, seeking their purpose in life. Although the show addresses humorous adult issues, it is similar to a beloved children’s show; a place where puppets are friends, Monsters are good and life lessons are learned.

Winner of the Tony “Triple Crown” for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, AVENUE Q is part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. AVENUE Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that although the residents seem nice, it’s clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

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