Monthly Archives: July 2023

July 7, 2023 · 8:09 pm

A Powerful Portrait of Jazz Legend Billie Holiday Opens at The Carnegie in Covington, KY.  

TC_Lady DayThe biomusical, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL runs July 15–August 20. 

COVINGTON, Ky. (July 4, 2023) – This summer, The Carnegie is inviting audiences back in time to 1959 with the biomusical, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL. This gripping theatrical experience will take audiences on an unforgettable journey into the life and artistry of the legendary Billie Holiday, who is to be portrayed by decorated local actress Brandi La’Sherrill. Performances for LADY DAY… run July 15 through August 20, 2023. 

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL is a riveting portrait of Billie Holiday and the songs that made her famous. In a captivating evening of story and song, audiences will be transported to the gritty Philadelphia bar where the legendary jazz singer gave one of her final public performances in 1959. The hard-hitting musical chronicles the singer’s life story and celebrates the music she gave the world including “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do.” 

LADY DAY… will be brought to life by Director Darnell Pierre Benjamin, who recently received acclaim for the sold-out run of SWEAT at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Benjamin is returning to The Carnegie after choreographing its 2018 production of DREAMGIRLS. Also joining the creative team is Music Director Jason Alexander Holmes, the Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Boychoir. Holmes is making his Carnegie homecoming as well: in 2021 he music directed their outdoor production of The Wonderful Music of Oz. Additionally, Holmes is known for working with local organizations like The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Opera.  

With her magnetic stage presence and soulful vocal prowess, Brandi La’Sherrill is set to mesmerize audiences as Billie Holiday. La’Sherrill is a Resident Artist at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and a five-time BroadwayWorld Cincinnati Award Winner. 

“We are thrilled to have Brandi La’Sherrill bring her immense talent to the stage as she takes on the iconic role of Billie Holiday,” said Director of Theatre, Tyler Gabbard. “Brandi will undoubtedly deliver a gripping performance that showcases both Holiday’s extraordinary talent and turbulent personal life.” 

La’Sherrill will be supported on piano by local musician and Northern Kentucky University graduate Devon Moore, also known as Dev Marvelous. 

Tickets to LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting thecarnegie.com.  

The Carnegie season continues this summer with KINKY BOOTS and GUYS AND DOLLS: 

KINKY BOOTS, the winner of six Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, is a huge-hearted, high-heeled hit featuring music and lyrics by pop legend Cyndi Lauper. Factory owner Charlie is struggling to save his business when he meets Lola, a drag queen with a wildly exciting idea that just might save the day. Inspired by true events, KINKY BOOTS tells the story of a mismatched pair of friends who together learn that sometimes, the best way to fit in… is to stand out! 

KINKY BOOTS runs June 30 – August 19, 2023. Tickets may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting thecarnegie.com.   

GUYS AND DOLLS, A Musical Fable of Broadway is musical theatre at its show-stopping best! Hailed by many as the perfect musical comedy, this colorful classic follows a rowdy bunch of gamblers and showgirls in a wild game of chance and love. Set in bustling 1950s Manhattan, GUYS AND DOLLS features some of the most memorable showtunes of all time, including “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and the irrepressible anthem “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” 

GUYS AND DOLLS runs July 29 – August 18, 2023. Tickets may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting thecarnegie.com.    

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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 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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July 7, 2023 · 7:59 pm

Auditions Announced for WINTER WONDERETTES at The Drama Workshop

TDW_VERTThe Drama Workshop will hold auditions for WINTER WONDERETTES on Sunday, July 30 and Monday, July 31.  The auditions begin at 7 p.m. each evening and will be held at the Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave. Cheviot, OH 45211. The theater’s doors will open at 6:30 p.m. each evening.

WINTER WONDERETTES, by Roger Bean, finds the all-girl vocal group The Wonderettes entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party! Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is, of course, marvelous! This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!

Performances for WINTER WONDERETTES will be December 1 thru 17.

The show requires four women who can harmonize and play friends who grew up together. Director Linda Abbott asks that each person auditioning for the show prepare a song that shows off their vocal range.

An accompanist will be provided for auditions. Please bring sheet music in your key with cuts clearly marked.  Also bring a headshot and resume, and any conflicts September 20 through December 17th.

Please use this link to sign up for an audition slot.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094FA8A622A6FC1-winter

Performances for WINTER WONDERETTES will be December 1 thru 17.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

MISSY: Always the over-achiever of the group, Missy has now blossomed into a full-fledged adult overachiever. She is an elementary school teacher with cat-eye glasses. She has recently returned from her honeymoon with her new husband Bill, an audience member. She controls the evening’s events, even when Betty Jean is in charge: Missy is the one to cover for mistakes, and is always ready to jump in and save the day. She has an inner-sexiness (even slightly kinky) that comes out every once-in-a-while, much to her surprise and embarrassment. She has been best friends with Suzy since elementary school. (Soprano with belt. Range: F#3–A5)

CINDY LOU: Cindy Lou is the ‘bad girl’ of the group, now reformed (to a point). She is sexy with a dry and sassy wit, and has a miles-high jet-black beehive, a cross between the Ronettes and early Priscilla Presley. She has a tattoo on her left upper arm that reads “Billy Ray,” her boyfriend who passed away a few years back (from “The Marvelous Wonderettes”). Until that time it seemed that things always went her way, making Betty Jean crazy. She has an incredible soft side and inner depth, revealed in her Act Two monologue and ballad. (Mezzo Soprano with belt – sings lead vocal line on most group songs. Range: A3–E5)

SUZY: Suzy is happy-go-lucky, a little giddy, a little silly, and a little pregnant. She’s always willing to go along with anyone and anything, and she seems to giggle at just about anything.She finds great pleasure in everything she does; the sillier it is, the more fun she finds it. Her pregnancy has brought out her attention-deficit disorder, and she reverts to her childhood on the drop of a dime. She is married to Ritchie, her high-school sweetheart, who is running the lights for the performance. Her honey-blond hair is reminiscent of early Marlo Thomas/”That Girl.” Her best friend is Missy. (Mezzo/Alto with big belt. Range: C#3–E5)

BETTY JEAN: Betty Jean is the self-anointed clown of the group, always vying for attention from her best friend Cindy Lou. She loves that she is in finally in charge of the group, if only for this one performance. She has worked at Harper’s Hardware since High School and is now in Corporate Sales, a fact she’s very proud of. After a few tumultuous years, she married her high- school boyfriend Johnny, who also used to work at Harper’s Hardware. We learn that they have recently separated for good. She has a strength that belies her goofiness. This strength is what gives her empathy; she has no ‘poor me’ in her attitude. This pays off in her Act One closing song. Her hair is red/auburn. (Strong Alto with big belt. Range: D3–Eb5)

 Produced by special arrangement with Stage Rights (www.stagerights.com)

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July 6, 2023 · 8:48 pm

Auditions Announced for I HATE HAMLET at Troy Civic Theatre

TROY_logoAuditions for I HATE HAMLET by Paul Rudnick, the first show of the 2023-24 season, will be held Saturday July 22nd, starting at 2:00 PM, and Monday, July 24th, starting at 7:00 PM.

Director Erin Gibbons is looking for 3 men and 3 women for the following roles:

  • FELICIA DANTINE (30s-50s): Andrew’s bold, enthusiastic, real estate broker, who is fascinated with the world of theatre and claims to have a sense of the supernatural. Ability to do a New York accent is a plus, but not required.
  • ANDREW RALLY (late 20s/early 30s): A popular, handsome, charming TV star whose series has just been cancelled. He has reluctantly moved into John Barrymore’s apartment and agreed to take on the role of Hamlet for a Shakespeare in the Park production, even though he has no interest.
  • DEIRDRE MCDAVEY (mid 20s/early 30s): Andrew’s naive girlfriend from a privileged background, a bubbly, hopeless romantic, and the cause of Andrew’s sexual frustration. She is overjoyed that her boyfriend is going to play Hamlet, much more than he is and fancies herself the heroine of some classic tale.
  • LILLIAN TROY (70s): Andrew’s agent, who has had a history with John Barrymore. She is a frank, take-no-crap, powerful woman with a dry sense of humor. Ability to do a German accent is a plus.
  • JOHN BARRYMORE (30s-50s): The ghost of the famous larger-than-life actor whose mission is to convince Andrew to play Hamlet. A dashing rake with a cutting wit and unapologetic hedonism. He is/was the best and he knows it. Stage combat experience a plus.
  • GARY PETER LEFKOWITZ (30s): Hot-shot LA TV writer/producer/director with no true appreciation for theatre, especially Shakespeare. Shamelessly exuberant and is very happy with his high life; he’d like for Andrew to keep making big bucks in a new show.

“Andrew Rally seems to have it all: celebrity and acclaim from his starring role in a hit television series; a rich, beautiful girlfriend; a glamorous, devoted agent; the perfect New York apartment; and the chance to play Hamlet in Central Park…. When Andrew’s agent visits him, she reminisces about her brief romance with John Barrymore many years ago, in Andrew’s apartment. This prompts a séance to summon his ghost. From the moment Barrymore returns, dressed in high Shakespearean garb, Andrew’s life is no longer his own…..”

I HATE HAMLET will be presented September 15-17, and 22-24, 2023.

Performances are at 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 pm on Sundays.

I HATE HAMLET is being presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service and is sponsored in full by Chevrolet of Troy

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July 6, 2023 · 8:38 pm

Cast Announced for CALENDAR GIRLS at Middletown Lyric Theatre

MLT_logoCALENDAR GIRLS
Based on the Miramax motion picture
by Juliette Towhidi and Tim Firth

Directed by Karen Oehler & Charley Shafor

When Annie’s husband John dies of leukemia, she and her best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow Women’s Institute members to pose nude with them for an “alternative” calendar. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie’s friendship is put to the test under the strain of their newfound fame. Based on the true story of eleven WI members who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukemia Research Fund.

THE CAST:

  • Kathleen Muddiman Abrams
  • Peggy McDonald-Allen
  • Tim Breithaupt
  • Betty Coulter
  • Ginny Baker Johnson
  • Claudia Kasvin
  • Angie Markham
  • Mary Beth Benken Risenberg
  • Erin Marie Schwartz
  • Robert Willison

All Seats – $20.00 Reserved
Calendar Girls is sponsored in part by The Middletown Community Foundation

For more information visit www.middletownlyric.org.

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July 6, 2023 · 8:29 pm

Auditions Announced for GRUMPY OLD MEN: The Musical at La Comedia Dinner Theatre

LAC_logoLa Comedia Dinner Theatre will hold an Open Call audition for their upcoming production of GRUMPY OLD MEN: The Musical on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, Ohio.

9:00 A.M. SEEKING: Adults 18+

  • JOHN GUSTAFSON Senior male. A retired Midwestern high school teacher. Conservative, finicky, & set in his ways. Excellent comedic skills and sings well.
  • MAX GOLDMAN Senior male. A cranky retired TV repairman. Has a knack for insults & practical jokes. Excellent comedic skills & sings well.
  • JACOB GOLDMAN Male 30-45. Max’s son. A mild-mannered lawyer. Looking for a life change. Strong actor & singer.
  • GRANDPA GUSTAFSON Male who plays 94. John’s father with a “who cares” attitude.
  • CHUCK BARRELS Male 45-65. Owns the general store & bait shop. Loves to tell stories.
  • ARIEL TRUAX Female 50s. A beautiful, playful, free-spirited newcomer to town. A college literary professor with a poetic flair & a mystery about her. Excellent comedic skills, sing & moves well.
  • MELANIE NORTON Female 30-40. John’s daughter. A real estate agent whose marriage is falling apart. Longing for a life change in a warmer climate. Strong actor & singer.
  • SANDRA SNYDER Female 35-50. An unrelenting & by the books tax collector. Sings & moves well.
  • PUNKY BARRELS Female 50s. Chuck’s niece. A wisecracking but loyal newcomer to town.
  • ENSEMBLE Men & Women of all ages to play multiple people in the town. All must sing & move well.

Prepare 16 bars of a Musical Theatre song appropriate to the show.
Please provide a current headshot and resume.

Rehearsals begin September 4, 2023 (Mon – Sat 9AM – 5PM)

Performances September 21 – October 29, 2023. Thurs-Sun matinees and evenings

Director/Choreographer is Chris Beiser.

Questions contact Kris Byerly 937-746-4554 ext. 241

Non-Equity.

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