Yearly Archives: 2019

February 12, 2019 · 2:12 pm

Jump on the Next Runaway Train and Join Phileas Fogg on his Adventure AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

HRTC_Around the World in 80 Days promo2

Cast of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (Jared Joplin, Patrick Earl Phillips, Jake Lockwood, Darlene Spencer and Lovlee Carroll). Photo by Immobulous.

The Human Race continues its 32nd Season with Mark Brown’s Around the World in 80 Days, adapted from the novel by Jules Verne, Feb. 28 – March 17, 2019 at the Loft Theatre.

“80 DAYS is one of the funniest evenings of theatre I’ve ever worked on.” Says director, Joe Deer. “This cast is an absolutely delightful and incredibly versatile group of actors from across the country who are making the perfect antidote to the Winter Blues. The show is a hybrid adventure story/romance/buddy film/travelogue in the spirit of Monty Python, Gilbert and Sullivan and Indiana Jones – a farcical romp in every way. As a guy who spends his time directing a lot of comedies, I am certain this will be one of the best audiences Dayton will ever see.”

30 characters, 5 actors, and a whirlwind of costumes, hats and luggage!

HRTC_Around the World in 80 Days promo1

Cast of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (Jared Joplin, Patrick Earl Phillips, Jake Lockwood, Darlene Spencer and Lovlee Carroll). Photo by Immobulous.

(Dayton, OH) —Jules Verne’s classic tale springs to life in this clever, fast-paced comedy for the whole family. Proper gentleman Phileas Fogg strikes a wager and sets off on a race that puts his fortune and life at risk. With his faithful servant at his side, he has just 80 days to circle the globe–an inconceivable feat in the year 1872! Fierce natives, furious typhoons, runaway trains, a damsel in distress and a dogged detective threaten to delay him at every step in this delightful, whirlwind odyssey that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to unexpected end.

“Our biggest challenge,” said Human Race Artistic Director Kevin Moore, “is convincing people that the hot air balloon does not exist in the actual book.  While it made for exciting cinematography in Mike Todd’s 1956 film version, it is not part of the Jules Verne novel. However, audiences will experience typhoons, angry natives, a runaway train – and an elephant. And in the intimate Loft, it may feel like a ride at Disney!”

It’s an adventure for the entire family! “High-spirited, fast-moving and flat-out hilarious!” –Orlando Weekly

Around the World in 80 Days will be Joe Deer’s (Director) 12th show he has directed at HRTC. Deer’s last show at the Loft was the comedic musical about six unemployed steelworkers turned strippers, The Full Monty.

HRTC_Around the World in 80 Days promo3

Cast of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS (Jared Joplin, Patrick Earl Phillips, Jake Lockwood, Darlene Spencer and Lovlee Carroll). Photo by Immobulous.

CAST AND DESIGN TEAM

The cast of five is made up of one Human Race veteran and four actors who are making their onstage debut at The Human Race Theatre.

Jared Joplin (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati) is making his onstage Human Race Theatre debut as Mr. Phileas Fogg. Patrick Earl Phillips is excited to be making his HRTC debut as Fogg’s trusted valet, Passepartout. Lovlee Carroll is thrilled to be reprising the role of Actor 4 (Aouda and 3 characters) in her debut performance at HRTC. Jake Lockwood is no stranger to HRTC. This will be Lockwood’s 6th production at HRTC and will be playing Actor 1, which consists of 17 characters. Resident Artist Darlene Spencer was last seen at HRTC in the staged reading of Sweat and will be making her onstage HRTC debut as Actor 2 (8 characters).

Mark Brown (Playwright) Mark Brown is a widely produced playwright throughout America and abroad. His plays and musicals include Around the World in 80 Days; China – The Whole Enchilada; Tom Jones; Tom Jones the Musical; The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge; The Gentleman Thief; Deep Into That Darkness Peering; The Little Prince. Originally from New Jersey, Mark is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and daughter and dreams of living in a chateau in France.

Dick Block (Scenic Designer) is the genius behind the shows Victorian Steam Punk design and this will be his 25th production at The Human Race Theatre. Block’s most recent show with HRTC was A Christmas Story. Cat Schmeal–Swope (Costume Designer) is hard at work designing wardrobe for her first Human Race production. Resident Artists John Rensel (Lighting Designer) and Jay Brunner (Sound Designer) round out the design team. Jacquelyn Duncan is the production stage manager.

Biographies on the cast and creative team can be found on The Human Race Theatre Company’s website under Around the World in 80 Days. For press tickets, please contact Chad Wyckoff at chad@humanracetheatre.org.

The preview performance of Around the World in 80 Days is Thursday, February 28. Opening night is Friday, March 1.

The Human Race Theatre Company’s production of Around the World in 80 Days is sponsored by Emerson Climate Technologies, Marion’s Piazza, Houser Asphalt & Concrete, Larry Glickler­–Glickler Funeral Home, Matthew J. Scarr, CPA LLC, and Patti Giering.

PERFORMANCE AND SPECIAL EVENT INFORMATION
Tickets for Around the World in 80 Days start at $14. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and seating location. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Student tickets are available at 50% off regular adult prices and a student I.D. must be presented when picking up at the Box Office. The Sunday, March 3 7:00 p.m. performance is “Sawbuck Sunday,” when any available seat can be purchased in person for just $10 at the Loft Theatre box office two hours prior to the show. Discounts are subject to availability and some restrictions apply.

All performances are at the Metropolitan Art Center’s Loft Theatre, located at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Show times for Around the World in 80 Days are 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Performances on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings begin at 7:00 p.m., and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday matinees.

Tickets and performance information for Around the World in 80 Days are available at http://www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

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2018-2019 marks the 32nd season for The Human Race Theatre Company, “Dayton’s Official Professional Theatre Company.” Founded in 1986, The Human Race moved into the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence in its current home, the 212-seat Loft Theatre. In addition to the Eichelberger Loft Season, The Human Race produces new works development and special event programming. Under the direction of Executive Director Kappy Kilburn and Kevin Moore, Artistic Director, the company also maintains outreach programs, as well as artist residencies in area schools and a summer youth program. Human Race organizational support is provided by the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, Culture Works, the Shubert Foundation, the Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, the Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The 2018-2019 Sustainability Sponsors are the ELM Foundation, Anne F. Johnson, Steve and Lou Mason, and Morris Home. The 2018-2019 Loft season sponsor is the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of the Dayton Foundation.

 

CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:

The Human Race Theatre Company presents
Around the World in 80 Days
by Mark Brown
directed by Joe Deer

February 28 – March 17, 2019

Performed at the Loft Theatre
Metropolitan Arts Center
126 North Main Street (between First and Second streets)
Dayton, Ohio 45402

Jules Verne’s classic tale springs to life in this clever, fast-paced comedy for the whole family. Proper gentleman Phileas Fogg strikes a wager and sets off on a race that puts his fortune and life at risk. With his faithful servant at his side, he has just 80 days to circle the globe–an inconceivable feat in the year 1872! Fierce natives, furious typhoons, runaway trains, a damsel in distress and a dogged detective threaten to delay him at every step in this delightful, whirlwind odyssey that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to unexpected end. Join the adventure!

For tickets:

Ticket Center Stage box office phone: (937) 228-3630
Box office hours: Mondays – Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.; and two hours prior to each performance Online: http://www.humanracetheatre.org or http://www.ticketcenterstage.com
Ticket prices start at: $37 – $55 for adults, $34 – $48 for seniors and $19.50  – $27.00 for students. Prices vary depending on performance date.
Discounts: Select side-area seats available for $14 and $27 at all performances; “Sawbuck Sunday” March 3 at 7:00 p.m. – $10 seats available for walk up sales only
Student Discounts: All adult priced tickets are discounted at 50% for students. *A student I.D. must be presented at the box office.
Group sales: contact Betty Gould at (937) 461-8295 or Betty.Gould@victoriatheatre.com

Around the World in 80 Days performance dates:

  • Wednesday, February 27 8:00 p.m.  Pay-What-You-CAN open rehearsal
  • Thursday, February 28 8:00 p.m.  “Inside Track” pre-show discussion/Preview performance
  • Friday, March 1 8:00 p.m.  Opening night with post-show lobby party
  • Saturday, March 2 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 3 2:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 3 7:00 p.m.  “Sawbuck Sunday” – $10 tickets at the door
  • Tuesday, March 5 7:00 p.m.  Lite Fare at the Loft pre-show lobby dining 
  • Wednesday, March 6 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 7 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 8 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 9 8:00 p.m.  Audio Described/Sign Interpreted performance (reserve by February 28)
  • Sunday, March 10 2:00 p.m.  “While We’re on the Subject” post-show talk-back
  • Tuesday, March 12 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 13 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 14 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 15 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 16 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 17 2:00 p.m.  Closing performance

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February 12, 2019 · 1:05 pm

Miamisburg High School Theatre Wins National Competition

MISC_Miamisburg High School Theatre logoMiamisburg High School Theatre is proud to announce that they have been chosen as one of ten winning high schools who will receive a royalty-free license agreement to produce John Kander and Fred Ebb’s CHICAGO: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION. MHS Theatre was the only school chosen in Ohio and one of two schools in the entire Midwest.

The national competition was created by Samuel French, Inc. in celebration of CHICAGO composer Kander’s 90th birthday. The “Razzle Dazzle Competition” asked how students “razzle dazzle” their school community, by demonstrating how musical theatre impacts their lives, inside and outside the school community. The entries were adjudicated by representatives from Samuel French, Right On Cue Services, iTheatrics, and the Educational Theatre Association.

The MHS Theatre program, in it’s third year of existence, submitted a document telling their story of how the program began, it’s impact on a very diverse socioeconomic community, and how it has impacted the lives of Miamisburg students. The submission also talked about how having the rights to the show would create a substantial savings for the program. The intended use of the savings (approx. $3,000) would allow the program to explore adding a Fall play into their season (currently producing a Spring musical once a year) or the possibility of purchasing needed technical equipment.

MHS Theatre is currently in the audition phase for their upcoming production of The Addams Family, which will be performed on April 26 at 7:00 p.m. and April 27 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm at the Memorial Auditorium in Miamisburg.

“On behalf of Miamisburg High School Theatre, I’d like to personally thank Samuel French for this wonderful opportunity. You have helped us move our new program toward growth. As we continue to fundraise, our ultimate goal is to grow the program so that we are able to produce more than one production a year. Additionally, we’d like to be in a place where we no longer have to rent needed technical equipment.” said Melissa Fogle, Board Member and Producer.

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February 12, 2019 · 12:56 pm

Set Builder/Designer Sought by Marketing Agency

MISC_Set DesignerExperiential Marketing Agency has an immediate need for a set builder and/or designer to fabricate a structure for upcoming client activation. Previous build experience required. Paid opportunity.

Contact lmbgossett@gmail.com by February 14th for more information and next steps.

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February 12, 2019 · 12:48 pm

The Drama Workshop’s LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE Opens February 22

tdw_love loss and what i wore logo

The Drama Workshop proudly presents LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE for ten performances beginning February 22 and playing thru March 10. Performances will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a special Thursday evening performance on March 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Performances will take place at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave., Cheviot, OH 45211.  Tickets are $18 if purchased online or by phone.  $20 if purchased at the door on the day of the performance. Tickets may be purchased by calling the TDW ticket line at 513-598-8303 or ordering online at www.thedramaworkshop.org. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more by calling the ticket line.

LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE was written by superstar movie-writer sisters Nora and Delia Ephron. Nora wrote the screenplays for Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, and Heartburn, among others.  Delia Ephron wrote such favorite films as You’ve Got Mail and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Their play is based on the best-selling book of the same name by Ilene Beckerman and has played to sell-out audiences on six continents and more than eight countries.

The play employs items of women’s clothing and accessories in order to trigger stories that are funny, startling, and emotional. The result is an intimate collection of stories that every woman (and the men who love them) can relate to.  The all-female cast is led by Linda Callahan as Gingy, the play’s central storyteller.  She is ably supported by actresses Lindsey Pullum, Kristy Rucker, Holly Sauerbrunn, and Mary Stone, who play a wide variety of roles. The play does include mature subject matter.

The TDW production will be directed by Rose Vanden Eynden, who is making her Drama Workshop directorial debut.  Ms. Vanden Eynden says she wanted to direct this play because “It is filled with hilarious, poignant stories told from the perspective of real women. To me, this play is a celebration of who women truly are – both magnificent and flawed creatures who need to tell their stories and who deserve an audience to hear them. I hope people who come to see this show will enjoy all of these marvelous ladies and their stories, and that they will see their own truths reflected back to them.”

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February 12, 2019 · 10:56 am

The End of the World is Just the Beginning in ALWAYS PLENTY OF LIGHT AT THE STARLIGHT ALL-NIGHT DINER

ktc_always plenty of light at the starlight all night diner logoA world premiere play by Darcy Parker Bruce
Running February 22 – March 16 

When an asteroid threatens the earth, the logical escape is your favorite diner, right? Especially when that diner just might be… a Time Machine.

It’s just your average night at the Starlight All-Night Diner – coffee, cigarettes, secret longings begging to be confessed, a mysterious comet in the night’s sky – you know, the usual.

Overnight janitor Sam and her very pregnant compatriot, late-night waitress Jessa, are passing the time polishing the fixtures and polishing off some coconut cream pie.

But just as Sam is ready to spill her heart, in bursts the frantically brilliant Dr. Moxie and his graduate assistant, Danni, with a revelation that the comet isn’t just a pretty celestial event – it’s the end of the world as we know it.

Armed with a coffee maker, a backup generator, and a conveniently-timed scientific breakthrough, Dr. Moxie has a plan to get the ladies of his favorite diner out of harm’s way.

But of course, even the most brilliant scientist can’t account for every variable…

In this charmingly queer love story, the stakes are more than life-and-death – they’re life-or-extinction. Previously workshopped at New York’s Fresh Fruit Festival in 2016, Darcy Parker Bruce’s Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All Night Diner is a world premiere adventure story about finding hope and connection in the face of insurmountable odds.

Know Theatre’s own Community Relations Manager Alice Flanders returns to the director’s chair after 2018’s hit comedy Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood by Adam Szymkowicz. And she has assembled a cast of some of Cincinnati’s brightest stars to breathe life into the Starlight:

Leah Strasser returns to the Know MainStage, after her unforgettable turn as Alanna Dale in 2018’s Marian…, as the very pregnant, very conflicted Jessa; whose friendship with overnight janitor Sam is…complicated. Played by Lormarev Jones, fresh from her onstage adventures at The Carnegie in Hunchback of Notre Dame and Dreamgirls, Sam has a lot more emotional baggage than she can fit in her trusty pick-up truck – and even more devotion to Jessa.

The one and only Michael Burnham, whose production of Corpus Christi in 2003 made the Know just a little bit infamous, joins us onstage for the first time since 2010 as Dr. Moxie, whose devotion to the Starlight diner, its denizens, and its coffee is exceeded only by his hunger for scientific knowledge (and his desire to survive the apocalypse).

And making her Know Theatre MainStage debut as his beleaguered but optimistic graduate assistant Danni is Maggie Cramer, who comes to us after spending a season with our neighbors at Ensemble Theatre as part of their apprentice company.

What can you expect from Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All-Night Diner?

Witty banter, rich relationships, tender moments, wacky antics, lesbian love stories. And maybe a dinosaur. Producing Artistic Director Andrew Hungerford chose this play to carry us through the February doldrums because:

At its core, Starlight is about people who love each other coming together in a time of darkness to confront the impossible. Who and what do we rely on when we run out of road? Clearly the answers are, in no particular order: friends, love, coffee, science, and pie. I think that’s an important message for everyone to hear in a bleak midwinter. 

See what happens when you run out of places (and time) to run from your problems in Always Plenty of Light at the Starlight All-Night Diner by Darcy Parker Bruce, playing February 22 – March 16 at Your Theatrical Playground.

Cast in Alphabetical Order

  • Dr. Moxie – Michael Burnham
  • Danni – Maggie Cramer
  • Sam – Lormarev Jones
  • Jessa – Leah Strasser 

Production Team

  • Director –  Alice Flanders
  • Scenic & Lighting Designer – Andrew J. Hungerford
  • Costume Designer – Noelle Johnston
  • Sound & Projections Designer – Douglas Borntrager
  • Prop Designer – Rebecca Armstrong 

Calendar Listing

Production:  ALWAYS PLENTY OF LIGHT AT THE STARLIGHT ALL-NIGHT DINER by Darcy Parker Bruce – a world premiere

When:

  • 8:00 pm February 22, 23, 27, 28; March 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16
  • 3:00 pm February 24; March 3*, 10
    *A pre-show brunch is available on this date with purchase of $35 “Brunch + Show” tickets in advance.  Brunch provided by Water Tower Fine Wines.

Where:
Know Theatre of Cincinnati. 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.
In historic Over-the-Rhine.

Tickets:

  • $25 regular price tickets
  • $35 “Living Wage” tickets, supporting working artists in Cincinnati
  • $15 Rush tickets at the door 10 minutes prior to curtain (when available)
  • FREE walk-up tickets are available on Wednesdays, as part of Know’s Welcome Experiment.
    Advance reservations to Welcome Experiment performances are $5.00.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting knowtheatre.com or calling 513.300.5669 (KNOW). 

This production made possible through the generosity of Joshua Wallace. 

Season Design sponsorship provided by Travis McElroy. 

Additional MainStage support provided by
The Louise Taft Semple Foundation
The John A. Schroth Charitable Trust, PNC Bank Charitable Trust Committee 

Know Theatre is Cincinnati’s Theatrical Playground. The Know showcases unexpected voices, new works, and plays that embrace the inherent theatricality of the live experience. Know Theatre seeks to be a place where artists and audiences feel welcome to take artistic risks, creating work that is cutting edge and accessible. 

Know Theatre’s work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.  

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. 

Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. 

 Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network. 

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