Yearly Archives: 2018

A FEW GOOD MEN Review

CCPA_A Few Good Men3

Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

A FEW GOOD MEN presented by the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts through Oct. 7. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts kicks off their 2018-2019 season with a sound and satisfying production of Aaron Sorkin‘s military drama, A FEW GOOD MEN.

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A.J. Ford as Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

Director Ed Cohen has a knack for casting that is very evident here, having put together a solid acting ensemble from top to bottom. The action is well-paced and the director smartly found ways to keep the action dynamic and interesting during the understandably static court room scenes.

The set design by Brett Bowling works well for the production, opting for a backdrop of a fence line with a giant re-creation of the US Marine Corps logo dominating the stage. Taking advantage of the Covedale’s wide proscenium, the smaller scenes are staged in lit areas stage right, center, and left. This also limits the time needed for scene changes as tables and chairs are simply re-positioned throughout the performance.

It is evident that Costumer Caren Brady worked hard to bring authenticity to the various military uniforms worn throughout the production. The cast also handled multiple quick costume changes well with no delays in returning to the stage.

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Eric Minion as Lt. Jonathan James Kendrick, A.J. Ford as Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep, Phineas Clark as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson, Nathan Tubbs as Lt. Sam Weinberg, Rory Sheridan as Lt. J.G. Daniel A Kaffee & Erin Carr as Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

Being such a solid production, the few complaints I have are nitpicky. At the end of Act I, Kaffee’s final line seemed to break the fourth wall which felt out of place. Using military cadences to cover the scene changes worked up to a point. It does get a bit repetitive, so if any can be eliminated on the shorter changes I’d recommend considering it. Also when the cadences are used, it is very apparent when they are not in sync. Lastly, for Markinson’s final scene you may want to consider putting the sound effect after the blackout and choosing one that doesn’t sound as muffled.

Overall, A FEW GOOD MEN is a solidly performed, engrossing court room drama which naturally builds to a satisfying conclusion.

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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THE JOHN MELLENCAMP SHOW | Sun., Feb. 10, 2019 | Aronoff Center

CAA_John Mellencamp 2018 Photo Myrna Suarez

John Mellencamp. Photo by Myrna Suarez.

John Mellencamp to Embark on 2019 Tour

THE JOHN MELLENCAMP SHOW

February 10, 2019 | Aronoff Center 

Tour Set to Coincide with Studio Album Release

  ON-SALE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Cincinnati, OH – Set to coincide with a highly-anticipated new album release, JOHN MELLENCAMP will embark on a 2019 tour of “The John Mellencamp Show” which will feature the rock icon’s classics plus some new material.  Hailed by critics and fans alike as one of music’s most authentic and crowd-pleasing concert performers, Mellencamp will begin the tour February 7 in his home state of Indiana at South Bend’s Morris Performing Arts Center and will span two months ending in Clearwater, Florida at the famed Ruth Eckerd Hall.  The tour will play the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at 8:00 PM.

Produced by AEG Presents, “The John Mellencamp Show” will start promptly at 8:00 PM and will not have an opening act.  Every ticket purchased online will receive a physical copy of Mellencamp’s forthcoming album “Other People’s Stuff” set for release on November 16 by Universal Republic.

Tickets go on sale Friday, September 21 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. Pre-sale and VIP tickets will be available beginning Wednesday, September 19 at 10:00 AM.  For more information and ticketing information, visit Mellencamp.com.

Mellencamp’s live shows have garnered huge critical acclaim with the Hollywood Reporter calling it a “triumphant, career-spanning show” and a “superb performance…still full of fiery defiance” by the Boston Globe.  His extensive touring and live shows have solidified the Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer’s place at the forefront of American music for the past forty years.

ADDITIONAL PRAISE FOR JOHN MELLENCAMP 

“…Singer, songwriter and storyteller John Mellencamp presents the tunes that trace his musical journey…..a concert-narrative performance.” Parade 

“Mellencamp’s music felt as timeless as it did nostalgic Monday night before what was essentially a sold-out crowd.” Green Bay Press-Gazette

“If you mixed a PREACHER, a PUNCH PRESS OPERATOR and an OLD BLUESMAN together in the back of a cement mixer, John Mellencamp would come out in the pour.” Duluth News Tribune 

JOHN MELLENCAMP 2019 TOUR DATES

Date City Venue
February 7, 2019 South Bend, IN Morris Performing Arts Center
February 8, 2019 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater
February 10, 2019 Cincinnati, OH Aronoff Center for the Arts
February 12, 2019 Fort Wayne, IN Embassy Theatre
February 14, 2019 Rockford, IL Coronado Performing Arts Center
February 15, 2019 Peoria, IL Peoria Civic Center
February 17, 2019 Grand Rapids, MI DeVos Performance Hall
February 19, 2019 Youngstown, OH Stambaugh Auditorium
February 20, 2019 Baltimore, MD Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric
February 22, 2019 Providence, RI Providence Performing Arts Center
February 23, 2019 New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre New Jersey
February 25, 2019 New York, NY Beacon Theatre*
February 26, 2019 New York, NY Beacon Theatre*
March 9, 2019 Louisville, KY The Louisville Palace
March 10, 2019 Evansville, IN Aiken Theatre at Old National Events Plaza
March 12, 2019 St. Louis, MO Stifel Theatre
March 14, 2019 Kansas City, MO Arvest Bank Theatre At The Midland
March 16, 2019 Tulsa, OK Brady Theater
March 17, 2019 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
March 19, 2019 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
March 20, 2019 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium
March 22, 2019 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
March 24, 2019 Orlando, FL Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
March 27, 2019 Ft. Meyers, FL Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall
March 29, 2019 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
March 30, 2019 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall

 *On Sale September 28th at 11am local time 

ABOUT JOHN MELLENCAMP
John Mellencamp’s career in music, spanning more than 35 years, has seen him transition from pop star to one of the most highly respected singer/songwriters of a generation. Mellencamp is incredibly acclaimed; he is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.  Additionally, he was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame this past June. He is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world.  In 1985, Mellencamp, together with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, created Farm Aid. The social activism reflected in his songs helped catalyze Farm Aid, the concert series and organization that has addressed the struggle of American family farmers for more than 25 years.

As well, John journeyed  into the darkness of coal-mining life in his reverent cover of Merle Travis’ 1946 song “Dark as a Dungeon,” recorded in support of National Geographic’s acclaimed documentary about the mining industry, “From The Ashes,” produced by Michael Bloomberg, former NYC Mayor.

John continues to focus on another facet of his artistic expression: painting. His style has progressed over the years as evidenced by several gallery shows and published portfolios, and in recent years he has increased his output by completing over 100 new works. He had his second solo exhibition this past Spring in New York and has a current exhibit at the famed Butler Museum in Youngstown, Ohio from September 20 through January 19, 2019. His highly successful Rock and Roll Hall of Fame exhibit ran for nearly two years and is now at the Woodie Guthrie Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma from September 1 through January 5, 2019.

Mellencamp continues his journey as the walking embodiment of rock icon; passionate, plain-spoken, and a self-proclaimed rebel.  John Mellencamp continues to live and work in Bloomington, Indiana.

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Auditions Announced for FIRST DATE at Footlighters Inc.

fli_logoFootlighters, Inc. is proud to host auditions for their production of FIRST DATE.

Produced by Amanda Emmons Shumate and Alan Masters

Directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn
Music Directed by Alan Masters
Vocal Directed by Xan Waddell Jeffery

FIRST DATE is the third show of our 2018-2019 season, running February 14th – March 2nd.

Auditions will be held at The Stained Glass Theatre, 802 York Street, Newport, KY 41071. Home of Footlighters, inc.

Sunday, October 14, 2018: 7pm-10pm
Monday, October 15, 2018: 7pm-10pm

*Possible Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018 from 7pm-10pm

Auditionees are asked to sign up for a slot, but walk-ins will be accepted in the first available opening. Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0448aeae2babfc1-auditions1

A headshot and resume is appreciated by not required.

Please prepare 16-32 bars of a contemporary/pop style Broadway song that best showcases your voice. There will be cold readings from the script. There will not be a dance/movement call at initial auditions, but may be included at callbacks.

For questions about auditions, please contact Jerry Wiesenhahn at wiezj@icloud.com.

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Auditions Announced for THE GRADUATE, ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS and 42ND STREET

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions to hold auditions for two Marquee Season shows at the Covedale Center and two District Series shows at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater including:

  • THE GRADUATE
  • ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver
  • THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
  • 42ND STREET

Open Audition dates/times:

  • Saturday, Oct 13th Noon to 5:00pm
  • Sunday, Oct 14th 6:00 to 9:00pm

Audition Location:

  • The Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre
    801 Matson Place, Cincinnati, OH 45204

Callback date for

  • Monday, Oct 15th (5:00pm to 7:30pm) THE GRADUATE
  • Monday, Oct 15th (7:40pm to 10:00 pm) ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver

Callback date for

  • Tuesday, Oct 16th (5pm to 7:30pm) for THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
  • Tuesday, Oct 16th (7:30pm to 10:00pm) for 42ND STREET

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.

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

Important Audition Information

  • You may audition for more than one show.
  • For THE GRADUATE prepare one 30-45 second monologue. Age Requirement: Mid 20s – 50s
  • You may be tested for Dance at the audition for THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS and 42ND STREET depending on role. Note: There will be additional dance at the callback too.
  • For any of the 3 musicals, prepare 16 to 32 bars of a song that best demonstrates your vocal ability. You will read from the script at callbacks.
  • For THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS you must be a minimum of 18 years of age to audition.
  • For 42ND STREET you must be a minimum of 17 years of age to audition.
  • ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver you must be a minimum of 16 years of age to audition.
  • ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver, playing any musical instrument is not required but is a plus, particularly guitar.
  • Adults 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:

ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver
February 14 – March 10, 2019
Conceived by Harold Thau with orchestrations, vocal arrangements, and music supervision by Jeff Waxman
Almost Heaven weaves together the songs of John Denver to create a uniquely theatrical narrative that reflects upon the country during the years in which he wrote them. Twenty-nine of Denver’s songs – including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Calypso” and more – are rediscovered and reinvented, performed against a backdrop of stunning visual images of America in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s,a time of political upheaval, yet great beauty and hope. Tim Perrino, Director; Greg Dastillung, Music Director

42ND STREET
April 4 – April 28, 2019
Music by HARRY WARREN; Lyrics by AL DUBIN; Book by MICHAEL STEWART & MARK BRAMBLE
Based on the Novel by BRADFORD ROPES Original Direction and Dances by GOWER CHAMPION Originally Produced on Broadway by DAVID MERRICK

The ultimate show-biz musical, 42ND STREET celebrates Broadway, Times Square, and the people who make the magic of musical theatre. Aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star? The score is chock-full of Broadway standards, including “Dames,” “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and “Forty-Second Street.” Maggie Perrino, Director/Choreographer; Stephen Variames , Music Director

District Series Shows at The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater

THE GRADUATE
January 24 – Feb. 10, 2019
A Play Adapted by Terry Johnson; Based on the Novel by Charles Webb And the Motion Picture Screenplay by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry By Special Arrangement with StudioCanal

Benjamin Braddock is a confused young man. Having spent four years crafting a brilliant scholastic record, he finds himself adrift upon graduation, uncertain about his future, disconnected from his purpose, and increasingly alienated from the upper-class, suburban, “plastic” world of his parents. Fighting panic and boredom, he is deeply conflicted but ultimately willing when Mrs. Robinson, the unhappily married, alcoholic, and dangerously charismatic wife of his father’s business partner, tempts him into an affair. Benjamin’s tenuous existence of lazy days and stolen nights falls apart when he falls in love — with Elaine, Mrs. Robinson’s upbeat, optimistic daughter. Terry Johnson’s stage adaptation of The Graduate, based on the novel and the iconic 1967 film, is a bitterly hilarious dark comedy, full of rapid fire dialogue between fascinating and horrifying characters. This play explores family dysfunction, parental expectations, crumbling marriages, and the naive, yet disillusioned, dichotomy of youth, against the backdrop of 1960’s America. Greg Procaccino, Director

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
March 21 – April 7, 2019
Book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
Music and Lyrics by Carol Hall Based on a story by Larry L. King

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS is a rollicking hootenanny of a musical based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel, which operated from the 1840s to 1973. Protected by a friendly sheriff and frequented by politicians, football teams, and others, the “Chicken Ranch” thrived in the small town of Gilbert, Texas. Girls came from all over to work at the ranch and make a little extra cash. However, a crusading do-gooder Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience expose the Chicken Ranch, forcing it to shut its doors forever. Great songs include: Dolly Parton’s Hard Candy Christmas, The Aggie Song and Twenty Four Hours of Lovin’. The hit movie featured Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds! Jay Goodlett, Director/Choreographer; Damon Steven, Music Director

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

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TARZAN The Musical Comes to the ROYAL Theatre Company Stage October 12-14

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ROYAL Theatre Company, Home of The Children’s Theatre of Mason, is proud to present Tarzan The Musical October 12-14 at Mason High School. Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s Tarzan of the ApesTarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins, and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. High-flying excitement and hits, like the Academy Award winning “You’ll Be in My Heart,” as well as “Son of Man” and “Two Worlds,” make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience.

The show will run for four performances – Friday, October 12th at 7:00pm; Saturday, October 13th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm; and Sunday, October 14th at 2:00pm. VIP reserved seating tickets can be purchased for any show for $25 each, and general admission tickets for any show are $12 each.  All tickets can be purchased online at www.ROYALTheatreCompany.com through October 12th at 5pm and at the door starting one hour before each show.

Washed up on the shores of West Africa, an infant boy is taken in and raised by gorillas who name him Tarzan. Apart from striving for acceptance from his ape father, Tarzan’s life is mostly monkey business until a human expedition treks into his tribe’s territory, and he encounters creatures like himself for the first time. Tarzan struggles to navigate a jungle, thick with emotion, as he discovers his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts.

Fans can follow ROYAL Theatre Company on Facebook (ROYAL Theatre Company, Home of Children’s Theatre of Mason), Twitter (@ROYALTheatre_Co) and Instagram (royal_theatre_company).

About ROYAL Theatre Company, Home of The Children’s Theatre of Mason
ROYAL Theatre Company produces two large-scale productions each season, from Annie to West Side Story and Seussical to The Hunchback of Notre Dame as well as many other popular favorites. ROYAL offers children from ages 7-18 from all over the Cincinnati area the opportunity to take part onstage as performers as well as off stage as crew members, make-up assistants and many other behind-the-scenes roles. To volunteer, donate or learn more, visit www.ROYALTheatreCompany.com or call 513.398.0116. 

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