BYE BYE BIRDIE
Tree County Players
June 27-30
Tree County Playhouse [Greensburg, IN]
Directed by Amanda Gault
Music Directed by Dan Borns
When 1950’s heartthrob Conrad Birdie gets drafted, his publicity team has him sing one last song and dedicate it with a kiss for one lucky girl. When the kiss get sabotaged, the plot thickens. Join us to follow all of the loveable characters through this Tony-award winning classic musical!
Filed under On Stage
THE INTERNATIONAL PERCUSSION SENSATION
COMES TO THE ARONOFF CENTER OCTOBER 11 – 12
CINCINNATI: Broadway in Cincinnati is thrilled to announce that STOMP, the international percussion sensation, returns to Cincinnati for 3 performances only. STOMP will play the Aronoff Center October 11 – 12 as a special engagement in the 24/25 Broadway in Cincinnati season presented by Tri-Health. From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK and now entering its 30th year of touring, STOMP has grown into an international sensation, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 26 million people. Tickets will be available to the public later this summer.
Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, STOMP continues to tour North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia following 15 years in London’s West End and 29 years at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, and lengthy sit down productions in San Francisco, Boston and Las Vegas. Throughout its life, the show has continued to change by creating new material to bring music to everyday objects. It is safe to say you will never again look at supermarket carts or plumbing fixtures the same way… or paint cans, or kitchen sinks or…
STOMP, an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, and sell-out engagements, is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London’s Tony Award), a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays.
In addition to the stage shows, STOMP has been an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, an Academy Award nomination, four Emmy nominations and one Emmy Award for their acclaimed HBO special Stomp Out Loud, noteworthy TV appearances including The London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, The Academy Awards (produced by Quincy Jones), Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and a series of award-winning international commercials.
The performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” says co-founder/director Luke Cresswell. A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, STOMP has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expression: both household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists. It is a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum.
Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue; wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – dustbins, suitcases, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps – to fill the stage with a compelling and unique act that is often imitated but never duplicated.
Critics and audiences have raved: “STOMP is as crisp and exuberant as if it had opened yesterday,” says The New York Times. The San Francisco Chronicle declares “STOMP has a beat that just won’t quit!” The Los Angeles Times exclaims: “Electrifying! Triumphs in the infinite variety of the human experience.” “A phenomenal show! Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking – a joyous invention!” says the Chicago Tribune.
STOMP will play the Aronoff Center from October 11 – 12, 2024: Friday at 7:30PM, and Saturday at 2:00PM and 7:30PM. Tickets will go on sale to the public later this summer. 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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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. 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.
Filed under Events, Press Releases
Jeremy Dubin, Billy Chace, and Matthew Lewis Johnson. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Cincy Shakes concludes its 30th Anniversary Season with the highly anticipated comedy that is already breaking Box Office records
Cincinnati, OH – May 22, 2024 – Get ready for an evening of side-splitting laughter and theatrical mayhem as Cincinnati Shakespeare Company proudly presents the uproarious comedy, The Play That Goes Wrong. Running from May 24 – June 16, 2024, this riotous production promises to be the comedy event of the season and is directed by Brian Isaac Phillips. Penned by the talented trio Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, The Play That Goes Wrong has been described as “A GUT-BUSTING HIT!” by The New York Times. This show is a delightful disaster that has garnered acclaim from audiences and critics alike since its premiere. The production design is generously sponsored by Messer and Keybank.
About the Play
It’s Opening Night at the Cornley Drama Society, and they are staging their newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor.” The stakes have never been higher, but from the very beginning, nothing goes according to plan. The theater is plagued by accident-prone actors, a corpse that refuses to play dead, and a leading lady who’s knocked out cold. Amidst the chaos, the valiant (but hapless) actors struggle to reach the final curtain call without bringing down the house—literally.
This farcical fiasco celebrates the timeless theater adage that “the show must go wrong,” woops, we mean “the show must go on!”
Meet the Cast and Crew
Directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips, the production features an ensemble cast of CSC comedy veterans. Audiences will be delighted by the performances of Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Darnell Pierre Benjamin, Billy Chace, Jared Earland, Jeremy Dubin, Candice Handy, Matthew Lewis Johnson, Justin McCombs, and Kelly Mengelkoch. Their comedic timing and chemistry bring this madcap play to life, ensuring non-stop laughter.
The production’s creative team includes Samantha Reno (Scenic Design), who creates the perfect set for chaos to ensue, and Rainy Edwards (Costume Design), who dresses the actors in era-appropriate attire that adds to the humor. Alice Trent (Lighting Design) illuminates the stage to enhance the comedic mishaps, while Chris Guthrie (Sound Design) provides sound effects that punctuate every comedic turn. Gina Cerimele-Mechley (Fight Choreography) choreographs the slapstick and physical comedy, and Kara Eble Trusty (Properties Design) ensures that every prop plays its part in the calamity. Stage Manager Cole Sweasy and Assistant Stage Manager Abby Sherr keep the backstage chaos under control.
A Comedy Sensation
Since its debut in London in 2012, “The Play That Goes Wrong” has become a global phenomenon. Its success caught the eye of producer-director J.J. Abrams, who brought the play to Broadway in 2017, where it was met with enthusiastic acclaim. This slapstick comedy has since become a favorite of theater companies nationwide, delighting audiences with its blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and sheer theatrical disaster.
Ticket and Theater Information
Tickets are on sale now and are going fast- some performances are sold out. The Play That Goes Wrong runs from May 24 – June 16, 2024. Performances are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with two Saturday matinees on June 8 and 15 and three Sunday matinees on June 2, 9, and 16 at 2:00 PM as well as an added show on Wednesday May 29. Sunday matinees include a Q&A with the cast following the performance. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. Sign Language Interpretation and Live Audio Descriptions are available during the Sunday, June 16 2:00 PM performance.
Preview performances are on Wednesday, May 22, and Thursday, May 23, with tickets at $45. Young Professionals are invited to YP Preview Night on Wednesday, Wednesday, May 22, with discounted tickets at $25, including a free drink and post-show talkback.
Friday, May 31, 2024 will be a special gala fundraiser performance. Click here to find out more about this event called REVEL & Rollick.
Discounts are available for students, seniors, local residents, and community partners, as access to all is important to CSC. Each performance night has a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets in the Upper Gallery and Stage Gallery. These can be purchased in advance by going online or calling the Box Office. And starting 1 hour before each performance, any unreserved tickets may be available as a discounted Rush Ticket to anyone, not just students. These tickets are only $12 and could be located anywhere in the house, depending on that evening’s availability. These cannot be reserved more than 1 hour before a show and must be purchased in person in the Box Office. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees apply. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at cincyshakes.com.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. Many parking spaces are available on the street and in nearby lots and garages- for more information, visit otrchamber.com/pages/WheretoPark.
CSC also offers Valet Parking for every performance! Make reservations for $25 in advance when purchasing tickets, or visit www.cincyshakes.com/parking. Purchasing in advance guarantees a spot. Valet is available right at the corner of 12th and Elm Street in front of the theater and begins approx. 1.5 hours before a performance. Cars can be picked up for up to one hour following a performance. (After one hour, you will need to arrange pick up with the valet service directly.) After purchasing, the valet will have your name on the list— it’s that easy!
NEW! Reserved parking spaces are available for $15 in the lot adjacent to CSC on Elm Street, conveniently located next to the theater at 1119 Elm St. Parking opens approximately 2.5 hours prior to each performance. Upon purchase, your name will be added to the list by the 3CDC parking attendant – it’s hassle-free! Booking in advance ensures your space, but drive-ups are welcome if spots are available. Please note that this option is not offered on FC gamedays. Visit cincyshakes.com/your-visit/parking to reserve now.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2023-2024 Season is generously presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation; Season Funder: ArtsWave; Education Season Sponsor: Debby and Jim Mason; and Operating Support Partners: The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr foundation; The Shubert Foundation, Lightborne, and 1215 Wine Bar and Coffee Lab.
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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all. In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers and hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions. In 2015, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the Classics!
Filed under Press Releases
The region joins forces to invite music icon Paul McCartney to Cincinnati in celebration of his world stage premiere by Cincinnati OperaCINCINNATI (May 22, 2024)—Today at Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney joined leaders from Cincinnati Opera and partners from across the region to kick off a community-wide campaign around the Opera’s upcoming world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio.
The summer-long initiative—“Come Together, Cincy! Get Paul to Music Hall!”—highlights why Sir Paul said “Yes!” to Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati and why he should say “Yes!” to the community’s invitation to celebrate his world stage premiere here this July.
Cincinnati Opera brings McCartney’s hit classical piece, Liverpool Oratorio, a musical tribute to his hometown co-written with celebrated composer Carl Davis, to the opera stage for the first time July 18–27 at Music Hall. McCartney endorsed this new production in a letter to the company, saying, “I am writing to express my wholehearted support for this project. I believe that the Cincinnati Opera is uniquely positioned to bring this work to life in a new way, and I have no doubt that your production will be an inspiring experience for all who see it.”
So, will he come?
Organizations across Greater Cincinnati are partnering in a region-wide, collaborative effort to show him why he should.
Throughout the summer, opera and McCartney will be everywhere—from Metro buses, CVG airport, and Reds and FC Cincinnati games, to Washington Park, Fountain Square, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, and Hard Rock Casino. It all kicks off this weekend with one of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s biggest festivals, Taste of Cincinnati.
Partners have developed exciting events and activities for every level of McCartney, Beatles, or opera fan to join in the celebration and to shine a bright spotlight on all that makes the region so special. Visit GetPaulToMusicHall.org to learn about the participating partners and view a full calendar of “Come Together, Cincy! Get Paul to Music Hall!” events. The calendar will be updated weekly.
Residents of the Tristate are also invited to get in on the act by recording a video tribute to Sir Paul and posting it on social media using the hashtag #GetPaulToMusicHall. Tagged videos will be amplified by Cincinnati Opera and “Come Together, Cincy!” partners and shared with McCartney’s team.
Share this video from our partners (and special guests) to get the celebration started!
“We’re looking forward to launching the ‘Come Together, Cincy!’ campaign this weekend at Taste of Cincinnati, courtesy of our partners at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Attendees can stop by the Opera booth and record their video tribute to Sir Paul by sharing a favorite memory or singing a snippet of a McCartney tune,” said Chris Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO of Cincinnati Opera. “Our region has so much to offer when it comes to unique attractions and experiences, and we’re tremendously grateful to Mayor Pureval, Vice Mayor Kearney, and our partners for embracing this moment with such an enthusiastic and collaborative spirit. Let’s get Paul to Music Hall!”
Tickets are still available to Cincinnati Opera’s production of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio at Music Hall this July and the official opening night after-party, “To Sir, With Love.” Due to popular demand, Cincinnati Opera will offer an additional performance of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio during its July run. Tickets and information are available at cincinnatiopera.org.
About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.
Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The company also receives support from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Lead sponsor for Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio is Western & Southern Financial Group. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.
Come Together, Cincy! / Get Paul to Music Hall! partners include 3CDC, ArtsWave, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the City of Cincinnati, CVG, FC Cincinnati, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, SORTA/Metro, and Visit Cincy.
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Filed under Press Releases
THE HELLO GIRLS
Beavercreek Community Theatre
June 21-30
[Beavercreek]
Directed by Matt Owens
Produced by Ben Douglas
Cast: Adee McFarland as Grace, Lindsey Cardoza as Suzanne, Jordan Lopez as Louise, Amber Todd as Helen, Angelé Price as Bertha, David Sherman as Riser, Michael Plaugher as Pershing, Aaron Hill as Matterson and others & Ethan Harris, Lucas Wortylko and Justin Zielske as Wessen, Dempsey, Morris, and others
From New York to Paris, from ragtime to jazz: THE HELLO GIRLS chronicles the story of America’s first women soldiers in this new musical inspired by history. These intrepid heroines served as bilingual telephone operators on the front lines, helping turn the tide of World War I. They then returned home to fight a decades-long battle for equality and recognition, paving the way for future generations. THE HELLO GIRLS was commissioned and premiered by NYC’s Prospect Theater Company to celebrate the centennial of these groundbreaking women.
Filed under On Stage
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 