Monthly Archives: April 2024

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Runs May 10-26

DPH_JospehJOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Dayton Playhouse
May 10-26
[Dayton]

One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. The magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles, from a parody of French ballads to country-western and calypso.

  • Fri-Sat, May 10-11 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 12 at 2pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 17-18 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 19 at 2pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 24-25 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 26 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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WORLD BUILDERS Runs May 10-19

XACT_World BuildersWORLD BUILDERS
Xenia Area Community Theatre
May 10-19
[Xenia]

Directed by Julie Hauwiller

Cast: Dustin Evans as Max & Onyx Davis as Whitney

Max and Whitney are patients in a clinical drug trial. The pills they are testing will rid them of elaborate fantasy worlds they have constructed as part of schizoid personality disorders. As the pills start to work, they fall in love. But is loving one person really work destroying two entire worlds?

  • Fri-Sat, May 10-11 at 7pm
  • Sun, May 12 at 3pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 17-18 at 7pm
  • Sun, May 19 at 3pm

Official page |

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GODSPELL Runs May 3-12

TROY_GodspellGODSPELL
Troy Civic Theatre
May 3-12
[Troy]

Directed by Derek Dunavent

Cast: Sam Jacobi as Jesus, Cody Peterson as Judas & Alicia Wagner as John the Baptist
Apostles: Michelle Peterson, Gabriel Ison, Rachel Brown, Racheal Tingley, Amelia Wiggershaus, Tamar Fishbein, Savvy Hostether, Shannon Carlson & Jenny Weber

  • Fri-Sat, May 3-4 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 5 at 2pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 10-11 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 12 at 2pm

Official page |

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THE CHOSEN Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE CHOSEN presented by Cincinnati in the Park through May 12th. I attended the opening night performance. 

PIP_The Chosen2

The cast of THE CHOSEN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo credit to Mikki Schaffner.

Way back when I was a practicing Catholic and before I was Jew-ish, I was assigned to read a book in a high school religion class. In all honesty, The Chosen by Chaim Potok did not really pique my interest. I am uncertain if it was my age or my undiagnosed ADHD that served as the culprit, but I was not the book’s biggest fan. Make no mistake: I was thrilled to learn more about the Jewish faith through this story of an unlikely friendship formed between two boys who practiced different types of Judaism – but even after so much time had passed, I was of two minds about attending a stage adaptation. Fortunately for me (and for all of us), Aaron Posner’s adoption of the original text (not to mention his direction of the play itself) is nothing short of perfection.

Set Designer Daniel Conway gifts us with one of the most beautiful and functionally diverse sets ever seen. Complemented with creative and thoughtful lighting designed by Noele Stollmack, the stage is easily transformed from the homes of the boys to a baseball diamond to Reb Saunders’ shul (Yiddish for “synagogue”) and several other settings. Costume Designer Helen Q. Huang perfectly captures the orthodox garb of a Hasid in addition to the era-appropriate clothing of the modern orthodox members.

Mr. Posner’s direction of this extraordinarily talented ensemble of four performing artists is to be commended. Both pacing and use of the playing space are optimal. Further, we as the audience are emotionally invested from very nearly the first moment. In speaking with the lovely patron next to me who asked me at intermission if I was enjoying the show, she offered such a spot-on comment on how she felt about it: “It is as if you can feel the emotions coming off the stage right at you.” I agreed with her and enjoyed this description as it was a palpably impassioned experience.

As our narrator of sorts, Eli Mayer as Reuven Malter does an excellent job at aging right before our eyes by simply altering the way he carries himself throughout the production. Mr. Mayer is relatable and an excellent storyteller. In the role of Daniel “Danny” Saunders, Reuven’s would-be rival and eventual friend, Hillel Rosenshine delivers a top-notch performance of a brilliant yet socially awkward Hasid whose mind seems to be both a blessing and a curse. Mr. Rosenshine matches Mr. Mayer’s physicality in his own character’s journey and it is magical.

Not to be outdone by their on-stage progeny, Steve Routman is affable and paternal as David Malter, Rueven’s empathetic and kind father who encourages the boys to be friends. I do not believe there is a person out there who would not want a father as portrayed by Mr. Routman and I sincerely hope the poor man isn’t accosted by too many hugs after his performances.

While it is difficult to focus on any one actor above the other (truly, they are that good), particular praise must be paid to Ron Orbach as Reb Saunders, the consummate leader of his congregation. Reb’s emotional journey is perhaps the most dramatic of all, even when there are times you may wonder if you can possibly find the character at all sympathetic. So many of the audience’s audible reactions from laughs to “oohs” to tears are due to Mr. Orbach’s impeccable execution. (Fun fact: be sure to read his bio to find out which one of my favourite films from when I was a teen boasts his talents.)

Click here for more information on the production.

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Auditions Announced for NUNSENSE and SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Covedale Center

  • CCPASaturday, May 18, 2024 from 1pm to 3:30pm
  • Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 1pm to 3:30 pm

Callbacks:

  • Monday, May 20, 2024 6:30pm to 8:30pm (Nunsense)
  • Tuesday, May 21, 2024 6:30pm to 8:30pm (Something Rotten)

Audition Location:
The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
4990 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238

If you’d like the audition forms sent to you in advance, email Jennifer Perrino at Jenniferperrino@clpshows.org.

CLP is actively seeking diverse casts. Performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities and abilities are especially encouraged to audition and will be considered for all roles.

NUNSENSE
September 12 – October 6, 2024
Book, Music and Lyrics by Dan Goggin

The all-time hit musical spoof about the misadventures of five star-struck, singing, dancing nuns! Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia Child of God. The remaining nuns – ballet-loving Sister Leo, streetwise Sister Robert Anne, befuddled Sister Mary Amnesia, the Mother Superior Sister Regina, and mistress of the novices Sister Mary Hubert – stage a wildly off-kilter talent show to raise the money to bury their dearly departed. With catchy songs and irresistible comedy, Nunsense is sure to keep you rolling with laughter. NUNSENSE is habit-forming!

Production Team: Douglas Berlon, Director; Ted Baldwin, Music Director; Molly K. Sexton, Choreographers; Jill Rothmeeler, Stage Manager

  • Please prepare to read from the script.
  • Please prepare to sing between 16 and 32 measures of a musical theatre song (an accompanist will be provided).
  • You will be taught a dance combination as well.
  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age to audition.
  • MUST HAVE A RESUME listing theatrical experience in order to audition.
  • A headshot/picture is appreciated. Please bring a headshot and resume.

Sister Mary Regina, Mother Superior
Female/Lead/Mezzo-Soprano

A feisty, Sophie Tucker-type who can’t resist the spotlight. The head of the convent, she is respected greatly by the sisters. While she is strict, she has a hard time keeping the craziness of the convent at bay. She keeps her guard up in front of the nuns, but has an extroverted side. Role requires some very physical humor. The character may be played with an Irish accent. Voice part: Mezzo Belt. Dance: musical theatre singer choreography.

Sister Mary Hubert, Mistress of Novices
Female/Lead/Soprano

Hubert is in charge of novices, but fancies herself a Mother Superior and is constant competition with Mary Regina. She exudes maternal wisdom to novices, but also likes to let loose. Voice part: Mezzo Belt. Dance: musical theatre singer choreography and tap.

Sister Mary Amnesia
Female/Lead/Soprano

As the name suggests, she has lost her memory and does not know who she is except that she is a nun. She is spacey and incoherent, often slipping into displays inappropriate for a nun. Must be able to sing in classical and country styles. Vocal part: Soprano Belt. Dance: musical theatre singer choreography and tap. Extra: puppetry and ventriloquism a plus.

Sister Mary Leo
Female/Lead/Soprano

Leo is the novice nun who has entered the convent with the firm desire to become the first nun ballerina. Still learning the way and coming to terms with her decision to give up “civilian” life, she deems herself quite the ballerina and displays her talents through much of the show. She is easily swayed to join in mischief. Vocal part: Soprano. Dance: musical theatre singer choreography, tap and ballet.

Sister Robert Anne
Female/Lead/Mezzo-Soprano

Once a child delinquent herself, this rough tough nun is a jokester and constantly challenging authority. She speaks with a thick Brooklyn accent and constantly displays her lack of refinement. Vocal part: Mostly Mezzo Belt – she has a few moments with a sweet soprano tonality. Dance: musical theatre singer choreography and tap.

SOMETHING ROTTEN
October 17 – November 10, 2024

Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Music and Lyrics by Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick

Welcome to the Renaissance! The Black Plague has ceded power to the Puritans. Farthingales and codpieces are the latest fashion trends. And the biggest celebrity in England is some guy named William Shakespeare. Meanwhile, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, in trying to keep their acting company afloat consult a soothsayer who informs them that the future of theatre involves acting, singing, and dancing – sometimes all at once! With hilarious songs like “I Hate Shakespeare,” “Will Power” and the title tune “Something Rotten,” the Bottom brothers write the world’s very first “musical,” as they battle the Bard himself. SOMETHING ROTTEN is a hysterical, joyous musical celebration of everything you love about Broadway!

Production Team: Jay Goodlett, Director; Mark Femia, Music Director; Tina DeAlderete, Choreographer; Jenny Lutes, Stage Manager

  • Please prepare to read from the script.
  • Please prepare to sing between 16 and 32 measures of a musical theatre song (an accompanist will be provided).
  • You will be taught a dance combination as well.
  •  Must be a minimum of 18 years of age to audition.
  • MUST HAVE A RESUME listing theatrical experience in order to audition.
  • A headshot/picture is appreciated. Please bring a headshot and resume.

Nick Bottom
Male/Lead/Tenor, Baritone

The main protagonist of the show. A struggling renaissance writer at the end of his rope. Nigel’s older brother. Incredibly jealous of the success of William Shakespeare and will do anything to beat him. He is responsible for creating the first musical, Omelette, after guidance from the misguided Nostradamus. Seeking a comedic actor who sings – tap dance skill a plus. Songs: God, I Hate Shakespeare, Right Hand Man, God, I Hate Shakespeare (Reprise), A Musical, A Musical Tag, The Black Death, Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top, It’s Eggs, To Thine Own Self (Part 2), Something Rotten, Make an Omelette, To Thine Own Self Reprise, Welcome to America

Brother Jeremiah
Male/Supporting/Tenor, Baritone

The Puritan father of Portia and secondary antagonist in Something Rotten!. He is very strict and refuses to let her daughter engage in “fulfilling her lustful desires”. He shows nothing but disrespect towards everyone, but especially playwrights like Nick and Nigel. A deeply repressed Puritan. He despises playwrights, poets and all things ungodly. Seeking a comedic actor who sings. Songs: Welcome to the Renaissance, We See the Light (Will likely participate in other musical numbers)

Beatrice “Bea” Bottom
Female/SupportingMezzo-Soprano

Nick’s wife and “Right Hand Man”. She loves and supports him despite his questionable decision making and lack of success. Bea resorts to dressing up like a male to make ends meet for her growing family. She is a strong leader and a powerful woman who is quite persuasive when she wants to be. She ultimately saves the day. Comedic acting a plus. Songs: Right Hand Man, Bottom’s Gonna be on Top, Right Hand Man Reprise

Portia
Female/Supporting/ Soprano
A quirky Puritan girl whom Nigel meets on the street. Portia is the only daughter of Brother Jeremiah and the love interest to Nigel Bottom. They fall madly in love with each other over their mutual love for Shakespeare and poetry. Portia and Nigel set out to convince Jeremiah and the other puritans that they should be together rather than following the “star-crossed lovers” idea. Comedic actress who sings well. Songs: I Love the Way, We See the Light, Welcome to America

William Shakespeare
Male/Supporting/Tenor

A renaissance rock star. Classic Mick Jagger type performer. William Shakespeare is both the real life author of many plays and rival to Nick Bottom. Shakespeare, also referred to as “The Bard” throughout the show, gets all of the praise and attention from his adoring fans leaving writers like Nick and Nigel in his shadow. Shakespeare is portrayed as a rock star, and all of his sonnets are performed as rock songs during the song Will Power. Seeking a comedic actor with a pop/rock voice style, tap dance skills a plus. (rock tenor) ● Songs: Will Power, Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top, Hard to Be The Bard, Something Rotten, Make an Omelette

Nigel Bottom
Male/Supporting/Tenor

Nick’s younger brother. A sweetly naïve young writer and poet, perhaps a little awkward. He’s not very confident, as shown when he doesn’t think his work is very good despite the outstanding quality of his writing. He is very gullible and can easily be manipulated. He falls in love with Portia and ultimately finds confidence in himself through art and love. Seeking a comedic actor who sings very well. Songs: God, I Hate Shakespeare, Right Hand Man, The Black Death, I Love the Way, Will Power, Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top, We See the Light, Nigel’s Theme, To Thine Own Self Be True, To Thine Own Self (Part 2), To Thine Own Self Reprise, Welcome to America

Thomas Nostradamus
Male/Supporting/Tenor, Baritone

A soothsayer who “almost” sees the future correctly. A bit loony. This character predicts that Nick and Nigel will write a musical. Seeking a comedic performer who sings and moves very well. (Baritone / or Mezzo) Songs: A Musical + Tag, Make an Omelette, Welcome to America

Shylock
Male/Featured/Baritone

Jewish landlord/tax collector who loves theater more than anything. It was illegal at that time to hire someone who was Jewish, so when Nick is forced to hire Shylock, he has to watch out or he could be hanged. An investor to whom Nick and Nigel are in debt. Comic character. Songs: Bottom’s Gonna Be On Top (Other ensemble songs throughout the show)

Minstrel
Male/Featured/Tenor

The Minstrel is a narrator of sorts for the show with the main purpose of introducing the cast and welcoming the audience to the Renaissance era of the show. This performer opens the first and the second act. The performer playing the Minstrel will also play other roles in the show. ● Songs: Welcome to the Renaissance, Welcome to the Renaissance Reprise, (Other musical numbers throughout the show)

Lord (or Lady) Clapham / Master of the Justice
Male or Female/Featured/Tenor, Baritone

Lord/Lady Clapham is a flamboyant theatre producer. Comic speaking role. This character may also play Master of the Justice as well as other singing/dancing roles throughout the show. ● Songs: Welcome to the Renaissance, A Musical, Will Power, Shakespeare’s after party, Bottom’s Gonna Be on Top, We See the Light, Make an Omelette, Shakespeare in Court, Welcome to America

Ensemble
The Bard Backup Singers/Dancers This small group of singers/dancers, who play Shakespeare’s entourage, may either be cast with males or females. Strong dance abilities preferred. “ Tap Dancing Ensemble for Tappers

Grim Reapers Performers are tappers for A Musical, Make an Omelette, The Black Death and more!

Puritans – Singing and dancing Puritans in the number, We See the Light, as well as other scenes

Renaissance Writers Singers who make an appearance in Welcome to the Renaissance

Shakespeare Groupies Singing / Dancing Ensemble in Will Power Gallery

People in Court Singer Ensemble in Shakespeare in Court New World

Troupe Singer Ensemble in Welcome to America London

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