Monthly Archives: September 2019

September 17, 2019 · 11:09 am

A NEW BRAIN Runs Oct. 17-19

D2d_A New Brain logoA NEW BRAIN
Dare to Defy Productions
Oct. 17-19
PNC Annex [Dayton]

Cast: Bobby Mitchum as Gordon Michael Schwinn, Brent Hoggatt as Roger Delli-Bovi, Danielle Ruddy as Rhoda, Abby Hoggatt as Nancy D/Waitress, Lindsay Sherman as Mimi Schwinn, Vanae Pate as Homeless Lady, Brandon Leatherland as Mr. Bungee, John Woll as Richard, Zach King as Dr. Jafar Berensteiner & Garrett Young as The Minister

By the Tony Award-winning authors of Falsettos, here is an energetic, sardonic, often comical musical about a composer during a medical emergency. Gordon collapses into his lunch and awakes in the hospital, surrounded by his maritime-enthusiast lover, his mother, a co-worker, the doctor, and the nurses. Reluctantly, he had been composing a song for a children’s television show that features a frog – Mr. Bungee – and the specter of this large green character and the unfinished work haunts him throughout his medical ordeal.

  • Thu, Oct. 17 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Oct. 18 at 8pm
  • Sat, Oct. 19 at 2pm & 8pm

Official page | Facebook event

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September 17, 2019 · 10:23 am

Tickets for Disney’s THE LION KING on Sale Friday, Sept. 27

BIC_Lion King logoPerformances Begin on January 8, 2020 And
Play for Four Weeks at the Aronoff Center through February 2, 2020 

CINCINNATI (September 10, 2019) – Disney Theatrical Productions and Broadway in Cincinnati are thrilled to announce that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King go on sale to the public Friday, September 27.  The Lion King will leap onto the Aronoff Center stage on January 8 for a four-week engagement through February 2.

Beginning at 9:00AM, tickets will be available via lionking.com, CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS, and the Aronoff Center Box Office. VIP Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available. Groups of 10 or more may reserve seating by calling 513.369.4363.

Performance dates & times are: Tuesdays – Thursdays at 7:30PM, Thursday, January 9 at 1:00PM, Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 2:00PM and 8:00PM, Sundays at 1:00PM and 6:30PM. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information on additional shows in the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati season presented by TriHealth please visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

Ticket buyers are reminded that the outlets listed above are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances.  Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the Aronoff Center is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 20 million theatergoers.  Having already played more than 80 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly makes its return to Cincinnati.

BIC_The Lion King promo2

Buyi Zama as Rafiki. Copyright Disney. Photo by Deenvan Meer.

ABOUT THE LION KING
After 21 landmark years on Broadway, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its premiere on November 13, 1997, 25 global productions have been seen by more than 100 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King has made theatrical history with three productions worldwide running 15 or more years and three others running 20 or more years.

Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; on tour across North America, Japan and The U.K. & Ireland, with a separate production touring internationally, for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe.  Having played over 100 cities in 20 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.          

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor continues to supervise new productions of the show around the world.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from the Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.

Elton John, Lebo M, and Hans Zimmer all collaborated on the 2019 version of the film, executive produced by Julie Taymor and Thomas Schumacher, which has gone onto extraordinary worldwide success.

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated The Lion King feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include:  Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

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Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. For over twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center.  The Broadway in Cincinnati series brings more than 185,000 people downtown to the Aronoff Center each year, and contributes an average of $30 million to the local economy each season. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 19/20 Season and the season is presented by TriHealth. 

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office.  Led by 14-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 45 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. Current and past productions include Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge! and To Kill A Mockingbird.

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September 16, 2019 · 3:37 pm

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Presents 2019-2020 Season Studio Series

ETC_new_logo_banner(Cincinnati, OH) To augment its mission of presenting shows that often explore compelling social issues, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) unveils the 2019-2020 selections for its newly launched Studio Series to complement its main stage productions and showcase aspiring local playwrights.

The Studio Series presents works by artists and companies across genre and form and are performed typically as readings. Readings play a major role in the development of new work, enabling artists to hear their writing out loud and absorb the audience’s reactions. Unless otherwise specified, all performances and/or readings take place in ETC’s renovated rehearsal hall.

The 2019-2020 Studio Series includes:

Michael Blankenship’s Poe-pourri
October 25 & 26, 2019 at 10pm
Tickets: $25 for subscribers, $30 for non-subscribers

Bold notes of character with a whiff of horror, these stories and poems of Edgar Allen Poe feature Jared Joplin, Ernaisja Curry, and Michael Blankenship.

10-minute Connections: Justice
February 10, 2020 at 7pm
Tickets: $15 for subscribers, $20 for non-subscribers

ETC will present an evening of 10-minute plays by local playwrights centering on the theme of justice to accompany the regional premiere of Pipeline by Dominique Morriseau. These short plays will be selected from among submissions, will be paired with Morriseau’s short play Night Vision, and will be performed by local actors at ETC.

She’s Crazy: Mental Health & Other Issues
April 27, 2020 at 7pm
Tickets: $15 for subscribers, $20 for non-subscribers

An interactive musical that educates, uplifts, and inspires audiences to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.

The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwrighting Competition Reading
May 4, 2020 at 7pm

Free admission (reservation required). First public reading of this year’s winning script submission.

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2019-2020 Season Presenting Sponsor is the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Additional support provided PNC.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich and inspire our audiences.

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September 16, 2019 · 2:32 pm

Auditions Announced for JEKYLL & HYDE at Dare to Defy Productions

D2D_logoDare 2 Defy Productions is thrilled to announce auditions for our upcoming production of the musical JEKYLL & HYDE, directed by Mackensie King.

The show will run March 19, 2020 – March 22, 2020 at the Brightside Music & Event Venue with a tentative first rehearsal of February 3, 2020.

Auditions/callbacks will be held on October 12, 2019 starting at 2:00 pm.

To receive callback materials, please send your headshot/resume to norgaard@dare2defy.org. Audition location will be emailed back.

Please see our website for more information: https://www.dare2defy.org/jekyllandhyde-auditions

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September 16, 2019 · 1:49 pm

Auditions Announced for HEATHERS: The Musical at CenterStage Players

CSPOH_logoHEATHERS: The Musical
by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy

HEATHERS: The Musical is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid J.D. When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather’s aerobicized ass…but J.D. has another plan for that bullet.

Brought to you by the award-winning creative team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness, “Desperate Housewives”), Laurence O’Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde) and Andy Fickman (Reefer Madness, She’s the Man). HEATHERS: The Musical is a hilarious, heartfelt, and homicidal show based on the greatest teen comedy of all time. With its moving love story, laugh-out-loud comedy, and unflinching look at the joys and anguish of high school, Heathers will be the most heartstopping musical in Cincinnati this season. Are you in or are you out?

Directed by Amanda Borchers
Music Directed by Allen Lindsey
Choreographed by Robert Fields
Produced by: April Benken & Rebecca Coots

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
Please prepare 32 measures of an up tempo musical theater or contemporary pop piece. An accompanist will be provided, please provide music in the appropriate key with your cut noted. Please no acapella auditions or CDs. You may be asked to perform a cold read from the script. Callbacks will only be used if necessary.

Audition Dates: November 2 & 3, 12-3 PM
Call Backs: November 3, 5-7 PM

Lockland High School Auditorium – 249 W Forrer, Cincinnati, OH 45215

Show dates: May 1 – 10, 2020

Rehearsals will be determined by cast availability, 3 nights per week (likely M, W, Thurs. from Feb- May) until tech with the possibility of a few optional rehearsals added closer to tech week.

Sign Up Genius for Audition Slots: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050B45A8AD2DA20-heathers

CASTING: 8m, 9f

  • VERONICA SAWYER – 17. She burns to be both cool and kind, but doesn’t know yet how to be both at the same time. Fierce sense of right and wrong, keen sense of ironic humor. Thinks she’s an old soul but she’s still innocent enough to be blindsided by love/hormones (or shocked by cruelty). Voice: High belting required, up to Ab. Must have dynamic and stylistic range.
  • JD – 17. He is darkly charismatic, compelling, attractive, charming on the outside yet very damaged on the inside. Keen smarts and strong inventive comedy. Voice: Strong, confident belt to at least an Ab, A preferable; wide emotional range.
  • HEATHER CHANDLER – 17. Richest, hottest, most magnetic, cruelest girl in town. Relishes power and wields it like a scalpel – no fear, no patience, no mercy. Voice: Strong belt to F or higher preferred. Mezzo for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs Chandler can switch parts with her other Heathers as needed.
  • HEATHER MCNAMARA – 17. Beautiful, innocent, stupid, can be mean on command if Heather Chandler orders it, but actually quite vulnerable and fearful. Voice: Strong belt to Db, D preferred. Soprano for chorus. NOTE: in certain choral songs Heather Mac and Duke can switch vocal parts as needed.
  • HEATHER DUKE – 17. Whipping-girl of the 3 Heathers. When she finally becomes Queen Bee she wields power like a bulldozer. Alto for chorus. Voice: Strong belt to C, D preferred. Alto for chorus. NOTE: in certain choral songs Heather Duke and Mac can switch vocal parts as needed.
  • MARTHA DUNNSTOCK – 17. Nicknamed “Martha Dumptruck”, the opposite of hot, confident, or popular. Huge and beautiful soul, optimistic even in the face of rejection. Voice: Strong belt to E or F, wide vocal expression.
  • RAM SWEENEY – 17, Linebacker. Big, insensitive to the feelings of others, ruled by appetites. Voice: Strong Baritone, belt to G, some Falsetto useful.
  • KURT KELLY – 17. Quarterback and Captain. Big, chiseled, rude, entitled, cocky. Mean, thinks he’s the brains in the friendship with Ram. Voice: Tenor, strong belt to Ab or A, some Falsetto. NOTE: in certain songs Ram and Kurt can switch choral assignment if, say, Ram sings higher than Kurt.
  • RAM’S DAD/BIG BUD DEAN/COACH RIPPER – 40 to 45. Ram’s Dad: Former football player turned suburban Dad, has never outgrown his glory days in high school. Hates weakness, but capable of soul-searching when tragedy strikes. Also plays Big Bud Dean: JD’s single Dad. Big jolly personality that barely conceals the enormous rage bubbling just below the surface. Quite possibly a serial bomber. Also plays Coach Ripper: Stalwart, man’s man; quick to defend his players. Voice: Baritone/Tenor – power Country/Gospel belt to Ab, higher welcome. NOTE: Sometimes this actor has played Principal Gowan instead of Big Bud/Coach.
  • MS. FLEMING/VERONICA’S MOM – 45 to 50. Ms. Fleming: Aging hippie teacher, still yearning for the day the Age of Aquarius reaches Ohio. Hungry for the spotlight, resentful of entitled youth. Also plays Veronica’s Mom: easygoing, distant, yet capable of laying down the law. Voice: Great belt up to C, higher always welcome.
  • KURT’S DAD/VERONICA’S DAD/PRINCIPAL GOWAN – 30 to 45. Kurt’s Dad: Straight-laced, very conservative, also former football player. A simple guy, not book smart, you’d be happy to share a beer with him. Also plays Veronica’s Dad: Easygoing and distant. Voice: Strong Baritone/Tenor — power Country/Gospel belt to G, even higher better. Also plays Principal Gowan: Rumpled, burned out, hates conflict. NOTE: Sometimes this actor has played Big Bud/Coach instead of Principal Gowan.
  • BOY 1 – Bitter Geek 16-18. A put-upon, bitter geek. Voice: Bari (up to F#) or Tenor (up to A).
  • BOY 2 – Blowdried Preppy 16-18. A blowdried 80’s preppy. Voice: Bass (up to E) or Bari (up to G#).
  • BOY 3 – Hipster Dork 16-18. Thinks he’s Ducky from ‘Pretty In Pink.’ Voice: Bari (up to F#) or Tenor (up to A).
  • GIRL 1 – Goth Girl 16-18. A sullen goth girl. Voice: Belt to at least C# (a Soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
  • GIRL 2 – Stoner Chick 16-18. A fuzzyheaded stoner chick. Voice: Belt to at least C# (a Soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
  • GIRL 3 – Young Republicanette 16-18. A tennis-playing, uptight Student Council type. Voice: Belt to at least C# (Soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).

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