Monthly Archives: July 2015

July 30, 2015 · 2:45 pm

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED) Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the any page. Blog postings, links and  more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Geoffrey Barnes, Justin McCombs & Miranda McGee. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Geoffrey Barnes, Justin McCombs & Miranda McGee. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED) presented Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Aug. 15. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Are you a fan of lightning-fast costume changes, sight gags, questionable accents, broad physical comedy, snide asides, cross-dressing and bad puns? If so, have I got a show recommendation for you.

Justin McCombs & Miranda McGee. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Justin McCombs & Miranda McGee. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

After tackling all the works of Shakepeare in last season’s opener, Cincy Shakes revisits the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s play catalog this year with THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED).

A veteran performer in this type of show, Jeremy Dubin successfully steps into the role of director for AMERICA. His diverse cast of three features the talented Geoffrey Barnes, Miranda McGee and Justin McCombs.

As a conceit in this production, Austrailian Miranda is performing to earn extra credit toward her green card. She keeps the guys in check and the show on track. Justin is the dim bulb of the trio, with a penchant for cross-dressing and the previously-mentioned questionable accents. Geoffrey is the “little brother” of the three, always ready to hug out any problems that may arise during the show. His punchline to the line, “I want to make love to you in the worst way possible” sent the opening night audience into a giggling fit as that mental image hit home. Together they easily keep the audience laughing and shaking their heads at the zaniness on stage.

Geoffrey Barnes & Justin McCombs. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Geoffrey Barnes & Justin McCombs. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

For the set, it appears that designer Will O’Donnell smartly re-uses some of the walls from the previous production. Repainted to feature a time-line, and with the addition of patriotic-themed embellishment, it serves the production well. Nice touch that the upstage flag also serves as an entrance.

Geoffrey Barnes & Miranda McGee. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Geoffrey Barnes & Miranda McGee. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The success of this type of show also relies heavily on the stage management and backstage crew. Also challenged were the costume team (designs by Denise Watkins) and prop master, Stacey Szczepanik. All were up to the task.

If you need a good laugh, and all things considered, who doesn’t, then AMERICA (ABRIDGED) is a great way to unplug and boost those endorphins.

My rating: 4.25 out of 5

Due to extremely strong ticket sales, two performances have been added: Sat, Aug. 8 and Sun, Aug. 16, both at 2pm.

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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July 30, 2015 · 1:39 pm

Actor Needed for Don Kerr in A CHORUS LINE at Covedale Center

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions is looking for an actor for the role of Don Kerr in A CHORUS LINE at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts.

Don Kerr is a married man who once worked in a strip club. A male dancer is needed for the role. A dancer who can sing would be ideal.

Rehearsals have started. Paid gig.

Show dates:
A CHORUS LINE 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

Show times: Thurs at 7:30pm, Friday and Sat at 8:00pm, Sunday at 2pm

Email Jenniferperrino@covedalecenter.com if interested.

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July 29, 2015 · 3:37 pm

LCT Review of THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED)

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

Q: “What do you get when you cross three crazy actors and 5,000 years of American history?”
A: “The Complete History of America (Abridged)!”
Ba-dum-bum-CHING!

This production, having its regional premiere at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, is created by the same trio who created the wildly popular The Complete History of Shakespeare (Abridged). The basic premise is that there is much to be made fun of with respect to American history—and they deliver many very funny moments.

Miranda McGee, Geoffrey Barnes & Justin McCombs. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Miranda McGee, Geoffrey Barnes & Justin McCombs. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Having to cover 5,000 years of American history, playwrights Adam Long, Reed Martin, and Austin Tichenor cover a lot of ground, but leave out some important elements of American history. I was surprised that they did not discuss the Westward expansion and taming of the frontier.

This show delivers major laughs and the three CSC actors (veterans Justin McCombs and Miranda McGee and newcomer Goeffrey Barnes) are up to the challenge in poking fun at everything in American history, from Amerigo Vespucci’s role in naming the continents of North and South America to a slide show of the Civil War.

Special praise goes to Justin McCombs, who was outstanding playing a large number of female roles in drag. There is one scene at the end of Act II where he comes on stage playing a seductive Madame Chiang-Kai-Shek that is a showstopper. Coming on stage, McCombs has this exaggerated cross-legged shashay that is completely hysterical.

Fellow cast members Miranda McGee and Geoffrey Barnes also had their fair share of funny moments. I loved the premise given at the top of the show that McGee needed to do this play as extra credit for her to get her green card. It added more weight to the exploration of American history. Barnes does a very funny imitation of President Obama and shines with being the lead in the film noir review of the last thirty years of history.

Despite the load of laughs, there were several jokes that fell flat which did not showcase these actors not nearly as well as they should have. I suspect that these problems with be corrected as the actors fine-tune the production over its run.

The Complete History of America (Abridged) is a great summer offering from Cincinnati Shakespeare. I hope that they reprise this play again next year, so that the production can grow to become even funnier the next time out.

For more information on the production, click here.

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July 29, 2015 · 3:29 pm

Cincinnati Landmark Productions Seeks Stage Managers

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions, the parent theatrical organization for The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts and The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater is seeking to fill the position of Stage Manager for the Covedale’s 2015/16 season closer of BRIGADOON and the 2016 summer classic season opener at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater.

Requirements: Previous experience in stage management, company management and/or event coordination for live performances. Must be able to read and write and communicate effectively. Must have excellent time-management and problem solving skills.

Other Requirements: Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and regular internet access/connection. Dependability is essential. Must be willing to work in a unique, collaborative, creative, dedicated, professional and fun environment.

BRIGADOON
Audition dates: Sunday, October 25 and Monday, October 26, 2015
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Rehearsals begin: Sunday, March 13, 2016
Performance dates: April 28 – May 22, 2016

TBA
Slot 1 of 2016 Summer Classic Season (Title to be announced on August 12, 2015)

Audition dates: January 9, 10 and 11, 2016 OR January 16, 17 and 18 – will determine soon.
Time: 1 to 5pm on Sat and Sun. and 6 – 10 on Monday.

Rehearsals begin: Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Performance dates: June 1 – June 26, 2016

Both are paid positions.
If interested, please contact Jennifer Perrino, Business Manager @ jenniferperrino@covedalecenter.com

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July 29, 2015 · 2:57 pm

Auditions Announced for AVENUE Q and GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS at the Incline Theatre

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions is holding auditions for AVENUE Q and GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS.

Sunday & Monday, Oct. 4-5 from 6:30-9pm. Callbacks will be on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

Auditions will be held at The Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre, 801 Matson Place Cincinnati, OH 45204

Requirements for AVENUE Q

  • Ages 18 and up ONLY.
  • Prepare 16–24 bars of a song that best showcases vocal ability. Bring sheet music for the accompanist in your key.
  • May be asked to read from the script
  • Be prepared to be tested for dance ability.
  • You may be asked to attend a callback on Tuesday, October 6th. Please be available.
  • MUST have a resume listing theatrical experience.
  • 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.

AVENUE Q
Music and Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx Book by Jeff Whitty

This laugh-out-loud musical tells of a recent college grad who discovers that Avenue Q is not your ordinary neighborhood. He and his new-found “friends” struggle to find jobs, dates, and the ever-elusive purpose in life. Filled with gut-busting humor and a delightfully catchy score, not to mention LOTS of puppets, Avenue Q is a truly unique show that has become a favorite for audiences everywhere. For a show with lots of adult issues, this is one puppet-filled comedy, where puppets are friends, monsters are good and life lessons are learned.

Elizabeth A. Harris, Director,
Melody Nordmoe, Choreographer,
Michael Kennedy, Music Director
Josh Neumeyer, Production Stage Manager

Rehearsals begin: January 6, 2016
Performances: Feb. 17 – March 6, 2016
Performances run Wed-Thu at 7:30pm, Fri-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm

All roles are paid positions. All roles are available.

Requirements for GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS

  • Ages 18 and up ONLY.
  • Auditionees will be asked to read from the script.
  • You may be asked to attend a callback on Tuesday, October 6th. Please be available.
  • MUST have a resume listing theatrical experience.
  • 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.

GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
By David Mamet

For two days we see into the lives of four desperate Chicago real estate agents as they lie, bribe, betray, flatter, intimidate and even burglarize their way to elusive, illusory success. As they do anything to “win” – selling worthless real estate to unwitting prospective buyers – the men hustle others and fool themselves into thinking that they have what it takes to make an “honest” living.

Greg Procaccino, Director\
Melanie D. Hall, Production Stage Manager

Rehearsals begin: Sunday March 6, 2016
Performances: April 6 – April 24, 2016
Performances run Wed-Thu at 7:30pm, Fri-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm

All roles are paid positions. All roles are available.

For more information on auditions, contact us at 513.241.6550.

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