Monthly Archives: April 2015

April 14, 2015 · 5:47 pm

LCT Review of 110 IN THE SHADE

LCT_VThis review has been reposted courtesy of the League of Cincinnati Theatres. For more LCT reviews click here to visit their reviews page.

Once again, with its studio production of 110 in the Shade, the CCM Musical Theatre Department demonstrates you don’t need an expensive set, 20 piece orchestra, or fancy pyrotechnic effects to create magic on stage—you just need a talented cast, tight direction, and an overlooked musical classic with a lot of heart.

CCM_110 in the Shade promo110 in the Shade, which premiered on Broadway in 1963, takes place in a small southwestern town during a terrible drought. It focuses on the lives of Lizzie Curry, a girl whose father and brothers are trying to marry her off, and her relationships with the local sheriff File and charismatic con man Bill Starbuck, who poses as a rainmaker promising to bring a rainstorm for a hundred dollars. If this sounds a little bit like “The Music Man”—it isn’t. If anything, it is an anti-Music Man, with more focus on plot and characterization and a more mature book and musicality than many of the musicals of its time.

Like most of CCM’s studio musicals, this doesn’t have a big budget and relies on simple staging, clean but functional costumes, and two pianos rather than a large orchestra. But director Vince DeGeorge makes it all work by focusing on the powerful emotionality of the work and its deeply interesting characters. It usually goes without saying that the vocal quality of a CCM musical is top-notch, and this one was no exception. Kudos to vocal director Steve Goers for strong consistency in all the musical numbers. My only quibble with the vocals was that sometimes the singers’ lyrics got overwhelmed by the pianos, despite the fact that they were miked.

What stood out for me in this production, however, was the fine acting performances, led by Brianna Barnes as the vulnerable Lizzie Curry. John Battagliese, as the imaginative and cocky Starbuck, and Ben Biggers, as the emotionally scarred Sheriff File, were also effective. There were many fine supporting performances,  in particular the exuberant Alec Cohen who played Lizzie’s brother, Jim. All these characters had strong emotional arcs that resonated with me and drew me into both their pain and triumphs.

110 in the Shade was an extremely satisfying evening of entertainment, and thanks to CCM for introducing us to this little known gem, which I hope will get more attention from theater groups across the country.  When it was originally produced, it was overshadowed by its contemporaries like Hello, Dolly! and Funny Girl, but it deserves more recognition and a wider audience.

For more information on the production, click here.

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April 14, 2015 · 12:39 pm

Auditions Announced for THE WIZARD OF OZ, Young Performers Edition at Performing Arts Inc.

PAI_logoAuditions: Thursday, May 14th, 6-8:30pm at Dater Montessori, 2840 Boudinot Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio

Please sign up for an audition slot using the sign up genius link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c49a8a62ca4f49-summer1

Like so many girls her age, little Dorothy Gale of Kansas dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to another world. Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination.

Prepare a 30 second song of your choice to be sung without music, you will be asked to do a cold reading from the script. Actors ages 5-17.

Shows weekend of August 14th, visit performingartsinc.net for more info or to sign up for an audition slot.

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April 14, 2015 · 9:23 am

Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Game of Thrones Continues with HENRY V

Brian Isaac Phillips directs the next installment in CSC’s 5 year, 8 play history cycle

Justin McCombs as Herny V.

Justin McCombs as Herny V.

CINCINNATI, April 13, 2015— Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its season and multi-year history cycle with “Henry V” by William Shakespeare. This production is directed by CSC Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips. This production features Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Resident Ensemble members including Justin McCombs as he returns to the stage to continue the journey of Henry V that he started as Prince Hal last season. The History Cycle sponsor is Osborn, Rohs, Williams & Donohoe, LLC. Additionally, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of “Henry V” is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

The prodigal Prince Hal has cast off the unruly ways and unruly companions of his youth, and has ascended to the throne of England. But the civil wars that allowed his father, Henry IV, to ascend to the throne, have taken their toll. The country is bankrupt, and civil unrest bubbles just under the surface, threatening to erupt again. In order to refill the royal coffers and unify the country against a common enemy, the young King Henry sets his sights on the conquest of France. But his fervent army of nobles and commoners soon find themselves in hostile territory, surrounded and woefully outnumbered. At the center of Shakespeare’s history cycle, and featuring some of the most powerful oratory in the canon, “Henry V” tells the unforgettable tale of those few, those happy few, that band of brothers who stood up against overwhelming odds to fight for God, King and Country.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of “Henry V” is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is one of 40 professional theater companies selected to participate in bringing the finest productions of Shakespeare to middle- and high-school students in communities across the United States. This is the twelfth year of this national program, the largest tour of Shakespeare in American history. This additional funding has allowed Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to welcome 100s more students at no or low cost to experience “Henry V” during the school day or at evening performances alongside of extra educational activities made available by CSC.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is only the 2nd theater company in the United States to present Shakespeare’s 8 play history cycle in chronological order. The 2013 production of “Richard II” began this multi-season history cycle at Cincinnati Shakespeare and was followed by 2014’s “Henry IV: Part 1 & 2”. Then, following this production of “Henry V” is next season’s recently announced “Henry VI, Pt. 1”. The cycle will conclude with “Richard III”.

Performances of “Henry V” are scheduled from May 8-30, 2015 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm with an additional Saturday matinee on May 30. Preview performances are on Wednesday May 6 and Thursday May 7 at 7:30pm and tickets are $21. The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$32 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$36 on Fridays and Saturdays. This show is a part of the 2014-2015 subscription season. There is a free pre-show presentation on Thursdays about this production that begins at 7pm (preview excluded). If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased 30 minutes before a show with a valid student ID. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as AAA members. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.

About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages. Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season. The repertoire is made up of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of the Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theater Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reached nearly 30,000 young people and underserved community members last season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions at its home on Race Street. Last season, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the classics!

About the 2014-2015 Season:
This season is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council, the Shubert Foundation and is supported, in part, by the generosity of thousands of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of “Henry V” is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. The season design sponsor is Mark & Sue Ann Painter. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.

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April 14, 2015 · 8:39 am

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS Runs May 14-30

FLI_Best Little Whorehouse in Texas logoTHE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
Presented by the Footlighters Inc.
May 14-30
Newport

Directed by David Radtke

Cast: Deana Tully as Mona, Jon Vater as Sheriff Dodd, Robert Weidle as Melvin P. Thorpe, Dana Kisor as Edsel, Lynn Ollman as Doatsy Mae, Bill Geraghty as Governor, Joy Roland as Jewel, Jules Shumate as Angel, Megan Hudson as Shy, H. Scott Nesbitt as Senator/Rufus, Jeremy Cheek as C.J.
The Girls: Morgan Brashear, Marvel Gentry Davis, Emily Jencson. Jessica Nguyen, Jenni Sheets, Nicole Simon, Mary Ann Smith & Megan Toney,
The Boys: Clayton Castle, Nick Castle, Brandon Dunphy, Robert Fields, Nick Horton, Tony Nguyen, Justin Stallkamp, Jeff Surber & Chris Toney

This happy go lucky view of small town vice and statewide political side-stepping recounts the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better pleasure palaces in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors, and even victorious college football teams frequent Miss Mona’s cozy bordello until that puritan nemesis Watchdog focuses his television cameras and his righteous indignation on the institution.

  • Thu-Sat, May 14-16 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 17 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, May 21-23 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 24 at 2pm
  • Wed-Sat, May 27-30 at 8pm
    Fri, May 15 & Sun, May 24 performances are sign language interpreted.

Official page |

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April 14, 2015 · 8:20 am

Auditions Announced for DEATHTRAP and I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE at The Drama Workshop

Auditions for The Drama Workshop Fall Shows

TDW_VERT(Cheviot, OH) The Drama Workshop, the award-winning community theatre company based at The Glenmore Playhouse in Cheviot, is pleased to announce audition dates for its first two productions of the 2015-2016 season.

Auditions for the murder mystery thriller DEATHTRAP will be held Monday, May 4th, and Tuesday, May 5th.

Auditions for the musical I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE will be held the following week, on Monday, May 11th, and Tuesday, May 12th. Callbacks for I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE will be Monday, May 18th, if necessary. There are no callbacks scheduled for DEATHTRAP.

Auditions will be held at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave, Cheviot, OH 45211. Start time for all auditions is 7 pm; auditions will run no later than 9 pm, and may end earlier depending on the number of participants. Resumes and headshots are recommended. Doors will open each evening of auditions no later than 6:30 pm.

DEATHTRAP recounts the tale of a down-on-his-luck playwright, whose student tells him he has written the perfect suspense play and will bring it to the playwright’s Connecticut home. The suspense over whether the playwright will kill the student and take credit for his play forms the crux of this now-classic thriller. The show is written by Ira Levin, directed by Joe Penno, and produced by Ray Persing. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script singly and in groups.

I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE is a celebration of the mating game that takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as ‘the relationship.’ Covering the journey from dating and waiting to love and marriage to the agonies and triumphs of in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and pick-up techniques of the geriatric set, this hilarious revue pays tribute to those who have loved and lost, to those who have fallen on their face at the portal of romance, and to those who have dared to ask, ‘Say, what are you doing Saturday night?’ The show’s book and lyrics are by Joe DiPietro, with music by Jimmy Roberts. TDW’s production is directed by Linda Abbott, and produced by Dennis Murphy and Elaine Volker. In addition to a resume and headshot, auditioners should prepare a 32-bar selection from a musical theatre piece, and bring the necessary sheet music. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script and vocal performance based on order of arrival. An accompanist will be provided. No CDs will be allowed.

Additional information on the parts for each show, as well as forms for actors wishing to audition, are posted on The Drama Workshop’s website at www.thedramaworkshop.org/auditions.

For additional information, please contact The Drama Workshop at 513.598.8303.

THE DRAMA WORKSHOP was founded in 1954. TDW is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education and promotion of the theatrical arts. The Drama Workshop is widely recognized as one of greater Cincinnati’s most accomplished community theater organizations, garnering dozens of awards annually from the Cincinnati Association of Community Theatres. TDW productions have been regularly selected to represent the Southwest Ohio region at the Ohio Community Theatre Association annual conference, and TDW was also honored to represent the state of Ohio at the American Association of Community Theatre regional conference in 2013. The Drama Workshop recently was recognized by the Cincinnati Preservation Association for their efforts to rehabilitate the former Glenmore Bowl into The Glenmore Playhouse. Prospective members, and individuals or businesses interested in becoming involved or in helping advance TDW’s mission are encouraged to contact the group through our website at http://www.thedramaworkshop.org, or by phone at 513-598-8303.

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