Monthly Archives: March 2023

March 27, 2023 · 6:07 am

Cincinnati Opera and CCM to Workshop Two Operas-in-Progress This Spring Through Opera Fusion: New Works Partnership

co_logoThe two new operas—Robeson by Scott Davenport Richards and David Cote and The Righteous by Gregory Spears and Tracy K. Smith—will receive workshops this April and May, and the public is invited to attend a sneak peek

Cincinnati, Ohio—Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) are pleased to announce the next events in their joint program, Opera Fusion: New Works.

Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) is a creative partnership between CCM and Cincinnati Opera that fosters the development of new operatic works. Through OF:NW, composers and librettists are given a 10-day workshop to hone their operas-in-progress and further prepare them for the opera stage. Each workshop ends with a public performance of excerpts from the featured work.

This April 4–13, OF:NW will mount a second workshop for the new opera, Robeson, featuring music by Scott Davenport Richards and a libretto by Richards and David Cote, with CCM Professor and Co-Director of Opera Fusion: New Works Robin Guarino as dramaturg and stage director. The work received an initial workshop last May through OF:NW.

Robeson Creative Team

man with glasses and blue shirt

Scott Davenport Richards
Composer & Co-Librettist

man wearing glasses and a dark suit jacket
David Cote
Co-Librettist


Robin Guarino
Stage Director & Dramaturg

From the creative team behind Cincinnati Opera’s critically acclaimed 2019 world premiere, Blind Injustice, Robeson is an epic and inspiring biographical examination of Black singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson (1898–1976). A global superstar, Robeson leveraged his fame to fight on the frontlines for equality. His heroic and uncompromising efforts against fascism and racism worldwide led Robeson to be entangled in the tragic power struggle between the two superpowers of the twentieth century—the United States and the USSR—with his own life and career hanging in the balance. Inspired by historical events, Robeson also resonates with today’s ongoing fights for social justice. The public performance of excerpts from Robeson will take place on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio.

From May 5–15, OF:NW will host a workshop for The Righteous, the newest opera from composer Gregory Spears and librettist Tracy K. Smith, the creative team behind Cincinnati Opera’s celebrated 2022 world premiere, Castor and Patience. Kevin Newbury (Castor and Patience, Fellow Travelers) will serve as stage director and dramaturg.

The Righteous Creative Team

black and white photo of a man with short hairGregory Spears
Composer

woman in a pink shirt
Tracy K. Smith
Librettist

Kevin Newbury
Stage Director & Dramaturg

Commissioned by Santa Fe Opera and slated for a summer 2024 world premiere, The Righteous follows a preacher and leader of a growing church in the 1980s American Southwest, who finds himself caught up in the confluence of religion and politics. Slowly his connection to God is weakened as he becomes drawn to public office alongside contemporary events including the rise of feminism, the war on drugs, conflict in the Middle East, and the AIDS epidemic. Along the way, those closest to him grapple with their own understanding of faith and truth. The Righteous explores the timeless struggle to reconcile spiritual humility with ambition in our modern world. The public performance of excerpts from The Righteous will take place on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. at CCM’s Cohen Family Studio Theater.

Admission to the public performances is free, and reservations are required. Reservations are available through the Cincinnati Opera Box Office by calling 513-241-2742 or visiting cincinnatiopera.org.

CALENDAR INFORMATION

Opera Fusion: New Works presents
Robeson

Music by Scott Davenport Richards
Libretto by David Cote and Scott Davenport Richards
Dramaturgy and stage direction by Robin Guarino

When: Thursday, April 13, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
What: A performance of excerpts from the new opera-in-progress, Robeson.
Where: Music Hall’s Wilks Studio, 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Admission: Free; reservations are required. Reservations are available by calling 513-241-2742 or visiting cincinnatiopera.org.

Opera Fusion: New Works presents
The Righteous

Music by Gregory Spears
Libretto by Tracy K. Smith
Dramaturgy and stage direction by Kevin Newbury

When: Monday, May 15, 2023, 7:30 p.m.
What: A performance of excerpts from the new opera-in-progress, The Righteous.
Where: Cohen Family Studio Theater, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, 290 CCM Boulevard, Cincinnati, OH 45221
Admission: Free; reservations are required. Reservations are available by calling 513-241-2742 or visiting cincinnatiopera.org.

About Opera Fusion: New Works
Funded through a generous gift from the Mellon Foundation, Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) is a partnership between Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) dedicated to fostering the development of new American operas. This collaboration is jointly led by Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, and Robin Guarino, professor of opera at CCM. OF:NW offers composers or composer/librettist teams the opportunity to workshop an opera during a residency in Cincinnati. Residencies utilize the facilities, personnel, and talent of both Cincinnati Opera and CCM. The workshops are cast with a combination of CCM students and professional artists, and each workshop concludes with a free public presentation of excerpts followed by an audience Q&A session. For more information, visit ofnw.org.

About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Season Presenting Sponsor for Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 Summer Festival is Chavez Properties. Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from the Ohio Arts Council, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. To learn more, visit cincinnatiopera.org

About CCM
Nationally ranked and internationally renowned, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is a preeminent institution for the performing and media arts. The school’s educational roots date back to 1867, and a solid, visionary instruction has been at its core since that time. CCM offers nine degree types (BA, BM, BFA, MFA, MM, MA, AD, DMA, PhD) in nearly 120 possible majors, along with a wide variety of pre-collegiate and post-graduate programs.

Declared a top college vocal program by Backstage Magazine and described as “one of the continent’s major music schools,” by the Toronto Star, CCM’s Departments of Opera and Voice provide one of the most comprehensive training programs for opera singers, coaches and directors in the United States. CCM offers an international faculty of dedicated educators who are also celebrated professionals in their own right, widely and currently active in their respective fields. Several national opera companies hold auditions at the conservatory, and CCM students frequently advance to the final rounds of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. CCM graduates have performed on the stages of the world’s greatest opera companies, including Cincinnati Opera, the Metropolitan Opera (New York), Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera (London), La Scala (Italy) and more. To learn more, visit ccm.uc.edu.

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March 27, 2023 · 6:00 am

The Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department Welcomes Audiences to PUFFS

WHHS_Puffs

Sophie Christian and Kamani Killings in the Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department’s production of Puffs. Photo by Mikki Schaffner photography

Cincinnati, OH – Following their previous success from their production of Carrie the Musical, The Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department is eager to welcome audiences to the Rick Steiner Black Box Theatre with the comedy, PUFFS – a hilarious parody of the story of “the boy who lived” and attended a certain “school of magic” for seven years (get it? You get it).

The show runs April 20-21, 2023 at 7 p.m. with additional 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, April 22nd, and Sunday April 23rd.

This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life), featuring many recognizable characters from a Certain School of Magic and Magic. Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) An epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.

Regarding the show, director Helen Raymond-Goers says, “Puffs is hilarious, you should come see it!”

Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students. They are now available, and can be purchased at: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/tickets.

CONTENT WARNING: Due to some strong language and adult content, this production is recommended for mature audiences 13 and up.

WHHS_Puffs2This production and the entire WHHS Theatre Season is graciously sponsored by the Walnut Hills High School Class of 1964 Performing Arts Fund.

Featuring Kyra Doty as Wayne Hopkins, Sophie Christian as Megan Jones, Adeleigh Karoutchi as Oliver Rivers, Katie Berich as Narrator, Andrew Canter as Harry/Hermeeon 2/Myrtle/Ric Gryff/Susie Bones, Corinne Adams as Hannah/Mr. Nick/ Professor McG, Kamani ______ as Hermeoon 3/Frenchy /Rita/Scooter/Rowena /Professor Sprouty /Xavia Jones, Emma Dalton as Blondo Malfoy/Mr. Voldy, Hadian Dwyer as Fat Friar/Second Headmaster/Zac Smith/Very Tall Man, Hoyt Noble as Clumsy Longbottom/Goyle /J. Finch /Uncle Dave, James Overton as Ms. Babble/Runes Teach/Professor Lanny/Professor Locky/Professor Turban, Loretta Rubin as Hermeoon/Sally Perks, Malcolm Ward as Cedric, Nate Caudill as Anthony Goldstein/Leanne/Mr. Bagman/Real Mr. Moody/Viktor, Riley Soutar as Big Snek(Bassylisk)/Ernie Mac/Ghost History Teacher, Uyen Dao as Colin/First Headmaster/Ginny/Helga, and Wolf Singer as A Certain Potions Teache/Sal/Seamus

Directed by Helen A. Raymond-Goers
Co-Assistant Directed by Ryan Peerless and Lizzy Rebber
Technical Direction by Helen A. Raymond-Goers
Production Stage Manager- Nyla Shahanavaz
Assistant Stage Manager- Graham Gardner
Costume Designer- Emma Smith
Lighting Designer- Sophie Glenn
Props Designer- AJ Frecker
Scenic Designer- Chloe Goodman
Sound Designer- Maya Busche
Marketing and Publicity Head- Lizzy Rebber
Head Electrician- Maya Busche

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March 24, 2023 · 5:49 am

2023 Spring and Summer Season Announced by The Story Collective of Cincinnati

TSC_logoThe Story Collective is thrilled to announce our three-part 2023 SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON!

To begin our season, we are proud to bring back COLLECTIVE EFFORT! TSC’s hilarious improv troupe will once again be performing for the community on Friday, April 14th at 7:00pm, at Summit City Church in Montgomery, OH.

The Story Collective is honored to present the World Premier of Cincinnati playwright & composer Russell Stinson’s original musical, ORPHAN OF OZ, on Saturday, June 3rd!

This musical, based on the characters created by L. Frank Baum, tells the story of the aftermath following “The Wizard of Oz”, and the power struggles that ensue after the Wizard is gone.

TSC will be presenting this as a staged reading & workshop. Any and all Cincinnati directors are welcome to attend, as well as the public! Tickets will be on sale soon Location TBD.

The Story Collective is ECSTATIC to be presenting our next major MainStage production: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG-High School Edition (Family-Friendly)!

This hilarious play by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields, is directed by Cincinnati local Mark Femia, and features a stellar cast (to be anounced soon!). We could not be more excited to bring this show to you all!

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG runs Thursday, July 27th thru Sunday, July 30th at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy Lindner Theater.

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March 24, 2023 · 5:49 am

ETC Presents World Premiere Dramedy WHO ALL OVER THERE?, April 11-30

ETC_Who All Over ThereA fresh remix on a celebrated favorite.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati presents World premiere Dramedy
Who All Over There?, April 11 – 30, 2023

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is excited to present the commissioned world premiere dramedy Who All Over There? by Torie Wiggins. Things aren’t always black and white—especially when it comes to relationships. Penned by the one of Cincinnati’s favorite multi-hyphenate artists, this new play is inspired by the classic Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and shines a light on what happens when cultures clash in the name of love. April 11–30, 2023. Directed by Stori Ayers. Premiere Sponsor is Fifth Third Bank.

When Dean, a young professional, and Danya, an aspiring singer, go on a refreshingly candid first date, they keep it real about the dynamics of a potential interracial relationship. As they grow comfortable nestled in the cocoon of their budding love, the real world brings a whirlwind of inflammatory race relations, opinionated family and friends, and troublesome pasts. Can love truly be colorblind?

“The idea came a long time ago to commission an idea from Torie Wiggins,” says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “We bought her play on faith and without a draft, really. That’s what you have to do to give somebody a chance. What’s essential about theatre is the opportunity to have different perspectives and points of view that we could never have in our own experience, and Torie has given us an opportunity with this piece to be a fly on the wall in someone else’s world.”

About the Cast

Kenneth Early (John Martin) last performed at Ensemble Theatre as Aldrin in The Dancing Princesses, and some of his other credits there include Pipeline, Red Velvet, The Whipping Man, Grey Gardens, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, and Around the World in 80 Days. He has also been seen in productions at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, The Human Race Theatre Company, and Actors Theatre of Louisville.

Jay Wade (Sebastian “Truck” Martin) was last seen at Ensemble Theatre in Sweat and Pipeline. He also appeared as Omari in Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s production of Pipeline. He is from St. Louis, MO, and earned his BFA in Acting from Southeast Missouri State University.

Maliyah Gramata-Jones (Danya Martin) returns to Ensemble Theatre, where she was last seen in The Wolves. Some of her other Cincinnati credits include Puffs and Red Bike at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Titus Andronicus at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and many beautifully “weird” projects through the Cincinnati Fringe Festival.  

Spencer Lackey (Dean Willis) returns to Ensemble Theatre, where he was last seen in the virtual production of Side Man. He is an actor and composer based in Brooklyn, NY. His regional theatre credits include Barefoot in the Park, Queens Theatre; Shakespeare in Love!, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey; and The Other Rhine, Know Theatre of Cincinnati. His film and TV credits include Notzilla, Healing River, and Dead of Winter on Discovery ID. Spencer has a BFA in Acting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. 

Blake Gehring (Scot Lancaster) makes his Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. He received his BFA from Northern Kentucky University, where he studied Radio/TV/Film and Theatre. He most recently attended the Theatre Training Institute under the direction of Ken Jones. Following graduation, Blake spent several years in Los Angeles pursuing acting and stand-up comedy. A few of his favorite theatre credits include The Brighton Beach Memoirs, Young Frankenstein, The Shape of Things, The Full Monty, and Dearly Departed.

Kyndra Dyanne Jefferies (Petunia “Aunt Toonie” Thompson) makes her Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. She is a native of Cincinnati and an alum of the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Kyndra has performed in various productions in the area including Disney’s Descendants, The Wiz Jr., Annie Jr., Superman, and Mary Poppins Jr., The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati; Bourbon at the Border, Falcon Theatre; Memphis, Loveland Stage Company; and Disney’s Newsies, Warsaw Federal Incline Theater. Her film credits include Dark Waters and The Old Man and the Gun.

Keisha L. Kemper (Deirdre Martin) is a native of Cincinnati and makes her Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music with her BFA in Dramatic Performance. Her regional credits include Weezy in Alabaster and Harry in Harry and the Thief, Know Theatre of Cincinnati; Chorus/Nurse in Prokofiev: Suite from Romeo and Juliet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; (Story)Teller in The Bradbury Tattoos: An Experimental Rock Opera, Concert:Nova; Maria, Captain, and First Officer in Twelfth Night, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare in the Park; and Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, New Edgecliff Theatre.

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Aharon Simone (Costume Designer), Matt Callahan (Sound Designer), Nigel C. Mask (Wig Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), and Jack Murphy (Technical Director). Production Stage Manager is Margot Whitney. Assistant Stage Manager is Lexi Muller.

Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday at 8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $35 for adults and student tickets are $28. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person. $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only.

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 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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March 24, 2023 · 5:48 am

Accessible for All: Family Series: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, April 13-16 at the Aronoff

CB_Beauty and the BeastSpecial sensory-friendly performance April 14, PLUS all shows ASL-interpreted

Cincinnati, OH (March 23, 2023) – Cincinnati Ballet is proud to continue its commitment to accessible programming with the upcoming production of Family Series: Beauty and the Beast at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, April 13-16. In partnership with Cincinnati Children’s, Cincinnati Ballet will offer a dedicated sensory-friendly performance on Friday, April 14 at 10:30 am. Sensory-friendly performances are created to provide a supportive and welcoming experience for those with sensory processing challenges to enjoy live ballet with their friends and family. The environment is relaxed and may include lighting, sound, and other production modifications. Electronic devices, fidgets, and other support items are allowed in the theater. Patrons are also permitted to enter and leave the theater during the performance. In addition, every performance of Beauty and the Beast will be ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted. Select performances will also be audio-described for patrons who are visually impaired. “Cincinnati Ballet believes dance is for everyone. We strive to break down attendance barriers for all audiences,” said Scott Altman, Cincinnati Ballet President and CEO. “Cincinnati Ballet is committed to providing a welcoming experience for our deaf, hard of hearing and vision impaired guests, as well as those with sensory sensitivities.”

The Family Series is an hour-long, narrated ballet performed by the Second Company – CB2 and Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy students. This year, be our guest for the ‘tale as old as time – Beauty and the Beast.’ The love of Beauty, a kind and curious girl, saves a prince cursed to live as a Beast. Plus, the patron experience starts at the door. The Aronoff Center will be transformed into the Beast’s Castle, with free games, crafts, photos, and other activities on all three levels. We are so pleased to welcome families back to the Aronoff for an interactive dance performance created with children in mind. Beauty and the Beast features the familiar storyline re-interpreted with incredible dance. The production, choreographed by Pamela Robinson Harris, is also narrated, making the story easy for even the youngest members of your family to understand and enjoy. The production runs a little over an hour.

Tickets cost $20-$60 and are on sale now. For more information visit cballet.org.

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet
WHAT: Family Series: Beauty and the Beast
WHEN:

  • Thursday, April 13 and 7:30 pm
  • Friday, April 14 at 10:30 am (Sensory-friendly) and 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, April 15 at 11 am, 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm
  • Sunday, April 16 at 11 am and 2:30 pm

WHERE: Aronoff Center for the Arts – 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio

TICKETS: Call 513.621.5282 or visit cballet.org

Cincinnati Ballet 2022-2023 Season Sponsors:
Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, Margaret and Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Under the artistic direction of Jodie Gates, Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement in local to global communities, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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