Yearly Archives: 2017

February 15, 2017 · 7:33 pm

SERIALS! 6 Round 2 Results

ktc_serials6-logoFrom Chris Wesselman

Here are the Official Results from Monday’s second installment of Serials! 6: Lightning Cube – Episode 2!

Passed on by you, the audience, were (in alphabetical order):

  • RETENTION OF DISBELIEF by Ben Dudley
  • SPACE PORNOGRAPHY 2000: A CROWD SOURCED MUSICAL by Robert Macke and James Allen.
  • WASAKTUCHATTS by Chris Wesselman

Rejoining the lineup on Feb. 27th will also be Andy Simpson and Brian Griffin with BRAND NEW plays (since they were voted out after Week 1).

Get your tickets to Episode 3 https://www.vbotickets.com/v4.0/event.asp?eid=18040&s=6C7FC023-10D4-4AE0-9951-4D89092F7CD4

We’ll see you in a couple Mondays!

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February 15, 2017 · 2:46 pm

SUMMERLAND Review

SUMMERLAND presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through March 5. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

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Michael Rothhaar as William H. Mumler & Whitney Maris Brown as Mrs. Mumler. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

A taste of Halloween comes late (or early, depending on your point of view) to the Park’s Shelterhouse with SUMMERLAND. If you are unfamiliar with the term, “Summerland” is the name given by Theosophists, Wiccans and some earth-based contemporary pagan religions to their conceptualization of an afterlife.

Arlitia Jones’ play uses the now infamous image taken by Spirit Photographer William H. Mumler as a jumping off point for her play. In the photo, a seated Mary Todd Lincoln is captured with the ghostly image of her late husband standing beside her.

Director Michael Evan Haney elicits unique and believable performances from his talented ensemble of three. Billy Finn is strong as the young and driven Jospeh Tooker, determined to prove Mumler is the fraud Tooker is convinced he is. Michael Rothhaar charms as William H. Mumler, a man who appears to genuinely believe his work is a comfort to the living. Playing Mrs. Mumler, Whitney Maris Brown is mesmerizing as the enigmatic and otherworldly wife and possible conspirator.

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Whitney Maris Brown as Mrs. Mumler & Billy Finn as Joseph Tooker. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

My favorite scene of the play is the beginning of Act II. The “confrontation” between Mrs. Mumler and Tooker is immensely satisfying to watch. Brown is a force of nature as she assails, cajoles and taunts Mr. Tooker, keeping him completely off balance.

For me, one of most successful aspects of the play is how well the technical team set the mood for the piece. The special effects worked well and the theater magic stayed well-hidden in the intimate performance space. The end of Act I is indeed “spooky.”

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Billy Finn as Joseph Tooker & Michael Rothhaar as William H. Mumler. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

As a new work the play could still use a bit of editing. The first scene went a bit long in exposition considering how quickly it becomes apparent that the young man is there for more than his portrait sitting. The epilogue also seems a bit anti-climatic, working hard to establish a connection between the two men after all that has transpired.

Overall, an engaging and unique historical drama with a supernatural bent.

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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February 15, 2017 · 5:04 am

Auditions Announced for THE MIRACLE WORKER, CABARET and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Cincinnati Landmark Productions

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions to hold auditions for two of the Covedale’s 2017-18 Marquee Season Shows (THE MIRACLE WORKER and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN) and one of the Warsaw Federal’s 2017-18 District Series Shows (CABARET).

Audition dates:

  • Saturday, May 27th (Noon to 4:30pm)
  • Sunday, May 28th (Noon to 4:30 pm)

Callback dates:
Tuesday, May 30th (6:30pm to 9:30pm)
Please note: Everyone will not have to attend callbacks – you will be asked to attend (and expected to attend if asked). This is when you will read from the script. However, not being asked to callbacks doesn’t mean you won’t be cast.

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

If you’d like the audition forms sent to you in advance, email Jennifer Perrino at jenniferperrino@covedalecenter.com.

Important Audition Information!

  • You may audition for more than one show.
  • For THE MIRACLE WORKER please prepare one 30-45 second monologue. Knowledge of sign language and stage combat are a plus for this show too.
  • For CABARET and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN prepare 16 to 32 bars of a song that best demonstrates your vocal ability.
  • You may have to complete a dance audition for CABARET and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN – depending upon the role. Will be learn a short theatre dance combo.
  • Non-dancing roles in CABARET are: Clifford Bradshaw, Fraulein Schneider, Herr Schultz and Ernst Ludwig.
  • Must be a minimum of 17 years of age to audition.
  • MUST HAVE A RESUME listing theatrical experience in order to audition.
  • A headshot/picture is appreciated. Please bring a headshot and resume for each show you are auditioning for, e.g. 2 shows =2 headshots and resumes; 3 shows =3 headshots etc.

No more than 2 conflicts will be accepted during the rehearsal process for each of these productions.

All roles are paid positions. No Roles have been precast.

Cast members do not have to be the actual ages of the characters in any of the productions – But must be able to look age appropriate and act accordingly.

Marquee Season Shows at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts:

THE MIRACLE WORKER
September 7 – October 1, 2017
By William Gibson
Immortalized on stage and screen by Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, this classic tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller. The Miracle Worker dramatizes the volatile relationship between the lonely teacher and her charge. Trapped in a secret, silent world, unable to communicate, Helen is violent, spoiled, almost sub-human and treated by her family as such. Only Annie realizes that there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence. With scenes of intense physical and emotional dynamism, Annie’s success with Helen finally comes with the utterance of a single, glorious word: “water”. Winner of the 1960 Tony Award.
Greg Procaccino, Director; Steven Ducker, Production Stage Manager

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
October 19 – November 12, 2017
Book by Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan; Music & Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds. Young Frankenstein has all the panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added. With such memorable tunes as “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment.
Bob Brunner, Director; Ron Attreau, Music Director; Jeni Schwiers, Choreographer; Jenny Lutes, Production Stage Manager

District Series Shows at The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater

CABARET
September 28 – Oct 15, 2017
Book by Joe Masteroff; Based on the play by John Van Druten and
Stories by Christopher Isherwood; Music by John Kander; Lyrics by Fred Ebb
The scene is the Kit Kat Klub, a night club in Berlin, 1931. The Nazis are rising to power. A young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw, is in a very complicated relationship with 19-year-old English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. As he seeks a meaningful life, she claims to seek only its pleasures. Meanwhile, the doomed romance between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor, is headed for tragedy as Germany veers toward Fascism. Overseeing the action is the Master of Ceremonies, presenting the songs in the club as ominous political developments seep into the lives and hearts of the lovers. This Tony Award winning Best Musical includes the songs “Willkommen”, “Maybe This Time”, “The Money Song” and the all-time hit “Cabaret”. Angela Kahle, Director/Choreographer; Tim Perrino Co-Director; Carissa Gandenberger, Production Stage Manager

For more information on auditions, contact us at (513) 241 – 6550. Check us out on the web at www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com

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February 15, 2017 · 5:03 am

Auditions Announced for VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE at Beavercreek Community Theatre

bctMarch 6 & 7 at 7pm

Winner of the 2013 TONY AWARD for Best Play.

Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a home in Bucks County, PA, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Suddenly, their movie star sister, Masha, swoops in with her new boy toy, Spike. Old resentments flare up, eventually leading to threats to sell the house. Throw in the sassy maid Cassandra (who can predict the future), and a lovely aspiring actress named Nina, who somewhat worried Masha, and you end up with comedy unending.

Performances run April 28-May 7.

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February 15, 2017 · 5:02 am

Auditions Announced for RAGTIME at Dayton Playhouse

DPH_logoMonday & Tuesday, March 13 & 14 from 7-10pm at Dayton Playhouse – 1301 E Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, Ohio 45414.

Direction by Matthew Smith
Production Stage Manager Dawn Roth Smith
Producer Tina McPhearson
Musical Direction by Ron Kindell
Choreography by Nabachwa Ssensalo-Harris
Guest Choreography by Michael Shepherd
Assistant Director Dodie Lockwood
Scenic Design by Chris Red Newman
Costume Design by Theresa Kahle
Lighting Design by John Falkenbach
Sound Design by Bob Kovach
Properties by Heather Campbell Martin

RAGTIME will play Friday & Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm from May 5 to 21, 2017 at the Dayton Playhouse

Audition Requirements:

  • Prepare 1 minute of a contemporary musical theatre song for the primary audition, and bring a second selection as a backup. PLEASE DO NOT SING A SONG FROM THE SHOW.
  • Bring sheet music in your key; an accompanist will be provided. A CD with an accompaniment-only track is also acceptable, provided it is edited and cued correctly. No a cappella auditions.
  • Please also wear or bring comfortable dance attire, as all auditioners will be required to learn a short dance/movement combination
  • There will also be cold reading from the script.
  • All those auditioning are encouraged to provide a résumé of their onstage experience to auditions.
  • Please bring a list of all potential conflicts including travel, etc. Any conflicts with the schedule must be discussed with the Producer and agreed to by the Director before casting can be confirmed.
  • Open call auditions. No appointment necessary. There is NO PAY.

DANCERS are encouraged to audition as well. There are a limited number of parts available for non-singing dancers. Those interested in the DANCE CALL only should come prepared to dance at 8pm either night. ALL STYLES.

Character Breakdown with Ranges:

FROM MTI WEBSITE – Age descriptions mostly irrelevant

Booker T. Washington
the dominant figure in the Black community of the United States at the turn of the century
Gender: male
Age: 45 to 55
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Ensemble
To play Citizens of New Rochelle and Harlem, Coalhouse supporters, reporters, and various other supporting roles

Coalhouse
a proud, sophisticated man who fights to live within his social boundaries and then rebels against them when even that is not good enough
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: B5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Emma Goldman
the Russian born radical anarchist in early 1900’s New York City
Gender: female
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: E3

Evelyn Nesbit
the beautiful vaudeville performer, famous for the murder of her high profile lover by her rich husband
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 25
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Father
Rich. Conservative. Staunch in his ways but not intentionally unkind.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 45
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Grandfather
mother’s conservative father. A retired professor. Irritated by everything.
Gender: male
Age: 50 to 65

Henry Ford
an American industrialist and founder of the Ford Motor Company
Gender: male
Age: 35 to 45
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: D4

Houdini
the famous magician who immigrated to America and made a name for himself largely as an escape artist
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: C4

J.P. Morgan
the rich, famous financier
Gender: male
Age: 60 to 65

Little Boy
Mother and Father’s son. He is open-hearted and curious with inexplicable clairvoyance. Never passes judgement on others.
Gender: male
Age: 8 to 12
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: E4

Little Girl
Tateh’s daughter, a young Latvian girl in a new home
Gender: female
Age: 7 to 10
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Mother
A strong, kind woman who defies social norms to do the things she feels are right
Gender: female
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Sarah
A washwoman who is adopted into Mother’s home when Mother finds Sarah’s baby in the garden
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 25
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Sarah’s Friend
A friend of Sarah’s who attends her funeral
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 25
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: D3

Tateh
A haggard, Latvian immigrant who dreams the “American Dream” for himself and his daughter
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Willie Conklin
A racist volunteer fireman who destroys Coalhouse’s car
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 40
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: D4

Younger Brother
Mother’s younger brother who has his heart broken by Evelyn Nesbit and joins Coalhouse in his protests towards discrimination. He is a young man in search of something.
Gender: male
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: B3

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