The cast includes:
Stage and vocal direction by Ryan Heinrich.
Performances run June 16-24.
For more information visit https://www.middletownlyric.org/S_3.html
Filed under Cast list
Photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.
Blues-infused play part of Wilson’s groundbreaking American Century Cycle
CINCINNATI (April 11, 2023) – The groundbreaking work of playwright August Wilson returns to the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park April 23 with SEVEN GUITARS, presented by the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation. Featuring live blues and lyrical dialogue, the play is part of Wilson’s award-winning American Century Cycle. (Previews take place April 23, 25 and 26; opening night is April 27.) The show runs through May 14 in the new Moe and Jack’s Place — The Rouse Theatre.
Like recent productions of Wilson’s American Century Cycle plays Jitney and Two Trains Running, SEVEN GUITARS presents an unrivaled exploration of the Black American experience in the 20th century.
Set in the summer of 1948 in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, blues music echoes through every building and creates a poignant rhythm to everyday life. A tight-knit group of friends gather together to reminisce and explore the ties that bind after the untimely death of their friend Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton – a gifted guitarist whose star was on the rise. As they do, a mystery unfolds that touches each of their lives.
“With SEVEN GUITARS, August deviates somewhat from his usual format and gives us a little twist on structure by using a flashback to help us follow the seven characters (seven guitars, so to speak)…Like always, August’s characters are rich and complicated,” explains Director Ron OJ Parson, who has directed more than 30 August Wilson plays and is one of the foremost experts of his work.
The play is among only a few by Wilson to feature live music. Characters bring blues to life, creating a soulful and emotional cadence to a story that’s already lyrical in its writing.
“SEVEN GUITARS, like Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,is about a musician,” says Parson. “I like to take that aspect to another level in the way I direct them. Being into blues and jazz myself, I use that to the fullest extent. Music is so important in the culture and world of the play.”
Considered one of the greatest American playwrights, Wilson and his Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning body of work have opened doors to innumerable revelations and conversations about the Black experience in the U.S. His chronicling and contributions to Black culture have reached across generations, races and national boundaries, inviting readers and audiences across the globe to examine at ground level the despair generated by poverty and racism, while simultaneously celebrating Black America.
CAST
Saran Bakari (Ruby); Bryant Bentley (Red Carter); Kevin Brown (Hedley); Kierra Bunch (Vera Dotsun); Marsha Estell (Louise); Dimonte Henning (Floyd “Schoolboy” Barton); Vincent Jordan (Canewell)
PRODUCTION
Ron OJ Parson (Director); Shaun L. Motley (Set Designer); Yvonne L. Miranda (Costume Designer); Jason Fassl (Lighting Designer); Andre J. Pluess (Sound Designer); Joe Foust (Fight Director); Cristin Carole (Movement/Intimacy Consultant); Jonathan Hetler (Casting Director); Brooke Redler (Stage Manager); Andrea L. Shell (Second Stage Manager); Co-production with Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35. Preview performances take place April 23 at 2 p.m. and. April 25- 26 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night is April 27 at 7:30 p.m. Performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on May 10 at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.
EVENT: ART TALKS (FORMERLY MEET THE ARTISTS)
Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.
ADVISORY
August Wilson’s Seven Guitars is suitable for adult and older teenage audiences. This landmark script contains adult language (including the n-word) as it explores the tunes of life for the story’s characters. Through poetic dialogue and blues melodies, they speak frankly and deeply about hardship, violence, death and racism. The show runs approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, with one intermission.
SPONSORS
Production Sponsor is the Carol Anne and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation. Artist Sponsors are Geiler, BHDP, 19/19 Investment Counsel, AAA/Provident Travel and Diane and Carl Iseman. Season Sponsors is Schueler Group. The Rosenthal Family Foundation is the season sponsor of new work.
The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the 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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Filed under Press Releases
(Will You Be a Happy Pappy?)
Raffle Drawing 9:00 – 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023
KSO Offices 540 Linden Ave. Newport, KY
The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra will hold its Annual Rare Bourbon Raffle on May 20 to help fund free concerts in Devou and Tower Parks this Summer (July – Sept). Great neighbor and long-time supporter — The Party Source — has donated a 6-bottle set (2022 release) of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon, a Woodford Reserve Baccarat edition, as well as 20 rare and pricey bourbons for the KSO’s annual fundraiser. The raffle helps fund the KSO’s free education outreach concerts for 260 regional schools, and free, family-friendly park concerts which have become a Summer tradition.
The November 2022 release of Old Rip & Pappy Van Winkle yielded a few more bottles, yet the complete “vertical set” (pictured) remains hard to come by in 2023. Tickets are $100 per chance (Limited to 650). One winner will be drawn on Saturday night, May 20th between 9:00 – 9:30 p.m. to win all six bottles.
A second raffle will be held following the Pappy drawing for the Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition finished 3 years in XO Cognac barrels and presented in a Baccarat crystal decanter and display case. Tickets are $50 and limited to just 300 chances.
A third raffle brings back the KSO’s 20 Bourbons / 20 Winners. Hard to find and rare bourbons and lots include: Knob Creek 18 year – 30th Anniversary, Smoke Wagon Rare & Limited (along with 8 others for a 9 bottle lot), Willett 8 year, Michter’s Barrel Strength & Toasted Barrel Finish (2 bottle lot), Weller Antique, Full Proof & 12 year Original plus 15 more delicious and scarce bourbons (See attached listing).
Tickets for the 20/20 raffle are $25 per chance. One ticket will be drawn for each bourbon or lot. The winning ticket will be read and attached to that bottle at the drawing. View bourbons and buy tickets: kyso.org/raffle or by phone (859) 431-6216.
The drawing will be held live and streamed on the KSO’s website (kyso.org) and on Facebook Live beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023. Ticket sales end at 4 p.m. on May 20. Winners need not be present to win. Winners will be notified by email and sent instructions regarding how to pick up their prize bourbon in-person or via a representative with proper ID. The KSO cannot legally ship bourbons. (Northern Kentucky Symphony, Inc. Charitable Gaming License #2704)
Bring free culture, nostalgic entertainment and great music to area schools and parks by buying a chance to win amazing bourbons, and supporting the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra. Buy your tickets today!
Filed under Press Releases
TCT AUDITION CASTING NOTICE
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Youth Edition
AND
NARNIA THE MUSICAL
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in May for the first two MainStage productions in their 2023-2024 season at the Taft Theatre.
All roles are paid positions.
TCT, the nation’s oldest theatre for children, is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and is committed to a dynamic casting process. All roles are open to everyone regardless of ethnicity, background, ability, or gender identity.
Upon audition registration, you may indicate which shows for which you would like to be considered. Auditions are by appointment only.
You only need ONE audition appointment, even if you are interested in both productions.
Adult performers and young performers ages 9-18 who would like to be considered for TCT’s Young Artist Company, may make an audition appointment by visiting https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/
Appointment dates:
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Youth Edition callbacks will take place on Saturday, May 6, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
NARNIA The Musical callbacks will take place on Sunday, May 7, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Auditions and Callbacks are held at TCT’s headquarters located at: 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati OH 45227.
If you are unable to attend auditions in person and would like to inquire about a virtual submission, or for information concerning auditions email Maddie Jones at Maddie.Jones@tctcincinnati.com
Visit https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/ to sign-up for an audition appointment.
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
ABOUT THE SHOWS
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Youth Edition
Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg
Book: Kyle Jarrow
Musical Production Conceived by: Tina Landau
Directed by: Maddie Jones
Choreography by: Roderick Justice and Maddie Jones
The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world!
The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg.
Rehearsals: September 9 – October 7, 2023
Mon – Thurs: 6:30-9:30 PM, Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
Tech in the Taft Theatre: October 11–13, 2023 Daytime/Evening
Performances: October 14 –23, 2023
The first Monday of the week is dark after opening. Throughout the week, TCT hosts morning and afternoon performances for school field trips. Afternoon and evening performances for the public take place Friday-Sunday.
SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: (any gender, portrays male) He is optimistic, innocent, and boyish; energetic and sometimes hyperactive. This actor should have the ability to move well and be an extremely physical actor – unafraid of climbing and being on tall objects. Additionally: Must be naturally funny and have great comedic skills and precision. Strong pop tenor.
SQUIDWARD Q. TENTACLES: (portrays male) Grumpy, cynical, dry, short- tempered, generally negative but lovable! This Actor must be a strong tap dancer. Comedic timing skills are necessary.
PATRICK STAR: (portrays male) Well-intentioned but lacking common sense or skills; kind and somewhat clueless, an innocent; a big softie, who can also be prone to sudden child-like fits of rage or frustration.
SHELDON J. PLANKTON: (portrays male) His personality outweighs his size- slick, scheming, nefarious; has the ability to charm; determined, he will do anything to get ahead in life; very greedy, but his heart is still open enough to rekindle a romance with his wife. This character will need to dance and rap skills a plus.
KAREN, THE COMPUTER: (portrays female) Glamorous, a robotic wife of Plankton. She’s been there for Plankton’s every scheme and plot and has become jaded – she’s been there and done that. Strong comic actor, as well as singer and mover.
PEARL KRABS: (portrays female) Mr. Krabs’ bratty teenage daughter. This is a character role with Gospel vocal overtones.
SANDY CHEEKS: (portrays female) A brainy and athletic Texan squirrel who came to Bikini Bottom for a research project. She acts as SpongeBob’s most trusted ally on their quest to stop the volcano from erupting, using her vast amount of scientific knowledge and brilliant inventions to aid the mission.
EUGENE KRABS: (portrays male) The greedy owner of the Krusty Krab, and employer of SpongeBob and Squidward. While everyone is off panicking about Bikini Bottom’s imminent doom, he decides to strike the iron while it’s hot and puts on a huge “apocalypse sale” at his restaurant, exploiting the fear of his fellow fish to make him even richer.
FEATURED ENSEMBLE ROLES:
-Mayor of Bikini Bottom
-Perch Perkins
-Sardines
-Old Man Jenkins
-Mrs. Puff
-Larry the Lobster
ELECTRIC SKATES: Rock and roll band members, the Skates are hard-core, grungy, heavy metals meet World Wrestling. Strong Dancers, very comfortable on skateboards (need to “play” guitar while skating), ability to do skateboard tricks a plus. Also open to rollerblade or inline skating if the actor is expert, with tricks available.
ENSEMBLE: A variety of character types to play several featured ensemble roles; Actors with comedic timing, extremely strong pop/rock or contemporary musical theatre voices and be able to tap and dance Hip-hop extremely well; Seeking STRONG Dancer, Singer, Actors with versatile singing and acting ability who will cover principal roles.
NARNIA THE MUSICAL
Based on C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
Book: Jules Tasca
Music: Thomas Tierney
Lyrics: Ted Drachman
Directed by: Roderick Justice
Choreography by: Maddie Jones & Roderick Justice
NARNIA THE MUSICAL tells the story of four English schoolchildren – brothers and sisters – sent away from London during World War II to stay with their uncle in a large manor. They stumble upon (and through) a wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia, held in the power of the White Witch, whose evil spell has frozen the land, so that it is “always winter – and never Christmas.”
In this spellbound landscape, filled with creatures of myth and fable, the children face temptation and fear, but learn deep lessons of courage, unselfishness, and wisdom that help them grow in spirit and prepare them for life in our world.
From the excitement of the opening number “Doors and Windows,” to the poetry of “Narnia (You Can’t Imagine),” to the stirring “To Make the World Right Again,” your spirits will soar with all those in this enchanted land in Narnia The Musical.
Rehearsals: November 4 – December 2, 2023 (No rehearsal November 22 – 24. Potential added rehearsal Sunday, November 26) Mon – Thurs: 6:30-9:30PM, Sat: 10AM – 4PM
Tech in the Taft Theatre: December 6 – 8, 2023 (Daytime/Evening)
Performances: December 9 – 18, 2023
The first Monday of the week is dark after opening. Throughout the week, TCT hosts morning and afternoon performances for school field trips. Afternoon and evening performances for the public take place Friday-Sunday.
SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:
ASLAN: (portrays male) Regal and powerful but with an underlying passion, the lion stands as the rightful king of Narnia.
WITCH: (portrays female) Cunningly sweet one moment then strikingly wrathful the next, she is the one who has usurped the throne from Aslan.
PETER: (portrays teenage male) The oldest of the four children who venture to Narnia. While a young man of integrity, he has had to play the role of parent perhaps too young and thus reflects a somewhat bossy persona.
SUSAN: (portrays teenage female) The second oldest of the four children who venture to Narnia. While compassionate, she also has had to play the role of parent a bit too young, and thus reflects a slight bossy persona.
EDMUND: (portrays young male) The second youngest of the four children who venture to Narnia. Cranky and temperamental, he sides with the witch without his siblings.
LUCY: (portrays young female) The youngest of the four children who venture to Narnia. Sincere and sweet, she leads her family in the adventure.
BEAVER: (portrays male) A cranky pessimist, but at heart a true Narnian patriot who aids the children.
MRS. BEAVER: (portrays female) Plucky and boisterous, she also aids the children in their venture.
TUMNUS: (portrays male) Quirky and nervous, the good-hearted faun gets mixed up in the wrong crowd.
RENWITH: (any gender) The stubborn, tough, and vengeful wolf who challenges Peter to a sword fight in the name of The White Witch.
FENRIS: (any gender) The arrogant and militant wolf who leads The White Witch’s secret police.
DWARF: (any gender) The crusty character serves as the witch’s main ever scratching sidekick.
THE PROFESSOR: (portrays older male) A cheerful yet mysterious man who narrates the show.
FATHER CHRISTMAS: (portrays older male) A Santa-like character, lacking many of the overt stereotypes, leaves a profound sense of hope and cheer.
ASLAN’S ARMY/ENSEMBLE/PUPPETEERS: (any gender, ages 9+) Various Narnians who fight for Aslan in the final battle and stand by his side when he faces the witch.
Filed under Auditions, Family-Friendly
Footlighters Announces Auditions for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN May 22 & 23 from 6-9pm
Mel Brooks’ electrifying musical comedy will be brought to life at Footlighters Inc this fall, with performances running September 14-October 1.
Join the Frankenstein family business by auditioning for this monstrous musical
Sign up to audition at the link below:
www.signupgenius.com/…/10c0448aeae2babfc1…
What to Bring:
Auditions will consist of three parts:
Please contact the director, John Siedenberg, at jsiedenbergii@gmail.com with questions or accommodation needs.
Filed under Auditions
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 