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November 27, 2018 · 3:40 pm

CCM Mainstage Presents Arpino’s BIRTHDAY VARIATIONS

CCM_Birthday Variations promoCCM Dance celebrates the art of motion with a mixed-repertoire dance performance on Dec. 6-9, 2018

CINCINNATI, OH—The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) presents a mixed-repertoire dance production culminating with Birthday Variations, choreographed by Gerald Arpino, co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet, and restaged by Nicole Duffy Robertson of the New York Dance Project. Directed by CCM Dance Professor Deirdre Carberry, the performance runs Dec. 6-9, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater.

Arpino’s BIRTHDAY VARIATIONS features music by Giuseppe Verdi and was restaged for CCM by Duffy, a répétiteur for the Gerald Arpino Foundation. This ballet premiered in 1986, just two years before Arpino took over the Joffrey Ballet as artistic director upon Robert Joffrey’s death. Anna Kisselgoff of the New York Times describes the work as “a sparkling showpiece of classical dancing” that is “set to some of Verdi’s infectious opera-ballet music.”

The mixed-repertoire performance also showcases “Kitri’s Wedding” from Act III of Ludwig Minkus’ Don Quixote, which premiered at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre in 1869, with choreography by Marius Petipa and restaged by Carberry.

“This work is one of the most famous, enduring and exciting ballet adaptations in the classical repertoire,” says Jiang Qi, chair of CCM’s Dance Department, in his program notes for the production.

Three short pieces originally choreographed by CCM Dance will also take place during this program. The first is Bridges, a work by CCM Dance Professor Michael Tevlin, with music by Benjamin Britten. This piece describes seven types of bridge, from truss to arch to suspension, through dance.

After Bridges is senior CCM Dance student Hope Friedman’s Volume IV, which features original choreography to contemporary music like Marian Hill’s Down and Wax Tailor’s Que Sera. It is an “exploration of what it means to be ‘normal’ and our connections with those around us,” Qi says.

Then CCM Dance presents Apertures and Vistas, choreographed by Judith Mikita, visiting assistant professor of dance. Mikita has worked with CCM Percussion Professor and Percussion Group Cincinnati member James Culley to develop a landscape of inventive movement with improvised accompaniment by four CCM percussion students.

This scintillating production is on stage Dec. 6-9, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office; student discounts are available. BIRTHDAY VARIATIONS will last one hour and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6
  • 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7
  • 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
  • 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9

Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Ticket prices start at $28. Discounts are available for UC and non-UC students. Service charges may apply for online orders.

Single tickets are on sale now! Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online through our e-Box Office!
Visit ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice for CCM Box Office hours and location.

Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the campus of the University of Cincinnati. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.

Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy’s

Dance Department Supporter: The Corbett Endowment at CCM

The performance of BIRTHDAY VARIATIONS, an Arpino ballet, is presented with the permission of the Gerald Arpino Foundation and has been produced in accordance with the Foundation service standards established and provided by the Foundation.

A preeminent institution for the performing and media arts, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the largest single source of performing arts presentations in the state of Ohio. All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit us online at http://ccm.uc.edu.

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November 27, 2018 · 3:13 pm

At Walnut Hills, Junior High Theatre Students Retell a Familiar Holiday Story

WHHS_Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge promoCincinnati OH – Join us this holiday season at Walnut Hills High School for the trial of the century as the theatre department presents THE TRIAL OF EBENEZER SCROOGE by Marc Brown. The award-winning department is excited to share a new take on A Christmas Carol with the aftermath of that fateful night.

New characters and perspectives will make you laugh and question the truth of the story you’ve always known. One new character is the Translator of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Eighth grader Adeleigh Karoutchi who plays the translator says that her character “brings on an attitude that you don’t get to see in the original story.” The translator is just one of the few characters that bring comedy and a new story to the table in this production.

The show will run December 7th (7pm) and 8th (2pm & 7 pm). Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and children.

Show Synopsis:
THE TRIAL OF EBENEZER SCROOGE
By Marc Brown

The Trial of the Century! A year after his miraculous transformation, Ebenezer Scrooge is back to his old ways and is suing Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future for breaking and entering, kidnapping, slander, pain and suffering, attempted murder and the intentional infliction of emotional distress. The ghosts employ Solomon Rothschild, England’s most charismatic, savvy, and clever barrister. Scrooge, that old penny pincher, represents himself. One by one, Bob Cratchit, Scrooge’s nephew Fred, solicitor and philanthropist Sara Anne Wainwright, and the ghosts themselves take the witness stand to give their account of the night in question.

Directed by Danielle Muething. Assistant directed by Sophia Rooksberry.

Featuring: Nate Caudill as Scrooge, Sophie Christian as Solomon Rothschild, Isabella Lachey as Judge Pearson, Sunny Dighe as Jacob Marley, Avery Frank as The Bailiff, Jonah Swift as Bob Cratchit, Kaelyn Carr as Belle, Adeleigh Karoutchi as Translator/Fan, Lily Clark as The Ghost of Christmas Past, Nija Olagbemiro as Sara Wainwright, Caitlin Berich as Mrs. Dilber / Mrs. Crachit, Judah Cobb as The Ghost of Christmas Future, and Gabe Conley as Fred.

Performance Dates:

  • December 7 @ 7 p.m.
  • December 8 @ 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Rick Steiner Black Box Theatre

Tickets: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/tickets

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November 26, 2018 · 2:43 pm

Cincinnati Playhouse to Offer Winter Acting Classes for Children

PIP_logoIndoor classes unlock the imagination just in time for cold weather

(CINCINNATI)—Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is offering a winter session of acting classes and workshops offered to young persons ages 3-14 along with a new family improv class. Designed to build confidence, strengthen communication skills and develop a sense of ensemble and community, the programs focus on individual and collective skill development in a fun and supportive environment.

“Our new improvisation class for families is part of our larger efforts to provide multigenerational opportunities for families to enjoy theatre together,” states Daunielle Rasmussen, director of education and community engagement.” Now you can bring your family to the theatre to see the show or be the show! As with all of our classes, no acting experience is required.”

Classes take place in Mt. Adams. Details for each class, including fees, dates and locations, are below. All registrations include a $25 non-refundable deposit. Register at cincyplay.com or call 513-421-3888.

WINTER CLASS SCHEDULE 

Animal Rescuers
Saturdays, Jan. 12 to March 2 | Tuition: $95
Pre-Kindergarten | 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Meow! Woof! Oink! The animals are in trouble and they need your help! Use your imagination to become a veterinarian, firefighter, shelter worker and more, all while learning movement, crafting characters and making new friends.

Arctic Explorers
Saturdays, Jan. 12 to March 2 | Tuition: $140
Kindergarten through second grade | 10:40 – 11:25 a.m.
Seals and penguins and bears, oh my! Travel to the Arctic with us as we discover a world of ice and wonder. Create characters, learn movement and acting techniques, and develop social skills in this adventurous class.

Actor Quest: Ingenious Inventors
Saturdays, Jan. 12 to March 2 | Tuition: $155
Third through fifth grades | 11:35 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
When science and imagination meet, the impossible becomes possible! Bring your revolutionary ideas to life while learning about radical inventors and using movement-based techniques to create an original performance that’s all your own.

Actor Quest: Ingenious Inventors
Saturdays, Jan. 12 to March 2 | Tuition: $155
Sixth through eighth grades | 9 – 9:55 a.m.
When science and imagination meet, the impossible becomes possible! Bring your revolutionary ideas to life while learning about radical inventors and using movement-based techniques to create an original performance that’s all your own.

Performance Workshop: Musicals That Work
Mondays, Jan. 14 to March 4 | Tuition: $155
Fourth through eighth grades | 4 – 5: 30 p.m.
Want to learn “How to Succeed” in musical theatre? After all, it’s not your typical 9 to 5. In this performance-based class, learn acting, voice and movement techniques as we explore musicals like Legally Blonde, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Working.

Family Improv
Saturday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to noon at the Playhouse
Family Workshop | Cost: $50
Looking to switch it up for family game night? Explore the world of improv in this enrichment workshop! You and your family will enjoy creative games, interactive scenes and Family Feud-style comedy sports for a new twist on family fun. Cost of $50 covers up to five family members ages 3 and up.

For info or to register, visit cincyplay.com or call or call 513-421-3888.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 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 and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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November 26, 2018 · 2:21 pm

Auditions Announced for IS HE DEAD? at Lebanon Theatre Company

LTC_logoIS HE DEAD?
Producers – Kate Edington & Wayne Dunn
Director – Kurt Percy

Lebanon Theatre Company holding auditions for our Spring 2019 production, IS HE DEAD? on the following dates:

  • Sunday, January 6, 6pm
  • Monday, January 7, 6pm

​Auditions will be held at our theater, and will consist of cold readings from the script. We welcome auditioners of all ages and experience levels. You do not need to attend both days of auditions, but those who are interested, are welcome to do so.

Performances will be on Mar. 15-17 and 22-24, 2019.

Synopsis
IS HE DEAD? by the great humorist Mark Twain, adapted by David Ives, is a madcap boisterous comic farce. Think Commedia and Moliere mixed with a healthy dose of The Marx Brothers and you have IS HE DEAD?

Jean-Francois Millet, a young painter of genius, is in love with Marie Leroux but in debt to a villainous picture-dealer, Bastien Andre. Andre forecloses on Millet, threatening debtor’s prison unless Marie marries him. Millet realizes that the only way he can pay his debts and keep Marie from marrying Andre is to die, as it is only dead painters who achieve fame and fortune. Millet fakes his death and prospers, all while passing himself off as his own sister, the Widow Tillou. Now a rich “widow,” he must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life, and marry Marie.

Roles

  • AGAMEMNON BUCKNER / CHICAGO – Male, 20-25; a young American artist, crony of Millet; character man, great with physical comedy and timing.
  • HANS VON BISMARCK / DUTCHY – Male, 20-35; pupil and fun-loving friend of Millet; German dialect; methodical, practical, character man, great with physical comedy and timing.
  • MARIE LEROUX – Female, 20-30; Millet’s beautiful young sweetheart; free spirit and confident in her manner.
  • CECILE LEROUX – Female, 20-35; Marie’s older sister; in love with “Chicago”; jealous and suspicious of widow Tillou and Chicago’s relationship; disguises herself as an inspector to investigate the death of Millet.
  • PAPA LEROUX – Male, 56-65; older father to Marie and Cecile; becomes foolishly enamored of Widow Tillou; agile and good at physical comedy.
  •  JEAN-FRANCOIS MILLET – Male, 26-45; struggling free-spirited artist living in poverty; madly in love with Marie; fakes his death and takes on the persona of his fictional widow sister, Madame Daisy Tillou, as a cover; excellent comedian, great with physical comedy and timing.
  • BASTIEN ANDRE – Male 46-59; picture dealer and our villain trying to ruin Millet and the Leroux family threatening them with financial ruin; lusts after the Widow Tillou; weasel-like; an operator.
  • MADAME BATHILDE – Female, 45-59; kindly older benefactress to Millet; busy body.
  • MADAME CARON – Female, 45-59; older benefactress to Millet; gossipy friend of Madame Bathilde.
  • PHELIM O’SHAUGHNESSY – Male, 26-35; pupil and mischievous boisterous friend of Millet; Irish dialect; character man, great with physical comedy and timing.
  • ​BASIL THORPE – Male, 20-39; Rich fussy english merchant, discriminating buyer of art.
  • CLAUDE RIVIERE – Male, 20-39; reporter from “Le Figaro”; French dialect.
  • CHARLIE – Male, 20-39; a gorgeous flunkey
  • SERVANT / INSPECTOR MONNET – Male, 20-39; servant is Inspector Monnet in disguise
  • KING OF FRANCE – Male, 20-39.

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November 26, 2018 · 1:31 pm

Auditions Announced for THE TURN OF THE SCREW at Village Players

vp_logoVillage Players of Fort Thomas announces AUDITIONS for THE TURN OF THE SCREW by Jeffrey Hatcher from the novella by Henry James.

Directed by jef brown

Sunday & Monday, Dec. 9 & 10 at 7pm
at 8 N. Fort Thomas Avenue, Fort Thomas, KY 41075

Based on Henry James’s provocative tale of suspense, horror and repressed sexuality: A young governess journeys to a lonely English manor house to care for two recently orphaned children. She is not their first governess – her predecessor, Miss Jessel, drowned herself when she became involved with the sadistic valet, Peter Quint, who was himself found dead soon after. The new governess begins to see the specters of Quint and Jessel haunting the children, and she is tortured by the frightening question: Are the ghosts real, or are they the product of her own fevered imagination?

The cast will consist of one woman 20-35 (the Governess); and one man, 30-50 (Multiple roles).

Performance dates are April 26-May 4, 2019 Auditions will consist of readings from the script. Bring resume, known conflicts for the period Feb 24 through May 4; headshot not necessary but welcome.

Questions ? Contact the director at jefwi1f@gmail.com.

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