Monthly Archives: August 2023

August 22, 2023 · 6:00 am

Tom & Jerry, Pink Panther and Bugs Bunny Live

KSO_logoTV Guide
(TV Themes & Toons of the 1950s-Today)

7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2023 (Devou Park) Covington, KY
7:30 p.m. Sunday, September 3, 2023 (Tower Park) Ft. Thomas, KY
7:00 p.m. September 4, 2023 (Woodside Arboretum) Middletown, OH

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra closes its 2023 Summer Park Series with nostalgic television themes and cartoons. Since the 1950s television shows and cartoons have captivated every generation and remain a source of reminiscences and fond memories today.

The first half brings back the sounds of the black and white sit-coms (Bewitched, The Addams Family, I Dream of Jeannie) along with sci-fi (Time Tunnel, Lost in Space) drama (Mission Impossible, Dynasty, LA Law), variety (Benny Hill) and sports (NBC NFL Football) and much more.

After intermission the KSO remembers Saturday morning cartoons from The Animaniacs to Casper, Rocky and Bullwinkle to The Jetsons. Then as the sun disappears, the projector winds up for full-length cartoon features (Bugs Bunny, Pink Panther and Tom & Jerry) accompanied live by the KSO.

Almost none of these TV themes and cartoons would have been possible to present without the incredible talents of KSO arrangers Terry LaBolt and Scot Woolley. Their efforts have allowed the KSO to produce unique programming for decades.

Join the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra with the themes of your favorite shows and toons from yesteryear 7:30 p.m. Saturday, September 2, in Devou Park (Covington); 7:30 p.m. Sunday, September 3, at Tower Park (Fort Thomas); and 7 p.m. Monday (Labor Day), September 4 at Woodside Cemetery & Arboretum (Middletown, OH). Bring blankets, picnics or lawn chairs. Saturday’s TANK park & ride shuttle from Covington Catholic departs on the half hour starting at 6 p.m. (1$ each way). Concessions are available in Devou Park. Food trucks will be on-site in Tower Park.

Bring blankets, picnics or lawn chairs. For more information, registration (for weather updates) and directions, visit the KSO at http://www.kyso.org or call (859) 431-6216. The concert and parking are free, though a $5 (per person) donation to the KSO is suggested.

TV Guide
(TV Themes & Toons of the 1950s-today)

The Wide Receiver (NBC NFL Football) – John Williams

Black & White 60’s TV Olio – Terry LaBolt

  • Three Stooges, Bewitched, Dick Van Dyke
  • I Love Lucy, The Addams Family, Leave it to Beaver
  • My Three Sons, I Dream of Jeannie, The Munsters

Yakety Sax (Benny Hill) – Boots Randolph / LaBolt

Johnny Williams TV Themes – John Williams / LaBolt

  • Land of Giants, Time Tunnel, Lost in Space

Mission Impossible Theme – Lalo Schifrin / LaBolt

TV Spectacular – James Curnow

  • NBC News, Growing Pains, Night Court,
    L.A. Law, MASH, Dynasty

Theme from The Simpsons – Danny Elfman

Intermission

Theme from the Animaniacs – Richard Stone / J. Bernstein

“Cartooneage” – Terry LaBolt

  • Bugs Bunny Show, Merry Melodies, Popeye,
  • Casper, Rocky and Bullwinkle, The Jetsons

“Pink, Plank Plunk” – Ludwig Van Beethoven / Scot Woolley

“Baton Bunny” – Franz von Suppe / Woolley

“Tom & Jerry at the Hollywood Bowl” – J. Strauss, Jr. / Scott Bradley

Coming Next at the KSO:
Dr. Divertimento
7:30 October 28, 2023 Greaves Concert Hall, NKU
(Unplugged party music by Mozart, Bartok, Stravinsky & Bernstein)

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August 22, 2023 · 5:59 am

Magnolia Theatre Company Announces Exciting 2023-2024 Season: Showcasing Diverse Plays and Collaboration with University of Dayton

MTC_logoFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Magnolia Theatre Company Unveils Exciting 2023-2024 Season: Featuring Diverse Plays and Collaborations with University of Dayton

Dayton, OH, August 1, 2023 — Magnolia Theatre Company, a female driven theatre organization, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated 2023-2024 season. With a focus on showcasing powerful female voices and presenting thought-provoking new works, Magnolia Theatre Company returns to the forefront of the Dayton theatre scene.

The season kicks off with the mesmerizing production of “The Moors” by Jen Silverman. This collaboration with the University of Dayton’s Theatre, Dance, and Performance Technology program promises to captivate audiences from November 30 to December 3, 2023. Set in the hauntingly beautiful moors, this play delves into the complexities of relationships and the blurred boundaries of reality, making it a must-see for theatre enthusiasts. Michelle Campbell Hayford, Associate Professor of Theatre at UD, will direct.

In April 2024, Magnolia Theatre Company will present the hilarious and groundbreaking production of “Five Lesbians Eating A Quiche” by Andrew Hobgood and Evan Linder. This uproarious play takes audiences on a journey filled with laughter, warmth, and unexpected twists. Mark your calendars for April 4-7, 2024 at the PNC Arts Annex in Dayton.

As part of the 2023-2024 season, Magnolia Theatre Company will continue the Femme Artisan staged reading series with the support of the Montgomery County Arts and Culture District. This series aims to explore three new plays that celebrate joy and highlight the talent of female playwrights. Kicking off the series is “Beheading Columbus” by Diana Burbano, a thought-provoking play that challenges historical narratives and recently named to the O’Neill Playwriting Finalist list. Andréa Morales will star in this show as Annie Pesch directs. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience this compelling work on October 13-14, 2023 at the PNC Arts Annex. The other titles will be released and produced in 2024.

Gina Handy Minyard, Founding Artistic Director of Magnolia Theatre Company, expresses her excitement about the upcoming season: “We are proud to present an exhilarating lineup of plays that celebrate the diversity and power of female voices. Our collaborations with the University of Dayton and our commitment to showcasing new works ensure that our audiences will be treated to an unforgettable feminist theatrical experience.”

Magnolia Theatre Company continues to push boundaries, champion local talent, and provide innovative and thought-provoking productions to the Dayton community. With each season, they reaffirm their commitment to showcasing the best in feminist theatre while elevating marginalized communities and supporting emerging playwrights.

To stay updated on Magnolia Theatre Company’s upcoming productions and purchase tickets, visit their website at www.magnoliatheatrecompany.com. You can also follow them on Facebook (@MagnoliaTheatreCompany) for the latest news and updates.

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About Magnolia Theatre Company: Magnolia Theatre Company is a local theatre organization dedicated to promoting feminist theatre and gender parity in the arts. With a focus on powerful female voices and thought-provoking new works, Magnolia Theatre Company continues to be a driving force in the Dayton arts community. For more information, visit www. magnoliatheatrecompany.com.

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August 22, 2023 · 5:58 am

Disney’s ALADDIN Individual Tickets On Sale Friday, August 25

BIC_Aladdin

Senzel Ahmady as Jasminean and Adi Roy as Aladdin. Aladdin Tour. Photo by Deenvan Meer.

Tickets for Disney’s Aladdin On Sale
at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati on Friday, August 25 

Performances begin on Tuesday, November 14 and play for 1 week
through Sunday, November 19 at the Aronoff Center

(Cincinnati) – Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, and Broadway in Cincinnati announced today that tickets for the engagement of Disney’s Aladdin will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 25 at 10AM EST. The hit Broadway musical comedy will begin performances in Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center on Tuesday, November 14 for a limited engagement of 1 week through Sunday, November 19 as a part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati season presented by TriHealth. Beginning August 25, tickets will be available at the Aronoff Center Box Office, online at CincinnatiArts.org, or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. Orders for groups of 10+ or more may be placed by calling (513) 369-4363.

Ticket buyers are reminded that the Aronoff Center Box Office, BroadwayInCincinnati.com, and CincinnatiArts.org are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at the Aronoff Center. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the Aronoff Center is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

About Aladdin
Aladdin, the hit musical based on the Academy Award®-winning animated film, opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years. Having played over 3,000 performances, the New York production is among the Top 20 longest runs in Broadway history.

Hailed by The New York Times as “fabulous and extravagant,” the Broadway production has broken 16 New Amsterdam Theatre house records and spawned nine additional productions on four continents. Worldwide it has welcomed more than 16 million people and can be seen currently on Broadway and on tour across North America, as well as in Japan and Spain, with a UK tour opening shortly.

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, Aladdin features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Prom, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).  

Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exciting world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance.  This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.

The animated film Aladdin was released by Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year. The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film’s two Academy Awards as Best Original Song.  The Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, eight-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, three-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken Travis.

The production team also includes illusion designers Jim Steinmeyer and Rob Lake, hair designer Josh Marquette and makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira.  The music team is headed by music supervisor and music director Michael Kosarin, who also created the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined by orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly. John MacInnis is the associate choreographer, Jason Trubitt is the production supervisor and Myriah Bash is the general manager.

Anne Quart serves as co-producer.

The current North American tour has played in over 40 cities to more than a half million people since launching in October 2022.  A previous tour played to an additional nearly 3 million patrons.

For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com/tour, Instagram and Facebook

Aladdin will play the Aronoff Center from November 14 – 19, 2023: Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM, Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM, Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM. Tickets start at $43 and can be found online at CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

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Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. For over twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center. The Broadway in Cincinnati series brings more than 185,000 people downtown to the Aronoff Center each year and contributes an average of $30 million to the local economy each season. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 23/24 Season, and the season is presented by TriHealth. 

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands.  Led by 20-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and Hamilton. Current productions include &Juliet, Hadestown, Hamilton, Kimberly Akimbo, MJ: The Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical. 

The John Gore Organization is the leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide. Under the leadership of 20-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. The company presents shows in 48 cities across North America as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, Japan, and China. It has won Tony Awards in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier Awards.  The John Gore Organization is committed to supporting theater access and education programs that introduce Broadway to the next generation of audiences and theater professionals.

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August 18, 2023 · 10:57 am

New Leadership Structure Announced for Cincinnati Landmark Productions

CLPThe Executive Board of Cincinnati Landmark Productions announced a change in its leadership structure this week.

Rodger Pille, formerly Managing Director for the west-side based non-profit arts organization, becomes the second Executive Director in its 41-year history as Tim Perrino, founder and previous Executive Director, takes a step back from day-to-day management to focus on artistic responsibilities for the organization as well as new endeavors outside the company.

In 1982, Perrino created Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre (CYPT), which later became Cincinnati Landmark Productions (CLP). The organization began as a summer teen theater program that expanded to become the producer and nautical caretaker of the Showboat Majestic in 1990. The organization re-organized and incorporated as Cincinnati Landmark Productions in 2002 when it purchased, renovated and opened the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts in West Price Hill. Perrino’s organization left the Showboat in 2013 after 23 years of stewardship, making him the second longest caretaker of the National Historic Landmark. In 2015, CLP finished construction and opened the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater in East Price Hill. Cincinnati Landmark Productions merged with Madcap Puppets – the popular local touring company – in 2017 and in 2018, it finished renovation and opened the new Madcap Education Center, a comprehensive arts education training facility in Westwood.

“This has been wholly my initiative,” Perrino said. “I am looking for a little time to do other important things. I’ll write my Showboat memoirs and a couple shows. I’ll accept some offers to direct shows from friends in theater companies around the country. Especially, I will do some travelling with my wife and see my grandsons more often. Plus, I will still handle some significant duties for CLP.”

“Tim’s legacy at CLP could never be fully quantified,” said Doug Ridenour, Board President. “His amazing leadership, his vision of this organization, starting with CYPT, his years of stewardship of the Showboat and the construction of three arts venues on the west side of Cincinnati has created a thriving non-profit group that will last generations. While he is taking a well-deserved ‘stepping back’ position, the entire organization is thrilled that he will continue to stay very involved during his next chapter. While we say thank you for all of these years of service, we also say get back to work as there is still much to do.”

Pille began his career as a communications professional for popular local attractions, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal and later the Newport Aquarium. He joined Landmark in 2012 as the Communications/Development Director for Landmark before becoming the Project Manager for the Incline Theater and Madcap Education Center developments, overseeing the fundraising and tax-credit allocations as well project management for the construction of the new facilities. He became the Managing Director in 2019 and oversaw major funding initiatives, including securing crucial relief funding during the COVID-related shutdown.

“Rodger has held many positions within this organization, as well as with other non-profit groups, where he has acquired many skills and knowledge,” Ridenour said. “It is these valuable experiences that make him uniquely qualified to take over the reins of CLP and he has the unanimous support of the Board of Directors.”

Cincinnati Landmark Productions hires over 200 local artists – on-stage and off – to produce main stage seasons at its Covedale Center and Incline Theater venues totaling 160 show nights each year and drawing over 40,000 patrons. Additionally, it provides area young people with year-round opportunities to train and experience the arts through its Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre program as well as music, dance and art classes/camps at the Madcap Education Center. CLP inspires over 50,000 children and families each year through the power of storytelling and puppetry through its extensive Madcap Puppets tour of over 200 Midwest schools, community centers, parks and libraries.

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August 18, 2023 · 6:23 am

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Opens Its Rosenthal Shelterhouse Season with SANCTUARY CITY

PIP_logoAn Unconventional Love Story About Two Young Immigrants

CINCINNATI (Aug. 17, 2023) – The Rosenthal Shelterhouse Season opens Sept. 16 with SANCTUARY CITY, which tells the story of two U.S. immigrants in the wake of the 9/11 tragedy. The strikingly intimate play, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Martyna Majok, runs through Oct. 22. Opening night is Sept. 21.

How far would you go to help a friend, and what would you be willing to risk? This question is at the heart of SANCTUARY CITY, which features two young people who become one another’s sanctuaries after the 9/11 tragedy. Through years of late-night conversations, they see each other through adolescence and fight to find their place in the world.

“At a time of profound polarization on this delicate issue, Majok has given us something that transcends politics as only the best and most humane art can,” writes Elysa Gardner of New York Stage Review.

The two main characters are known only by their initials, B and G. When G becomes a naturalized citizen, she finds a way to help B stay in the country legally. But what begins as a simple choice becomes far more complicated, and G and B’s relationship teeters on the brink of falling apart. Playwright Martyna Majok draws upon her own experience as a Polish-born immigrant raised in New Jersey, infusing authenticity into their stories.

In an interview with DC Theater Arts, she says, “I want to invite people who are not from the world of the show to feel welcome in it. At the same time, for the folks that are from the world, I don’t wanna pander, I don’t wanna over-explain. I want someone who is from Jersey, from my high school, or with their parents to say, ‘That’s right!’ and not feel like I’m educating about my experience… I want both of
those audience members to feel welcome in these stories.”

SANCTUARY CITY begins in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 in 2001, but its portrayal of the immigrant experience is relevant today. As Director Kareem Fahmy explains, “It feels super contemporary because these issues around who gets to stay in the country, and why, and all that stuff hasn’t changed that much. If anything, it’s even more volatile with what’s been happening over the last few years.”

Despite the seriousness of the subject, the play is infused with humor throughout.

“I think it’s important for the theatrical experience to feel really balanced for an audience,” Fahmy continues. “So, we’re leaning into allowing the full humanity of the characters to emerge through how they use humor. I want an audience to have a good time no matter what the play is.”

CAST
B – Jordan Anthony Arredondo
Henry – Debo Balogun
G – Amira Danan

PRODUCTION
Playwright – Martyna Majok
Director – Kareem Fahmy
Set Designer – Alexander Woodward
Costume Designer – Gordon DeVinney
Lighting Designer – Heather Gilbert
Sound Designer & Composer – Megumi Katayama
Casting Director – Katie Galetti

TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35. Preview performances take place Sept. 16, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night is Sept. 21 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 Oct. 4 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 http://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.

EVENTS
Opening Night: Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights with a lively post-show cast party.

Art Talks (Formerly Meet the Artists):

  • Sunday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
    Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.

ADVISORY
SANCTUARY CITY is suitable for teenage and adult audiences. Two young immigrants fight to find their place in the world while using very strong language and discussing mature issues including domestic abuse.

SPONSORS
Production Sponsor is Digi and Mike Schueler. Design Sponsor is John and Jennifer Stein. Season Sponsor is the Vontz Family.

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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