Monthly Archives: October 2019

October 14, 2019 · 10:55 am

TITUS ANDRONICUS Quick Review

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Cast of TITUS ANDRONICUS. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

TITUS ANDRONICUS presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Nov. 2. I attended the opening night performance. 

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Paul Riopelle as Marcus Andronicus and Jim Hopkins as Titus Andronicus. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Director Jeremy Dubin embraces the absurdity of the script, making Shakespeare’s tragedy more a dark (and bloody) comedy. As the mayhem escalates in this murderous game of one-upmanship, the raucous opening-night audience was rooting for the deaths of these unredeemable villains.

The leads clearly relished playing the heavies, with great performances by Jim Hopkins, Miranda McGee, Maggie Lou Rader & Darnell Pierre Benjamin. Strong supporting work by Patrick Earl Phillips, Paul Riopelle and Rupert Spraul.

Congratulations to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company on a slashing good time, perfect for the Halloween season. 

My rating: 4.75 out of 5.

Click here for more information on the production.

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October 11, 2019 · 1:19 pm

2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS Runs Nov. 9-Jan 12

PIP_Two Pianos Four Hands promo

Promotional photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Nov. 9-Jan 12
Shelterhouse Theatre [Eden Park]

Directed by Thomas Frey

Cast: Jefferson McDonald as Ted & Matthew McGloin as Richard

12/16/19 – Run extended. Four performances added.

Piano wizardry and laugh-out-loud comedy come together to tell the story of Richard and Ted’s life-long pursuit of becoming concert pianist superstars. They work tirelessly to master legendary music from Beethoven and Bach to Billy Joel, enduring endless practice, stage fright and agonizing competition along the way. Two performers tickle the ivories (and your funny bone) while portraying dozens of characters like their naïve childhood selves, the eccentric piano teachers who guide them and the demanding parents who push them. Laughter and music abound in this riotous show about Richard and Ted’s humbling quest for musical greatness. Suitable for audiences ages 12 and up. Richard and Ted’s passionate quest for musical stardom includes mild adult language and other mature themes, which are often addressed through the characters’ angsty, teenage versions of themselves.

  • In preview, Sat, Nov. 9 at 8pm & Sun, Nov. 10 at 7pm
  • In preview, Tue-Wed, Nov. 12-13 at 7:30pm
  • Thu, Nov. 14 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Nov. 15 at 8pm
  • Sat, Nov. 16 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Nov. 17 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue-Thu, Nov. 19-21 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Nov. 22 at 8pm
  • Sat, Nov. 23 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Nov. 24 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue-Wed, Nov. 26-27 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Nov. 29 at 8pm
  • Sat, Nov. 30 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 1 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue, Dec. 3 at 7:30pm
  • Wed, Dec. 4 at 1pm & 7:30pm
  • Thu, Dec. 5 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 6 at 8pm
  • Sat, Dec. 7 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 8 at 2pm
  • Tue-Thu, Dec. 10-12 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 13 at 8pm
  • Sat, Dec. 14 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 15 at 2pm
  • Tue-Thu, Dec. 17-19 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 20 at 8pm
  • Sat, Dec. 21 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 22 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Mon, Dec. 23 at 7:30pm
  • Thu, Dec. 26 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Dec. 27-28 at 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 29 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Mon, Dec. 30 at 7:30pm
  • Thu, Jan. 2 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Jan. 3 at 8pm
  • Sat, Jan. 4 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Jan 5 at 2pm
  • Fri, Jan. 10 at 8pm
  • Sat, Jan. 11 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Jan. 12 at 2pm

Official page |

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October 11, 2019 · 1:01 pm

Auditions Announced for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST at Mason Community Players

MCP_sm logoHere is the chance of a lifetime!

Be a part of the Mason Community Players’ cast that opens 125 years to the day when THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST first opened. It’s true, MCP’s production will open on February 14, 2020 and the premiere of this classic work by Oscar Wilde occurred February 14, 1895.

It’s a valentine for the ages. This “trivial comedy for serious people” has high farce and witty dialogue that has helped make this Wilde’s most endearingly popular play.

Director Mary Beringer and Producer Becca McLaughlin welcome you to auditions, which are being held at Theatre 42, located at 2752 S US Route 42, Lebanon, OH 45036.

Auditions will be held:

  • Fri, Nov. 1 from 7-9:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 2 from 1-4pm
  • Sun, Nov. 3 from 1-4pm

There is no need to schedule an appointment. Expect cold readings from the script. If you wish to prepare a comedic monologue, that would be welcomed. The play will require British accents.

The cast calls for 5 males and 4 females of varying ages:

  • John Worthing – (M 20-35) a wealthy young gentleman from the country, in love with Gwendolen Fairfax.
  • Algernon Moncrieff – (M 20-35) a rebellious young gentleman from London, the nephew of Lady Bracknell, in love with Cecily Cardew.
  • Gwendolen Fairfax – (F 20-35) a young city lady, in love with Jack Worthing.
  • Cecily Cardew – (F 20-35) a young country lady, the ward of Jack Worthing, in love with Algernon Moncrieff.
  • Lady Bracknell – (F 50+) a society lady, Gwendolen’s mother.
  • Rev. Canon Chasuble – (M 30+) the priest of Jack’s parish.
  • Miss Prism – (F 30+) Cecily’s uptight governess.
  • Merriman – (M 20+) Jack’s servant.
  • Lane – (M 20+) Algernon’s butler.

Performances are:

  • Fri, Feb. 14 at 8pm
  • Sat, Feb. 15 at 8pm
  • Sun, Feb. 16 at 2pm
  • Thu, Feb. 20 at 8pm
  • Fri, Feb. 21 at 8pm
  • Sat, Feb. 22 at 8pm

If you have questions regarding auditions or the play in general, please feel free to contact Mary Beringer, meberinger@gmail.com.

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October 11, 2019 · 12:29 pm

SLUT Runs Nov. 13-16

SCCT_logo2SLUT
Sinclair Community College Theatre
Nov. 13-16
Black Box Theatre [Dayton]

Explores a culture where silence, judgment and slut shaming allow sexual violence to thrive. Sponsored by Sinclair Diversity Office

Tickets are FREE but tickets must be reserved at www.sinclair.edu/tickets.

  • Wed, Nov. 13 at 7pm
  • Thu, Nov. 14 at Noon & 7pm
  • Fri-Sat, Nov. 15-16 at 7pm

Official page |

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October 11, 2019 · 12:01 pm

CASTAWAYS and 6 LITTLE LOVE STORIES on Nov. 12

CPI_Castaways logoCASTAWAYS and 6 LITTLE LOVE STORIES
Presented by Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative
Nov. 12
Aronoff Center Fifth Third Bank Theater [Downtown]

Playwright Liz Coley has cast away Ginger and Mary Ann from Gilligan’s Island in a far different location than they occupied during the classic TV comedy series.  And, for the second part of the evening, she gives us six very odd couples indeed in stories that are sure to amuse and bemuse.

  • Tue, Nov. 12 at 7:30pm

Official page |

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