Category Archives: Events

November 19, 2018 · 12:43 pm

Matthew 25: Ministries Presents TICKETS the Radio Play by Reverend Wendell Mettey

MISC_Matthew 25 Ministries logoOn December 14 and 15, Matthew 25: Ministries is presenting TICKETS the Radio Play, a charming, heartwarming, family-friendly holiday entertainment that celebrates the warmth of the Christmas season. What happens to the Christmas spirit when a church has to decide how to distribute 253 tickets that “Admit One to Heaven” to a congregation of more than 1,000?

TICKETS the Radio Play is based on the short story Tickets originally written by Matthew 25’s Founder and President Reverend Wendell Mettey in 1976 for his Walnut Hills congregation. Reverend Mettey conceived the idea of turning the radio program into a staged old-style radio play and the original radio script received its world premiere staged production in December of 2013.

TICKETS the Radio Play recreates the ambiance of an old-time recording studio, where actors perform the radio play in front of a live “studio” audience, complete with old style sound effects and surprises. The original short story Tickets is included in a compilation of Reverend Mettey’s Christmas stories (Lost and Found, Stories of Christmas), released in November of 2013.

The cast of TICKETS includes talented, fan-favorite performers from all around Greater Cincinnati. A selection of unique, international crafts purchased from artists in the locations Matthew 25 serves will be available for purchase at each performance.

Performances of TICKETS the Radio Play are December 14th at 7:30pm and December 15th at 3pm and 7:30pm. Tickets for Tickets are available at http://m25m.org/event/tickets-the-radio-play/, by calling (513) 793-6256 or e-mailing gracie@m25m.org. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children.

Join Matthew 25: Ministries and the cast and crew of TICKETS the Radio Play for a fun, unique, family-friendly holiday experience!

ABOUT MATTHEW 25: MINISTRIES: Matthew 25: Ministries rescues and reuses approximately 15,000,000 pounds of corporate products each year and redistributes them to people in need throughout the US and worldwide. Each year, Matthew 25: Ministries impacts the lives of more than 20,000,000 individuals throughout the United States and around the world. More than 99% of Matthew 25: Ministries’ cash and in-kind donations go toward programs. Matthew 25 has been highly ranked on Forbes’ list of the Most Efficient Large Charities in the US. Matthew 25 is also highly ranked of more than 3,000 four star charities on Charity Navigator.  Matthew 25: Ministries is accredited by the Better Business Bureau through the “Wise Giving Alliance Standards”. For more information contact Joodi Archer or Mary Tignor at Matthew 25: Ministries (513) 793-6256 or visit www.m25m.org.

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November 19, 2018 · 12:28 pm

Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT runs Nov. 24-Dec. 2 at Cincinnati Actor’s Studio & Academy

CASA_American Idiot logoJoin CASA on this journey as a group of young Americans struggle to find meaning in their lives.

What makes an American Idiot?

[Cincinnati, OH – November 16th, 2018] Cincinnati Actor’s Studio & Academy presents AMERICAN IDIOT a blockbuster rock musical, music by Green Day, book by Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer. It’s time to discover the truth of the American Dream. Set in “Jingletown, USA,” AMERICAN IDIOT follows anti-hero Johnny, a naive but hopeful guy who goes to the city as the “Jesus of Suburbia.” He and his friends, Tunny and Will, suffer the realization that their dreams aren’t easy to achieve as they thought, and inevitably fall prey to addiction of various forms.
Ticket and Production Details
Performances will be on Saturday, November 24th – Sunday, November 25th at 7:30PM, Sunday, November 25th at 2PM, & Friday, November 30th – Sunday, December 2nd at 7:30PM. All performances will be at Essex Studios (2511 Essex Place, Studio 282B, Cincinnati, OH 45206.
Tickets are $15 for students/seniors and $20 for adults, and can be purchased online https://casastudio.booktix.com/index.php or at the door.
Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT runs approximately 2 hours including an intermission and has an R rating for adult content.
For more details, visit www.casastudioacademy.com or CASA’s Facebook page
(@CasaStudioAcademy).

*Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International*

PRODUCTION TEAM
  • Director: Gina Cerimele-Mechley
  • Assistant Director: Bettina Ernst (Walnut Hills High School)
  • Stage Manager: David Faller
  • Music Director: Janet Langhorst
  • Video Advisor: Evan Holzman
  • Lighting/Sound Designer: Olivia Cremisio
  • Choreographer: Kat Sweeney (St. Ursula Academy)
  • Assistant Choreographer: Celia Gries (home schooled)
CAST
  • Johnny: Johnny Shirer (School for Creative and Performing Arts)
  • Tunny: Jackson Daley
  • Will: Sebastian Kong (Indian Hill High School)
  • St. Jimmy: Kaya Roll (Seton High School)
  • Heather: Sabrina Mack (Northern Kentucky University)
  • Whatsername: Gabrielle Mouch (Mercy McAuley High School)
  • Extraordinary Girl: Chloe Baron (Fairfield High School)
  • Featured Ensemble: Donnie Adams (Madeira High School), Jonah Sorscher (Indian Hill High School), and Celia Gries  
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

“What is the American Dream? Does it even exist? Why do people turn to addiction and codependency as a result of the loss of American Dream? With this production we are taking a stand against substance abuse, violence and the personal atrocities that people suffer when they feel left behind by their country. We are also revealing the effects of media and propaganda on contemporary youth.” — Gina Cerimele-Mechley, director
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November 9, 2018 · 12:50 pm

Celebrated Cincinnati Vocal Jazz Group Adds Brand-New Venues to Popular Christmas Tour

NP_Christmas 2018

NO PROMISES Vocal Band. Standing: Mike Robertson, David Baum & Jeff Grooms Seated: Matt Croy & Charlie Harper Floor: Adam Wheeler & Joshua Steele

CINCINNATI, OH – Each year across Ohio, nearly 2,000 a cappella lovers brave the fall temperatures to catch one of NO PROMISES Vocal Band’s popular holiday concerts. This yuletide, the ensemble will harmonize beneath the mistletoe at five new venues across the state, including two freshly-minted theaters.

Kindle your holiday spirits with the joyful harmonies of NO PROMISES Vocal Band, as the group embarks on their beloved annual “Christmas With No Promises” tour. Ohio’s premier vocal jazz ensemble offers a family-friendly concert featuring memorable arrangements of secular and sacred classics by Andy Williams, John Coltrane, Joni Mitchell, Harry Connick, Jr. and many more. The concerts will feature special guest artists Noah Berry, currently on the national tour of Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, and
Schyler Vargas, currently performing a critically-acclaimed production of WEST SIDE STORY at opera companies around the country.

“Christmas With No Promises” will be presented four times, including at downtown Cincinnati’s new neighborhood cinema and performance venue, The Garfield Theater, located in the former Cincinnati Shakespeare Company location on Race Street. Performances are:

Thursday, December 6, 7:30pm
St. Thomas More Parish
800 Ohio Pike | Withamsville, OH
No Reservations Required; A Freewill Offering Will Be Accepted

Thursday, December 13, 7:30pm
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
400 Wayne Avenue | Defiance, OH
No Reservations Required; A Freewill Offering Will Be Accepted

Friday, December 14, 7:30pm
The Garfield Theater
719 Race Street | Cincinnati, OH
Tickets $15 Advance, $20 Door | Reservations Required: http://www.thegarfieldtheatre.org

Thursday, December 20, 7:30pm
Community of the Good Shepherd
8815 East Kemper Road | Montgomery, OH
No Reservations Required; A Freewill Offering Will Be Accepted

Admission to the December 6, 13 and 20 concerts is free; a freewill offering will be accepted. Tickets to the Friday, December 14 performance at The Garfield Theater are $15 in advance ($20 at the door) and may be purchased online at www.thegarfieldtheatre.org, or by calling 859.957.3456.

Past performances of this program have been filled to capacity; it is suggested that patrons arrive early to the free performances.

Multiple Musical Merriments
In addition to their own concerts, NO PROMISES will make two featured guest appearances with Cincinnati’s legendary Southern Gateway Chorus, performing on the group’s “Peace On Earth” program at Mercy McAuley High School on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 9 at 2:00pm. Tickets to the “Peace On Earth” concerts are $15 – $25; tickets and more information at
https://southerngateway.org/2017-Holiday-Show.

The group will perform as part of the official opening of Dayton’s new PNC Arts Annex, a city center venue built and operated by the Victoria Theater Association. The invitation-only function will take place on November 30.

About NO PROMISES
NO PROMISES is a Cincinnati-based professional a cappella ensemble bringing exhilarating vocals and breathtaking harmonizations to popular favorites of jazz, Motown, classical and adult contemporary music. The group is has entertained at festivals, concert series, conventions and concert halls throughout the state. Its members have performed across North America with theatrical tours, graced the stages of Broadway, fronted major symphony orchestras, and backed the likes of Jim Messina, Steve Winwood, Kenny Loggins and POCO. In their day-to-day lives, the men of NO PROMISES are clinical psychologists, theatrical talent buyers, real estate developers and working musicians with a passion for fine a cappella singing.

The members of NO PROMISES are Joshua Steele (resident of Pleasant Ridge), Charlie Harper (Anderson Township), David Baum (Montgomery), Jeff Grooms (Cold Spring, KY), Matt Croy (Findlay, OH), and Nat Comisar (Indian Hill).

Curious about how Broadway actor David Baum joined NO PROMISES and became a clinical psychologist, or the surprising musical background of former Maisonette owner Nat Comisar? Check out our individual bios at http://www.nopromisesvocalband.com/lineup/.

Special Guests
Joining NO PROMISES for the group’s holiday schedule are two intrepid guest artists, Schyler Vargas and Noah Berry. A Colorado native and award-winning vocalist, Vargas spent his summer performing at New York state’s prestigious Glimmerglass Festival, while on break from his graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati’s renowned College-Conservatory of Music. Vargas’ performance in the festival’s WEST SIDE STORY was so well regarded, he earned contracts to perform the show at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and The Atlanta Opera this fall. Berry is a Dayton native and alumnus of Northern Kentucky University, who has spent much of his early career on the road with the national tour BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY. He’s
currently performing as part of the national tour of Monty Python’s SPAMALOT.

NO PROMISES Christmas Album
NO PROMISES will travel this holiday season with their seasonal record, A No Promises Christmas. The 2016 release was mixed by Ed Boyer, who has been responsible for the studio sound of NBC’s “The Sing-Off,” Universal Pictures’ “Pitch Perfect” and groups including Pentatonix and Home Free.

Comprised of all original arrangements, “A No Promises Christmas” includes fresh interpretations of sacred songs like “Silent Night” and “In The Bleak Midwinter” along with popular favorites like Andy Williams’ “Sleigh Ride,” Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” and selections from Vince Guaraldi’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

CDs are available at performances for $15. Digital downloads are available on iTunes, Spotify and other major digital distributors.

All Wet
NO PROMISES’ sophomore studio effort, All Wet, was released earlier this summer. The 10-track, all-pop album features favorites of pop music from the 60s to radio hits of today. Abounding with NO PROMISES’ trademark harmonies and soaring lead vocals, nostalgic interpretations of tunes like the Jackson Five’s “I Want You Back” and Ambrosia’s “You’re The Biggest Part of Me” with more ambitious
arrangements such as a vocal jazz version of Blondie’s “Call Me” and a mashup of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off with The Four Season’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You.”

CDs are available at performances for $15. Digital downloads are available on iTunes, Spotify and other major digital distributors.
For More Information

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November 8, 2018 · 9:57 am

Anderson Theatre Presents the Cult Musical BAT BOY

AHS_Bat Boy promo

The cast of Anderson Theatre’s BAT BOY the Musical includes Junior Sophia Lee as Meredith Parker, Junior Paige Resor as her daughter Shelley, Freshman Nick Gundrum as Bat Boy, and Junior Ian Baker as Dr. Parker. Photo by Jennifer Alessandrini.

This November, the students of Anderson High School are exploring the dark side of comedy with “Bat Boy, the Musical.” This Off-Broadway hit was inspired by a series of infamous tabloid stories about a half boy-half bat creature discovered in a cave near a small town in West Virginia. The musical tells the story of his discovery and his effect on the town.

“‘Bat Boy’ was written in the 90’s, when dark humor was hugely popular,” explains Director Hannah Linser-Wilder. “It invites the audience laugh about crazy tabloid stories,   low-budget 40’s horror movies, angst-filled soap operas, but then it also tells a touching and personal story about a family’s destruction. In that way it is like a Greek tragedy. It is one of my favorite shows ever. And these kids are doing some amazing work with it.”

Freshman Stella Scheidler says “This story is very over the top, super dramatic, funny, campy, and super tragic at the same time.” Scheidler plays Sheriff Reynolds, whom she says is comically unwilling to do her job. “Basically, she dumps all of her problems off on everyone else.”

“I see it as sort of a soap opera,” says Junior Elizabeth Thorman, “some of it is so silly. But the humor is also subtle.” As Props Designer, she has had some fun challenges. “Just be ready,” she says, “There’s gonna be some blood. I’m so excited for the bunny and the cow head. I hope they are impressive as I want them to be!” The Directors point to this, and to other elements of the story, to remind parents that the show will be best suited to children aged 12 and up.

Make-up Designer and Sophomore Emma Barnhart is also excited about her designs for the show. “The mom, Meredith, is more of a classic 50’s house wife, with red lips and winged eyeliner. Her daughter Shelley has more eyeshadow to show that she is rebellious.”

The make-up design for Bat Boy himself is a nod to classic horror films, and Director and Costume Consultant Emily Weddle knew his look would be crucial. “The store-bought fangs were difficult to work with,” Weddle says, “But then the wonderful people at Thacker Orthodontics created custom fangs for us. They’re moulded to fit Nick Gundrum, who plays Bat Boy, perfectly, and work like a charm. They look so real!” Dr. Thacker and his team have been long time supporters of Anderson Theatre. “His whole office is fantastic,” says Weddle.

The story’s villain, Dr. Thomas Parker, is played by Junior Ian Baker as what he calls “a classic Jealous Husband. If it will make his wife love him in the end, then murdering people and blaming the Bat Boy is fine with him.”

Many of the cast are eager for audiences to experience the music of the show. Baker says, “I am most excited for ‘Comfort and Joy.’ Parker has lost it, and he launches his plan to ‘get rid of the boy.’ At the same time, his family makes plans to attend a town social event, all the townspeople prepare, and Bat Boy struggles with his hunger for blood and self-control. The interweaving vocal parts and passion throughout the song make it one of the highlights of the show.”

“This show is a must see!” insists Scheidler. “It will make you feel all the feels. We’ve all worked so hard to make it amazing. I hope that everyone has a great time and appreciates the work of art that is Bat Boy!”

Performances of Anderson Theatre’s “Bat Boy, the Musical” will be November 16  and 17 at 7:00 pm and November 18 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.ShowTix4U.com or at the door.

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November 2, 2018 · 10:43 am

CCM Mainstage Presents Britten’s THE TURN OF THE SCREW

CCM_The Turn of the Screw logo

Based on Henry James’ classic ghost-story novella, Benjamin Britten’s operatic thriller runs at CCM on Nov. 15-18, 2018. Tickets on sale now.

CINCINNATI, OH—The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) continues the spirit of Halloween with Benjamin Britten’s operatic thriller THE TURN OF THE SCREW.

Described by Stephen King as “the quintessential ghost story,” the opera runs as part of CCM’s 2018-19 Mainstage Series on Nov. 15-18, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Based on Henry James’ classic ghost-story novella with Myfanwy Piper’s libretto, THE TURN OF THE SCREW tells the story of a young governess hired to care for two orphaned children at an isolated English country house. Shortly after her arrival, she is haunted by the malicious ghosts of a former valet and his lover, who she fears are stalking her innocent charges. Determined to save the children, the governess battles the supernatural while struggling with the apparent complicity of the children.

Britten blends 12-tone technique, arresting motifs and stirring lyricism, as the “Screw” turns in this chilling tale of sexual repression and the corruption of innocence. For mature audiences. CCM Assistant Professor of Music Aik Khai Pung conducts, with stage direction by Vincent DeGeorge, CCM assistant professor and the Joseph Weinberger Chair of Acting for the Lyric Stage.

“I don’t usually spend a lot of time thinking about ghosts,” DeGeorge says. “However, Benjamin Britten has crafted an opera that has the ability to haunt you in the most unexpected of ways. Its thrilling score, complex characters and twisting storyline may make believers out of all of us.”

CCM Opera presents THE TURN OF THE SCREW on Nov. 15-18, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office; student discounts are available. THE TURN OF THE SCREW will last two hours, including a 15-minute intermission. It will be sung in English.

Creative Team:

  • Aik Khai Pung, conductor
  • Vincent DeGeorge, director
  • Jenny Doctor, dramaturg
  • Mark Halpin, scenic designer
  • Brandon Thompson*, costume designer
  • Mikaela “Mickey” Acton*, production stage manger
  • Marnee Porter*, wig designer
  • Marie-France Lefebvre, musical preparation
  • D’Arcry Smith, dialect coach
    * CCM Student

Cast:

  • Tyler Johnson as Prologue/Peter Quint cover
  • Amber R. Monroe^, Hannah Consenz* as The Governess
  • Mischa Sella^, Nicholas Asafiev-Holmes* as Miles
  • Allison Anderson^, Amanda Olea* as Flora
  • Chelsea Duval-Major^, Karis Tucker* as Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper
    Salvatore Atti as Peter Quint, a former man-servant
    Shannon Cochran^, Yuji Bae* as Miss Jessel, a former governess
  • Madeline Jentsch as Miles cover
  • Anyea Farrar, Georgia Jacobson as Supernumeraries

Mischa Sella and Nicholas Asafiev-Holmes appear courtesy of the Cincinnati Boychoir.

^Thursday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 17
*Friday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 18

Performance Times:

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15
  • 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16
  • 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18

Location:
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets:
Ticket prices start at $32. Discounts are available for UC and non-UC students. Service charges may apply for online orders.

Student rush tickets will be available one hour before each performance to non-UC students, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid Bearcat ID, based on availability.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online through CCM’s e-Box Office.

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
Opera Department Sponsor: Mr. & Mrs. Edward S. Rosenthal
Opera Production Sponsor: Genevieve Smith

THE TURN OF THE SCREW is presented by arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc. publisher and copyright owner.

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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