Yearly Archives: 2018

September 10, 2018 · 12:50 pm

Cast Announced for LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE at The Drama Workshop

TDW_VERTThe Drama Workshop is proud to announce the cast of LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE. The show will run Feb 22 – March 10, 2019

The cast includes:

  • Linda Callahan – Gingy
  • Holly Sauerbrunn – Rosie, Gingy’s Mother, Mary, Nora, Nancy’s Mother, Dora, Doctor, and Ensemble
  • Kristy Rucker – Nancy, Stephanie, Liz, Annie, Eve’s Shrink, Geralyn, and Ensemble
  • Mary Stone – Alex, Nancy (The Gang Sweater), Older Sister, Mary’s Mother, Heather, Pam, Lisa, Woman, and Ensemble
  • Lindsey Pullum – Alex’s Mother, Holly Merrill, Younger Sister, Lynne, Eve, Amanda, and Ensemble

LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE is an intimate collection of stories by superstar sisters Nora Ephron (Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, and Heartburn) and Delia Ephron (You’ve Got Mail, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants), and is based on the best-selling book. The show has played to sell-out crowds from London to Los Angeles, using clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny, startling, and often poignant stories that every woman can relate to. (presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.)

LOVE, LOSS AND WHAT I WORE
Written by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Ilene Beckerman.
Directed by Rose Vanden Eynden
Staged Managed by Wendy Williams
Produced by Elaine Volker

The Drama Workshop
Feb 22 – March 10, 2019 at The Glenmore Playhouse
513-598-8303
www.thedramaworkshop.org

Leave a comment

Filed under Cast list

Tagged as

September 10, 2018 · 9:08 am

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM Review

CSC_Forum Act One Web size -377

The Courtesans in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Sept. 29. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company kicks off their 25th anniversary season with their first musical production, Stephen Sondheim’s A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM.

Visually FORUM is bright, colorful, and fun. I thought the Vegas-inspired costumes of the Courtesans’, designed by Brian Horton, were nicely done and had a Bob Mackie quality to them that I enjoyed. The incorporation of pixel tape into Adam Zeek’s lighting design (or is that into Shannon Robert’s scenic design?) was a nice touch and it was very effective when it was synced to the music. The two-story, three house set worked very well for the script demands and housing the orchestra. The attention to detail was impressive and the fountain was a fun addition.

The sound design of Douglas J. Borntrager nicely balances the orchestra with the vocalists. I had no issues hearing every spoken and sung word, an impressive feat for their first musical in the space. Speaking of the orchestra, I thought the music sounded full and rich and well directed by Erin McCamley,

FORUM has a special place in my heart as I have childhood memories of watching it on TV with my Dad. I enjoy the music and I do believe it is a better musical than movie. This production is fun and sports a talented cast, but I think the show struggles as musical theater.

CSC_Forum Act two Web size -62

Kelly Mengelkoch as Domina & Gabe Wrobel as Miles Gloriosus. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

To me, the show felt segmented and didn’t flow well from scene to scene. In hand with that, the show failed to build any momentum. Aside from Kelly Mengelkoch as Domina and Matthew Johnson as Pseudolus, it seemed that many of the CSC’s ensemble didn’t create a character. When speaking, they tended to drop into their familiar Shakespeare voice and tempo which worked against not only the pacing, but some of the comedy as well. The chase in act two could also be tightened up timing wise, as several times the stage was empty as we waited on entrances.

I found the comedy of the show to be very similar to what is usually done with their “Abridged” productions, but this time with musical numbers. I’m not saying that this is a bad thing, but it also isn’t really new or different, either. I also think that there is more comedy to be mined from the script and more options for physical comedy.

CSC_Forum Act One Web size -57

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The staging is forward-heavy, but the only sight line issue I had was during the “Lovely” reprise as the pair were so far downstage and facing in toward each other. Since the fourth wall is broken so frequently, actors could work to be a a bit more inclusive of all the audience.

Overall, this is an enjoyable production especially if you haven’t seen FORUM before. I do hope the cast can “shake off their Shakespeare” and really come to embrace the fun and silliness of the show over the remainder of the run.

As of this writing, two performance has been added to the run: Saturdays, Sept. 15 & 22 at 2pm.

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.

2 Comments

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

September 10, 2018 · 8:46 am

MISERY Review

PIP_Misery_02

Barbara Chisholm as Annie Wilkes. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

MISERY presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through Sept. 29. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Cincinnati Playhouse kicks off their 2018-2019 season with a top-notch stage adaptation of the Stephen King novel of the same name. Gasps, groans, and nervous laughter? Check, check, and check. Director Blake Robison delivers edge-of-your-seat thrills with capital “Eeek!”

PIP_Misery_03

David Whalen as Paul Sheldon. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

As savior and sadistic jailer Annie Wilkes, Barbara Chisholm is equal parts funny and scary, but always believable as she ping-pongs between “number one fan” and number one fanatic. David Whalen as injured novelist Paul Sheldon transitions very well from near-helpless prisoner to determined survivor and handles the physical demands of the role very well. Together the two have a great rapport on stage and their adversarial relationship is very engaging to watch unfold (except in those moments you have to look away). Rounding out the cast is Kenneth Early turning in a solid performance as Buster, the local sheriff who questions Annie about the missing Sheldon.

The fourth star of the show is Paul Shortt’s beautiful three-sided set which rotates between living room, bedroom and kitchen throughout both acts. There are also a couple of surprises with the set that were fun and highly effective.

PIP_Misery_08

Barbara Chisholm as Annie Wilkes & David Whalen as Paul Sheldon. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The set decor was amazingly detailed and fit perfectly with Annie’s character. The lighting design by Xavier Pierce adds much to the show’s atmosphere and I enjoyed how the passage of time was handled between scenes. Also adding to the suspense of the piece was the work of sound designer and composer, Matthew M. Nielson. Rick Sordelet and Christian Kelly-Sordelet are listed as fight choreographer and special effects coordinator for MISERY. For the most part, the stage combat and effects are highly effective and handled well by the cast.

PIP_Misery_07

Kenneth Early as Buster & Barbara Chisholm as Annie Wilkes. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Costume designer Kathleen Geldard created some great looks for Annie and several of the changes seemed very quick . Great work by the crew on the running of the show and those stealthy set changes as the play continued on the other side of the wall.

Overall, MISERY is a tightly directed, engrossing and suspenseful thriller, elevated by pitch-perfect performances and great eye to detail. Start your Halloween season a month early at the Playhouse.

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.

1 Comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

September 10, 2018 · 8:31 am

FLY BY NIGHT Review

ETC_Fly By Night 6

Nathan Robert Pecchia as Narrator, Maya Farhat as Daphne & Brooke Steel as Miriam. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

FLY BY NIGHT presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Sept. 29. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

ETC kicks off their 2018-2019 season with the contemporary musical fable, FLY BY NIGHT.

While I found the show well-paced, the script itself, although engaging, could use a bit of editing. The book has an abundance of plot lines spinning and for me there are times when the show loses momentum due to that volume. I didn’t mind the non-linear storytelling and it is used best when the audience gets to revisit a previous moment with more information or a different perspective.

ETC_Fly By Night 9

Phil Fiorini as Mr. McClam & Nathan Robert Pecchia as Narrator. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

The bulk of the cast is comprised of faces familiar to ETC audiences and as a whole they are solid across the board. Phil Fiorini completely charms as Mr. McClam who is lost after the passing of his wife. As the Narrator, Nathan Robert Pecchia handles the multiple-roles well, but there were times when his performance level could have been brought down a notch or two to match his scene partners. While I am very much appreciative that ETC so often casts local equity actors, it would be great to see returning actors further explore the physicality of their characters and make unique choices for them.

The cast handled the vocals for the show well, backed by a four-piece band. The only issue I noticed with the sound was a couple of instances when the mics of the supporting vocalists were at the same level as the lead.

ETC_Fly By Night 15

The Company. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

The set and lighting design by Brian c. Mehring was a standout for this production. The triangle of circular platforms, the color choices, the balcony, the set pieces tucked under the walls, and the lighting accents gave the set a great ethereal quality.

The solid black and white costume scheme worked well for the most part, but the lack of color or pattern had Harold and Joey in essentially the same costume that didn’t really speak to the period. I would also have liked to have seen the Narrator’s all-white ensemble broken up a bit. I understand the convenience of the black handkerchief for some of his quick costume changes, but for an extended scene as when Miriam visits the gypsy woman, something with a bit more size and substance would be welcomed.

Overall, FLY BY NIGHT is visually enthralling, touching. and bittersweet, this emotional roller coaster of a show hits the mark much more than it misses.

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.

 

1 Comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as

September 7, 2018 · 12:03 pm

The Wilds of THE JUNGLE BOOK Will Visit Cincinnati This Fall

PIP_JungleBook_Visual

Photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

Fast-paced, modern retelling to tour area community centers through Playhouse’s Off the Hill series Sept. 29 to Nov. 2.

CINCINNATI –CINCINNATI-Bring your children to the jungle this fall to watch Mowgli the man-cub come face-to-face with sneaky monkeys, noisy vultures and more when Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park brings THE JUNGLE BOOK to community centers throughout the region as part of its Off the Hill series. The show runs Sept. 29 to Nov. 2.

The schedule of performances is available online. 

The new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved story features a rambunctious, curious and silly Mowgli who is lost in the wilds of the jungle, where he is adopted by Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and all the beasts who call the mysterious wilderness home.

Greg Banks’ script plays on the nostalgia of Kipling’s tales while providing a modern, fast-paced retelling for audiences. A cast of only five actors (from the Playhouse’s Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company) will fill 20 scripted roles in this adventurous production.

“Mowgli is how all children are when they start off in the world,” says Banks in a video interview with the Arden Theatre Company. “Just curious, unafraid, energetic, excited about the world.”

THE JUNGLE BOOK utilizes an exciting set from Kenton Brett and costume designs by Melanie Mortimore to transport viewers to the wondrous wilderness of the Indian jungle that Mowgli and his animal friends call home.

Brett took on the task of creating a set that was both mobile and true to Banks’ vision of a world that embodies youth and freedom.

“The words may be contemporary but it is still set in the jungle — a strange, cartoon kaleidoscope of a jungle,” Brett says of his artistic vision.

The set provides a perfect background to introduce, or reintroduce for some, Mowgli and his jungle-dwelling friends. Protected and guided by Baloo, Bagheera and Mother and Father Wolf, Mowgli discovers challenges and dangers that test his strength and friendships. Yet he finds that when he is in peril, the ones who truly care for him are never that far behind.

“What makes this adaptation of The Jungle Book such a powerful tale to experience is that it uses movement,” says Daunielle Rasmussen, Playhouse Director of Education and Community Engagement, who is also the director of the show. “It has a contemporary interpretation of the animal characters that connects it to our own human experience in a more intentional way.”

Rasmussen emphasizes that even though it is an adventurous tale in the Indian jungle, it is still a story about a young boy who is facing the challenges of growing up. The new adaptation is perfect for children and families to enjoy together. It is recommended for ages 6 and up.

“I love the joy that I see on the faces of parents as they get to share the stories that were meaningful for them as youth with their children,” says Rasmussen, reflecting on her own experience of sharing the story with her son.

The Playhouse’s production will journey all over greater Cincinnati, from Oxford to Cheviot to Union to Covington and many places in between.

The cast includes Julie Locker as Mowgli, Damien Boykin as Shere Kahn, Madison Rengli as Bagheera, David Armando as Father Wolf/Baloo and Maya Jeyam as Mother Wolf/Kaa.

THE JUNGLE BOOK is the first of three Playhouse Off the Hill productions for the 2018-19 Season, which also will present Cyrano and Five Little Monkeys. Off the Hill is sponsored by The John C. Griswold Foundation and KeyBank. Seasonal support of education and outreach by The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation and The Charles H. Dater Foundation. The Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company is supported by Jerry and Betsy Shroat.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

Leave a comment

Filed under Events, Family-Friendly, Press Releases

Tagged as