Monthly Archives: February 2017

February 20, 2017 · 3:28 pm

RICHARD III Review

RICHARD III presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through March 11. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

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Billy Chace as Richard III (Kyle Brumley and Geoffrey Warren Barnes in the background). Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Congratulations to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company! With the opening of RICHARD III, CSC becomes only the second theater company in the United States to complete Shakespeare’s entire history cycle in chronological order.

Billy Chace is exceptional as Richard, Duke of Gloucester who manipulates (and murders) his way to the throne through friend and foe to become King Richard III. Chace plays the role with great humor and zeal, giving us a King who is fully aware of his misdeeds and unapologetic in his quest for the crown.

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Aiden Sims as Lady Anne and Billy Chace as Richard III. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Director Brian Isaac Phillips again keeps the action focused and brisk. The ensemble, across the board, was excellent, giving the production great energy and scope. Favorite scenes included Lady Anne’s (Aiden Sims) confrontation with Richard over the dead body of Henry VI, the grief-stricken, half-mad, curse-flinging Queen Margaret (Kelly Mengelkoch), and Queen Elizabeth (Sara Clark) going nose to nose with Richard after the death of her children.

The haunting dream shared by Richard and Henry, Earl of Richmond, was visually striking and appropriately creepy. The special stage effect added a unique element to the final battle between their forces.

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Sara Clark as Queen Elizabeth and Billy Chace as Richard III. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Overall, a perfect and immensely satisfying conclusion to CSC’s four-year epic endeavor. Bravo!

My rating: 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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February 17, 2017 · 2:12 pm

Cast Announced for A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED by Tri-County Players

TCP_logoTri-County Players is excited to announce its cast for Agatha Christie’s A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED.

  • Elaine Micheal – Letitia Blacklock
  • Monica Rudolph – Julia Simmons
  • Reva Schell – Dora Bunner (Bunny)
  • Dan Nieman – Patrick Simmons
  • Sandy Schlueter – Mitzi
  • Betty Coulter – Mrs. Swettenham
  • Stephen Beck – Inspector Craddock
  • Fred Murrell – Sergean Mellors
  • Liv Milliron – Phillipa Haymes
  • Bonnie Froelich – Miss Marple
  • Tyrone Irving Burrow Jr – Edmond Swettenham

Co-directored by Gregory Charles Vaughan and Beth Smith. Performances run April 21-29.

For more information visit www.tricountyplayers.org.

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February 17, 2017 · 1:52 pm

THIS WIDE NIGHT Review

THIS WIDE NIGHT presented by The Clifton Players through March 4. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

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Miranda McGee as Marie & Dale Hodges as Lorraine.

Can dreams of the future made by cellmates survive the reality of life outside of prison? That possibility is explored in Clifton Players’ production of the two-person play, THIS WIDE NIGHT.

Miranda McGee, perhaps more known for her comedic turns, shines in the challenging role of Marie. Throughout the performance, I was struck how the emotional swings of her character emanated from the actress and always rang true.

As Lorraine, Dale Hodges enters as an adrift soul trying to find solace with the only “family” she has known during her long incarceration. She brings a great vulnerability to the role but there are these great moments of seemingly innocent manipulation that remind the audience she’s not as innocent as she appears.

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Miranda McGee as Marie & Dale Hodges as Lorraine.

Faults aside, I was surprised how invested I had become in these two ladies. True to its source material (interviews from recently released inmates) the script doesn’t answer all questions or provide a happy ending.

Director Kevin Crowley keeps the movement within the confirmed space of the studio apartment natural and motivated. There are several great stage pictures created in response to lines in the script that could easily be missed by a less experienced director.

Re-configuring the play space worked well to create Marie’s below street level apartment. I would encourage the covering of the windows above the apartment door as the foot traffic outside was a bit distracting at times.

One element that was unclear to me was how much time had passed between the various scenes. The dialogue in the scenes doesn’t always help. A bit of period underscoring during the scene changes might have helped define the time period. Speaking of the time period, the use of a CD and a shopping bag printed with a web site address were a bit anachronistic. One of the downsides of such an intimate venue. 🙂

Overall, a smartly directed production with strong, emotional true performances.

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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February 17, 2017 · 6:40 am

THE ODD COUPLE Arrives at The Drama Workshop

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Oscar Madison (Chris Bishop) begins to realize that Felix Ungar (Eric Thomas) may be too much for him to take in. Photo by Kristy Rucker.

(Cheviot, OH) The Drama Workshop’s production of Neil Simon’s timeless comedy, THE ODD COUPLE is playing February 24 through March 12 at its theater in Cheviot at 3716 Glenmore Ave. Showtimes are 8 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings, and at 2 pm on Sunday afternoons, with an added performance on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30.

Divorced, broke, and sloppy sportswriter Oscar Madison is doing all right – having split from his wife six months ago, he has nobody to answer to. He also has nobody to clean up after him, and his Manhattan apartment shows it, to the dismay of his poker buddies who come over every Friday night. But when his best friend, neat-freak Felix Ungar gets thrown out by his own wife, Oscar takes him in. It doesn’t take him long to realize that he and Felix make a rotten combination – how can they live together without driving each other crazy?

THE ODD COUPLE is produced and directed by Ray Persing. The cast features the talents of Chris Bishop, Meagan Blasch, Adam Drake, BJ Simpson, Eric Thomas, Scott Unes, Kristen Vincenty, and Mark Waldfogle.

Eric Thomas plays the role of Felix Ungar, and says that he was drawn to the role because of its place in American theatre. “In a few short pages Neil Simon creates these true comedic archetypes. When you think of the great comedic characters of the 20th century, Oscar and Felix have to be right up there with Chaplin’s Tramp, Lucy Ricardo, Barney Fife, or Archie Bunker.”

The character of Oscar Madison is played by TDW veteran Chris Bishop, who explains that he channeled his Navy experiences as the roommate of a slob to help flesh out his portrayal of Oscar. “The opportunity to put my own spin on such an iconic character as Oscar Madison, and to work with the others in this cast has been fantastic,” he said.  “They are nothing short of amazing!”

Director/producer Ray Persing cites the timeless nature of the show’s central theme as to why he has wanted to direct the show for many years. “Oscar and Felix approach life very differently, and the conflict this creates is what drives the comedy. But the soul of the play is that despite their differences, they do love each other – and in the end, it’s all that matters. It’s why, after over 50 years, THE ODD COUPLE is still relevant.”

To order tickets to THE ODD COUPLE, please either order online at www.thedramaworkshop.org, or via the 24/7 ticket line at 513.598.8303. Performances are at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave, Cheviot, 45211. Ticket prices for the show are $16 in advance, or $17 the day of the show. Seating is extremely limited, and some performances are close to sold out. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

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February 17, 2017 · 6:39 am

Stage Manager Needed for OUTSIDE MULLINGER at Irish Heritage Center

IATC_logoIrish Heritage Center is looking for a Stage Manager for their production of OUTSIDE MULLINGER. There is a stipend available. This production will begin rehearsal in mid March and perform The last two weekends of April. The director is Karen O’Brien.

Additionally, this production will perform at the Acting Irish International Theater Festival in Rochester, NY on May 12th at the 2PM time-slot. The SM is not required to attend this, but should s/he decide to do so, the Acting Irish International Theater Festival and the IATC (which is the Irish American Theater Company) will pay for the room (multi occupancy), and the gas (carpooling possible) and Festival admittance.

More details can be obtained from Maureen Kennedy at 513.225.6915 or at info@irishcenterofcincinnati.cominfo@irishcenterofcincinnati.com.

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