Author Archives: robbucher

July 26, 2019 · 10:50 am

MAMMA MIA! Runs Aug. 15-25

PrintMAMMA MIA!
Loveland Stage Company
Aug. 15-25
[Loveland]

Directed by Deidre Dyson
Music directed by Patrick Kelly
Choreographed by Sonja Hansen
Produced by Steve & Theresa Kovacs

Cast: Laurie Brinkman as Donna, Ava Swearingen as Sophie, Denise Schnieders as Tanya, Molly Kuntz as Rosie, Jenna Schroeder as Lisa, Micayla Venneman as Ali, Gary Glass as Sam, Rob Workley as Harry, Joseph Moreland as Bill, Jake Knight as Sky, Lee Vest as Pepper, Max Shilling as Eddie & TBD as Father Alexandrios
Ensemble: Megan Adams, Keilah Boone, Betsy Carras, Elizabeth Carras, Noah Carras, Piper Garmin, Charlie Housemeyer, Gillian Howard (Choreography Assistant), Michael Jayne, Lucy Johnson, Izy Jones, Stephanie Mackris, Julie Marcum, Gabrielle O’Connell, Kaitlin Otto, Jessica Rychlik, Mary Shumar, April Smith, JR Sodano, Bobby Jo Swearingen & Alex Voland

Swedish supergroup ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father. This sunny and charming tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise: on the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago.

  • Thu-Sat, Aug. 15-17 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Aug. 18 at 3pm
  • Fri, Aug. 23 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Aug. 24 at 3pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Aug. 25 at 3pm

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July 26, 2019 · 10:31 am

THE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940 Runs Aug. 23-Sept. 8

DTG_The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 logoTHE MUSICAL COMEDY MURDERS OF 1940
Dayton Theatre Guild
Aug. 23-Sept. 8
[Dayton]

Directed by Doug Lloyd
Produced by Debra Kent

Cast: Lynn Vanderpool as Elsa Von Grossenknuten, Brad Bishop as Michael Kelly, Dave Nickel as Patrick O’Reilly, Jeff Sams as Ken De La Maize, K.A. Mercuri as Helsa Wenzel, Lolli Mitchell as Nikki Crandal, George Merusi as Eddie McCuen, Jennifer Lockwood as Marjorie Baverstock, Chuck Larkowski as Roger Hopewell & Melissa Ertsgaard as Bernice Roth

The creative team responsible for a recent Broadway flop, in which three chorus girls were murdered by the mysterious “Stage Door Slasher,” assemble for a backer’s audition of their new show at an exclusive Westchester estate. But the infamous “Slasher” reappears and strikes again—and again.  As the composer, lyricist, actors and director prepare their performance, a blizzard cuts off any possibility of leaving. Bodies start to drop in plain sight, and the bumbling police inspector who snowshoes in to investigate helps solve the mystery in the nick of time and the “Slasher” is ultimately unmasked.

  • Fri-Sat, Aug. 23-24 at 8pm
  • Sun, Aug. 25 at 3pm
  • Fri, Aug. 30 at 8pm
  • Sat, Aug. 31 at 5pm
  • Sun, Sept. 1 at 3pm
  • Fri, Sept. 6 at 8pm
  • Sat, Sept. 7 at 5pm
  • Sun, Sept. 8 at 3pm

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July 26, 2019 · 9:27 am

Auditions Announced for DECISION HEIGHT at Dayton Theatre Guild

DTGOpen audition notice for DECISION HEIGHT by Meredith Dayna Levy

Auditions will be held Mon & Tue, Aug 26 & 27, 2019, starting at 7:00 pm both nights.
Production dates: Oct 11-27, 2019

The Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philip TheatreScape
430 Wayne Ave, Dayton OH, 45410
937-278-5993 — www.daytontheatreguild.org

Directed by David Senatore
Produced by Kathy Mola

DECISION HEIGHT tells the story of six Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (called WASPS) who flew aircraft during World War II. While they didn’t see combat, these ladies were responsible for transporting planes and pulling targets for live ammunition training, freeing the men for active duty after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The WASPS proved an important asset for the military, but have been largely forgotten in the history books. This play was the winner of the 2013 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

Casting Requirements:

  • Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
  • A résumé and headshot are not required but are appreciated.
  • Please provide a list of all known conflicts between Aug 28 and Oct 27, 2019.

NOTE: If you would like to audition but are unavailable Aug 26 or 27, please contact the director at d-senatore@hotmail.com to schedule an alternate time.

Character breakdowns:

Character ages range from early 20’s to late 40’s, and can be of any ethnicity. The goal is to represent the array of women from varying social/economic backgrounds and cultural experiences who were able to bond over their love of flying.

  • Virginia: Good natured, empathetic observer who takes strength from her faith
  • Edith: Blunt, quick-witted, hot shot pilot whose hard shell protects a soft center
  • Norma Jean: Strong, confident, leader with a natural grace and Southern charm
  • Rosalie: Soft spoken, self-doubting youngster with big dreams of adventure
  • Alice: The repressed housewife who is able to liberate herself through flying
  • Carol: The energetic optimist who’s larger-than-life personality makes up for her short stature
  • Mildred: Brassy girl who likes to generate drama, especially if it means self-gain. She’s a woman of few loyalties
  • Mrs. Deaton: The government-employed den mother of the WASPs
  • Ziggie: The female pilot instructor hired to train the recruits. Their safety is her top concern. Hard edged. Tough. A rare woman

For more information please contact David Senatore at d-senatore@hotmail.com

The show runs weekends Oct 11-27, 2019
First Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Second & Third Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 5pm, Sunday 3pm

For more information, including auditions, see http://www.daytontheatreguild.org/.

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July 26, 2019 · 9:18 am

Auditions Announced for NEVERMORE at Beavercreek Community Theatre

bctBeavercreek Community Theatre Open Auditions for NEVERMORE
Music by Matt Conner
Book by Grace Barnes
Based on the writings of Edgar Allan Poe

Directed by: Matthew Smith
Music Director: Lorri B. Johnson-Topping
Assistant Music Director: Abby Williams
Set Designer: Christ Harmon
Choreographer: Kiersten Farmer
Costume Designer: Janet Powell
Lighting Designer/Producer: John Falkenbach
Stage Manager: Dionne Meyer

Monday and Tuesday, August 26 and 27, 7pm at Beavercreek Community Theatre
*No callbacks

Performance dates: October 25 – November 3, 2019.

SHOW DESCRIPTION
Based on the writings of Edgar Allan Poe
Take a dark, mysterious, musical journey into the heart and soul of Edgar Allan Poe, America’s first truly visionary poet. This story of love, personal demons and self-discovery delves into the mind of Poe with disturbing yet relatable charm. Poe’s poetry is transformed into soaring musical numbers creating a timeline that lures the audience into his world.

For more information visit https://www.theatricalrights.com/show/edgar-allan-poes-nevermore/.

AUDITIONS PREPARATION

  • Please prepare 16 to 32 bars. Nothing from show. Clearly mark cuts. No acapella and NO digital tracks or electronic music. All must sing with piano.
  • Little dance requirements. No dance audition.
  • Please bring a resume and list all conflicts. Headshot helpful, but not required.

AVAILABLE ROLES

  • EDGAR (bari-tenor): the poet. Ranging in age from 17 to death at 40. Stubborn, determined and obsessed with his work.
  • MUDDY (mezzo): Virginia’s mother and Edgar’s surrogate mother. Muddy is stoic and is the grounded voice of reason.
  • MOTHER (mezzo): Edgar’s mother. She died when Edgar was still a child. She is a haunting presence in Edgar’s life.
  • ELMIRA (mezzo): a southern belle. Edgar’s first and last love. Ranging in age from 17 to 40. Elmira is understanding, patient and a place of salvation.
  • VIRGINIA (soprano): age 13, Edgar’s bride and cousin. Virginia is youthful, naive and a source of inspiration for Edgar.
  • THE WHORE (alto/belter): an embodiment of Edgar’s fantasy. A street wise woman who is insightful and compassionate.

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July 25, 2019 · 4:20 pm

MISS HOLMES Quick Review

MISS HOLMES presented Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Aug. 4. I attended the opening night performance. 

CSC_Miss Holmes45

Kelly Mengelkoch is Miss Sherlock Holmes & Sara Clark as Dr. Watson. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The premise for MISS HOLMES is simple: What if mastermind detective Sherlock Holmes and his trusted ally Dr. Watson were both women? The script by Christopher M. Walsh smartly handles the duo’s first adventure together, maneuvering the two through an engaging mystery while confronting the obstacles presented by the expected norms of womanly behavior in late 19th century England.

CSC_Miss Holmes3

Geoffrey Warren Barnes as Edwin Greener & Sean Hagerty as Thomas Chapman. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Guest director Jemma Alix Levy finds a great balance in keeping the characters true to their literary roots while acknowledging and challenging the social prejudices of the period (and sadly still today).

As Miss Sherlock Holmes, Kelly Mengelkoch balances the “arrogance” of the smartest person in the room with a self-aware vulnerability, recognizing the personal isolation caused by her intellectual pursuits. Equally engaging is Sara Clark as Dr. Dorothy Watson who follows Holmes down the mystery rabbit hole with equal parts awe and trepidation. Together, the two are a formidable and entertaining team to watch as their respect and admiration for each other grows over the course of the play. They are supported by the work of the strong ensemble, several of whom deftly handle multiple roles.

CSC_Miss Holmes2

Miranda McGee as Mrs. Hudson & Maggie Lou Radar as Lizzie Chapman. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Overall, a very satisfying adventure and I for one would love to see the continuation of their adventure if the opportunity should present itself.

My rating: 4.75 out of 5.

Click here for more information on the production.

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