MUSICAL THEATRE SENIOR SHOWCASE
UC College-Conservatory of Music
March 13-14
Patricia Corbett Theater [University Heights]
See and hear our musical theatre students in action at the 32nd edition of the Senior Showcase, featuring the Class of 2026 prior to its New York City debut.
Official page | Facebook event |
Filed under On Stage
Audition Dates:
Auditions will include:
Music Preparation:
Dance Requirements: Standard
Cast Type: BIPOC roles encouraged and welcomed
IMPORTANT CONTENT NOTICE:
This production includes partial male nudity and adult themes. Performers cast in principal male roles must be comfortable with nudity as part of the storytelling. Nudity will be staged respectfully and professionally.
GOOD NEWS:
There are many fun, high-energy Ensemble roles available that do NOT require nudity!
PERFORMANCE DATES
May 15–31, 2026
(Weekend performances)
PRINCIPAL ROLES AVAILABLE
Jerry Lukowski
Male | 30–40
Vocal Range: B2–Db5
An unemployed mill worker fighting to maintain his pride and custody of his son. An all-American jock—spontaneous, prideful, and deeply human.
Pam Lukowski
Female | 25–35
Vocal Range: Eb4–Ab4
Jerry’s estranged wife and high school sweetheart. Strong, compassionate, and determined to do what’s best for her son.
Dave Bukatinsky
Male | 30–40
Vocal Range: B2–Db5
Jerry’s loyal best friend. A sidekick with a big heart, deep insecurities, and unwavering pride.
Georgie Bukatinsky
Female | 30–40
Vocal Range: G3–D5
Dave’s wife. Loud, brash, loving, and the confident leader of her friend group.
Harold Nichols
Male | 35–45
Vocal Range: B2–Ab4
Former mill supervisor and Hot Metal’s choreographer. Measures his worth by providing for his wife.
Vicki Nichols
Female | 30–40
Vocal Range: G3–D5
Harold’s stylish, loving wife—supportive and devoted no matter what.
Malcolm Macgregor
Male | 25–35
Vocal Range: C#3–E5
Awkward, anxious, and fragile. Finds unexpected comfort and connection with Ethan.
Ethan Girard
Male | 25–35
Vocal Range: B2–Ab4
Quiet confidence and relentless determination. Loyal, earnest, and deeply human.
Noah “Horse” T. Simmons
Male | 50–60
Vocal Range: C#3–Bb4
A retired mill worker with explosive dance moves, a grumpy exterior, and a big heart.
Jeanette Burmeister
Female | 65–75
Vocal Range: F3–Bb4
A seasoned piano player and showbiz pro—sassy, quick-witted, and larger than life.
Whether you’re ready to bare it all or prefer to keep the layers on, there’s a place for you in this show.
Come be part of a body-positive, consent-forward production that celebrates courage, community, and confidence.
We can’t wait to see you at auditions!
Filed under Auditions
The Sunset Players announce the cast of THE COTTAGE
The cast includes:
Performances run May 22-30 at the Arts Center at Dunham.
Filed under On Stage
Review by Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
ROPE presented by University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music through February 14th. I attended the final matinee performance.
Homage to Stu by student cast members of ROPE presented by CCM.
What screams “Valentine’s Day Weekend” better than a murder mystery? In a limited engagement, audiences were able to see ROPE by CCM alum Amy Berryman and CCM educator Brant Russell adapted from the Patrick Hamilton play. The plot is simple: two college classmates decide to commit the “perfect murder” and then host a party while the victim’s body remains tucked away, but in plain sight.
Mr. Russell also serves as the production’s Director with the help of student Assistant Directors Kiki Hellerman and Bryce Nevison. Pacing was rather uneven, with some moments of uncontrolled chaos (i.e. talking over one another so that no one was properly heard or understood) countered with some slower cadence. In addition, blocking felt rather stagnant at times – and with such a grand set by Scenic Designer Charlie Calvert, opportunities were missed. However, one set of stage pictures in particular tickled me as someone who was in college in the Y2K era herself: the physical homage one of the killers paid to Stu Macher from the 1996 film Scream. Kudos to Costume Designer Julia Schillaci for mirroring Stu’s “final look” from the movie to bring that home.
In truth, I think the script is problematic and missing some key elements: the so-called motive to kill their classmate is never discussed and no character is fleshed out enough for the audience to have any proverbial skin in the game. Other than basic human decency, I am not sure why we are supposed to care about any of the partygoers or the victim herself. In addition, I do think it was problematic to change the victim to a female. It is evident the authors were trying to make a point (there are references to the “Final Girl” trope), but I do not believe they hit the mark on that one.
Due to the vagueness of the script, the actors did not have much with which to work. Performances were certainly fine as we have come to expect from CCM students, but lacked depth due to the 2-dimensional arcs they were given. However, the energy of the performing artists was cohesive and they acted as a true ensemble.
In summary, the production had potential – and while it didn’t resonate with me personally, the audience was almost entirely enthusiastic and supportive. While I do think some re-writes to up the suspense would be helpful, the execution of the text currently in place was certainly satisfactory.
Click here for more information about future CCM productions.
Filed under Reviews
Review by Rob Bucher
MARY’S WEDDING presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through March 8th. I attended the opening night performance.
Aaron Schilling as Charlie & Britian Seibert as Mary. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Playhouse in the Park transforms the Shelterhouse Theatre into an early 1900s barn for an intimate love story opening just in time for Valentine’s Day. Set during and after World War I, Mary’s dream on her wedding day chronicles the love story of Mary and Charlie, who’s romance and resolve are tested by the realities of a world at war.
Actors Aaron Shilling as Charlie and Britian Siebert as Mary have great chemistry together and easily draw the audience into their romance. At times, Siebert also takes on the additional role of Flowers, Charlie’s commanding officer while in France. The script itself has been described as poetic, as the actors re-live their journey from their initial meeting, through the trials of war, until their story returns full circle to Mary’s wedding day.
The set by Lex Liang paired with lighting design by Michelle Habeck serves as a beautiful and dynamic backdrop to the story. Liang also serves as Costume Designer for the production, using added costume pieces to alter the actor’s looks throughout the intermission-less performance. Director Blake Robinson allows the story to unfold naturally, with expert pacing and great use of the entire stage.
Overall, a satisfying love story expertly told.
My rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Click here for more information on the production.
Filed under Reviews
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 