Author Archives: robbucher

The Ghostlight Stage Company Presents ONE ACT DOUBLE FEATURE – Oct. 14 at 7pm

TGSC_logoJoin The Ghostlight Stage Company for our One Act Double Feature!

Take a look “behind the curtain” as we show you what would happen on a typical first day of rehearsal for a professional theater show (only a bit more jazzed up for entertainment purposes). You will get to see 2 brand new plays in staged reading format with light staging and costuming, where actors perform with script in hand. In addition to hearing these new stories, you will get to see visions for a full production in the case of set and costume designs. Get a peek into the world of new play development like you’ve never seen it before!

Purchase Tickets at: https://www.theghostlightstageco.com/event-details/one-act-double-feature

This event will be fully ADA accessible for guests and will be ASL interpreted by Ghost Light Artistic Interpreting.

About the Plays:

THE LOCKED DOOR by Dedrick Weathersby
Directed by A.J. Baldwin

In 1995 Minister Louis Farrakhan and Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. assembled one of the largest gatherings of African American men of its time, that would later be called the Million March. Two African American men find themselves desperately needing a place to stay for the march. The only room available is a single dormitory room for two. Albeit different, the two men compromise and settle for the room. Although the men begin their stay as strangers, their shared stories and experiences unite them as their discourse builds a portrait of what it means to be Black in America.

About the Playwright:
Dedrick Weathersby a 2022 Emmy Award Winner for Best Interview and Discussion with Theatre Corner on PBS/KPBS. A Broadway World Award Winner and NAACP Award Winner. As a child, his dream was to become  a professional actor/singer and impact the world and his community through his storytelling and music. Years and dreams later, he’s living that dream, paying it forward and still has more to do. Dedrick has performed in numerous Broadway Musicals and traveled with Broadway Tours. Dedrick is a proud member of Actors Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA and Dramatist Guild Union, for Playwrights.

Dedrick is an accomplished author of 6 published books, his most recent literary success would be “How I See Myself” Short Inspirational Vignettes for African American Youth, available anywhere you purchase your books. Dedrick is a firm believer, if you remember those humble beginnings, you can use each moment for future endeavors and “You can NEVER lose, betting on yourself and Giving is connected to your healing”. Dedrick, has written numerous Plays and Musicals, his notable successes would be Remembering James- The Life and Music of James Brown and The New Teacher (A Stage Play Comedy). Visit for More Information: www.dedrickweathersby.com & www.superbadtheatercompany.com

SYNAPSE by Mary Beringer
Directed by Aiden Dalton

When Mrs. Brown’s husband disappears, she gets an offer from his employer- a technology company that can put Mr. Brown’s brain into the body of a willing participant, essentially bringing him back to life. Mrs. Brown agrees, but she may come to regret that decision.

About the Playwright:
Mary Beringer was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. After working as a high school English teacher, she now writes grants for a non-profit. You may know her writing from performances at the Know Theatre, Cincinnati Lab Theatre, Cincinnati Playwright’s Initiative, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, or University of Dayton’s Studio Theatre. She has also been seen on stage with the Mason Community Players and with the Dayton Playhouse.

Purchase Tickets At (prices ranging from $15-20):
https://www.theghostlightstageco.com/event-details/one-act-double-feature

Please note: A limited amount of reduced price tickets will be available on the day of the event for only $10. These tickets will be first come first serve (limited 2 tickets per person) and will be available starting 2 hours prior to the event in person at the venue.

Event Sponsors:
Anonymous
Karen Riestenberg Brinkman, Esq. – Collaborative Family Lawyer
Michael Redslob
Queen City Pizza

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Auditions Announced for WHITE CHRISTMAS at Rise Up Performing Arts

RUPA_logoSeeking strong singers and actors ages 10 – 18 years old.

Please prepare a 1 minute musical theatre style song.  Please use an accompaniment track, without vocals. There will be a speaker connection for phones and mp3 players. Please have music cued up to where your singing will begin.

Auditions: September 29th from 6-9pm & 30th from Noon to 3pm. Click here to sign up for an audition slot.

Location

Callbacks: October 1st at 5:00 (specific times will be given for different roles)

For: Ages 10-18

Rehearsals Begin: October 8th

Rehearsals: Monday & Thursdays 6-9 Sundays 3-6

Show Dates: December 7th-10th

Show Location: The Sorg Opera House

Directed by: Rodney Neal

Roles Available

ENSEMBLE
Large singing-dancing ensemble consisting of ‘Jimmy’s Back Room’ Clubgoers, Train Passengers, Inn Guests, Chorus Kids, Patrons of the Regency Room

CHARACTERS

  • Bob Wallace – a superb singer with a crooning style who moves well
  • Phil Davis – strong jazz and tap-dancing needed – a song-and-dance comic performer
  • Betty Haynes – a female singer of quiet beauty and charm who must move well
  • Judy Haynes – strong jazz and tap-dancing needed – a major song-and-dance performer
  • General Henry Waverly – with the exception of one line, a non-singing role
  • Martha Watson – a winning, appealing character-comedienne
  • Susan Waverly – she must have an excellent belt voice and be able to move well
  • Ralph Sheldrake
  • Rita
  • Rhoda
  • Ezekiel Foster
  • Mike
  • Tessie
  • Jimmy
  • Cigarette Girl
  • Snoring Man
  • Mrs. Snoring Man
  • Train Conductor
  • Dance Captain
  • Seamstress
  • Assistant Seamstress
  • Ed Sullivan Announcer
  • Regency Room Announcer – offstage voice
  • Sheldrake’s Secretary – offstage voice
  • ‘Jimmy’s Back Room’ Clubgoers
  • Train Passengers
  • Inn Guests
  • Chorus Kids
  • Patrons of the Regency Room

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Auditions Announced for ART at Village Players

VP_new logoVillage Players of Fort Thomas is holding auditions for ART by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton
Courtesy of Dramatists Play Service Inc.
Directed by John Leo Muething
Produced by Katie Jensen and Aimée Ward

Auditions will be held at the street-level Judith M. Sarakatsannis Gallery at 8 N. Fort Thomas Ave, Fort Thomas, KY, 41075.

Monday, October 9 from 7:00-9:30pm and Wednesday, October 11 from 7:00-9:30pm.

Please sign up for an audition slot here.

If you are not able to attend either day, video auditions may be sent in by Oct. 11 at 7pm (details available on our website).

Rehearsals begin in January (read-thru in November/December). Show dates are February 23-March 2, 2024.

Characters (ages are approximate):

  • MARC, 40s-60s (male-presenting): Successful, Married, Aeronautical Engineer. Enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.
  • SERGE, 40s-60s (male-presenting): Successful, Divorced, Dermatologist. Enjoys sharing experiences with others.
  • YVAN, 40s-60s (male-presenting): Less-than-successful, Engaged, Paper Salesman. Enjoys making those around him happy.

Official page |

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THIS IS TOM JONES! Review

Review by Katrina “Kat” Reynolds. THIS IS TOM JONES! presented by Human Race Theatre Company through September 24th. I attended the opening Sunday matinee.

tomjones_cast

The cast of THIS IS TOM JONES! (along with playwright Mark Brown).

I often find myself telling Cincinnati-area theatre lovers that the trip up to Dayton to see a show by The Human Race Theatre Company is well worth it. And after this past weekend, I will continue to insist upon it. (Bonus: The Loft Theatre where they perform is directly next to a Pizzeria Uno. Do what you will with that information.)

This month, HRTC is giving us a world premiere musical: This is Tom Jones! with book, lyrics, and music by Mark Brown as well as music by Paul Mirkovich. As much as I do not wish to provide spoilers, there is one important thing to know right off the bat: Nope, it’s not about THAT Tom Jones. The show can be described in brief as “Henry Fielding’s heart-throbbing masterpiece meets the frenzied, mop-top sounds of the 1960s” – aka the British Invasion. Add in Music Direction by Cincinnati’s own Steve Goers (who also leads the incredibly talented band) and you have yourself a rollicking good time.

Director Emily N. Wells does an excellent job giving the audience an energetic, fast-paced run through the story of our titular character with lightning-fast costume (and accent) changes. Isabella Meyers is listed as the Run Crew, but the word from inside sources is that three amazing people are backstage to assist the artists in making the character changes seamless (and they are indeed seamless). Bravx to these backstage helpers!

Scenic Designer Tamara L. Honesty and Costume Designer Janet G. Powell both have their work cut out for them and, fortunately, they both slayed their assignments. Keep an eye on the set: there are surprises which should not be ruined by a review. In addition, costumes are cleverly buildable and just plain old fantastic.

The group of nine actors (who end up playing a total of…hell, I lost count) is a true ensemble in every sense of the word. It is nearly impossible to choose a standout as every single one of them has fun moments to offer. The cast, including some more Cincinnati favourites, features Patrick Earl Phillips as Man 1; Sara Mackie as Woman 1; Edwin Large as Man 2; Kelly Mengelkoch as Woman 2; Eb Madson is Man 3; Aleah Vassell is Woman 3; Kyle Mangold as Man 4; Melinda Porto as Woman 4; and Jamie Cordes as Man 5. Comedic timing and strong vocals are a must for this show and each artist in this cast has such gifts and then some. One special note: I was particularly impressed by the beautiful way the voices of Ms. Mengelkoch and Ms. Porto sounded when they sang together – smooth as silk and sweet as molasses. Well done!

Per the HRTC site, this show is recommended if you like Austin Powers, The Full Monty, and Avenue Q. These are good guidelines as the humour is strong and bawdy while remaining smart. In addition, the music is well-written and the vocalists emit chills. While the band can run a wee bit hot, the sound balance seems to get corrected relatively quickly.

In summary, a ridiculously enjoyable musical (there IS such a thing!) with strong comedic chops that will have you smiling the entire way through. This is Tom Jones! can be enjoyed at The Loft Theatre through September 24th. Please click here for more information and plan your trip to Dayton now!

*Special thanks to Kappy Kilburn for allowing us at Behind the Curtain Cincinnati to enjoy this soon-to-be classic.*

Click here for more information on the production.

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Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Runs Sept. 21-24

RISEUP_Beauty and the BeastDisney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Rise Up Performing Arts
Sept. 21-24
Fairfield Freshman Theatre

Directed by Rodney & Angie Neal

A beautiful Enchantress disguised as an old beggar woman arrives at a castle during a ball and offers the host, a cruel and selfish Prince, a rose in return for shelter from a storm. When he refuses, she reveals her identity. To punish the Prince for his lack of compassion, the Enchantress transforms him into a Beast and his servants into household objects, then erases the castle, the Prince, and his servants from the memories of their loved ones. She casts a spell on the rose and warns the Prince that the curse will only be broken if he learns to love another and earns her love in return, before the last petal falls.

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

  • Thu-Fri, Sept. 21-22 at 7pm
  • Sat, Sept. 23 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Sept. 24 at 2pm & 6pm

Official page |

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