Monthly Archives: September 2015

September 11, 2015 · 3:08 pm

Open Call Auditions in Cincinati for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL on Sept. 16

MOTOWN THE MUSICALTO HOLD OPEN CALL AUDITIONS IN CINCINNATI

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
AT THE ARONOFF CENTER

CINCINNATI, September 11, 2015 — Producers Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Berry Gordy are pleased to announce an open call casting search for African-American singers for both the Broadway production of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and the national tour, with an opportunity to audition at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday, September 16.   

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is seeking African-American men and women, ages 20s-40s, with exceptional voices.  Also seeking an African-American boy, age 8 to 13, to play young Michael Jackson / Berry Gordy / Stevie Wonder.  No prior theatre experience is necessary.

All candidates must have amazing soulful voices to play different performers from Motown history.  All vocal parts are encouraged to attend.

CINCINNATI OPEN CALL

  • Date: Wednesday, September 16
  • Time: 9:00 AM ET – 12:00 PM ET (sign-in begins at 8:30 AM ET)
  • Location: Fifth Third Bank Theatre at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati. Entrance located at the SW corner of 7th and Main Streets downtown

What to Bring

  1. Bring sheet music for a song of choice from the Motown songbook that best features vocal range.
  2. Bring a picture and resume including contact information (cell phone, email) stapled together.  A recent snapshot is sufficient in the absence of a formal headshot. An accompanist will be provided.

For more information on the open call auditions visit: http://www.motownthemusical.com/casting.

For details about what to bring and what to prepare, email casting@motownthemusical.com.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is playing the Aronoff Center, through September 20, 2015 as part of the 2015-2016 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Season presented by TriHealth. Group orders of ten or more may be placed by calling 513.369.4363.

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more.

Featuring more than 40 classic hits such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is produced by Tony Award® winning producer Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q), who was recently named Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of music, where he is an alumnus.   MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is also produced by Chairman and CEO of SONY Music Entertainment Doug Morris and Motown founder Berry Gordy. 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL features choreography by Patricia Wilcox (A Night with Janis Joplin) and Warren Adams (Toy Story), scenic design byDavid Korins (Bring It On: The Musical, Annie), costume design by Tony Award® nominee ESosa (The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, “Project Runway”), lighting design by Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Once, Sister Act), sound design by Tony Award® nominee Peter Hylenski (Rock of Ages, The Scottsboro Boys), projection design by Daniel Brodie (Jekyll and Hyde), hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe (Memphis) and casting by Telsey + Company.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL’s arrangements and orchestrations are by Grammy and Tony Award® nominee Ethan Popp (Rock of Ages), who also serves as music supervisor in reproducing the classic “Sound of Young America,” with co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Tony Award® nominee Bryan Crook (“Smash”) and dance arrangements by Zane Mark (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is produced by Tony Award® winning producer Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q), Chairman and CEO of SONY Music Entertainment Doug Morris and Motown founder Berry Gordy.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is playing the Aronoff Center through September 20: Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM, Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM and Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM. Tickets for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL start at $29. They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

For more information, visit www.MotownTheMusical.com.

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Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. For the past twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center, and joins in celebrating the Aronoff’s landmark 20th Anniversary this year.  The Broadway in Cincinnati series brings more than 185,000 people downtown to the Aronoff Center each year, and contributes an average of $30 million to the local economy each season. Broadway in Cincinnati is amember of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 15/16 Season and the season is presented by TriHealth. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the 15/16 Cincinnati Season.    

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Finding Neverland, It Shoulda Been You, Million Dollar Quartet,Hairspray and The Producers. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Broadway.com

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September 11, 2015 · 2:23 pm

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL 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.

Patrice Covington as Martha Reeves (center) & Cast. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

Patrice Covington as Martha Reeves (center) & Cast. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Sept. 20. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

The touring production of MOTOWN, currently at the Aronoff Center, doesn’t do anything small. It’s a large cast with big voices, performing more than 50 songs that defined the record label Berry Gordy built. Biggest of all? The incredible array of costumes capturing the looks of the Motown musical icons.

Reed L Shannon as Michael Jackson (center) with the Jackson 5. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

Reed L Shannon as Michael Jackson (center) with the Jackson 5. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

The ensemble is solid and polished. They make this physically demanding show look easy. I’m fairly certain that if an actor is not on stage they are changing costumes to come right back on. Audience favorites included Josh Tower as Berry Gordy, Ashley Tamar Davis as Diana Ross, Jesse Nager as Smokey Robinson, Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye, Elijah Ahmad Lewis as Stevie Wonder and Leon Outlaw Jr. as a young Michael Jackson.

Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye & Cast. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye & Cast. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

As with many jukebox musicals, the book for MOTOWN is not the show’s strongest element. It does have a have some great comic bits peppered throughout. For me, the second act seems to lose its momentum in several places. I also felt like the chemistry between Berry Gordy (Tower) and Diana Ross (Davis) was lacking, as I never bought them as a couple.

The Temptations. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

The Temptations. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

Opening night, my major complaint with the show (echoed by other opening night attendees) was the sound. For the bulk of the performance, the vocals were overpowered by the orchestra. Hopefully this problem was addressed for the second performance.

Overall a fun, energetic and rockin’ trip through the songs of Motown, featuring a strong cast of vocally-powerful performers

My rating: 4.5 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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September 11, 2015 · 10:56 am

Cincinnati Arts Association Adds Three New Events to its 2015-16 Season

CAA ADDS THREE ADDITIONAL EVENTS TO ITS
2015-16 SEASON
Celebrating the 20th Anniversary of the Aronoff Center

CAACINCINNATI, OH – The Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is pleased to announce the addition of three shows to its 2015-16 Season (three other season shows were previously announced and are currently on sale). The added shows go on sale Friday, September 18 at 10:00 AM at http://www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.

From a theatrical exploration of the war experience told through actual soldier’s letters to the iconic music of a rock & roll legend to the live version of a very popular PBS KIDS® TV show, these added events are certain to continue CAA’s long-standing mission of presenting an eclectic mix of alternative entertainment choices to Cincinnati’s diverse audiences. CAA’s 2015-16 Season celebrates the 20th Anniversary of the Aronoff Center, which opened in October 1995. Additional events may be announced throughout the season.

CAA 2015-16 SEASON
JUST ANNOUNCED:  on sale Friday, September 18 at 10:00 AM

LETTERS HOME
Friday, December 4, 2015 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater  

Letters Home puts the war of Afghanistan and Iraq front and center by bringing to life actual letters written by soldiers serving in the Middle East. The production is inspired by The New York Times Op-Ed article “The Things They Wrote” and the subsequent HBO documentary Last Letters Home. Without politicizing, the play gives audiences a powerful portrait of the soldier experience in our ongoing wars. The initial production at Chicago’s Griffen Theatre Company was critically acclaimed and nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for “Outstanding New Play.” Letters Home reveals the humanity that lies within the war as seen through the eyes of the men and women who are still fighting and dying in those wars today. www.griffintheatre.com/letters-home
A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN
Wednesday, April 13, 2016 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall        

Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock & roll. The unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. Now, audiences are invited to share an evening with the woman and her influences in the new Broadway musical, A Night With Janis Joplin. Fueled by such unforgettable songs as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz,” “Cry Baby,” and “Summertime,” a remarkable cast, and a Tony Award-nominated, breakout performance by Mary Bridget Davies, A Night With Janis Joplin, written and directed by Randy Johnson, is a musical journey celebrating Janis and her biggest musical influences—icons like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone, and Bessie Smith – who inspired one of rock & roll’s greatest legends.  www.anightwithjanisjoplin.com
WILD KRATTS LIVE!
Saturday, April 16, 2016 – 1:00 PM & 4:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall 

In this live version of the wildly popular PBS KIDS® television show, animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, “come to real life” in a classically Wild Kratts story. Off “To the Creature Rescue,” the Emmy-nominated Kratt Brothers activate some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal “wow facts,” the Wild Kratts team rescues their favorite invention from Zach’s clutches so the animals of the creature world are safe once again. The Kratt Brothers’ national tours draw tens of thousands of creature-crazy kids and their families and the not-for-profit Kratt Brothers Creature Hero Society, together with kids, has successfully protected critical wildlife habitats through the creation of nature reserves.

PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:  on sale now

C.S. Lewis’ THE SCREWTAPE LETTERS
Saturday, October 17 – 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 18 – 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater    

The Screwtape Letters creates a topsy-turvy morally inverted universe set in an eerily stylish office in hell, where God is called the “Enemy” and the devil is referred to as “Our Father below.”  The play follows His Abysmal Sublimity Screwtape, Satan’s top psychiatrist (due to his profound understanding of human nature), and his slavish creature-demon Toadpipe, as they train an apprentice demon, Wormwood, on how to ruin the life and damn the soul of an unsuspecting human on earth.  Screwtape is played by award-winning actor, Brent Harris. The National Tour of The Screwtape Letters kicked off after a hit nine-month run at the Westside Theatre in New York City where it entertained 50,000 theatergoers.  Prior to that, The Screwtape Letters was a sold-out hit in Chicago and Washington D. C. where it ran for a combined eight months. www.screwtapeonstage.com

THE TENORS: UNDER ONE SKY TOUR
Tuesday, November 3, 2015 – 7:30 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall        

The Tenors – the Canadian multi-platinum, JUNO Award-winning vocal group – return to the Aronoff Center with their  beautiful harmonies and irresistible charm. The music of Clifton Murray, Victor Micallef, Remigio Pereira, and Fraser Walters is rich and soulful, spanning powerful anthems, classic covers, and original songs penned/co-penned by The Tenors themselves. The quartet, with multiple #1 Billboard Classical Crossover albums under its belt, “have talent to burn” and “killer singing voices” raves The Toronto Star and “pitch perfect harmonies” says Examiner.com. On their new album, Under One Sky, the multi-platinum Juno Award-winning foursome co-wrote eight tunes, showing facets of themselves they’ve longed to share with their millions of fans. Get ready to hear The Tenors like you’ve never heard them before!   www.tenorsmusic.com

MythBusters Jamie & Adam UNLEASHED!
Friday, November 20, 2015 – 8:00 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall           

MythBusters Jamie & Adam UNLEASHED! presents a fantastical evening of on-stage experiments, audience participation, exciting videos, and behind-the-scenes stories.   With this show, fans join Jamie and Adam onstage to assist in their mind-blowing and mind-twisting approaches to science.  MythBusters Jamie & Adam UNLEASHED! brings you face-to-face with the curious world of Jamie and Adam as the duo matches wits on stage with each other and members of the audience. Jamie Hyneman has announced that he will end touring with the live show this year.  www.mythbusterstour.com

TICKETS & INFORMATION

ON SALE NOW:  The Screwtape Letters, The Tenors, and MythBusters

ON SALE FRIDAY, September 18 at 10:00 AM:  Letters Home, A Night With Janis Joplin, and Wild Kratts Live!

  •  www.CincinnatiArts.org
  • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]
  • Aronoff Center Ticket Office
  • Group Discount Tickets (10 or more):  (513) 977-4157

Aronoff Center Ticket Office Hours

  • Monday-Friday:  9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Saturday:  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Through intermission of the last show on performance days

CAA applauds its generous Sponsors

Season Sponsors:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), FURNITURE FAIR, LOCAL12 WKRC, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Heidelberg Distributing Hilton, Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Garfield Suites Hotel, Macy’s, Pepsi, Skyline Chili, Ultimate Air Shuttle, Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc.

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September 10, 2015 · 2:18 pm

A CHORUS LINE 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.

Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

A CHORUS LINE presented by Cincinnati Landmark Productions at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts through Sept. 27. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening Sunday performance.

“At the Ballet.” Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

For me, what makes or breaks a production of A CHORUS LINE is the dance ability of the cast. Far too often I’ve seen productions that are “Dance 3: Looks 3,” if you get my meaning. (And it you don’t, it’s a reference to the show, go see it.) That is NOT the case with the Covedale’s production. Here, the majority of the performers have dance training under their belts, and it shows.

Cetner: Afton Shepard as Val Clark. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Cetner: Afton Shepard as Val Clark. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Choreographer Angela Kahle takes full advantage of her talent pool. The dance numbers as a whole are nicely staged, visually strong and build naturally. It is also evident that the cast has worked very hard to master the routines. Great job, and I hope to see more of Kahle’s work on stage soon.

Director Matthew Wilson does well in defining the characters and hitting the right emotional beats. The interaction between Paul (Ben Goodman) and Zack (Matt Dentino) after the former’s monologue was very nicely handled. To me, a monologue or two felt confined by its lack of movement. The actors seemed rooted to one place.

Hannah Aicholtz as Cassie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Hannah Aicholtz as Cassie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The ensemble did well in creating interesting and unique characters. Favorites included Matt Dentino as Zack, Afton Shepard as Val & Jules Shumate as Sheila. Cassie’s (Hannah Aicholtz) dance solo in “Music and the Mirror” is a highlight of the show. My favorite numbers included “At the Ballet,” the “Montage” and “What I Did for Love.” I also enjoyed “Dance 10: Looks 3,” but from my seat, Val tended to blend into the fully lit ensemble behind her. Taking the lights down and giving her a spot would help showcase her during that number.

The only issue I had with the sound was that several times the soloists mics were not up in time to hear their lines. Speaking of solo lines, on the performing side actors need to make sure they draw focus to themselves during them. As an audience member, playing “solo, solo, who’s singing the solo” can be frustrating. During “Sing,” be sure to hit those starting constants so the audience can understand the word you’re singing. Finally a couple of the soloists seemed to have trouble supporting some of their high notes.

Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The casts’ dance attire was nicely diverse and fit the personalities of the characters. The custom-fit, gold finale costumes constructed by Caren Young were impressive and looked great together on stage.

Overall, strong ensemble; strong direction; strong dance and choreography. Well-done all.

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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September 10, 2015 · 10:00 am

IT JUST TAKES ONE Runs Sept. 17-20

Kate Tombaugh.

Kate Tombaugh.

Kate Tombaugh is bringing her one-woman show IT JUST TAKES ONE to Cincinnati September 17th-20th, featuring Stephen Variames on piano.

IT JUST TAKES ONE is an entertaining, one-woman musical that pulls theater-goers into the charming, roller-coaster story of a young woman in her twenties who is busy embarking on a career in opera while struggling to balance her social life.”

Performances are:

  • Thursday, September 17th at 7 PM
  • Friday, September 18th at 7 PM
  • Saturday, September 19th at 2 PM
  • Sunday, September 20th at 2 PM

The venue is:
St Thomas Episcopal Church / 100 Miami Avenue / Terrace Park, OH 45174

Tickets are:
$20 General Admission and available at the door
(10% of all profits will directly benefit the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s Charitable Care Fund)

IT JUST TAKES ONE has been a multiyear project for Kate Tombaugh (see her biography below), with her real life experiences in singing and dating acting as the framework for the show. Set to Kate’s original script and staging, IT JUST TAKES ONE features music from operatic arias, art songs, standard Broadway tunes, 30s/40s, to contemporary works by living composers.

The show runs less than 2 hours, including one 15-minute intermission, and the content is PG.

The Cincinnati premiere offers Kate’s show in its latest form; she now owns her own traveling set, costumes, and lighting, and is ready to take the show on the road.

The facebook link is: https://www.facebook.com/events/413672258837331/

The website link is: http://www.katetombaugh.com/it-just-takes-one/

“The gently humorous and at-times-poignant narrative is wonderfully woven throughout with apt musical selections that run the gamut from traditional Broadway, classical and opera, to works by contemporary composers.

Starring in the show that she also conceived and wrote has been a multiyear project for Kate Tombaugh whose real life experiences provide the framework of IT JUST TAKES ONE. She received dual undergraduate degrees in English literature and vocal performance at Illinois Wesleyan University, then later studied opera performance and received her master’s from University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). Kate served apprenticeships with the Santa Fe Opera, Utah Opera, and Opera Theatre of St. Louis, and has since performed with Opera on the Avalon in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Opera Omaha, Winter Opera St. Louis, and Performance Santa Fe. Her symphonic engagements have included solo appearances with the Lexington Philharmonic, Jackson Symphony, Heartland Philharmonic, and Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra. Locally, Kate has performed with Cincinnati’s own concert:nova, the Cincinnati Bach Ensemble and the Cincinnati Chamber Opera. She studies with Mary Henderson-Stucky and is managed by Witzke Artists International.

In addition to opera, Kate also sings musical theater, oratorio, and the premieres of new works. Kate’s background in dance and theater is put to good use every time she steps onstage.

If you would like to help bring IT JUST TAKES ONE to your town in the Midwest, please email Kate directly at kate@katetombaugh.com for further details.

Previous Performances of IT JUST TAKES ONE:

Streator, IL-August 28th-30th, 2015 (the show has been adapted and revised since its premiere in 2013; Kate is now the producer and owns her own set,costumes, lights, etc.

The upcoming performances in Cincinnati, OH are the show’s Ohio and Cincinnati premiere).

Prairie Fire Theatre- Bloomington, IL, October 2013 (Six performances)

Cincinnati, OH workshop, September 2013

Santa Fe, NM workshop, August 2013

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