Monthly Archives: May 2015

May 7, 2015 · 3:58 pm

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE 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.

Siblings Masha (Elizabeth Hess, Vanya (John Feltch,& Sonia enjoy an atypically peaceful, harmonious scene. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Siblings Masha (Elizabeth Hess, Vanya (John Feltch,& Sonia enjoy an atypically peaceful, harmonious scene. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through May 23. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening performance.

There is much to like about VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, the closing production of the Marx season. As you enter the theater, you are greeted by Paul Shortt’s gorgeous set design. The lighting, designed James Sales, compliments the set with its abundance of “natural light” and shadow.

Estranged sisters Masha (Elizabeth Hess) & Sonia (Suzanne Grodner) simultaneously bemoan their lots in life. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Estranged sisters Masha (Elizabeth Hess) & Sonia (Suzanne Grodner) simultaneously bemoan their lots in life. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Christopher Durang’s script is funny and smartly-written. There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments over the two 70-minute acts. Playhouse’s production boasts a solid ensemble. Suzanne Grodner is a stand-out as poor, put-upon Sonia. She was hysterical as her costume-party character [vague to prevent spoilers -Rob]. Based on the audience’s and my reaction to the second act phone call, Grodner certainly had us rooting for Sonia’s happiness. Vanya’s (John Feltch) act two rant was another favorite moment in the show.

Cassandra (Shinnerrie Jackson, center) spews a torrent of zany prophecies upon the rest of the cast. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Cassandra (Shinnerrie Jackson, center) spews a torrent of zany prophecies upon the rest of the cast. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Opening night, the show felt a bit uneven in pacing and characterization. There were moments when I felt the roles were portrayed more caricature than character. Don’t get me wrong, there were some nice, emotional moments between the characters, I would just like to see that energy carry throughout the entire show. I’m sure a few more performances, under their belt, will help.

Overall, a great way to end the 2014-2015 season in the Marx Theater.

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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May 7, 2015 · 12:40 pm

Seeking Crew for LEND ME A TENOR at Fairfield Footligthers

fflFairfield Footlighters is seeking TWO or more volunteers to help out as costumes and props runners for the upcoming production of LEND ME A TENOR.

Interested volunteers should be available for tech week, evenings of May 18-21, and performances on May 22-23-24, 29-30-31. Friday and Saturday night call time will be 6pm for 8pm show, Sunday call time will be Noon for 2pm show.

If you can help us out, please contact the director, Heidi Schiller, at 513-896-8415 or via email at ffootlighters@yahoo.com.

All rehearsals and performances take place at the Fairfield Community Arts Center, 411 Wessel Drive, 45014. 513-867-5348.

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May 7, 2015 · 12:26 pm

VIDEO: Backstage with BANE

KTC_Bane logoA unique backstage interview with Joe Bone, creator of the multi-award winning BANE trilogy.

Bruce Bane is a hired hand who shoots first and doesn’t ask questions. Join Joe Bone and Ben Roe for this one man, one musician film noir comedy trilogy. Each installment is about an hour, and can be enjoyed individually as self contained stories, or in any order. (Though there is a special delight to experiencing them sequentially.)

For more information on BANE trilogy performances click here.

For more information on the new BANE IV at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival click here.

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May 7, 2015 · 12:00 pm

22nd Annual ACTING IRISH INTERNATIONAL THEATER FESTIVAL Runs May 19-23

AIITF_logoThe Irish Heritage Center of Cincinnati is hosting the 22nd annual Acting Irish International Theater Festival May 19th through the 24th. This unique festival features full-length plays written by Irish authors or set in Ireland. The plays are performed by select theater groups from the United States and Canada. All plays will be performed at the Irish Heritage Center of Cincinnati at 3905 Eastern Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45226.

Seven different Irish plays presented by seven different Irish theater companies. Every night a show, plus two matinees. Opening of the festival and first show is on Tuesday the 19th of May at 7:30 PM.

The selection of the event is THE CAVALCADERS by Billy Roche performed by The Irish American Theater Company of Cincinnati!

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

  • May19 at 7:30pm THE CAVALCADERS by Billy Roche (Irish American Theater Co. of Cincinnati, OH)
  • May 20 at 7:30pm THE FIELD by John B. Keane (Irish Players of Rochester, NY)
  • May 21 at 7:30pm THE MAIDEN AUNT by Jimmy Keary Gaelic (Park Players of Chicago, IL)
  • May 22 at 2pm THE NEW ELECTRIC BALLROOM by Enda Walsh (Tara Players of Winnipeg, MB)
  • May 22 at 8pm SEA MARKS by Gardner Mackay (Liffey Players of Calgary, AB)
  • May 23 at 2pm THE CHASTITUE by John B. Keane (Irish Players of Florida)
  • May 23 AT 8PM MOMENT by Deirdre Kinahan (Milwaukee Irish Arts)

$22 for single show tickets, $20 each for two to three shows, and $17 each for four or more shows, or $110 for the complete series of 7 shows.

For more information visit http://www.irishcenterofcincinnati.com/irish-theater.php

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May 7, 2015 · 11:12 am

Auditions Announced for LES MISERABLES at The Children’s Theatre of Mason

CTM_logoAUDITIONS: May 18-19, 2015 by appointment
CALLBACKS: May 21, 2015, 6-10pm
SHOW: Fall 2015 at Mason high School Auditorium

Directed by Dirk Doebereiner

*An Audition Appointment is NECESSARY
Ages 10-18 Click Here for an Audition Appointment

  • Audition ages 10 – 18
  • Make an Audition Appointment [click here] and print the resulting audition form. Be sure to bring that printed audition form to the audition.
  • Place: Mars Hill Academy (Click here for directions)
  • Bring a headshot photo to the audition (photos will not be returned). Photo does NOT need to be professional.
  • You only need to come to one of the audition dates. Appointments are very strongly recommended. Those without an appointment may not be able to audition if time slots are not available.
  • If you cannot make either audition date, you may submit a video audition. Please click Video Audition Information for details.
  • Callbacks will be held Thursday May 21 from 6pm – 10pm at Mars Hill Academy, those who are called back must be available for the entire callback time.
  • Email any questions to auditions@childrenstheatreofmason.com.

Rehearsals

  • First rehearsal will be a full cast read-thru at the beginning of August. There will also be a mandatory parent meeting during this read-thru. Additional details will be provided.
  • Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday and Thursday evenings at CTM’s Main Street Studios in Mason.

Requirements

  • Those cast in Les Miserables will pay a $125 participation fee which covers the cost of: a souvenir show t-shirt, garment bag for your costume/s, a one line personal ad in the playbill, and the main parts of your costume. Actors may be asked to supply specific accessories or generic pieces (ex. socks, tights, shoes, etc.)
  • It is mandatory that parents volunteer for at least 6 hours on pre-production jobs (set painting, set building, parent monitoring, etc.), as well as for 2 performances during the performance weekend (ticket sales, concessions, green room, etc.). Parents who cannot make this commitment should not have their children audition.

Audition Preparation
NOTE: We value your time and that of all actors. You may be stopped before the end of your audition. This is not a reflection of your performance only that the directors have seen or heard what they need to. If you have a specific part of your song you feel is very important, try to start near that portion so you are not stopped before reaching it.

  • Monologue:
    No monologue is needed for this audition
  • Song:
    • Please prepare 30 seconds of a song. Your song should showcase your acting ability and skills while singing.
    • NO songs from Les Miserables and NO pop songs.
    • No accompanist will be available. While you can sing a cappella, it is strongly recommended that you use an accompaniment track. There will be a CD player and speaker connection for mp3 players available.
    • Please bring your accompaniment track on CD or an MP3 Player. Song may have Backup vocals on the CD/MP3 but no lead vocals.
    • When using a CD please edit your track to the beginning of where you will be singing.
    • When using an MP3 Player, please edit your track or cue the track to the beginning of where you will be singing.
      Please note we cannot be responsible if CD/MP3 does not play properly.
    • Suggestions for your song:Select a song that showcases your voice and your vocal range.
      • The Music Director will have a pitch pipe at auditions. Please know your starting pitch and you may ask to hear it before singing.
      • Select a song that has as few key changes as possible.
      • Select a song that does not have lots of rests or sing the song without those rests.
      • If possible, pick a song that shows some quick delivery of words and pitches as well as some longer, sustained notes.
  • Dance:
    All auditioners should become familiar with the simple dance pattern on the instructional video that will be posted soon. If you are asked to attend callbacks, come prepared to perform this dance.

Contact Production@ChildrensTheatreOfMason.com with any questions.

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