Author Archives: robbucher

December 5, 2023 · 4:28 pm

ONLY ROSE Runs Jan. 5-13

CSP_Only RoseONLY ROSE
CenterStage Players of Ohio
Jan. 5-13
Arts Center at Dunham [West Price Hill]

Directed by Dennis Murphy
Produced by Rebecca Coots

Cast: John Simpson as Tennessee Williams, Nick Dunker as Tom Williams, Mary Jo Bissmeyer as Rose Williams, Amy Eyers as Edwina Williams, Caleb Lindsey as Dakin Williams, Lisa Breithaupt as Grand/Nurse/Audrey Woods, Rusty Lacy as Carson McCullers/Miss Titania &
Michael Sanchez as Frank Merlo

In this original work by Dennis Murphy, Only Rose explores the poignant relationship between playwright Tennessee Williams and his sister, Rose, who was the most enduring relationship of his life and the inspiration for The Glass Menagerie as well as other Williams’ plays.  In this play, Tennessee is confronted by his younger self (Tom) for an evening of self-evaluation in order to answer the question: Did Tennessee abandon Rose when she needed him the most?  Behind the scenes from Williams’ life, Only Rose explores the human need to connect and what can happen when that connection is broken.

  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 5-6 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Jan. 7 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, Jan. 11-13 at 7:30pm

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December 5, 2023 · 4:27 pm

BEDTIME STORIES (AS TOLD BY OUR DAD) (WHO MESSED THEM UP) Runs Jan. 5-14

SCT_Bedtime StoriesBEDTIME STORIES (AS TOLD BY OUR DAD) (WHO MESSED THEM UP) 
Springboro Community Theatre
Jan. 5-14
Springboro Performing Arts Center

Directed by Madison Stapleton

Cast: Adlee Albright as Wally/Ally, Alice Kolaczkowski as Princess 2, Amelia Carolus as Katie, Audrey Drake as Captain, Brenna Lawrence as Mindy, Elijah England as Ensemble, Elise Seibel as Princess 1, Emilio Astudillo as Prince 1, Emma Gearhart as Queen, Evan Shirley as Ensemble, Jocelyn Conger as Daughter, John Detty as Dad, Josh Hamilton as Prime Minister/ Prince 2, Kara Wolf as Mayor, Kate Tamme as Horace, Lilah Croy as Ashley, Lucy Becker as Ensemble, Mason McHone as Ensemble, Matilda Gearhart as Ensemble, Olivia Czanik as Mom, Quin Tyler as Wilbur, Sam Johnson as Father/ Rumplestiltskin, Sophie Coppock as Poor Old Woman & Tyler Bulach as Ensemble

  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 5-6 at 7pm
  • Sun, Jan. 7 at 2pm
  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 12-13 a 7pm
  • Sun, Jan. 14 at 2pm

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December 5, 2023 · 12:34 pm

FIONA: The Musical Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

FIONA: The Musical presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Dec. 29th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

ETC_Fiona1

Elexis Selmon as Yellow Oxpecker, Erin McCamley as Fiona & Darnell Pierre Benjamin as Giraffe. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

As the daughter of an Irish woman, I grew up very familiar with the Gaelic name Fiona. A lot more people became familiar with that name when a wee film named Shrek was released in 2001. And still even more became familiar with it when an even more wee hippopotamus was born several weeks too early in the grand old town of Cincinnati, OH only to eventually become a world-wide sensation.

This December, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is bringing us the family-friendly, world premiere production of Fiona: The Musical with book by Cincinnati playwright Zina Camblin and music & lyrics by ETC’s very own composer, David Kisor. Coupled with the talent of the Camblin-Kisor partnership and input from Cincinnati Zoo’s staff, Fiona tells us the story of the little hippo who could and reminds us that underdogs should never be dismissed.

To say this production is star-studded is almost an understatement – Director D. Lynn Meyers doesn’t mess around. The production boasts a powerhouse cast and crew of both veteran and novice players alike. (I will never be able to mention everyone’s names, but please know: you are all BRILL!) Set design by Brian c. Mehring is creative and colourful, two great qualities when a show takes place in a zoo. Costume Designer Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez deserves a standing “o” for her very smart and innovative costumes. Ms. Ortiz Lopez masterfully combines clothing which fits a human body while allowing the actors to convince us even further they are part of the animal kingdom without hinderance from accessories and the like. Brava to Maria – let’s see more of her work in this area!

With such an illustrious cast, it is difficult to choose a few to mention by name. However, Sara Mackie as Bibi is everything you can imagine you’d want to see in the role of Fiona’s mother. Few others could give us the pure spirit of a hippo while also breaking our heart in some of the more challenging moments of Fiona’s journey. Fortunately, Ms. Mackie was the perfect choice and we are so lucky to have her! From her expressive facial and physical gestures to her commanding vocals to her all-around affability, Ms. Mackie is a freaking treasure and everyone should take note.

Serving as both a performing artist and Choreographer on this project is another absolute treasure: Darnell Pierre Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin’s showing in Fiona may final solidify the answer: no, there is nothing he can not do. Exuberant to just the right degree and as refined as he is powerful, he will have you cheering (and booing) him all in great fun.

Finally, in the titular role we have new to the ETC stage (but not new to stages in general) Erin McCamley. With an impressive resume under her belt and the ability to transform herself into just about any character, Ms. McCamley was the ideal choice to play Fiona. From her first sounds as the premature baby hippo, you will be hooked. (I’ll admit it: I audibly squeed.) She is endearing and you will find yourself wanting to be one of Fiona’s biggest cheerleaders.

All in all, this truly is an experience for all ages. While the show clocks in at just under 2 hours including an intermission, the songs are short and sweet and perfect for any attention level and the story will keep you cheering for the “good guys” to prevail. And yes: there is a happy ending, something we can all use every now and again.

Click here for more information on the production.

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December 4, 2023 · 6:22 pm

The Cincinnati Black Theatre Company Continues Christmas Tradition with a New Twist

CBTC_Black NativityCINCINNATI, OH. (Dec. 4, 2023) – The Cincinnati Black Theatre Company (CBTC) continues its longstanding tradition of the musical and worship celebration of Black Nativity December 8 – 16 at Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World, Inc.

Black Nativity is an adaptation of the Nativity story written by Langston Hughes. The play was initially performed off-Broadway in 1961 and was one of the first plays written by an African American to be staged there.

Since its premiere in 1961, it has been performed around the world and is Hughes’ longest-running production. Black Nativity has become a staple during the Christmas season for audiences of all ages, and CBTC is the only theater company in the city to perform the story.

CBTC first ran the play in 2002 and has continued the tradition at prominent locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. Every year, the company breathes new life into this Christmas classic by adding new songs, dance numbers, and unique ways to tell the story.

“Black Nativity is a homecoming of sorts for the community. It’s a time where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to take in this classic story, and I can’t wait for them to see the new and refreshing twists we’ve added to this year’s show,” said Donald Sherman, Executive Director, CBTC.

This year marks a new beginning for Black Nativity, with the next generation of talent coming to the stage and giving an updated take on this classic story.

There will be six performances over the span of eight days for as many people in the community to get a chance to experience the show.

Tickets are available on the CBTC website and can be purchased at the box office on the day of the performances.

Performances:

  • Fri, Dec. 8 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Dec. 9 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 15 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Dec. 16 at 2pm & 7:30pm

CBTC was officially formed as a result of successfully producing the Midwest Regional Black Theatre Festival in 1998 and 2000, which it continues to produce biennially at venues throughout Greater Cincinnati and surrounding areas. Since CBTC gained its 501(c)(3) non-profit status on November 20, 2001, it has enlightened over one million people throughout the Tri-State region and beyond about the wealth and value found in African-American theatre, culture, and history. People of all cultural, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds and ages are invited to participate and attend. CBTC programs and activities cover Greater Cincinnati and the Tri-State region and serves children and adults from diverse populations, the majority being a broad cross-section of African Americans, with an educational focus on disadvantaged youth, ages 4 – 21, from typically under-served communities.

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December 4, 2023 · 6:21 pm

Cincinnati Opera Announces 2024 Opera Raps Exploring Mozart, Verdi, The Beatles, and More

CO_OperaRaps 2022 logoGo behind the scenes of opera with this free series of conversations on topics inspired by Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 Summer Festival

CINCINNATI (December 1, 2023)— For every opera that makes its way to the stage, there are fascinating stories about the inspiration, creative process, and personalities behind it. Cincinnati Opera’s popular Opera Raps series, which returns January 25–April 17, 2024, aspires to pull back the curtain and reveal behind-the-scenes insights into the operas that make up the company’s 2024 Summer Festival.

The 2024 Opera Raps series kicks off in January with a mini-Mozart experience in anticipation of the company’s June 2024 production of his opera, Don Giovanni: “Hausmusik: Mozart and Friends at Home” (January 25), a recreation of a musical evening hosted at Mozart’s home, and “Mozart’s Women” (January 26), led by renowned conductor Dame Jane Glover.

In March, the series continues with two events inspired by the company’s July 2024 world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio: “The Beatles Phenomenon” (March 6), featuring Beatles expert Om Srivastava, and “Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio: Sneak Peek with the Creative Team” (March 28), offering a first look at Cincinnati Opera’s new production-in-progress.

The series concludes on April 17 with opera director Trevore Ross discussing “Violetta’s Chosen Family,” inspired by the heroine of Verdi’s La Traviata, which Cincinnati Opera will present in June 2024.

Opera Raps will take place at venues throughout the city, including Music Hall, Cincinnati Opera’s warehouse, Over-the-Rhine’s First Lutheran Church, and the Woodward Theater. Admission is free and open to the public, though tickets are required. Tickets will be available beginning December 1, 2023, at 12 p.m. (ET) at cincinnatiopera.org and by calling 513.241.2742. See below for complete series details.

Cincinnati Opera
2024 Opera Raps

January 25, 2024
Hausmusik: Mozart and Friends at Home
6:30 p.m. (ET)
Wilks Studio at Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

In anticipation of Cincinnati Opera’s June 2024 production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni, audiences are invited into this immersive exploration of the composer’s life and work. On countless evenings between 1784 and 1787, Mozart would invite friends to his Vienna home for food, wine, and music-making. Joseph Haydn was a frequent guest, as were many other celebrated musicians of the day. This event recreates a typical evening with the Mozarts featuring music for piano four hands, songs, and a string quartet dedicated to Haydn, along with excerpts from visitors’ memoirs, Mozart’s letters, and more.

January 26, 2024
Mozart’s Women
6:30 p.m. (ET)
Wilks Studio at Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The celebrated conductor, scholar, and author Dame Jane Glover, who will conduct Cincinnati Opera’s Don Giovanni in June 2024, leads a discussion inspired by her book, Mozart’s Women: His Family, His Friends, His Music (Harper, 2006). Dame Jane will delve into Don Giovanni as well as the composer’s other glorious music for women, with performances by two members of the Don Giovanni cast: sopranos Jessica Rivera and Erin Keesy. The event precedes Dame Jane’s appearances that weekend with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, where she will conduct an all-Mozart program.

March 6, 2024
The Beatles Phenomenon
7:30 p.m. (ET)
Woodward Theater
1404 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Inspired by Cincinnati Opera’s July 2024 world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio, Beatles expert Om Srivastava will lead audience members on a journey into the creativity and worldwide impact of the Fab Four. With recordings, interviews, and photographs, Srivastava will trace the phenomenon of the Beatles from their early days in Liverpool and Hamburg to the epochal albums and worldwide tours (including two Cincinnati appearances!). A cash bar will be available.

March 28, 2024
Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio: Sneak Peek with the Creative Team
7:30 p.m. (ET)
Cincinnati Opera Warehouse
7712 Reinhold Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45237

Audiences are invited to this exclusive glimpse into the creation of Cincinnati Opera’s world stage premiere production of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio. Director Caroline Clegg, designer Leslie Travers, and choreographer Michael Pappalardo will offer insights into their creative vision for this extraordinary new theatrical experience and share a guided first look at the production under construction.

April 17, 2024
Violetta’s Chosen Family
7:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
1208 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

As a preview to Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, stage director Trevore Ross explores this beloved masterpiece as an ode to the outsider. When Verdi composed the opera in 1853, his life bore some similarities to that of his heroine, the Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry; he was something of a social outcast, living unmarried with his lover, the opera star Giuseppina Strepponi. Through this lens, Ross will examine Violetta’s world and the friends with whom she surrounded herself. Were they members of high society, fellow demimondaines, or both? The evening will include excerpts performed by soprano Dana Pundt and tenor Pedro Barbosa.

About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. This project was supported in part by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

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