Yearly Archives: 2018

January 29, 2018 · 11:57 am

Auditions Announced for ALL THE WAY Presented by Mariemont Players

MPI_logoMariemont Players and director Ed Cohen announce auditions for ALL THE WAY by Robert Schenkkan.

Audition Dates/Times:

  • 7 PM Monday, March 12th
  • 7 PM Tuesday, March 13th

Callbacks:
7 PM Wednesday, March 14th

Location:
4101 Walton Creek Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45227

Performance Dates:
July 13th-29th

***All those auditioning are REQUIRED to prepare a 1-2 minute contemporary monologue.***

Synopsis
1963… An assassin’s bullet catapults Lyndon B. Johnson into the presidency. A Shakespearean figure of towering ambition and appetite, this charismatic, conflicted Texan hurls himself into the Civil Rights Act, a tinderbox issue emblematic of a divided America. Note: Graphic and crude language.

Characters
Seeking 17 men, 3 women. Various ages and types. Several African-American roles. Due to characters being historical figures, non-traditional casting is not possible.

The role of Martin Luther King Jr. has been cast, but all other roles including LBJ are open.

Additional Information

  • Rehearsals will begin after Memorial Day.
  • Please bring a resume and head shot. For more information or to review the script, contact director Ed Cohen: ed3557@gmail.com.

Leave a comment

Filed under Auditions

Tagged as

January 29, 2018 · 9:38 am

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER Review

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER presented Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Feb. 17. I attended the first of two preview performances.

CSC_Guess Who's Coming to Dinner-A

Caitlin McWethy as Joanna Drayton and Darnell Pierre Benjamin as Dr. John Prentice. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company begins 2018 celebrating the silver anniversary of the silver screen classic, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER.

Guest director D. Lynn Myers has gathered an excellent ensemble that creates an engaging, heartfelt, and emotionally-true production.

The young, engaged couple of Dr. John Prentice and Joanna Drayton are portrayed by Darnelle Pierre Benjamin and Caitlin McWerthy. Benjamin gives Prentice a quietly- grounded and deliberate personality, countered by McWerthy’s Joanna who is free-spirited, happy and eternally-optimistic. Together the two enjoy a united, easy chemistry as they are confronted with objections to their relationship.

CSC_Guess Who's Coming to Dinner-I

Annie Fitzpatrick as Christina Drayton. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

As Joanna’s mother Christina, Annie Fitzpatrick projects a brave face to hide the concerns she has for her daughter’s future. Father Matt (Barry Mulholland) struggles to balance his held beliefs with the realities his daughter would face in a mixed marriage.

The arrival of Dr. Prentice’s parents, Ken Early and Thursday Farrar, only heightens the tension. Farrar brings a quiet dignity to Mary who suffers seeing her husband and son so at odds. As John Sr., Early displays a barely-contained rage at what he sees as a betrayal to the sacrifices he made to give his son the best possibly life.

Rounding out the cast is Kelly Mengelkoch as Hillary St. George, the high-strung manager of Christina’s high-end art gallery; Burgess Byrd as Tillie, the Drayton’s long-time and much put-upon maid; and Jim Hopkins as Monsignor Ryan who is equally adept at dispensing wisdom as he is wise-cracks.

The scenic design by Shannon Moore provides four distinct play areas that speak well to the affluence of the Drayton family. Amanda McGee’s costume designs establish not only the period, but the economic divide of the two families.

CSC_Guess Who's Coming to Dinner-E

Thursday Farrar as Mary Prentice, Ken Early as John Prentice, Sr., Caitlin McWethy as Joanna Drayton, and Darnell Pierre Benjamin as Dr. John Prentice. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

After the performance, I half-joked to my guest that I really enjoyed the show, but why did they do it as a period piece. Sadly, the script holds up very well fifty years later. Many of the concerns both families have for the how the world will treat the young, interracial couple are still valid today. In fact, the events of the past few years have re-exposed an ugliness that still infects this country.

But the play also instills hope. Several beautifully-staged scenes elicit tears from the audience as the characters connect over shared experiences and loss. There isn’t a dry eye on stage or off as Matt Drayton delivers his requested decision about their relationship.

Well-staged, emotionally strong and beautifully acted, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER holds a mirror up to the audience. Do you like what you see?

My rating: 4.75 out of 5.

Click here for more information on the production.

CSC_Guess Who's Coming to Dinner-B

The cast of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2018 production of GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

January 26, 2018 · 3:42 pm

Xavier University Theatre Finds New Challenges and Political Relevance in BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON

XUT_Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson promo

Josh Carandang as Andrew Jackson. Photo by Stephen Skiles.

Friday night is SOLD OUT. Only a few tickets remain for the other three performances.

(CINCINNATI, Jan. 26, 2018) — Xavier University Theatre kicks off 2018 with the politically fueled emo rock musical BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON. The show, which features music and lyrics by Michael Friedman and a book by Alex Timbers, takes place Feb. 2 through Feb. 4 in Xavier’s Gallagher Student Center Studio Theatre.

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON follows the life of our seventh president in a new form. With the country divided into rich and poor, Andrew Jackson begins his steady climb from a child on the wild frontier to military strategist and populist rabblerouser, then, ultimately, president of the United States. Along the way, he meets his wife, Rachel, takes on the Founding Fathers — and rocks like no political figure has ever rocked before. With a raucous blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality and infectious music, this wildly entertaining 90-minute show asks the question: Is wanting to have a beer with someone reason enough to elect him? What if he’s really, really hot?

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON will be Xavier’s first musical in its studio space. Choreographer and junior theatre major Annie Mayer believes the show is “one of the biggest technical challenges the department has taken on to date.” In addition to the difficulty of incorporating 17 cast members and a live band into the small black box theatre, Mayer says, “It’s physically impossible to hide anything in the space on both an artistic and technical level, which makes the musical even more raw and in-your-face. BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON is a show that demands to be heard and experienced in an intimate way because its message is so relevant and necessary in 2018.”

The narrative of BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON proved eerily timely for the cast. Donald Burns, a senior theatre and English major, believes that the show “is a great example and reminder that our perfect nation has experienced failure.”

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON shows both the positive and negative sides of Jackson’s political legacy, highlighting the importance of choosing carefully those we vote into power. According to Stephen Skiles, Xavier University’s director of theatre as well as the show’s director, “In 2006, when this production premiered, the message was ‘Beware.’ Thirteen years later, we think it’s closer to ‘Be Aware.’ The story serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action for audiences.”

The cast for BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON features Joshua Carandang (Andrew Jackson), Sara Ringenbach (Storyteller), Max Carlson (Male Soloist/Citizen/Phil), Dylan Van Camp (Calhoun/Andrew Sr.), Annie Mayer (Red Eagle/University President), Steven Lindner (John Quincy Adams/Cobbler/Messenger/Tour Guide/Florida Man), Michael Rowlett (Van Buren/Keokuk), Hyehyun Hwang (Lyncoya), Donald Burns (Clay/Black Fox), Amara Shroba (Ensemble/Toula), Gigi Relic (Rachel/Florida Woman), Christine Gallagher (Elizabeth/Erica), Christian Hall (Monroe), Ellie Conniff (Female Soloist/Announcer/Naomi), Seth Mobley (Bandleader), Carly Mulert (Ensemble) and Andrew Leonard (Ensemble).

In addition to Skiles, other members of the creative team include Scot Buzza (music director); Joe Beumer (set design/lighting design); Kevin Semancik (sound design); Maggie Dick (costume design); Ellie Deutsch and Caroline Conard (props design); and Annie Mayer (choreography). The stage manager is Katherine Ivins. Assistant stage managers are Emmy Rice and Emily Jorgenson.

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 2 and 3 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 3 and 4. Tickets for BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON are available now through the Xavier University Theatre Box Office. They are $17 each for adults and $12 each for students, as well as Xavier faculty and staff. The show is recommended for mature audiences. To purchase tickets, visit www.xavier.edu/theatretickets or call 513-745-3939.

# # #

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

January 26, 2018 · 3:17 pm

Educational Events Administrator (Temporary) Sought by the Educational Theatre Association

EdTA_logoJob Title: Educational Events Administrator

Department: Educational Events

Supervisor: Director of Educational Events

FLSA Status: Temporary, non-exempt

Prepared By: HR Director

Prepared Date: 2/15/17

Approved By: Deputy Executive Director

Approved Date: 1/26/2018

Organizational Overview
The Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) is a professional organization for theatre education with more than 100,000 members nationwide. EdTA’s mission is shaping lives through theatre education by: honoring student achievement in theatre and enriching their theatre education experience; supporting teachers by providing professional development, networking opportunities, resources, and recognition; and influencing public opinion that theatre education is essential and builds life skills. EdTA is the home of the International Thespian Society, an honorary organization that has inducted more than 2.2 million theatre students since its founding in 1929.
Summary

EdTA seeks a detail oriented resource to support the administration of the registration process for the International Thespian Festival.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Support the processing of more than 4000 event registrations.
  • Confirm that all documents related to more than 4000 program registrants are complete and accurate.
  • Manage aspects of the event registration help-desk, fielding calls and questions, to ensure that each registrant is properly registered and prepared to attend the event.

Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations.

Customer Service – Puts the customer first at all times. Works to resolve customer issues in a friendly, thoughtful, timely manner.

Communications – Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language and Computer Skills
Ability to write effective, clear and coherent communications and express oneself verbally.

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient with the MS Office Suite.

Candidates should send a resume and cover letter to: HRManager@schooltheatre.org.  Reference “Events Administrator 126218” in subject line. No calls, please. 

Preference given to applications received by February 2, 2018. 

Educational Theatre Association
home of the International Thespian Society
2343 Auburn Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45219-2815
schooltheatre.org

Leave a comment

Filed under Casting Call

Tagged as

January 26, 2018 · 2:40 pm

CCM Mainstage Series Continues with Thought-Provoking Drama LOVE AND INFORMATION

Caryl Churchill’s poignant play runs Wednesday, Feb. 7 through Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, in CCM’s Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets available through the CCM Box Office

CCM_Love and Information promo

CINCINNATI, OH — UC College-Conservatory of Music’s 150th Anniversary Mainstage Series continues with a preview performance of Caryl Churchill’s LOVE AND INFORMATION at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Described by the New York Times as “thought-churning” and “deeply poignant,” the play explores how people connect in today’s technology-driven culture.

LOVE AND INFORMATION is presented in 68 self-contained scenes, some of which have no dialogue and are only seconds long. Every scene touches on ways people search for and consume knowledge, and explores how that information impacts their relationships.

“Caryl Churchill is known for creating experimental but also incredibly relevant and emotionally provocative dramas,” says CCM Acting professor Brant Russell, LOVE AND INFORMATION director. “It’s edgy but also extremely accessible and relatable.”

Some scenes give insight into familiar situations like breakups, reunions and depression, others feature seemingly superficial interactions like people dancing in a jazzercise class.

With 28 CCM Acting students portraying more than 100 characters, LOVE AND INFORMATION makes high demands of its cast. CCM’s Acting Department has cast every eligible acting student in the production, which excludes the freshman class.

“It’s our 150th Anniversary, so we wanted to show off what CCM Acting has to offer, and I think this play shows us off really well,” Russell says. “The design aspects are spectacular and the acting is phenomenal — it’s exactly what audiences have come to expect from CCM.”

The set is separated into seven areas to illustrate the play’s multiple locations, including a kitchen, an entry way, a bar and a psychiatrist’s office. Actors and lighting effects will guide the audience from scene to scene as the stage transforms in front of them like a kaleidoscope throughout the production.

Originally produced at London’s Royal Court Theater in 2012, LOVE AND INFORMATION was adapted for an American audience in a New York Theater Workshop. The themes and situations it presents are universal, Russell adds:

“Audiences will leave the theater having been plunged into a world of emotional conflict in our new era of information and will emerge with a new understanding of how we should relate to each other in 2018.”

LOVE AND INFORMATION
Written by Carly Churchill

LOVE AND INFORMATION will last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. There will be no intermission.

*This production makes use of strobe lighting effects

Creative Team
• Brant Russell, director
• Matthew D. Hamel, scenic designer*
• Justin Dudzik, lighting designer*
• Gabriella DiVincenzo, assistant director*
• Meghan Winter, stage manager*
• Edward Mineishi, sound designer*
• Brandon Thompson, costume designer*
*CCM Student

Cast List
Chandler Bates, Carissa Cardy, Jabari Carter, Lauren Carter, Kenzie Clark, Will Clark, Zoe Cotzias, Jacqueline Daaleman, Mafer Del Real, Sarah Durham, James Egbert, Ella Eggold, Matt Fox, Isaac Hickox-Young, Paige Jordan, Carter LaCava, Graham Lutes, Jeremy Maislin, Gabriella Medina, Briley Oakley, Meg Olson, Madeleine Page-Schmit, Olivia Passafiume, Madison Pullman, Josh Reiter, Graham Rogers, Rupert Spraul, Jack Steiner

Performance Times
• 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 (preview)
• 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8
• 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9
• 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10
• 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11

Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Tickets to LOVE AND INFORMATION are $27-31 for adults, $17-20 for non-UC students and $15-18 for UC students with a valid ID. Tickets to the Feb. 7 preview performance are just $15.

Student rush tickets will be sold one hour before each performance to non-UC students for $12 or $15, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid ID, based on availability.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513- 556-4183 or online at ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice/mainstage/love-and-information.

Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.

CCM Season Presenting Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

Mainstage Series Production Sponsor: Macy’s

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as