Category Archives: Events

December 14, 2018 · 10:07 am

JUSTIN WILLMAN – Magic in Real Life Tour | Sat., Feb. 23 | Music Hall Ballroom

CAA_Justin Willman logo

CINCINNATI, OH – Magician/Comedian, Netflix star, and social media sensation Justin Willman will bring his Magic in Real Life Tour to the Cincinnati Music Hall Ballroom for one night only on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 7:30 PM. The show is part of Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2018-19 Presenting Season.

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 21 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center and Music Hall Ticket Offices. Group discount tickets for ten or more are available by calling (513) 977-4157.

Justin Willman has cemented himself as one of today’s most prolific entertainers. This summer, Willman premiered his six-episode magic series on Netflix entitled Magic For Humans with Justin Willman. In the series, Willman brings his skills as a magician to the strange and misunderstood subcultures of America, while incorporating his disarming demeanor into street magic and social experiments that will boggle the mind. Upon premiering, the show instantly became one of the most streamed shows on Netflix with clips from the show garnering over 100 million views to date across social media, even sparking a viral meme. Indiewire called Willman the “perfect magician/hybrid prototype with incredible comedic timing,” and Rotten Tomatoes currently has the show listed at an 88% audience approval.

Willman also recently announced his new residency aptly called The Magic Show at the historic and swanky Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. The Magic Show will be an intimate performance in a hidden, unmarked theater inside the hotel, and upon announcing the show, all performances sold out almost immediately.

The L.A. Times exclaimed that Willman is “a new breed of magician who’s making magic cool again for grown-ups.” Playboy Magazine dubbed him “the freshest and funniest magician working today,” and Time Outhailed that his show “has to be seen to be disbelieved.”

Prior to Magic for Humans, Willman was known for his multiple appearances on The Tonight Show, Ellen, and Conan. He also performed live at the White House for the Obama Family. His debut comedy/magic special Sleight of Mouth premiered on Comedy Central in 2015 to rave reviews.

Willman is also a consultant & writer for film/television productions like America’s Got Talent, The Goldbergs, and Disney’s upcoming feature film Magic Camp.

Justin was born in St. Louis, lives in Los Angeles, and does not own a rabbit.

Learn more about Justin Willman

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION SPONSORS

SEASON SONSORS:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), CINCINNATI-NORTHERN KENTUCKY HONDA DEALERS, FURNITURE FAIR, LOCAL12 WKRC, The  P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Courtyard Marriott & Residence Inn-Rookwood, Heidelberg Distributing, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Hyatt Regency-Cincinnati, Macy’s, Pepsi, Prosource, Skyline Chili, TriHealth, Ultimate Air Shuttle, Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc.

Founded in 1992, the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the programming and management of the Tri-state’s finest performing arts venues – the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall – and is dedicated to supporting performing and visual arts. Each year, CAA presents a diverse schedule of events; serves upwards of 600,000 people in its venues; features the work of talented local, regional, and national artists in the Weston Art Gallery (located in the Aronoff Center); and supports the work of more than one dozen resident companies. Since the inception of its acclaimed arts education programs in 1995, CAA has reached more than 1.6 million students. For more information, visit www.CincinnatiArts.org.

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December 13, 2018 · 11:36 am

Cirque Du Soleil’s First On-Ice Production CRYSTAL Comes to Cincinnati in December

CDS_Crystal_Reflection2 promo

The Reflection. Photo by Matt Beard.

Cincinnati – Cirque du Soleil is excited to announce its return to the Queen City this December with its first creation on ice – CRYSTAL. This unique production pushes the boundaries of performance by combining stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination. CRYSTAL will celebrate the holidays at the U.S. Bank Arena from Thursday, December 27 through Sunday, December 30 – for six shows only.

In CRYSTAL, gymnasts and skaters perform acrobatics on the ice and in the air, seamlessly combining multiple disciplines for a world-class audience experience. Synchronized, freestyle and extreme skating are featured alongside circus disciplines such as swinging trapeze, aerial straps and hand-to-hand. The result is an adrenaline-packed show for the whole family that pushes the boundaries and surpasses all expectations.

The city holds a special place for us as Cincinnati native Mary Siegel, cast member of Crystal, will make her debut in the city where she grew up. “I can’t even begin to find the words to describe exactly how excited I am to be performing with Cirque du Soleil in my hometown,” says Mary. “It’s one thing to share what I love with my closest friends and family, but to do so around the holidays, I couldn’t ask for a better scenario.”  She joined Cirque du Soleil during the creation of CRYSTAL in the summer of 2017 in Montreal and has been performing as a figure skater in the show ever since.

Tickets for CRYSTAL were available online exclusively to Cirque Club members starting May 7. Cirque Club membership is free, and benefits include access to advance tickets, special offers and exclusive behind-the-scenes information. To join, visit www.cirqueclub.com. General ticket sales for Cincinnati performances of CRYSTAL were available starting May 18.

Watch world-class ice skaters and acrobats explore their new frozen playground with speed and fluidity as they challenge the laws of gravity with never-before-seen acrobatics. Cirque du Soleil’s CRYSTAL fuses circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a surreal world where figure skating blends with acrobatics and aerial prowess.

Show Schedule – Thursday, December 27 through Sunday, December 30, 2018

  • Thursday, December 27 at 7:30 pm
  • Friday, December 28 at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, December 29 at 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, December 30 at 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm 

More about CRYSTAL – A Breakthrough Ice Experience
Follow CRYSTAL, the lead character, on an exhilarating tale of self-discovery as she dives into a world of her own imagination. Feel the adrenaline as she soars through this surreal world at high speed to become what she was always destined to be: confident, liberated and empowered. CRYSTAL invites you to suspend reality and glide into a world that springs to colorful life with astounding visual projections and a soundtrack that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil.

For more information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/crystal
To watch a preview video of CRYSTAL, visit YOUTUBE
Follow #CRYSTAL and #cirquedusoleil on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

Sponsor
Cirque du Soleil wishes to thank Forsythe Technology, official partner.

Cirque du Soleil
CRYSTAL is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd original production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has more than 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
To find out more about the ONE DROP Foundation, visit www.onedrop.org.

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December 4, 2018 · 12:18 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Presents MARTIN’S DREAM on the Showtime Stage

TCTC_Martin's Dream ImageCelebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the one-man production of MARTIN’S DREAM.

Created, directed and performed by the talented and charismatic Deondra Kamau Means, this show explores the real person behind the pictures: a funny, intelligent, passionate man whose faith, family and education made him one of the most revered people in our nation’s history. Watch the story of his life unfold — from his childhood in the Deep South all the way to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

MARTIN’S Dream is most enjoyed by those in grades 2-12 (and adults too) and will be presented on the Ralph and Patricia Corbett Showtime Stage, 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH  45227.  Only 152 seats are available for each performance.  Performances will be held:

  • Saturday, January 19 at 11 AM and 2 PM
  • Sunday, January 20 at 2 PM

A question-and-answer session follows every show.

Tickets are $13 each (plus service fees) and are available exclusively through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.  Tickets available now.

The United States celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day officially on Monday, January 21, 2019.

TCT On Tour is bringing the production of MARTIN’S DREAM to schools and venues around the Tri-State and throughout the region from January 14 – March 1, 2019.  If you’re interested in booking, please contact Violet Rae Webster at 513-569-8080 x20 or by emailing violet.webster@tctcincinnati.com.

Don’t miss our brand-new Podcast, Audio Footlights. Hosted by Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, listeners will get to know Deondra Kamau Means, the creator of MARTIN’S DREAM. This podcast is designed to look at the shows we produce, and to ignite, impact and inspire all of our young listeners to have a lifelong love of theatre. Flex your imagination and join us!

This free TCT Podcast runs about 8 minutes, and will be available soon on iTunes as well as Stitcher, SoundCloud, GooglePlay, TuneIn and Spotify!  Here’s a link to SoundCloud:  https://soundcloud.com/tctcincinnati

TCT On Tour is sponsored by Macy’s, PNC and Mercy Health Foundation.  The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the Ohio Arts Council and the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

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November 30, 2018 · 12:44 pm

NKU Brings REEL ENCOUNTERS to The Carnegie

NKU_Reel Encounters

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts Music Program will present a movie-theatre like concert experience at The Carnegie entitled “Reel Encounters with Music.” Join the NKU Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Amy Gillingham, in a family-friendly, multimedia event with film, actors, and free popcorn!

The concept for Reel Encounters was born out of the idea that there’s not enough orchestra in Northern Kentucky, most of which is performed on NKU’s campus.

“Many people, especially children and families simply do not know that music and orchestra can be fun, accessible and NOT stuffy!” stated NKU Orchestra director Amy Gillingham. “I wanted to take our orchestra out into the community and invite all sorts of people to the concert—and make the concert accessible and inclusive to all!”

The concert will showcase the versatility of the orchestra with many different “moving parts” and will feature compositions for the films Pedigreedy (1927), Wright Flight (2013), and The Freshman (1925). Although Pedigreedy and Freshman are from the 1920s, the music is written by modern and living composers. Back in the day, these movies were silent films and an organist/pianist would play and improvise along with the film for added drama. Wright Flight is also by a living composer, and the performance marks the 115th anniversary of the Wright brothers’ first flight.

“Reel Encounters with Music” will take place Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at The Carnegie in Covington, KY. Free tickets can be reserved through The Carnegie Box Office at (859) 957-1940. For more information about NKU’s School of the Arts, please visit nku.edu/sota or follow on social media @NKUSOTA. Reel Encounters is made possible thanks to the generous support of an NKU College of Arts and Sciences Strategic Investment Award.

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November 27, 2018 · 3:58 pm

HAPPY HOLIDAYS WITH THE MIGHTY WURLITZER | Wed., Dec. 12 | Music Hall Ballroom

CAA_Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer logo

Featuring acclaimed theatre organist Mark Herman;
Guest emcee, Cincinnati Opera Artistic Director Evans Mirageas;
Vocalists, Jennifer Lynn Cherest and Thom Dreeze;
and Nutcracker dancers from Cincinnati’s School for Creative & Performing Arts

CINCINNATI, OH – The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall (SPMH) is pleased to announce the return of Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer to Cincinnati’s Music Hall Ballroom on Wednesday, December 12 at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM. This popular holiday concert is regarded as one of the Tri-state’s most anticipated music events of the yuletide season. 

Tickets are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center and Music Hall Ticket Offices. For groups of ten or more, call (513) 977-4157.

There’s nothing quite like the unique sound of the Albee Theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer − an orchestra and more all in one organ!  Acclaimed theatre-organist Mark Herman will pull out all the stops, with Cincinnati Opera Artistic Director, Evans Mirageas, as guest emcee; vocalists Jennifer Lynn Cherest and Thom Dreeze; and Nutcracker dancers from Cincinnati’s School for the Creative & Performing Arts. This will be a nonstop concert with all of the bells, whistles, and special effects that only an instrument as grand as the Mighty Wurlitzer can create. Relive your memories of yesterday as you create new memories of tomorrow with your friends and family!

“The Winter Holidays are the perfect time to enjoy the warmth of music and light, which can start and stir such wonderful memories,” said Holly Brians Ragusa of The Society for the Preservation of Music Hall.  “Traditions such as our annual Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer concert are special and help us share in the joy and peace of the Season! It’ll be quite a night to discover or rediscover the Mighty Wurlitzer with loved ones in the beautiful Music Hall Ballroom.  Come to remember and enjoy a sense of childhood joy and wonder.”

The Mighty Wurlitzer 
The Mighty Wurlitzer was installed in the ornate Albee Theater on Fountain Square in December 1927 – one of only 2,200 theatre-organs produced at that time to accompany silent feature films.  When talkies took over in 1929, the theatre organ was mainly silenced. The Albee organ was donated to the Emery Theater in 1969 (where it played for movies and other events) and was partially rebuilt by the Ohio Valley Organ Club. It was removed from the Emery in 1999 and put into storage.

The leadership at SPMH thought the historic Music Hall Ballroom would be an ideal location for the instrument, and in June 2007, Ronald F. Wehmeier, Inc., Pipe Organ Service in Cincinnati was contacted to completely rebuild and install the Wurlitzer. A donor foundation funded the entire project in the amount of $1.41 million.  Only a small number of Wurlitzers of this size still exist, and Cincinnati (the home of the Wurlitzer Company) is one of the few cities in the country to have an instrument of this quality.

The Wurlitzer was expanded in tonal colors and effects, from 19 ranks of pipes to 31 ranks (a rank is made up of 61 pipes, and represents orchestral sounds, such as trumpets, flutes, tubas, strings, etc.).  A full array of percussion effects is also present – xylophone, marimba, glockenspiel, chimes, and even a large Steinway grand – all playable from the giant three keyboard and pedal console, decorated in 22-karat gold leaf.  Wind for the pipes is provided by a 15 HP high pressure turbine, the electrical switching is controlled by computer, and pipes range in size from 16 feet to the size of a pencil.  In addition, the Wurlitzer is now fully computerized, so that it can be played without an organist through a digital input system.

Mark Herman
One of America’s busiest theatre organists, Mark performs concerts and silent film presentations across the U.S. and abroad. In 2012, he was named the American Theatre Organ Society’s Organist of the Year and is the youngest person ever to receive the prestigious honor. Previously, he was overall winner of the Society’s Young Theatre Organist Competition in 2004.

Mark has been featured on several episodes of American Public Media’s Pipedreams program, and has performed for countless conventions of the American Theatre Organ Society, American Guild of Organists, and Organ Historical Society. On the international stage, he has toured in Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

He currently resides in Los Angeles, where he is President and Tonal Director of the Los Angeles Organ Company, the Allen Organ dealer for the Greater Los Angeles area. He is in demand as a voicing specialist and tonal consultant for Allen Organs and is proud to be an Allen Artist, showcasing new Allen Organs in the U.S. and beyond. He oversees the care of several notable theatre pipe organs and consults on instruments nationally. Los Angeles Organ Company oversees the installation and care of organs with hundreds of institutional and private clients throughout the west coast.

Evans Mirageas
Evans Mirageas is in his 14th season as The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Opera. Widely considered one of the most talented and respected artistic leaders in the classical music industry today, Evans brings to Cincinnati Opera a broad range of experience in both opera and symphonic music, as well as a long history of successful partnerships with many of the world’s leading singers and conductors.

Evans’ varied career in classical music has included radio production with the nationally-renowned WFMT radio station in Chicago, Artistic Administrator to Seiji Ozawa at the Boston Symphony, and Senior Vice President of Artists and Repertoire for the Decca Record Company. In addition, he is an award-winning record producer, lecturer, interviewer, presenter, and awards panelist. He is also the Vice President for Artistic Planning for The Atlanta Symphony. Since 1999, Evans has served as an independent artistic advisor to conductors, instrumentalists, sing­ers, symphony orchestras, opera companies, and other performing arts organizations throughout the United States and Europe.

Jennifer Lynn Cherest, soprano
Jennifer has been praised as “beautifully expressive and technically polished” by the San Francisco Chronicle in Mozart’s La Finta Giardiniera with the Merola Opera Program, and has begun to make her mark in the opera world. Since finishing her Adler fellowship with the San Francisco Opera in 2013, she has debuted with such companies as Washington National Opera and Cincinnati Opera, and recently sang the role of Gilda in Rigoletto with Dayton Opera. Learn more about Jennifer at www.jennifercherest.com.

Thomas Dreeze, baritone
Thomas has enjoyed a varied career in music, arts administration, and events management. He performs opera, operetta, oratorio, music theatre, art song, the American songbook, and more. Praised for his baritone voice of wide range and warm-timbre, he has recently performed with the  Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Collegium Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Dreeze is a co-founder of Evans Mirageas Consulting, which offers artistic and strategic planning for classical music organizations and musicians around the world (www.evansmirageas.com).

The School for Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) Dance Department
The SCPA Dance Department is known for its exceptional courses in ballet technique and style as well as modern dance. As students advance, they are given the opportunity to audition for Dance Ensemble, SCPA’s premier student dance company. Graduates of the Dance Department have gone on to perform with the New York City, Cincinnati, and Atlanta Ballet companies, as well as on Broadway.

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