Monthly Archives: February 2017

February 23, 2017 · 6:34 am

OTRimprov Presents COMEDYSPORTZ Cincinnati

otr_comedysportz-logoOTRimprov licenses greater Cincinnati chapter of
world-wide competitive improv sensation for everyone

OTRimprov is excited to announce the opening of ComedySportz® Cincinnati on Friday February 24, 2017 @ 8pm at the newly renovated Memorial Hall Studio in Over-The Rhine. ComedySportz® is the award winning comedy show where two teams of players battle it out for audience laughs and points while improvising scenes based upon audience suggestions. ComedySportz® matches will continue every weekend at the Memorial Studio.

The inaugural battle on Friday February 24 will feature the Blue Team and the Red Team under the command of the all powerful Referee and at the mercy of their audience fans, who control the outcome of the match! It’s fast, it’s funny, and it’s appropriate for everyone. A bachelorette party, an end-of-week office gathering, and a family outing are guaranteed to have a great time!

A ComedySportz® match features two teams of players competing for laughs and points, with a referee keeping things moving and calling fouls. An average of seven to twelve games are played during a match, drawn from a repertoire of over a hundred improv games. You may see a fully improvised Shakespeare scene or a live action DVD full of features you never knew existed until our referee gets a hold of the remote control. Every show is different, with different players, different games, and different audiences supplying new suggestions. The fans judge the scenes and games and ultimately decide the winners and losers. ComedySportz® also asks willing audience volunteers to join us for a game or two each match, and we make them look great!

ComedySportz® is great for everyone: all ages, all occupations, all walks of life. The audience of a typical ComedySportz® match contains everyone from kids to couples to parents to grandparents. If anyone steps beyond the boundaries of good taste, the “brown bag foul,” a brown paper sack placed over the offending player’s (or fan’s) head, will be called to set things straight. ComedySportz® proves “clean” can be fast, smart, and fun for everyone. Whether a church group, a business group, or just a group of friends looking for a good time ComedySportz® is the experience everyone will love!

WHO: ComedySportz® presented by OTRimprov
WHAT: Fast, funny, competitive improv for everyone
WHERE: Memorial Hall OTR Studio, 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
WHEN: Friday February 24, 2017 (and running every weekend thereafter)
TICKETS & INFO: https://www.memorialhallotr.com/cincinnati-shows/comedysportz

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February 23, 2017 · 6:23 am

Auditions Announced for THE TOXIC AVENGER at Sunset Players

SSP_logoThe Sunset Players announces auditions for their summer musical, the regional community theater premier of THE TOXIC AVENGER.

March 12 and 13, 7-9pm

Directed by Jerry Yearout, Music Director Allen Lindsey

Show dates are July 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, and 22nd.

Based on Lloyd Kaufman’s cult film and winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, The Toxic Avenger is a charming love story and laugh-out-loud musical that has it all: an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor and two guys who play… well, everyone else … bullies, mobsters, old ladies and stiletto-wearing back up singers.  With book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan, the show also features the most memorable and unbelievable duet you’ll ever see on any stage.

Melvin Ferd, the Third, wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey (just off Exit 13B on the Turnpike). Foiled by the mayor’s bullies, Melvin is dumped into a vat of radioactive toxic waste, only to reemerge as The Toxic Avenger, New Jersey’s first superhero. Affectionately known as Toxie, our new hero is a seven-foot mutant freak with superhuman strength and a heart as big as Newark. He’s out to save New Jersey, end global warming, and woo the blind librarian in town.

It’s a toxic love story with an environmental twist! The Toxic Avenger will leave audiences laughing in the aisles as it rocks the house. Featuring a wailin’ rock score, this comical musical has something for everyone to enjoy.

Roles:

  • Melvin Ferd The Third/toxic Avenger
    Always trying to be the hero, but he isn’t very good at it until he is turned into the Toxic Avenger. Determined to save New Jersey from toxic waste. He is a nerd but prone to bouts of rage in the face of corruption. Unattractive and sensitive. In love with Sarah.
    Gender: Male
    Age: able to play early 20’s to early 30’s
    Vocal range top: C6
    Vocal range bottom: D4
  • Sarah The Blind Librarian
    Blind. The classic heroine. Very sexy and sensual. Always speaks exactly what’s on her mind. An aspiring writer of graphic romance novels.
    Gender: Female
    Age: able to play early 20’s to early 30’s
    Vocal range top: E5
    Vocal range bottom: G3
  • Mayor Babs Belgoody / Ma Ferd / Nun
    As the Mayor, she is corrupt and scheming. Accepts loads of cash in return for storing the toxic waste. Set on one day being the governor of New Jersey by any means necessary.
    Gender: Female
    Age: Able to play 45 to 55
    Vocal range top: G5
    Vocal range bottom: G3
  • Black Dude
    Appears as numerous supporting roles, both male and female, such as PROFESSOR KEN, SLUGGO the bully, LITTLE OLD LADY, and SHINEQUA the friend. Physically versatile with strong dialects.
    Gender: Male
    Age: 20 to 30
    Vocal range top: D6
    Vocal range bottom: A3
  • White Dude
    Appears as numerous supporting roles, both male and female, such as DR. FISHBEIN, BOZO the bully, SAL the cop, and LORENZO the hairdresser.
    Gender: Male
    Age: 20 to 35
    Vocal range top: B5
    Vocal range bottom: A3

Auditions will be held at the Arts Center at Dunham.  1945 Dunham Way, Cincinnati, OH 45238

Sign up for audition times by going to http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a4caea72fabff2-auditions2

Walk ins will be auditioned in any open slots that may be available.

Please prepare 16-20 bars of an upbeat song preferably in the pop/rock genre.  Call backs if needed will be held 7-9pm on March 16th.

Any questions please contact the director, Jerry Yearout, at gyearout72@gmail.com.

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February 23, 2017 · 6:17 am

Falcon Presents RABBIT HOLE Opening March 24th

ft_the-rabbit-hole-logoRABBIT HOLE traces the physical and emotional aftermath of a couple’s loss of their only child. The story examines the languishing and wilting relationship of Becca and Howie Corbett whose son Danny was killed by a teenage driver. In the ensuing months, the couple, along with Becca’s mother and sister, grapple with grief, guilt, and inevitable blame as they attempt to make sense of the tragedy. Peppered with a surprising amount of humor, the play deftly depicts the impact and outcome of a parent’s worst nightmare come true.

Performances will be March 24, 25, 30, 31, April 1, 6, 7, and 8 at 8 PM  

Cast:

  • Becca: Tara Williams
  • Howie: Ted Weil
  • Izzy: Katie Groneman
  • Nat: Cathy Roesener
  • Jason: Evan Blanton

 
Director: Tracy M. Schoster

All tickets are $20, $15 for students with i.d. On Thursdays, enjoy $5 off every ticket!

For more information, go to falcontheater.net

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February 22, 2017 · 4:10 pm

ALL SHOOK UP Review

ALL SHOOK UP presented by Northern Kentucky University through Feb. 26. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening Sunday matinee performance.

nku_all-shook-up1

The Cast.

The songs of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, take center stage in the jukebox musical, ALL SHOOK UP at Northern Kentucky University.

The cast of 25 showcases the depth of talent in NKU’s theater program. Soloists were strong across the named roles with Brittany Hayes’ “There’s Always Me” being a personal favorite. The harmonies on the Act I finale, “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” were goosebump-inducing and a great way to send the audience into intermission.

nku_all-shook-up4

Melissa Cathcart as Natalie Haller & Xander Wells as Chad.

Director Brian Robertson wisely goes broad in the performance-style, emphasizing both the comedy and the relationships in the book.

The simple, multi-level set allowed for quick entrances and exits, especially when the whole ensemble was involved in a number. The screens upstage served as a nice backdrop and added a bit a color to the scenes.

nku_all-shook-up5

Aaron Marshal as Dennis & Ellie Chancellor as Miss Sandra.

The concept of a completely black and white color scheme for the costumes was successful and an impressive amount of work. The only one I misinterpreted was Dean Hyde’s outfit, thinking he was the Mayor’s chauffeur until he was introduced as her son. Perhaps some black accents would have helped it read a bit more military.

It was great to have the 11-piece orchestra, under the direction of Jamey Strawn, visible on stage and the sound was rich and full. Speaking of sound, hats off to sound designer Kevin Havlin and his team. The blend, balance, and execution were outstanding. I’m pretty sure I heard every word and note.

Overall, the production was highly energetic and highly enjoyable.

My rating: 4.25 out of 5.

nku_all-shook-up2

The Cast.

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February 22, 2017 · 7:18 am

Auditions Announced for JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH at Beechmont Players

BPI_logo12JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
Book by Timothy Allen McDonald

Come be a part of this fresh and delightfully offbeat musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale about a boy, his insect friends and their amazing journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit!   With a wickedly tuneful score by the red-hot songwriting team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, Dogfight, A Christmas Story the Musical, and movies La La Land and Trolls), and a fun and quirky book by Timothy Allen McDonald (Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, CEO of iTheatrics). It will be an exciting summer creating this musical “masterpeach!”

James ONLY Audition:

  • Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 3-5pm
  • Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at 7-9pm

All Others:

  • Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 3-6pm
  • Monday, April 10, 2017 at 7-10pm

Callbacks:

  • Wednesday April 12, 2017 at 7-10pm

Location:
Faith United Church of Christ
6886 Salem Road
Cincinnati, OH 45230

Production Dates:

  • August 4 – 12, 2017

Production Team:

  • Directed by Fred Tacon
  • Produced by Pam Kaesemeyer
  • Choreographed by Dee Anne Bryll
  • Music Direction by Charlie Wilhelm
  • Vocal Direction by Sarah Mizelle

Audition Details:

  • You must sign up for an audition time slot at:
  • Prepare 16-32 bars of a song in the style of (but not from) the show that best shows off your personality and vocal range.
  • Please bring sheet music, well-marked and in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided.
  • For James only, be prepared to sing “Middle of a Moment” in addition to your audition song. It doesn’t have to be memorized, you can use the sheet music. Please contact Fred Tacon at fred@tacon.net for additional information about the James audition.
  • The cast album is available for free at http://www.jatgp.com and on YouTube. Please listen to it, and fall in love with the music just like we have.
  • You will be asked to read from the script.
  • Note that there will not be a dance audition. However, dance and movement are a part of the show. Highlighting experience on your resume or audition form will be appreciated.
  • Rehearsals will begin in mid-late May and will be determined by the availability of the cast. Please bring known conflicts from May 15th-August 13th.
  • Resume and head shot are appreciated but not required.
  • Contact Fred Tacon at fred@tacon.net if you have any questions.

Characters:

  • James (M) A lonely young boy
  • Ladahlord (M) A strange and magical storyteller
  • Spiker (F) James’ mean and nasty aunt
  • Sponge (F) James’ other mean and nasty aunt
  • Green Grasshopper (M) Fatherly to James
  • Ladybug (F) Motherly to James
  • Spider (F) Warm and friendly to James
  • Earthworm (M) A bit of a scaredy-cat
  • Centipede (M) Grumpy and hates humans
  • Ensemble: Women and/or men who play a variety of characters

Character descriptions, ages, and vocal ranges can be found at http://www.mtishows.com/full-cast-info/1025. Part doubling in our production may differ from what is listed.

Note on Character Ages: Ideally, we would like to find a young boy to play James. But, because of the vocal demands of this role, we will consider ages from 7 to 15. All other roles are generally consistent with the MTI website. However, we will consider older teens (17-19) for the insects and ensemble.

Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Beechmont Players, Inc.
www.beechmontplayers.org

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