Monthly Archives: April 2023

April 28, 2023 · 5:58 am

Auditions Announced for MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at Beechmont Players

BPI_logoBeechmont Players and director Jim Waldfogle will be holding auditions for their 2023-2024 season opener, Agatha Christie’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig.

Synopsis:
Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, stabbed eight times, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, the passengers rely on detective Hercule Poirot to identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again.

Auditions:
Mon. May 8th & Wed. May 10th at 7p
Anderson Center Theater
7850 Five Mile Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45255

Please bring a resume and conflicts from June 1 – August 5. Headshot is encouraged. Cold readings will be done from the script.

Rehearsals start in the beginning of June and will rehearse 3 days a week. Final schedule will be determined after the show is cast and conflicts have been provided.

Show Dates:
July 28, 29, 30; Aug 3, 4, 5 at the Anderson Center Theater

Characters: *Ages are approximate and can be adjusted within reason*

  • Hercule Poirot – Belgian.  Middle-aged.  Brilliant, suspicious, somewhat vain.
  • Monsieur Bouc – Belgian, a young middle-aged man of good humor.
  • Mary Debenham – English beauty, late 20s+.  Anxious, with an air of sadness.
  • Hector MacQueen – Nervous young American, 30s.  Beleaguered.
  • Michel, the Conductor – Any age, doubles with Head Waiter.
  • Princess Dragomiroff – Russian, 70s.  Commanding, expensively dressed.
  • Greta Ohlsson –  Swedish, 30s+.  Frightened, sheepish, plainly dressed.
  • Countess Andrenyi – 20s+, brilliantly beautiful, extravagantly dressed.  “Out of a fairy tale.”
  • Helen Hubbard – Outspoken American, 50s.  Well dressed, with a touch of flamboyance.
  • Colonel Arbuthnot – Scotsman, mid-30s+.  Handsome, matter-of-fact.
  • Samuel Ratchett – Middle-aged American “businessman.”  Brusque, unforgiving, threatening.
  • Head Waiter – Any age, doubles with Michel.

NOTE: For the safety of our patrons, cast and crew, all participants in this show will be required to be vaccinated before the start of rehearsals.

Questions? Contact director Jim Waldfogle at jim.waldfogle@gmail.com

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April 27, 2023 · 4:07 pm

Matt Distel Appointed Executive Director of The Carnegie

TC_Matt DistelAfter 9+ Years as The Carnegie’s Exhibitions Director, Distel will undertake a new role as the organization’s leader

COVINGTON, Ky. (April 27, 2023) – The Carnegie has announced the appointment of Matt Distel as its next Executive Director.

An accomplished curator and arts administrator, Matt Distel brings nearly 30 years of experience to the Executive Director position. Distel is stepping into this new role with a long history at The Carnegie and a decorated career leading community-centered arts organizations.

Distel first joined The Carnegie staff as its Exhibitions Director in 2013 and has been organizing exhibitions since 1994—with a particular focus on artists from the region. Prior to joining The Carnegie, Distel held curatorial roles at the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center as well as served as Executive Director of Visionaries + Voices in Cincinnati and HVCCA in Peekskill, NY. He was also the co-founder and director of Country Club, a commercial gallery based in Cincinnati and Los Angeles.

Notably, Distel has curated and organized numerous exhibitions and installations including projects with SIMPARCH, Kendell Geers, Temporary Services, The Yes Men, Beth Campbell, Alexis Rockman, Jay Bolotin, Future Retrieval, Terry Berlier, Design 99, Courttney Cooper, Ryan McGinness, Ellen Berkenblit, Edie Harper, Tom Wesselmann and Atlas Group.

“We feel very fortunate that Matt will be our next Executive Director,” said Jamie Horn, Carnegie Board President. “We have an exceptionally strong team at The Carnegie—and Matt has been a foundational member of the staff for nearly a decade. I am certain The Carnegie will thrive under Matt’s leadership and believe he will usher in a dynamic era for the organization.”

The Carnegie is a three-tiered organization and Distel’s new role as Executive Director oversees each department: Gallery, Education and Theatre. Under his direction as Exhibitions Director, The Carnegie Galleries expanded its mission while deepening local relationships. In an effort to generate opportunities for regional artists, Distel experimented with several exhibition models that nurtured connections between guest curators, writers, gallerists and fellow artists. The Carnegie’s most recent FotoFocus exhibition These Things Are Connected beautifully illustrates Distel’s philosophy: he brought together five curators working inside and outside of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region to select and develop projects based on linking artists across different geographies. In the same way, The Carnegie Galleries prioritizes connecting artists with a range of curatorial voices that provides new contexts for their work—an effort that subsequently nurtures the region’s vibrant and growing art community.

“Since my very first experiences in the art world nearly 30 years ago, I have always worked to amplify regional voices of both the performing and visual artists—and believe that a vibrant art community’s impact reaches beyond a single studio, stage or classroom.” Distel added “I’m honored to continue building upon the successes established by previous Executive Directors Kim Best and Katie Brass. Thanks to my predecessors, especially Kim’s Capital Campaign initiative, The Carnegie will continue to connect artists to each other and communities beyond our region.”

Distel’s appointment follows some major milestones for the organization, including The Carnegie’s inaugural Summer Theatre Series and the successful production of Singin’ in the Rain. The Theatre’s new season format led by Tyler Gabbard produced significant growth in audience and record sales for the organization. Under the guidance of Alissa Paasch, The Carnegie’s Education department has also seen a notable expansion in recent years, facilitating in-school arts integration programming in Covington school systems and beyond—plus on-site programming in their Eva G. Farris Education Center.

In conjunction with Matt Distel’s appointment, The Carnegie will also be announcing their search for a Development Director. This position will be pivotal in securing ongoing financial support and facilitating organizational growth.

# # #

About The Carnegie 
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center. More information about The Carnegie is available at http://www.thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.

The Carnegie is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from the Kentucky Arts Council, City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati International Wine Festival.

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April 27, 2023 · 6:14 am

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Announces 2023-2024 Season Featuring World Premiere and an All-New Production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL

PIP_FacilityPhotos_09_newsroom

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s all-new mainstage theatre complex designed by BHDP Architecture. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park announced its 2023-2024 season today, including an all-new production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL specially designed for Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre, which opened in March. The season also includes the return of RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH, a world premiere adaptation of DRACULA and regional premieres of modern stories from Pulitzer-winning playwrights including Lynn Nottage.

“Our 2023-24 season promises to inspire, entertain, celebrate our differences and lift up our shared humanity,” says Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director. “It features stories that feel familiar, that stand the test of time, and that are fresh and contemporary. We’re looking forward to the first full season in our mainstage theatre complex with a lineup of shows that exemplifies the best of American theatre.”

The 2023-24 Season includes:

  • The return of the toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical biography RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH.
  • Unmissable modern stories from three powerhouse playwrights who have each earned Pulitzer Prize acclaim, including Martyna Majok’s SANCTUARY CITY, Lynn Nottage’s CLYDE’S and Zora Howard’s STEW.
  • A world premiere adaptation of the vampiric classic DRACULA, brought back to life with humor and thrills by playwright/performer Vanessa Severo (Frida…A Self Portrait) and Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz
  • Chaim Potok’s timeless story about the human ability to reach out across differences through an exploration of Jewish culture in THE CHOSEN.
  • Stories that will capture your heart and make you laugh like the love story in VIETGONE and the interactive Catholic comedy of LATE NIGHT CATECHISM.

2023-24 ROUSE THEATRE SEASON
Presented by Schueler Group

RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH
Created by Richard Maltby, Jr.
Conceived by William Meade
Directed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge
Aug. 26 – Oct. 1, 2023
Sponsored by U.S. Bank

SHORT DESCRIPTION:
The hit musical returns! Ring of Fire celebrates the iconic Johnny Cash — the Man in Black. As the story of Cash’s life unfolds, five actor-musicians deliver crowd-pleasing renditions of Cash’s musical catalog, including “I Walk the Line,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I’ve Been Everywhere” and, of course, “Ring of Fire.” Revisit this toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical biography like never before in The Rouse Theatre!

ONE-LINER:
Celebrate the music of Johnny Cash in this toe-tapping, soul-stirring musical biography.

CLYDE’S
By Lynn Nottage
Directed by Timothy Douglas
Oct. 14 – Nov. 5. 2023

SHORT DESCRIPTION
Every sandwich has a story at Clyde’s, a truck-stop operated by a group of people recently released from prison. Under the no-nonsense authority of Clyde, the small kitchen crew finds purpose through the art of sandwich-making. As they express themselves creatively, the crew attempts to reclaim their lives in this witty and inspiring dramedy from two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage.

ONE-LINER
A crew of people recently released from prison find purpose in the art of sandwich making in this witty and inspiring dramedy.

First Financial Bank presents
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By Charles Dickens
Adapted and Directed by Blake Robison
Nov. 24 – Dec. 30, 2023 
(Tickets not included in regular season subscriptions, but subscribers get first access.)

SHORT DESCRIPTION:
The holiday story you love unfolds in spectacular fashion with a brand-new production specially designed for Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre! Charles Dickens’ classic tale of the curmudgeon Ebenezer Scrooge combines with dazzling new set, costume and lighting designs for a magical holiday experience like never before!

ONE-LINER:
The holiday story you love unfolds in spectacular fashion with a brand-new production specially designed for Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre.

Leading Ladies presents
DRACULA
A world premiere
By Vanessa Severo in collaboration with Joanie Schultz
Directed by Joanie Schultz and Vanessa Severo
Feb. 3 – March 3, 2024

SHORT DESCRIPTION
Bram Stoker’s classic vampire tale comes back to life in this evocative world premiere where everyone has a secret…and those secrets are deadly. Tensions rise and temptation lures the characters into double lives as they unmask one man, Count Dracula. Pulsing with humor, humanity and blood-curdling thrills, this bold and highly theatrical re-telling breathes new life and new blood into the most famous vampire story of all time.

ONE LINER
Pulsing with humor, humanity and blood-curdling thrills, this bold and highly theatrical world premiere breathes new life and new blood into the most famous vampire story of all time.

THE CHOSEN 
By Aaron Posner and Chaim Potok
Directed by Aaron Posner
April 13 – May 12, 2024

SHORT DESCRIPTION
How can two directly opposing ideas exist together? Chaim Potok’s classic novel intimately explores such complex and thought-provoking questions as it comes to life on stage. It’s 1940s Brooklyn, and two boys from two very different Jewish communities forge a life-changing friendship. This hugely popular adaptation is a heartfelt exploration of Jewish culture and the human ability to reach out across differences.

ONE-LINER
This thought-provoking adaptation of Chaim Potok’s classic novel is a heartfelt exploration of Jewish culture and the human ability to reach out across differences.

2023-24 ROSENTHAL SHELTERHOUSE THEATRE SEASON
Presented by the Vontz Family

SANCTUARY CITY
By Martyna Majok
Directed by Kareem Fahmy
Sept. 16 – Oct. 22, 2023
Sponsored by Digi and Mike Schueler

SHORT DESCRIPTION
In this strikingly intimate play, two young people become one another’s sanctuaries as the children of U.S. immigrants in the wake of 9/11. Through years of late-night conversations, they see each other through adolescence and fight to find their place in the world. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok has created a searing and unconventional love story that’s as timely as it is unforgettable.

ONE-LINER
This unconventional love story about two children of U.S. immigrants fighting to find their place in the world is as timely as it is unforgettable.

LATE NIGHT CATECHISM
By Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan
Nov. 3 – Dec. 17, 2023

SHORT DESCRIPTION
One of the longest running shows in Chicago and U.S. theatre history, this one-nun comedy is part catechism class, part stand-up routine. A playful and compassionate send-up of Catholic culture, the audience becomes Sister’s class in this uproarious piece of interactive theatre. The Hollywood Reporter said it’s “a laugh-filled evening for all cultures, classes and religions.”

ONE-LINER
A playful and compassionate send-up of Catholic culture, the audience becomes Sister’s class in this uproarious piece of interactive theatre.

STEW
By Zora Howard
Directed by Stori Ayres
March 2 – April 7, 2024

SHORT DESCRIPTION
Three generations of Black women gather in Mama’s kitchen to cook an important meal — and things are about to boil over. As they take turns preparing a stew, closely held details of their lives rise slowly to the surface. Stew tells a captivating, funny and intimate story about the relationship between mothers, daughters and the realities that bind them together.

ONE-LINER
Three generations of Black women gather in Mama’s kitchen to cook an important meal, and closely held details of their lives rise slowly to the surface.

VIETGONE
By Qui Nguyen
Directed by Joanie Schultz
April 27 – June 2, 2024

SHORT DESCRIPTION
An all-American love story about two very new Americans. Vietgone tells a partially true and endlessly entertaining tale of how the playwright’s parents met in a refugee relocation camp in Arkansas during the Vietnam War. With irreverent humor, hip-hop and heightened theatrical storytelling, this original story reinvents the romantic comedy genre and captures your heart.

ONE-LINER
This all-American love story about two very new Americans reinvents the romantic comedy genre and captures your heart.

2023-24 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Season subscribers who renew by June 2 can save their existing seats or make requests to change them. Subscribers also enjoy exclusive benefits with the best prices, payment installments, discounted parking and more. And only subscribers get first access to tickets for our brand-new adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, which was specially designed to make the most of the enhanced theatrical capabilities in the Rouse Theatre. Purchase A CHRISTMAS CAROL with your subscription and add the cost to your payment plan (Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are not part of the season subscription offerings.)

Subscriptions can be purchased by visiting the Playhouse website at www.cincyplay.com or by calling the Box Office at 513-421-3888 or 800-582-3208 toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. For TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) access, call 513-345-2248. The Playhouse is fully accessible.

2023-2024 OUTREACH TOUR SEASON

In addition to full seasons in the Rouse and Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatres, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will present new Off the Hill outreach productions that will perform at schools and community theatres throughout the region. For more information on outreach touring plays, visit cincyplay.com.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT
By Saskia Janse
Based on the book by Margery Williams
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences

Schools: Sept. 25 – Nov. 10, 2023
Off the Hill (at various community theatres across the region): Oct. 6 – Nov. 4, 2023

Jamie receives a velveteen rabbit for Christmas, but he prefers his mechanical toys which seem more “real.” The Velveteen Rabbit is sad that he is not loved by Jamie and is instead tossed in his already full toy cupboard. But another toy, Skin Horse teaches Rabbit that what makes a toy real is when its owner truly loves it. When Jamie’s china dog is misplaced, the Velveteen Rabbit becomes Jamie’s constant companion. Even though the Rabbit becomes shabby, Jamie continues to love him no matter what.

THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
By le Clanche du Rand
Based on the book by C.S. Lewis
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois

Schools: March 18 – May 10, 2024
Off the Hill (at various community theatres across the region): March 29 – May 11, 2024

The classic C.S. Lewis story gets an entertaining and innovative treatment in this two-actor adaptation. The heroic tale of love, faith, courage and giving; the life and death struggle for control of Narnia and the grandeur of the triumph of good over evil has enthralled audiences of all ages.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to 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.

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April 27, 2023 · 6:13 am

SWING REVIVAL MEETS ELECTRO SWING On May 13

KSO_Electro SwingSwing Revival meets Electro Swing
(Millennial vs Gen Z Swing)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023
Newport Car Barn
1102 Brighton St. Newport, KY

Hey, Hep Cats & Hip Hoppers, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra closes its 31st season with a battle of generations —1990s vs 2020s The event center at the Newport Car Barn is the venue for the region’s (likely the nation’s) first Neo/Electro Swing mixer— 7:30 p.m., May 13th.

Swing Revival or Neo-Swing was a musical phenomenon of the 1990s as west coast bands rooted in the Swing era of the 1930-40s began seasoning their sound with rock-a-billy, boogie woogie, jump blues and ska. Groups like Royal Crown Revue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy even made on-screen cameos in the films like The Mask (1994) and Swingers (1996), and brought this high energy swing into the mainstream and dance clubs across the nation. Brian Setzer covered Louis Prima’s original “Jump Jive and Wail,” which became a swing dance commercial for The Gap’s khakis line (1998).

The KSO launched its original 10-pc subsidiary group the Devou-Doo Daddies in 2015 to cover tunes by the groups above and others. Remaining relevant and current in all music means continually investigating the new music scenes world-wide. Electro Swing combines vintage and neo-swing influences with hip-hop, drum’n’ bass, and electronic dance music. Its popularity today is huge in Europe with arists like Caro Emerald, DJ Parov Stelar, Swingrowers, Atom Smith, Cut Capers and others, bringing (a feet don’t fail me now) swing to yet another generation. Whether you are a Millennial or Gen Z-er you won’t be sitting or standing still as the KSO throws down your swing music live and in person (See the full playlist and band roster attached).

The Newport Car Barn is an 1890s block-long building with a high ceiling in southwest Newport, and is evolving into a unique historic event center. The former trolley and bus depot features bars, and patron drop off on Brighton Street.

Don your retro look, grab your dance partner (or simply hang and finger wag) with the KSO’s Devou-Doo Daddies at the Newport Car Barn — 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Tickets are $35. The KSO continues to live stream its concerts for at home access for the price of a single ticket. For tickets and info go to kyso.org, or call (859) 431-6216.

Swing Revival meets Electro Swing
(Millennial vs Gen Z Swing)
7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023
Newport Car Barn
1102 Brighton St. Newport, KY

Song | As performed by
Go Daddy-O* | Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (BBVD)
Bad Girls† | Atom Smith
Zoot Suit Riot* | Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Get Down and Boogie† | Deladap
The Curly Shuffle• | Back in the Saddle Band
Healing Dance† | Swingrowers ft Davide Shorty
Bedbugs* | Squirrel Nut Zippers (SNZ)
Hey Pachuco | Royal Crown Revue
Say What?• | Cut Capers
Mambo Swing* | BBVD

The Jitters• | BBVD
What Chu Got?• | PiSk w/ Caro Emerald
You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3* | BBVD
Ghost of Stephen Foster* | SNZ
Jump Jive and Wail* | Brian Setzer
Champagne† | Swing’it
Tango Del Fuego† | Parov Stelar w/ Georgia Gibbs
I Wanna Be Like You* | BBVD
Get Movin’• | Cut Capers
So Long, Farewell* | BBVD

Arrangements adapted by Scott Woolley*, Terry LaBolt† and Tim Olt•

The KSO’s Devou-Doo Daddies
Troy Hitch – vocal
Emily Jordan – vocal
Dwayne Irvin – tenor sax, Cl
Phil Hilger – bari sax, Fl
Hank Mautner – trumpet
Dominic Marino – trombone
Ben Tweedt – keys
Brian Deyo – guitar
Mike Sharfe – bass
Jim Leslie – drums
Brian Malone – percussion
Manami White – violin
Laurynn Smith – back up-voca

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April 27, 2023 · 6:11 am

LETTERS FROM THE SANTA FE TRAIL Staged Reading on May 4

MSJ_Letters from the Santa Fe TrailLETTERS FROM THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Mount St. Joseph University Theatre Arts
May 4
Williams Recital Hall [Delhi Township]

Staged reading. Based on the tall, yet very true, tales of Sister Blandina, Sister Justina, the wild west of the 1800s, and even a run-in with the infamous Billy the Kid. This one-night-only performance will also include a Q & A with playwright Maggie Lou Rader.

  • Thu, May 4 at 7pm

Official page |

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