Author Archives: robbucher

April 3, 2025 · 3:28 pm

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical Runs May 6-18

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE: The Neil Diamond Musical
Broadway in Cincinnati
May 6-18
Aronoff Center Procter & Gamble Hall [Downtown]

The untold true story of a Brooklyn kid who became a chart-busting, show-stopping, award-winning American icon. Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway – and head out on the road across America.

  • Tue-Fri, May 6-9 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 10 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 11 at 1pm & 6:30pm
  • Tue-Fri, May 13-16 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 17 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 18 at 1pm & 6:30pm

Official page |

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April 3, 2025 · 3:27 pm

THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN Runs May 2-18

THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN
The Dayton Playhouse
May 2-18
[Dayton]

Directed by Aaron Eechaute Lopez

Cast: Jackie Randall as Molly Brown, Drew Williams Orozco as JJ Brown, Dana Franks as Julia, Stephen Kallenberg as Vincenzo, Christopher Brown as Erich, Bryan Schuck as Arthur, Brad Bishop as Horace Tabor, Katie Adams as Baby Doe Tabor, Lisa Susner as Louis Sneed-Hill, Shannon Carlson as Mary Nevin, Emily Rae Debevec as Maud Call/Birdie/Ensemble, Sarh Reed as Maureen O’Shaughnessy/Nelva/Ensemble, Brianna Wolfe as Pearl/Young Streetwalker/Ensemble, Rhi Grimaila as Emma Stetson/Concerned Mother, Kevin Rife as William/Hitchens/Ensemble,
Karsen Zabell as Jailer/Ensemble, Quin Tyler as Kit/Ensemble, Ensemble: Maren Rigsby as Ensemble, Landon Drumm as Father Robinson/Judge Ben Lindsey/Ensemble & Dominic Delligatti as Larry/Ensemble

Funny, light, uplifting, and uniquely American, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN has charmed audiences on both Broadway and in film adaptations. The musical’s success is attributed to its irresistible characters, entertaining storyline, and Meredith Willson’s dynamic score, reminiscent of the beloved The Music Man. The Unsinkable Molly Brown is a lively and engaging musical that tells the captivating rags-to-riches love story of Molly and Leadville Johnny Brown. Set against the backdrop of the early twentieth century in Colorado, the musical explores themes of love, romance, social classes, and the resilience of the human spirit.

  • Fri-Sat, May 2-3 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 4 at 2pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 9-10 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 11 at 2pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 16-17 at 8pm
  • Sun, May 18 at 2pm

Official page |

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April 3, 2025 · 3:26 pm

THE TOXIC AVENGER Runs May 2-18

THE TOXIC AVENGER 
Loveland Stage Company
May 2-18
[Loveland]

Directed by John Sloan
Vocal Direction by Jon Scheiding
Choreographed by Garrett Klaas
Produced by Jill Gornet

Cast: Nick Dunker as Melvin Ferd the Third/Toxic Avenger, Kayla Haas as Sarah, Amanda Marasch as Mayor Babs/Ma Ferd/Nun, Garrett Klaas as Black Dude & Justin Hanks as White Dude

THE TOXIC AVENGER is a hot toxic love story and laugh-out-loud musical that has it all—an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt mayor and two guys who play…well, everyone else. Melvin Ferd the Third wants to clean up the most polluted town in New Jersey. Foiled by the mayor’s bullies, Melvin is dumped into a vat of radioactive waste, only to reemerge as The Toxic Avenger, New Jersey’s first superhero.

  • Fri-Sat, May 2-3 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 4 at 3pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 9-10 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 11 at 3pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 16-170 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 18 at 3pm

Official page | Facebook events |

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April 3, 2025 · 3:25 pm

Middletown Lyric Theatre Announces Partnership with Sorg Revitalization Group

It’s been about eight months since Middletown Lyric Theatre announced the closure of MLT at 1530 Central Ave and while there was some confusion about our plans, In that time there have been many conversations about our next phase. While we have not worked everything out and there is still some work to be done and plans to be made we are excited to make the following announcement.

EXCITING NEWS TO ANNOUNCE

Middletown Lyric Theatre (MLT) & The SORG Revitalization Group (SRG) are thrilled to announce a new creative partnership aimed at enhancing the performing arts experience in Middletown. This collaboration will bring together the historic Sorg Opera House and the talented artists of MLT to produce high-quality theatrical productions, concerts, and cultural events that celebrate and uplift the local arts community.

With this partnership, MLT will be returning to a familiar stage having produced shows at the Opera House several times, over the years. This partnership will allow for expanded programming offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience live theater in a grand historic setting. The partnership will also allow the SRG to continue its mission of revitalizing the Opera House as a vibrant hub for performing arts while providing MLT with a venue to showcase its diverse programming.

“We are incredibly excited to join forces with Middletown Lyric Theatre,” said Nancy Griffith, President of the SORG Revitalization Group. “This collaboration represents a shared commitment to preserving the arts and making live performances more accessible to our community.”

“For nearly 47 years, MLT has been a cornerstone of the Middletown arts scene, and this partnership allows us to reach even greater audiences,” said Charley Shafor, President of Middletown Lyric Theatre. “Performing at the Sorg Opera House gives us the chance to create larger, more ambitious productions while honoring the history of this incredible venue.”

The first joint season under this partnership is scheduled for 2026 and will be announced soon. The two organizations hope to also have a fundraising event kicking off the newly formed relationship. Community members, theater lovers, and supporters of the arts are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and upcoming show announcements.

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April 2, 2025 · 3:38 pm

Bluegrass Musicians Sought for BRIGHT STAR at Merit Theatre Company

If you play BANJO, GUITAR, MANDOLIN, FIDDLE, UPRIGHT BASS, or another traditional bluegrass instrument and are comfortable playing in an ensemble, we’d love to hear from you!

To audition, please submit a short video (2–3 minutes) showcasing your skills on your instrument(s). You’re welcome to play a selection from Bright Star or a piece in a similar bluegrass style. Send your audition video to production@merittheatre.org by May 10 at 11:59pm.

NOTE: As the band will be on stage and integrated into the world of the show, we are also considering physical presence and basic acting ability. While no traditional “acting” is required, musicians should be comfortable being part of the onstage action and maintaining engagement with the story throughout the performance.

The band will rehearse twice in late July and twice in mid-August on weekday evenings. Tech week rehearsals begin August 17; musicians will be called for evening dress rehearsals on August 19, 20, and 21. Performances will run August 22–30, 2025.

Merit Theatre Company & Orchestra presents
BRIGHT STAR
August 22–30, 2025
Anderson Center Theater

  • August 22 at 7:30 PM
  • August 23 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
  • August 24 at 3:00 PM
  • August 27 at 7:30 PM
  • August 28 at 7:30 PM
  • August 29 at 7:30 PM
  • August 30 at 2:00 PM

Music, Book & Story by Steve Martin
Music, Lyrics & Story by Edie Brickell
Produced & Directed by Benjamin & Kaitlyn Iocco

Inspired by true events, Bright Star is a sweeping musical set in the American South in the 1920s and 40s. With a vibrant cast of characters and lively bluegrass score, Bright Star tells a touching story of love, loss, and redemption.

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