Author Archives: robbucher

March 15, 2019 · 12:42 pm

SKELETON CREW Runs April 13-May 11

ETC_Skeleton Crew logoSKELETON CREW
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
April 13-May 11
[Over-the-Rhine]

Times are tough in 2008 Detroit as a hundred-year-old industry grinds to a halt. As rumors fly about factory closings, a tight-knit trio of autoworkers face tough decisions about the future, while their foreman weighs the demands of white-collar management status against his fierce loyalty to his team. From the playwright of Detroit ‘67 comes a powerful and compelling portrait of courage and camaraderie in blue-collar America. The production contains mature language and content and may not be suitable for all audiences.

  • In preview Sat, April 13 at 7pm
  • In preview Tue, April 16 at 7pm
  • Wed-Thu, April 17-18 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, April 19 at 8pm
  • Sat, April 20 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, April 21 at 2pm
  • Tue-Thu, April 23-25 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, April 26 at 8pm
  • Sat, April 27 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, April 28 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue-Thu, April 30-May 2 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, May 3 at 8pm
  • Sat, May 4 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, May 5 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue-Thu, May 7-9 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, May 10 at 8pm
  • Sat, May 11 at 2pm & 8pm

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March 15, 2019 · 11:20 am

FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS to Venture Off the Hill This Spring

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Photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

Audiences will love the wildly entertaining show based on the children’s book playing April 5 through May 19

CINCINNATI – From shopping to baking to jumping on the bed, these five little monkey siblings are getting into some trouble! This spring, Playhouse presents its final Off the Hill touring show with Ernie Nolan’s adaptation of Eileen Chistelow’s children’s book series, FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS. Brought to life through the Bruce E. Doyle Acting Intern company, this zany production will travel to community centers throughout the Greater Cincinnati area from April 5 through May 19.

When Christelow was taught an old nursery rhyme that her daughter learned in preschool — “Five little monkeys jumping on the bed, one fell off and bumped her head” — she thought that it would create a nice picture book. Twelve years later, after becoming an author and illustrator, she revisited the idea for a new project. With the remarkable success of Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, Christelow expanded the story into a best-selling children’s book series where the treasured monkey siblings get into all kinds of mischief.

Audiences will love tagging along for the wild adventures of this adorable monkey family, including the stories: Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, Five Little Monkeys Bake a Birthday Cake, Five Little Monkeys Sitting in a Tree, and Five Little Monkeys Go Shopping.

Nolan’s script integrates plot lines from four of the ten monkey books while also preserving its witty cumulative verse. From baking cakes to sitting in trees, or going shopping and jumping on beds, Nolan gives distinct personality traits to each monkey sibling which only heightens the hilarity of their ongoing mishaps.

Under the direction of Brian Robinson, the Playhouse’s production of FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS brings the storybook to life with a whimsical set by Playhouse Scenic Artist Kenton Brett and a frenetic soundscape by Sound Designer Trey Tatum. Audiences will love the technical magic of an exploding birthday cake and snapping jaws of a crocodile. Brett designed the oven with a trick door that allows a cake to go in, and then with a simple flick, the stove bursts open to reveal an exploded cake inside.

“Thematically, FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS celebrates the innocence and discovery in the wonders of childhood,” explains Playhouse Director of Education and Community Engagement Daunielle Rasmussen. “The monkeys have a curiosity and an excitement for learning. While it gets the monkeys into trouble, there is an earnestness and beauty to their childlike spirit.”

FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS is recommended for children ages 3 and up and runs approximately 50 to 60 minutes. The Playhouse’s production will journey all over greater Cincinnati, from Oxford to Cheviot to Union to Covington and many places in between.

Click here for ticket information and Off the Hill locations.

FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS is the last production in the 2018 – 2019 Off the Hill series. Support of Off the Hill touring plays is provided The John C. Griswold Foundation and KeyBank. Seasonal support of education and outreach by The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation. The Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company is supported by Jerry and Betsy Shroat.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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March 15, 2019 · 10:59 am

Xavier University Theatre Presents World Premiere Play THE OXFORD COMMA, March 21-24

Print(CINCINNATI, March 14, 2019) – Xavier University Theatre continues its 2018-19 season with the world premiere of Liba Vaynberg’s The Oxford Comma. Described as a romance for realists, the show runs March 21 to 24 in Xavier’s Gallagher Student Center Theatre.

At a small private boys’ school in California, Charlotte, George and Karen try to teach while their second semester seniors doubt everyone and everything. When the lines between friends and spouses — as well as teachers and students — start to blur, everyone must decide what’s real and what isn’t.

Vaynberg is a New York-based actor, writer and singer. Her show Scheiss Book premiered at the United Solo Festival, where it won Best One Woman Show and the Backstage Audience Choice Award. The Russian and the Jew, written with Emily Perkins-Margolin, was created as part of a 2017-18 COJECO (Council of Jewish Émigré Community Organizations) BluePrint Fellowship and premiered at The Tank last December. Vaynberg holds a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and international studies from Yale University and an M.F.A. in acting from Columbia.

“As a pre-med student who became an artist, I’ve always been interested in the ways the sciences and humanities intersect at the highest levels,” Vaynberg said. “Physicists and chemists talk about the world in poetic ways, while philosophers and romantics search rigorously for patterns.”

Characters in The Oxford Comma move fluidly among three realities, which has proven to be both “challenging and thrilling” for director Amelia Pedlow. “I believe all great theatre harnesses the imagination of its audience,” Pedlow said. “We’ve been exploring how sound, music, light and, most importantly, the actors themselves, can aid in transforming the world around them in front of the audience’s eyes. I call it ‘theatrical magic.’”

Pedlow hopes audiences will empathize with the play’s many questions. “It is a deeply human play in its recognition of frailty and longing,” she said. “I feel as though audiences will thoroughly enjoy themselves. It’s a show with humor and heart, leaping from tours of ancient Italian ruins to cabins in California to a classroom in which a student asks questions the teacher isn’t sure she can answer. It’s quick-paced, with four actors playing 1o characters in 90 minutes, all of which culminates in their world literally imploding. What more could you ask for in an evening of theatre?”

The cast for The Oxford Comma features first-year student Elliot Auch, sophomore Max Carlson, and juniors Gigi Relic and Catherine Sholtis. Additional members of the creative team include Joe Leonard (Set Designer/Technical Director), Jessica Pitcairn (Costume Designer), Joe Beumer (Lighting Designer) and Aiden Dalton (Sound Designer). The stage manager is Trever McKenzie. Assistant stage managers are Alyssa Gries and Grant Zentmeyer.

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on March 21, 23 and 24 and 2:00 p.m. on March 23. Tickets for The Oxford Comma are available now through the Xavier University Theatre Box Office. They are $18 each for adults and $13 each for students, as well as Xavier faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.xavier.edu/theatretickets or call
513-745-3939.

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March 15, 2019 · 10:52 am

COME FROM AWAY, ANASTASIA, MEAN GIRLS, and More, Part of Broadway in Cincinnati’s 19/20 Season

BIC_Margaritaville promo2

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE.

Cincinnati, OH (March 14, 2019) – Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth announces a highly-anticipated season lineup of shows including new musicals ANASTASIA, MEAN GIRLS, and COME FROM AWAY and reimagined classic musicals HELLO, DOLLY!, LES MISERABLES, and JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. These will be joined by JERSEY BOYS, and ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, with special engagements of DISNEY’S THE LION KING and THE BOOK OF MORMON.

 

19/20 SEASON SHOWS

COME FROM AWAY                                                  September 17 – 29, 2019
JERSEY BOYS*                                                            October 15 – 20, 2019
MEAN GIRLS                                                              November 5 – 17, 2019
HELLO, DOLLY!                                                        December 3 – 15, 2019
LES MISERABLES                                                     February 11 – 23, 2020
ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE*                          April 14 – 19, 2020
ANASTASIA                                                                May 12 – 24, 2020
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR                                    June 9 – 21, 2020

*Season Subscribers pick one to complete seven-show season package.

In addition to these season shows, Broadway in Cincinnati is proud to present the special engagements of two of Cincinnati’s favorite musicals. Tickets to these added attractions are available for renewed and new season ticket holders.

DISNEY’S THE LION KING                      January 8 – February 2, 2020
THE BOOK OF MORMON                         August 4 – 9, 2020 

Full show descriptions below.

Season tickets for the 19/20 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Season presented by TriHealth will go on sale Thursday, March 14 online at 7:00pm, and by phone and in-person Friday, March 15 at 9:00am. There will be three convenient ways to purchase season tickets:

  1. Select your seats in person at the Aronoff Center ticket office, downtown at 650 Walnut Street, Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
  1. Order online 7 days a week/24 hours a day atBroadwayinCincinnati.com
  1. Call the toll-free Broadway in Cincinnati Season Ticket Hotline at 800.294.1816. The Hotline hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm, Saturday 12:00pm – 5:00pm, and closed Sunday.

Prices for the seven-show season subscription range between $200 and $745 depending on seat location. 

MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN
Order before April 22 and make three easy monthly payments.  This offer is only available using a credit card.

EXCLUSIVE SEASON TICKET HOLDER BENEFITS

  • Free online ticket exchanges.
  • Priority purchase opportunities for additional tickets to series shows and any season specials.
  • Lost ticket insurance and replacement service.
  • Purchasing privileges in any of our other Broadway Across America cities.
  • Same premium seat location for all two-week season shows.
  • Priority renewal for future seasons.
  • Perks at local restaurants.

SEASON PATRON CLUB
In addition to all of the regular season ticket holder benefits, special Patron Club season tickets (available with an annual membership fee of $120) guarantee seating in the front orchestra or first three rows of the loge and include extended benefits such as complimentary parking for season shows, name recognition in the PLAYBILL program and a Broadway Concierge Line to assist patrons with purchasing tickets for shows on Broadway.

CLOUD CLUB
For theatre lovers on a budget, the “Cloud Club” offers our seven-show package with COMPLETE subscription benefits starting at $200 for all performances. 

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Broadway in Cincinnati shows typically run for two weeks at the Aronoff Center.  Performance options are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30pm, Friday evenings at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00 & 8:00pm and Sundays at 1:00 & 6:30pm. (All times are subject to change.) An audio-described performance for the visually impaired and an American Sign Language interpreted performance for the deaf are available.  Anyone requiring either of these services or accommodations for the physically challenged should request so when purchasing season tickets.  Guests interested in learning more about age appropriateness and content of shows can visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com/FamilyGuide.

GROUP SALES AND SINGLE TICKETS
Group sales information is now available for all shows excluding ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE and JERSEY BOYS. Reservations for all other shows may be made by calling Group Sales Manager Peggy Holthaus Hughes, at 513.369.4363 or email at Peggy.Holthaus-Hughes@BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. For more information visit BroadwayinCincinnati.com.

Single ticket on-sale dates for individual shows will be announced at a later date.    

19/20 Season Show Descriptions: 

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The First North American Tour Cast of COME FROM AWAY, Photo by Matthew Murphy, 2018.

COME FROM AWAY
September 17 – 29, 2019
Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America!

This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year’s Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!”

On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

JERSEY BOYS
October 15 – 20, 2019
They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story — a story that has made them an international sensation all over again.

Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons in the Tony Award®-winning true-life musical phenomenon, JERSEY BOYS. From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s just too good to be true.

JERSEY BOYS contains authentic, “profane Jersey language” and is recommended for ages 12+.

BIC_Mean Girls1

Book by Tina Fey, Music by Jeff Richmond, Lyrics by Nell Benjamin, Directed & Choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. Pictured: Kerry Butler as Mrs. George & Erika Henningsen as Cady Heron. Credit: © 2017 Joan Marcus.

MEAN GIRLS
November 5 – 17, 2019
Direct from Broadway, MEAN GIRLS is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer TINA FEY (“30 Rock), composer JEFF RICHMOND (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist NELL BENJAMIN (Legally Blonde) and director CASEY NICHOLAW (The Book of Mormon).

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

HELLO, DOLLY!
December 3 – 15, 2019
Winner of four Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival, director Jerry Zaks’ new production is “making people crazy happy!” (The Washington Post). Breaking box office records and receiving unanimous raves on Broadway, HELLO, DOLLY! pays tribute to the original work of legendary director/ choreographer Gower Champion–hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theater history. 

LES MISERABLES
February 11 – 23, 2020
Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway.  Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an unforgettable story of heartbreak, passion, and the resilience of the human spirit. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. “LES MIZ is born again!” (NY1).  

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
April 14 – 19, 2020
Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all—and stay to find something they never expected. With a book by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia (“My Name is Earl,” “Raising Hope”) and Emmy Award® nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivors Remorse,” “Shameless”) ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and many more. USA Today calls it “A little slice of paradise!” and Entertainment Weekly raves, “It will knock your flip-flops off!” So don’t let the party start without you.

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Lila Coogan as Anya, Stephen Brower as Dmitry and the company of the National Tour of ANASTASIA. Photo by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade.

ANASTASIA
May 12 – 24, 2020
Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical ANASTASIA is on a journey to Cincinnati at last!

From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

ANASTASIA features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) with direction by Tony Award® winner Darko Tresnjak.

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
June 9 – 21, 2020
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

With music and lyrics by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’.

DISNEY’S THE LION KING
January 8 – February 2, 2020
Giraffes strut.  Birds swoop.  Gazelles leap.  The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before.  And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to the Aronoff Center!

More than 85 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.

Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.  Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.  THE LION KING also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.

There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

THE BOOK OF MORMON
August 4 – 9, 2020
The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical.

This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.

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Fifth Third Bank 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. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 18/19 Season and the season is presented by TriHealth. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the 17/18 Cincinnati Season.   

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com and The Broadway Channel.  Led by 11-time Tony-winning producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Groundhog Day, Hairspray, Hello, Dolly!, Million Dollar Quartet, On Your Feet!, The Producers, School of Rock and Waitress.Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

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March 14, 2019 · 3:21 pm

Jewelry-Making Camp Instructor Sought by Madcap Education Center

MEC_logoMadcap Education Center in Westwood is currently seeking an instructor the week of July 8-12 to teach a half day (9am-11:30am) jewelry-making camp. We currently have several girls signed up and are planning on running the camp as long as we get a minimum of 10 kids.

Would you or someone you know be interested in teaching? Payment is $225 for the week and all material costs will be covered.

The description of the camp reads as follows. “A fun intro class for children interested in creating and showing off their masterpieces! Learn basic weaving techniques, use material science to determine the best adhesives, and take your first steps in becoming a designer.”

These topics discussed must be covered but any other style of jewelry is on the table to explore.

If you or someone you know is potentially interested, please let me know by responding to via email to BlaireBartish@clpshows.org. Spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Best,
Blaire M. H. Bartish
Director, Madcap Education Center
Cincinnati Landmark Productions

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