Monthly Archives: July 2024

TICK, TICK…BOOM! Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

TICK, TICK…BOOM! presented by The Carnegie through July 28th. I attended the Opening Saturday performance. 

The cast of tick, tick…BOOM! presented by The Carnegie. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

It may come as a surprise to some, but I had never seen Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick…BOOM! before seeing the Carnegie’s current production. Fortunately for me, Director & Choreographer Lindsey Augusta Mercer along with Music Director Matthew Umphreys have graced us with an excellent iteration of the show which walked so Rent could run. Set in 1990, it tells the story of Jon, an aspiring NYC composer who is questioning his career choice of being part of the performing arts as his 30th birthday looms.

Mx. Mercer’s physical direction can all be filed under choreography as it is artistically seamless and purposeful. The show moves non-stop and musical numbers oscillate between feeling like ??? and intimate solo moments as appropriate. Mr. Umphreys has nailed a perfect symmetry of harmonies between his cast members – and every word is heard and understood even as some lyrics overlap. Under their direction, this cast of three is unstoppable. Shout-out once again to the creativity of Scenic Designer Tyler Gabbard for an unconventional and functional set. The way he layers his sets is *chef’s kiss*.

While the trio of performing artists make a very strong ensemble, there is certainly a stand-out performance to praise: Patrick Earl Phillips as Jon. Is there nothing Mr. Phillips can NOT do? His acting is supreme, his vocals impressive, his talent as a musician is enviable, and his physicality is unmatched. (One might guess running around after three daughters might assist with his endurance.) As an audience, you will be there on this journey with him from start to finish.

Not to be brushed under the rug are strong performances by JT Langlas as Michael (and Others) and Annika Jonker as Susan (and Others). Both are strong, thoughtful actors with vocal chops most would covet. Both Mr. Langlas and Ms. Jonker make smart, definitive choices in their “Others” roles while still maintaining consistency in their “primary” characters. Even better: the chemistry between the trio is absolute magic.

If you, like me, have never seen this classic Larson musical – or even if you have – I highly recommend trying to catch one of the last three performances scheduled at The Carnegie. Clocking in at just under 100 mins with no intermission, it is a lovely and energetic time at the theatre.

Click here for more information about the production.

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Auditions Announced for Dr. Seuss’s THE CAT IN THE HAT and Disney’s FROZEN JR. at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in August for the third and fourth MainStage productions in their 2024-2025 season at the Taft Theatre.

Performers ages 9-14:
For performers ages 9-14, we are accepting virtual submissions ONLY. Please sign up to audition at the following link. https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/ When you go to select a time slot, please only select “waiting list” as an option, so we have all of your correct information. After that, you must submit your virtual submission of a one-minute song with backing track or piano accompaniment HERE no later than Sunday, August 18th. NOTE: Please make the title of your video submission the performers first and last name. We will review your submission on Monday, August 19th and reach back out to you via email IF we are interested in seeing you for callbacks.

Adult performers and young performers ages 15-18:
Adults over 18 to be considered for casting and performers 15-18 to be considered for TCT’s Young Artist Company, you may make an audition appointment by visiting https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/ 

Appointment dates:

  • Monday, August 19, 2024- 5:30-9:00 PM
  • Tuesday, August 20, 2024- 5:30-9:00 PM
  • Wednesday, August 21, 2024- 5:30-9:00 PM
  • Thursday, August 22, 2024- 5:30-9:00 PM

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. 

Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat callbacks will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Disney’s Frozen JR. callbacks will take place on Sunday, August 25, 2024, 5:00-9:00 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

  1. Please prepare the piano sheet music to a memorized song that shows your acting and vocal range. (1-minute max). The song must be age Remember to have your PIANO SHEET MUSIC, as we will not be auditioning for a cappella skills. An accompanist will be provided. Your sheet music MUST have the piano part, not just the vocal line, and music should be in a 3-ring binder with any cuts CLEARLY marked for the accompanist.

    You only need a song. You do NOT need to prepare a monologue.

  2. Bring a RECENT 8×10 headshot and up-to-date performance Even if you upload to the audition website, a hard copy of your headshot and resume is needed.
  3. Plan to arrive at least 15-20 minutes ahead of your appointment to check/correct previously submitted paperwork. If we are ahead of schedule, we may bring you in to audition early.
  4. Come with your scheduling conflicts. Due to concentrated rehearsal periods, we ask that conflicts during rehearsals be at a minimum. In an effort to best facilitate all rehearsal times, you will be asked to list all conflicts at the time of the Conflicts may result in a stipend adjustment. Please take note of when rehearsals begin, the day and evening tech and performance schedule, and bring your calendar with you to the audition.

ABOUT THE SHOWS

SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT
Based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Play Originally Produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain.
Adapted and Originally Directed by Katie Mitchell.
Directed by: James Jones

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly loads of fun. He turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure… but what will mom find when she gets home…?

Rehearsals: January 11- February 8, 2025. Rehearsals typically take place Mondays-Thursdays, 6:30- 9:30 PM and Saturdays, 10 AM-4:00 PM

Tech in the Taft Theatre: February 11 – 14, 2025, Daytime/Evening

Performances: February 15- February 24, 2025

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:

[BOY] Male identifying. Portrays age 10-12. Sally’s brother. Curious and excitable, but responsible and cautious. Director may cast an Adult who can play a young boy.

[SALLY] Female identifying. Portrays age 9-10; The Boy’s sister. She is wide-eyed and very curious. Director may cast an Adult who can play a young girl

[THING 1 & THING 2] Any gender. Age: 20-40; The kite-flying duo that wreaks havoc on Boy and Sally’s house.

[THE FISH] Any gender. Age 20-50; The family fish and parental figure of the story. Anxious, uptight, and sapient.

[ENSEMBLE AND UNDERSTUDIES] Age: 20-50. Characters in wild pursuit of fun. Covers the roles of the Cat in the Hat, Boy, Sally, The Fish, Thing 1 and Thing 2.

DISNEY’S FROZEN JR.
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez. Book by Jennifer Lee.
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.
The original Broadway production of Frozen was directed by Michael Grandage and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Directed by: Roderick Justice
Choreography by: Angelo Cerniglia

Disney’s Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Disney’s Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Disney’s Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! 

Rehearsals: March 22 – April 19, 2025. Rehearsals typically take place Mondays-Thursdays, 6:30- 9:30 PM and Saturdays, 10 AM-4:00 PM.

Tech in the Taft Theatre: April 21 – 24, 2025 Daytime/Evening

Performances: April 25 – May 4, 2025

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:

[YOUNG ANNA] Female identifying. Age 9-12. Filled with a tremendous amount of light, energy, and love, Anna is a hopelessly optimistic extrovert at all ages, but as she grows older, she longs for connection with others, especially her sister, Elsa. Vocal range: A3-D5.

[MIDDLE ANNA] Female identifying. Age 12-14. Filled with a tremendous amount of light, energy, and love, Anna is a hopelessly optimistic extrovert at all ages, but as she grows older, she longs for connection with others, especially her sister, Elsa. Vocal range: A3- B4.

[ANNA] Female identifying. Age 16-25. Filled with a tremendous amount of light, energy, and love, Anna is a hopelessly optimistic extrovert at all ages, but as she grows older, she longs for connection with others, especially her sister, Elsa. Vocal range: G3-D5.

[YOUNG ELSA] Female identifying. Age 9-12. Next in line for the throne, Elsa has been born with magical powers that can overwhelm her when she becomes afraid and harm others if not handled with care. Fearful of hurting anyone, especially her beloved sister, Anna, Elsa becomes anxious and withdrawn as she grows older, before eventually learning to take control of, and become confident in, her powers which she masterfully uses to manipulate the Snow Chorus. Vocal range: A3- C#5.

[MIDDLE ELSA] Female identifying. Age 12-14. Next in line for the throne, Elsa has been born with magical powers that can overwhelm her when she becomes afraid and harm others if not handled with care. Fearful of hurting anyone, especially her beloved sister, Anna, Elsa becomes anxious and withdrawn as she grows older, before eventually learning to take control of, and become confident in, her powers which she masterfully uses to manipulate the Snow Chorus. Vocal range: A3- F#4.

[ELSA] Female identifying. Age 16-28. Next in line for the throne, Elsa has been born with magical powers that can overwhelm her when she becomes afraid and harm others if not handled with care. Fearful of hurting anyone, especially her beloved sister, Anna, Elsa becomes anxious and withdrawn as she grows older, before eventually learning to take control of, and become confident in, her powers which she masterfully uses to manipulate the Snow Chorus. Vocal range: F#3- D5.

[KING AGNARR] Male identifying. Age 30-60. The warm-hearted ruler of Arendelle is committed to protecting both his family and the Townspeople from his eldest daughter’s powers.

[QUEEN IDUNA] Female identifying. Age 30-60. The queen possesses a sense of rightness and kindness that guides her in her protection of her two young girls. A daughter of the Northern Nomads, this queen has the ability to communicate with the Hidden Folk of the mountains and so understands Elsa’s powers deeply.

[PABBIE] Any gender. Age 18-40. Pabbie and Bulda are the mystical leaders of the Hidden Folk who have a soft spot for “strays.” Ever-benevolent, these parental figures want what’s best for Kristoff, even if they are a bit misguided in their efforts.

[BULDA] Any gender. Age 18-40. Pabbie and Bulda are the mystical leaders of the Hidden Folk who have a soft spot for “strays.” Ever-benevolent, these parental figures want what’s best for Kristoff, even if they are a bit misguided in their efforts.

[KRISTOFF] Male identifying. Kristoff is a hardworking ice harvester. Kristoff has a sarcastic veneer and a rough-around-the-edges exterior that hides a big heart. Taken in by the Hidden Folk when he was young, he loves Pabbie and Bulda dearly, but is a bit of a loner with a reindeer for a best friend- until he meets Anna. Vocal range: G2- A3.

[SVEN PUPPETEER] Any gender. Age 18-40. Sven is a reindeer of few words, fiercely loyal pal to Kristoff, and loves giving the ice harvester a hard time. Has good comic timing and terrific physical acting skills. Vocal range: A3-A4.

[HANS] Male identifying. Age 18-35. The ambitious Prince of the Southern Isles and overlooked thirteenth son of a king. Hans constantly strives to find a way to make good and stand out. He boasts an exceedingly charming facade that fools everyone – including Anna and, ideally, the audience! – into believing he’s Prince Charming, when really, he’s just a jerk. Vocal range: G2-B3.

[WESELTON] Male identifying. Age 30-60. A visiting duke who possesses a huge inferiority complex. A bombastic, overbearing sycophant, Weselton’s sole purpose is to hobnob with influencers and royalty.

[OLAF] Male identifying. Age 18-40. The magical, puppet snowman created by Anna and Elsa when they were young. Olaf is endearingly delighted by everything – especially the idea of summer. Vocal range: F#2- D4.

[OAKEN] Male identifying. Age 25-45. An exceedingly cheerful and convivial wandering salesperson and ardent devotee to all things cozy and comfortable.

[ENSEMBLE] Any gender. All ages. The Ensemble makes up the Townspeople, Snow Chorus, Hidden Folk, Castle Staff, Housekeeper, Butler, Handmaiden, Cook, Steward, Guards, Summer Chorus, Oaken’s Family. Must be excellent singers, dancers, and actors and will understudy the various roles listed above.

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2024-2025 Season Announced by Know Theatre of Cincinnati

Know Theatre of Cincinnati Announces the
2024–2025 Season
MainStage Season 27 is the first under the helm of new
Producing Artistic Director, Bridget Leak

MAINSTAGE

CAMP SIEGFRIED by Bess Wohl
Directed by Bridget Leak
Regional Premiere
September 13–28, 2024

Two teenagers fall in love at Summer Camp on Long Island, while slowly being indoctrinated by the political right. It’s 1938, the world is on the brink of war, and this wholesome summer camp is exclusively for American youth of German descent. From the playwright of “Grand Horizons,” (sold out run at Ensemble Theatre last season), comes a new story about the terrifying allure of fascism.

First Love. Third Reich.
Rated: PG-13

DIE HARD IS A CHRISTMAS MOVIE by A.J. Baldwin & Alexx Rouse
Directed by Tatiana Godfrey
World Premiere
December 6–22, 2024

A shot-for-shot remake of the perennial action classic, set inside the suburban home of a family on the brink of collapse.

It’s Christmas Eve and Lane has invited her estranged husband, Mac, back home to provide a “normal Christmas” to their kids. But when Mac picks Die Hard for the family’s movie night, the classic “Is this a Christmas Movie?” debate takes on a life of its own.

It doesn’t take long for an R-rating and a bunch of blood to expose old wounds and rekindle arguments, and Mac and Lane must grapple with what’s appropriate for their family and the holiday. By the time the explosions start, life is mirroring art and soon an office building full of terrorists feels like a much safer room to be in.

This Holiday Season, one family will risk it all to make it to Christmas morning together … or die hard trying.
Rated: PG-13

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD by Samuel D. Hunter
Directed by Piper N. Davis
Regional Premiere
February 7–22, 2025

In a cubicle in small town Idaho, two single dads unexpectedly choose to bring one another into their fragile worlds. Keith, a mortgage broker and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker seeking to buy a plot of land that belonged to his family many decades ago, realize they share a “specific kind of sadness.”

At this desk in the middle of America, “loan talk” opens up into a discussion about the chokehold of financial insecurity and a bond over the precariousness of parenthood. With humor, empathy, and wrenching honesty, Hunter commingles two lives and deftly bridges disparate experiences of marginality. From the playwright of the Oscar-nominated film, The Whale.

A story of hope in a world that feels out of control.
Rated: PG

BLERDS by J. Corey Buckner
Directed by Derek Snow
World Premiere
April 4–19, 2025

BLERDS follows three Black middle school nerds as they set off across Washington, DC, on a quest to reach a Star Wars Convention and meet the coolest Jedi in the galaxy: Samuel L. Jackson.

A world premiere coming-of-age journey in the spirit of The Goonies and Stand By Me from J. Corey Buckner. An adventure quest about Black family joy and the perils of the very real world around them, as told through the lens of Star Wars fandom.

Not so long ago… three young teens set out on a quest to meet their idol.
Rated: PG

The 22nd Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival
May 30–June 14, 2025

A 15-day celebration of curated new work and uncensored live performance from local, national, and international indie theatre artists. The Cincy Fringe is Cincinnati’s Summer Theatre Party.

SERIALS!
January 27, February 10 & 24, March 10 & 24, 2025

15-minute episodes of five different plays, every two weeks, for a total of five installments. Follow five shows each week as they try to find an ending!

Performance Times
All evening performances are at 7:30pm, matinee performances are at 2pm.

Ticket Prices

  • Mainstage Subscription : $250
    • Grants one ticket for each MainStage production plus entry to all five Serials! performances. Subscribers also receive discounted drink prices, a MainStage ticket for one guest and discounted ticket prices for guests.
  • “Under 35” Subscription: $100
    • One entry to each MainStage show (must show ID to qualify)
  • Flex Pass : $120
    • Four MainStage tickets in any combination ($160 value)
  • Single tickets : $38
  • Welcome Wednesdays: Each Wednesday during a MainStage production we offer Free Walk-Up tickets and $15 advance reservation tickets.

We are Know Theatre of Cincinnati: where artists and audiences can come together to produce and experience work that you haven’t seen before. We strive to build a community around viscerally theatrical, exciting new works.

The 22nd Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival is made possible by a generous partnership with our neighbor the Art Academy of Cincinnati.

Know Theatre is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Know Theatre is also supported by the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network.

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2025 Season Announced by La Comedia Dinner Theatre

GHOST the Musical
Jan. 10-Feb. 9

JERSEY BOYS
Feb. 13-March 23

INTO THE WOODS
March 27-May 4

CHILDREN OF EDEN
May 8 – June 15

MATILDA the Musical
June 26-Aug. 10

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG
Aug. 14-Sept. 14

LEGALLY BLONDE the Musical
Sept. 18-Oct. 26

SCROOGE the Musical
Nov. 1-Dec. 28

For more information visit www.lacomedia.com.

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Cast Announced for THE GODS OF COMEDY at Sunset Players

The Sunset Players proudly announce the cast of THE GODS OF COMEDY by Ken Ludwig.

Directed by David Roth and produced by John Wesseling

  • ARISTIDE – Brandon Hester
  • DAPHNE – Lace Walther
  • DEAN TRICKETT – Jeri Nakamura
  • RALPH – Corey Meyer
  • ZOE – Logan Dunn
  • ALEKSI – Ray Lebowski
  • DIONYSUS – Zak Kelley
  • THALIA – Rachel Brzezinski
  • BROOKLYN – Brooke Conner
  • AREA – Thurman Allen

What’s the show about?
Daphne and Ralph are young classics professors who have just made a discovery that’s sure to turn them into academic superstars. But something goes disastrously wrong and Daphne cries out in panic, “Save me, gods of ancient Greece”!!… and the gods actually appear! The Ivy league will never be the same as a pair of screwball deities encounters the carnal complexity of college coeds, campus capers, and conspicuous consumption.

Show dates: October 18, 19, 20, 24, 25 and 26, 2024
The Arts Center at Dunham – 1945 Dunham Way, Cincinnati Ohio, 45238

Congratulations to the cast!

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