Category Archives: Events

September 7, 2018 · 12:03 pm

The Wilds of THE JUNGLE BOOK Will Visit Cincinnati This Fall

PIP_JungleBook_Visual

Photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

Fast-paced, modern retelling to tour area community centers through Playhouse’s Off the Hill series Sept. 29 to Nov. 2.

CINCINNATI –CINCINNATI-Bring your children to the jungle this fall to watch Mowgli the man-cub come face-to-face with sneaky monkeys, noisy vultures and more when Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park brings THE JUNGLE BOOK to community centers throughout the region as part of its Off the Hill series. The show runs Sept. 29 to Nov. 2.

The schedule of performances is available online. 

The new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved story features a rambunctious, curious and silly Mowgli who is lost in the wilds of the jungle, where he is adopted by Baloo the bear, Bagheera the panther and all the beasts who call the mysterious wilderness home.

Greg Banks’ script plays on the nostalgia of Kipling’s tales while providing a modern, fast-paced retelling for audiences. A cast of only five actors (from the Playhouse’s Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company) will fill 20 scripted roles in this adventurous production.

“Mowgli is how all children are when they start off in the world,” says Banks in a video interview with the Arden Theatre Company. “Just curious, unafraid, energetic, excited about the world.”

THE JUNGLE BOOK utilizes an exciting set from Kenton Brett and costume designs by Melanie Mortimore to transport viewers to the wondrous wilderness of the Indian jungle that Mowgli and his animal friends call home.

Brett took on the task of creating a set that was both mobile and true to Banks’ vision of a world that embodies youth and freedom.

“The words may be contemporary but it is still set in the jungle — a strange, cartoon kaleidoscope of a jungle,” Brett says of his artistic vision.

The set provides a perfect background to introduce, or reintroduce for some, Mowgli and his jungle-dwelling friends. Protected and guided by Baloo, Bagheera and Mother and Father Wolf, Mowgli discovers challenges and dangers that test his strength and friendships. Yet he finds that when he is in peril, the ones who truly care for him are never that far behind.

“What makes this adaptation of The Jungle Book such a powerful tale to experience is that it uses movement,” says Daunielle Rasmussen, Playhouse Director of Education and Community Engagement, who is also the director of the show. “It has a contemporary interpretation of the animal characters that connects it to our own human experience in a more intentional way.”

Rasmussen emphasizes that even though it is an adventurous tale in the Indian jungle, it is still a story about a young boy who is facing the challenges of growing up. The new adaptation is perfect for children and families to enjoy together. It is recommended for ages 6 and up.

“I love the joy that I see on the faces of parents as they get to share the stories that were meaningful for them as youth with their children,” says Rasmussen, reflecting on her own experience of sharing the story with her son.

The Playhouse’s production will journey all over greater Cincinnati, from Oxford to Cheviot to Union to Covington and many places in between.

The cast includes Julie Locker as Mowgli, Damien Boykin as Shere Kahn, Madison Rengli as Bagheera, David Armando as Father Wolf/Baloo and Maya Jeyam as Mother Wolf/Kaa.

THE JUNGLE BOOK is the first of three Playhouse Off the Hill productions for the 2018-19 Season, which also will present Cyrano and Five Little Monkeys. Off the Hill is sponsored by The John C. Griswold Foundation and KeyBank. Seasonal support of education and outreach by The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation and The Charles H. Dater Foundation. The Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company is supported by Jerry and Betsy Shroat.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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August 31, 2018 · 12:52 pm

OTRimprov Presents the 5th Annual IF CINCY: the Improv Festival of Cincinnati

IF 2018_logo5th Year of Festival features a new venue and 60% more performances

OTRimprov proudly presents the 5th Annual Improv Festival of Cincinnati. With a focus on diverse voices and female performers, IF Cincy features improv talent from Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Baltimore, Cleveland, Lexington, and from right here in Cincinnati. The Festival runs September 27-29, 2018. IF Cincy is excited to move to Memorial Hall OTR. Moving to a bigger venue allows the Festival to expand performance offerings, with more improvisers traveling to Cincinnati from across the nation. Additionally, more local troupes are scheduled to perform, highlighting  the continued growth of world class improv in Cincinnati.

Headlining the Festival are:

  • Working Title featuring Amber Nash, best known for her role as Pam Poovey on the Emmy- winning animated show Archer and Kevin Gillese, Artistic Director at Dad’s Garage in Atlanta.
  • Broke Gravy from Portland, OR, an award-winning troupe who uses honest audience interactions focused on personal experience to inspire and inform their scenes.
  • The Bearded Company (previously called The Bearded Men) from Minneapolis, MN. Their Dungeons and Dragons inspired improv set will feature members of OTRimprov and the action will be controlled by a 20 sided die.
  • Emily Fightmaster & Friends features Cincinnati native Emily Fightmaster, who has performed on some of the biggest improv stages in the world, including Boom Chicago in Amsterdam and on both the mainstage and with the touring company of Second City Chicago.

Last year’s Festival saw an increase in representation of diverse voices and perspectives on stage. The trend continues this year with women representing half of the performers in the Festival and multiple troupes comprised entirely of women or people of color. The producers of the Festival chose to solicit submissions for the 2018 Festival and expressly sought out diverse groups. “We know how important representation is on the stage. And it’s working: last year, we highlighted women on our stage and in our classes right now, around 50% of our students are women. We want to make sure we are sustaining our inclusion efforts and working to increase our diversity. By highlighting some incredibly talented improvisors who also are women and people of color, we hope we can diversify our audience and continue to diversify the improv performers here in Cincinnati ,” says Kat Smith, co-director of OTRimprov and co-producer of IF Cincy.

Traveling to Cincinnati are ANARCHY: an improvised rock opera (Chicago), The Brothers Jacokes (Ferndale, MI), Edith Head (Los Angeles, Nashville, Cincinnati), Horror of Terror (Chicago), I’m the Dog (Chicago), JETZO (Los Angeles), Karen from Accounting (Ferndale, MI), Lady Parts Detroit (Detroit), League of Pointless Improvisers (Ann Arbor, MI) Matt Damon Improv (Chicago), Radio Pigeon (Baltimore, MD), Rare Form Improv (Cleveland), Rhonda (Lexington),  Red Pill Players (Atlanta), and Wieck & Petersen (Ferndale, MI). There also will be a special ComedySportz All-Stars match featuring players from across the country.

Cincinnati’s improv scene has exploded in the past few years, with more and more groups performing regularly around the city. IF Cincy proudly showcases this growth and wealth of local talent. Cincinnati troupes joining the line-up are Blue Roses, Bluetime, BROvaries, The Business, Hands on Dots, Dave Powell Champion, Highly Improvable, HOT MIC, Not my Boyfriend, Roosterwolf, Two Sketchy Dames, and Wampus.

Many of the performers taking the stage in the evening will also be hosting workshops over the weekend, giving locals and visiting artists a rare opportunity to take classes from the impressive and diverse range of visiting national talent.

Tickets are available for single sessions or multiple sessions; whether you are looking to purchase a ticket for one session, tickets for both the 7:30 and 9:30 session in a single evening, or want to mix and match across nights, there are a variety of options. Ticket bundles can also be used for more than one attendee. For help with putting together your ticket bundle and securing your seats, contact the Memorial Hall Box Office at 513-977-8838.

Single Tickets are $20 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances

The Basics:

Who: OTRimprov presents
What: Improv Festival of Cincinnati (IF Cincy)
When: Thursday through Saturday, September 27-29, 2018
Where: Memorial Hall OTR, 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Featuring: Improv artists from Los Angeles, Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Nashville, Ann Arbor, and right here in Cincinnati.
Tickets: http://www.ifcincy.com
How Much: Single Tickets $20 | 6 Ticket Bundle $90 | 4 Ticket Bundle $65 | 2 Ticket Bundle $35 | Additional fees may be added. Ticket bundles can be used for more than one attendee – contact the Memorial Hall Box Office for assistance.

Performance Schedule

IF_Schedule 2018*denotes troupes performing more than once at IF Cincy 2018

ANARCHY: an improvised rock opera (Chicago) || NEW to IF Cincy

Anarchy is a completely sung, completely improvised rock opera featuring some of Chicago’s finest musical improvisers, who have a wild variety of training and educational backgrounds. The project started in the fall of 2013 as an idea born from the desire to create a brand new form of musical improv, with roots in modern musicals (including shows like Tommy by The Who, Green Day’s American Idiot, Rent, and Spring Awakening).

The Bearded Company (Minneapolis) || Returning to IF Cincy

The Bearded Company has been performing and teaching together since 2006. They travel regularly and have performed in over 40 cities in the US and Canada. They have groups in Minneapolis and Los Angeles. The Beards focus on genre-based narrative improv using strong characters and storytelling that is always engaging and never shies away from a little emotion.

Blue Roses (Cincinnati) || NEW to IF Cincy

A Cincinnati-based two-prov who enjoy and are inspired by the work of David Lynch. Two-prov/duo-prov weirdness with emotional content.

Bluetime (Cincinnati) || NEW to IF Cincy

Mary O’Connell and Tone Branson are company members and performers for Improv Cincinnati, and work together on a variety of improv and sketch comedy projects. With a combined 15 years of improv experience and love of playing unusual characters, the duo created, “Bluetime,” a long form set comprised of a series of stories that take place during an event (suggested by the audience) of significant size and scope. Sweeping between “blue time” scenes, where they play themselves, and “orange time” scenes, where they play outlandish characters, Mary and Tone take audiences on a journey that is honest, sincere, foolish, and fun.

Broke Gravy (Portland, OR) || NEW to IF Cincy

Broke Gravy mixes the unique experiences of their audience with narrative, relationship, and the unexpected to create a show that is always surprising and new. Sometimes they ask you questions. Sometimes you ask them questions. Every time you’ll discover something that explores humor, humanity, and truth.

The Brothers Jacokes (Ferndale, MI) || Returning to IF Cincy

Real life brothers, Pete and Pj Jacokes, have been doing this their entire lives. This show is dedicated to their Mom. Their Dad is also pretty cool.

BROvaries (Cincinnati) || NEW to IF Cincy

When you blend a variety of backgrounds, ages, and experiences, there’s bound to be laughter. Take a peek into the living room of this group of wise, wacky, and wild women and see just how weird life can be.  BROvaries is a group that takes a comedic look at both the everyday situations we find ourselves in and also the subjects that might otherwise be avoided in polite conversation.

The Business (Cincinnati) || NEW to IF Cincy

Here to strategize all your improv synergies, our patent pending reverse recursive analysis is sure to improve your comedy reception and activate your most vital laugh centers. Our dedicated, professional, customer focused improvisation team is here to assure your experience is one of comfort and quality. We are so glad you chose The Business, a division of OTRimprov, for your improv needs and we are excited to shift your paradigm to a new dynamic of improv greatness.

ComedySportz All-Stars (multiple cities) || Returning to IF Cincy

This match will feature ComedySportz players from different CSz locations around the country! This mash up of talented improvisers will split into two teams and play for your entertainment-and points! Using audience suggestions and willing volunteers, the red team and blue team will go head to head playing some of the most popular improv games. Scenes, jokes, music, puns, and guessing games abound in this entirely unscripted show. The all powerful referee will keep things moving, call out fouls, distribute points, and with the audience’s help, announce the improv champions at the end of the match!

Dave Powell Champion (Cincinnati) || NEW to IF Cincy

Featuring OTRimprov’s Artistic Director Dave Powell and his hand-chosen Champion, this is improv at its most immediate. Past champions have included local actors and improvisers but the Champion for IF Cincy is one you are going to want to see. Details coming soon!

Edith Head (Los Angeles) || Returning to IF Cincy

Edith Head is made up of Second City Hollywood and Upright Citizens Brigade LA Alumni. All members of Edith Head originally met at The Second City performing on the house team known as American Standard. After leaving Second City and completing UCB, they decided to reunite under the name Daddy’s Lap. Needless to say that name did not last. Thus, Edith Head was born. The style of the group is primarily silly, irreverent, free flowing, with several bursts of high energy, and ridiculous character work. Edith Head is all about having fun, because if we’re not having fun then who is?

Emily Fightmaster & Friends (Chicago) || NEW to IF Cincy

Returning to her native Cincinnati, Emily Fightmaster performed at the first IF Cincy and then moved to Chicago, Amsterdam, and back to Chicago playing at some of the biggest and most prestigious improv venues in the world. She is hand-picking a team from the friends she has made playing in Second City’s Mainstage shows.

Hands on Dots (Cincinnati) || NEW to IF Cincy

Hands on Dots unique form starts at a terrible place for a first date, and luckily gets better from there. Partial character exploration, partial deep dive into silliness.

Highly Improvable (Cincinnati) || Returning to IF Cincy

Highly Improvable has been thrilling audiences with short- and long-form improv in Cincinnati since 2011. Welcoming performers of all skill levels, Highly Improvable performs regularly at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center and Myrtle’s Punch House.

Horror of Terror (Chicago) || NEW to IF Cincy

Do you sometimes find yourself wanting to scare your friends and loved ones? Do you lurk around dark corners waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike? Are you just hoping and praying to get the adrenaline rush from making somebody scream? Well wait no more. Horror of Terror can help you get that scare fix!  Chicago’s only completely improvised horror/comedy group is filled with thrills and their show might literally take your breath away. They mix and match all of the sub-genres of horror from backwoods and fanaticism to slasher and psychological thriller to make a uniquely terrifying comedy that will leave you begging for more.

Hot Mic (Cincinnati) || Returning to IF Cincy

Hot Mic’s opening number began in 2017 and its been performing a completely improvised, 90 minute musical ever since. Our talented performers offer a hilarious, rousing and, sometimes, touching production complete with memorable characters and catchy songs.

I’m the Dog (Chicago) || NEW to IF Cincy

I’m the Dog consists of Alec Herr and Tatum Hunter. The two met at Chicago’s iO comedy theatre when they locked eyes from across the room in the midst of a hate-fueled dance battle, like that one scene in West Side Story. Their shared love of narrative forms and sincere characters inspired them to form I’m the Dog so they could find opportunities to get out of the classroom and onto the stage. Their improv explores the relationship between sincerity and absurdity and focuses on characters who love each other. They’ve performed at The Crowd Theatre in Chicago.

JETZO (Los Angeles) || NEW to IF Cincy

Jetzo is unlike anything you’ll find on the improv scene. Equal parts performance art, clown and improv, Juzo and Chad perform in costume as a father and son from a small fishing village. Every show is their debut in America. They break every rule of improv and heavily involve the audience. They are always accompanied by a “musical cousin” — who might be playing anything from a guitar to bongos to a harp. Jetzo plays to standing room houses twice a month as part of the indie show Catsby, and have performed regularly at Second City, The Pack and The Improv Space. They are also heavily involved in clown productions at the Lyric Hyperion, under the direction of international clown star Dr. Brown.

Karen from Accounting (Ferndale, MI) || NEW to IF Cincy

A group of sassy lady-pals doing their best to prove that women can have it all.

Lady Parts Detroit (Detroit) || Returning to IF Cincy

Lady Parts Detroit is an all-female sketch and improv comedy troupe. While their sets are often centered in everyday conversations, the ladies pull apart these mundane interactions, using one line or phrase from each scene to turn their set into an interconnected wonderland of always clever, sometimes touching, consistently hysterical, and often physically embarrassing comedy.

League of Pointless Improvisers (Ann Arbor) || Returning to IF Cincy

Formed in 2015, the League of Pointless Improvisers perform at the Pointless Brewery & Theatre in Ann Arbor, MI. The rotating cast of 22 is made up of the finest improvisers in SE Michigan. The League of Pointless Improvisers has been invited to perform at the Baltimore Improv Festival, Detroit Improv Festival, We the People (Philadelphia) Improv Festival, Big City (Toronto) Improv Festival, Pittsburgh Comedy Festival, IF Cincy, Grand Rapids Improv Festival and Kalamazoo Improv Festival.

Matt Damon Improv (Chicago) || Returning to IF Cincy

The cast of Matt Damon Improv is comprised of all women of color “slaying improv comedy,”  featuring a special guest white male (Matt Damon) or female (Lena Dunham) improv comedy veteran who can only speak when repeating things that the women of Matt Damon Improv have already said in the show – forcing the guest Matt Damon/Lena Dunham to really listen and take a baby step in a woman of color’s shoes.

Not My Boyfriend (Cincinnati) || NEW to IF Cincy

Not My Boyfriend is ready to swipe right on you!!  Be ready to enjoy a first date full of laughs and minimal awkward pauses.  This group of Cincinnati’s finest eligible individuals will have you begging for a second date with their witty banter and charming personalities.  You won’t want to ghost them, we promise.

Radio Pigeon (Baltimore) || NEW to IF Cincy

The British are coming! The British are cumming! Witness the cringe-worthy, comedic stylings of Richard & Pamela in The Radio Pigeon Hour. In this ham-fisted romp, a loving couple and their invited guests descend into madness, shattering the rules of American society, the decency of American sex, and the integrity of the American theatre. You are guaranteed to ask yourself, “is this supposed to be happening?” and the answer is always “no.” You are guaranteed to ask yourself, “can I get my money back?” and the answer is usually “no.” You are guaranteed to ask yourself, “are they really British?” and the answer is always “yes,” but the truth is always “no.”

Rare Form Improv (Cleveland) || NEW to IF Cincy

Rare Form Improv is a “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” style comedy show with its own twists. We use structures that are crowd favorites and our own signature structures to put our own spin on improv comedy. Our perma-host seeks to use audience suggestion as much as possible to create new scenes every time.

Red Pill Players (Atlanta) || Returning to IF Cincy

Red Pill Players are a group of individuals banded together by their love of improv. Members have been raised and taught mostly within the improv and comedy scenes of Atlanta, with backgrounds that extend to stand up, improv, sketch, film and music. All of these are infused into our show. No performance is the same and that’s how we like it. Take the red pill and we will show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. Enjoy the ride and enjoy the truth.

Rhonda (Lexington, KY) || NEW to IF Cincy

Rhonda can be seen regularly at Stage Box Theater in Lexington, performing both short and long form improvisation.  Recently seen at the Del Close Marathon in NYC and performing in Chelsea at the Upright Citizen Brigade Theater, they are also performing Labor Day weekend at The Dam Good Improv Festival in Louisville, KY.  Rhonda is led and coached by Heather MacDermott Baumann (iO, Annoyance).

Roosterwolf (Cincinnati) || NEW to IF Cincy

Cincinnati’s wild child! * Fast * Fierce * Funny *

Two Sketchy Dames (Cincinnati) || Returning to IF Cincy

50% Comedy, 50% Improv, 100% Fabulous. Two Sketchy Dames are full of wine & funny and they are ready to perform some make-em-ups and sketch comedy for you.

Wampus (Cincinnati) || NEW to IF Cincy

WAMPUS! is a mighty six-headed beast that performs a volatile and highly experimental form of improvisation never before seen in the majestic Ohio Valley. “Dangerous”? Perhaps. “Exciting”? Mos def. “Miss-able”? Only if you want to spend the rest of your life wallowing in ceaseless regret.

Wieck & Petersen (Ferndale, MI) || NEW to IF Cincy

Wieck and Petersen have been improvising for over 11 years now and have been friends for just as long. Last year they decided to see what happens when you mix the intellect and character driven style of Chris with the heartfelt narrative style of Bob, and the results were pure magic.

Working Title (Atlanta) || NEW to IF Cincy

Featuring returning favorite Amber Nash (the voice of Pam Poovey on FX’s Archer) and Kevin Gillese, artistic director of Dad’s Garage Theater in Atlanta, GA. Working Title was first formed in 2010; inspired by the screenwriting book Save the Cat, it was originally called Kill the Dog, which was a terrible name but they stuck with it for several years. After 2 European tours, a few festival appearances and running at Dad’s Garage for several years, they finally changed the name to Working Title and it’s much better. This 2 person format creates a screenplay for the audience.

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OTRimprov is collaborative, simple, and joyful. We bring talented performers together to create consistently interesting, frequently funny, and always inventive scenes. By exploring a variety of forms, we keep ourselves and our audience on our toes. Members of OTRi have studied and performed with a variety of improv theatres and groups around the US, including Second City, iO, iO West, ACME Comedy Theatre, Mission IMPROVable, SmartyPants, Wit’s End, and Incredulity. We are proud to have been named “Best Improv Troupe in Cincinnati” by the readers of CityBeat for the last 4 years running (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018).

We foster new talent through classes and a welcoming atmosphere where all performers feel inspired to explore and take risks. OTRimprov is proud to produce ComedySportz Cincinnati and to support Two Sketchy Dames, Aunt Bill, and Dave Powell Champion.

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August 30, 2018 · 8:57 am

TCT Presents The Frisch Marionette Company’s Production of THE WIZARD OF OZ

FMC_The Wizard of Oz logoThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is proud to present The Frisch Marionette Company performing everyone’s favorite story of Dorothy’s trip over the rainbow, THE WIZARD OF OZ.

TCT’s Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice says, “Frisch Marionettes is one of the most mesmerizing live theatrical performances I have ever witnessed.  We are excited to share this experience with you and bring this story to life on our Showtime Stage on Red Bank.”

Kim Kern, TCT’s Managing Director and CEO says, “At TCT, we believe it is vital to collaborate with other arts organizations to provide a variety of age appropriate arts experiences to instill a love of the arts in our future generations of arts patrons.”

THE WIZARD OF OZ is an American fairytale and is an inspiring story about unlocking the potential that exists within each of us.  This production is one of The Frisch Marionettes’ proudest achievements.  Celebrate America’s rich musical heritage as you travel down the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy to find out why a Lion, Tinman and Strawman are all singing the Blues.

Produced and directed by Kevin Frisch.

This show is ideal for children ages 4+.  Learn more about the art of puppetry when Kevin Frisch hosts a kid-friendly talkback after each performance.

Tickets are $15 each plus service fee and are available exclusively through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Discounts are not available for these performances.  Every person, regardless of age, needs a ticket. Children 0 to 12 months who do not need a seat and will sit on your lap will be required to have an Infant Lap Pass for each show in every seating location throughout the theater. Lap Passes are just $1.

Performances will be held:

  • Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Friday, September 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Special Homeschool performance
  • Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
  • Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Sunday, September 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Performed on The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Ralph and Patricia Corbett’s Showtime Stage, 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH  45227.

About Kevin Frisch and The Frisch Marionette Company:
In 1986, Kevin Frisch moved to New York City and joined The Puppetworks, Inc. of Brooklyn, New York. The next nine years were spent touring the New York Metropolitan area as well as performing in The Puppetworks’ permanent theatres in Brooklyn and Macy’s Herald Square. In 1995, Kevin established The Frisch Marionettes in Cincinnati as an exceptional entertainment and educational experience for children and adults alike, proclaiming the many virtues of this unusual art form.  Kevin Frisch has built puppets, masks and costumes for The Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium and The Puppetworks Inc. of New York. His puppets have been seen in People Magazine, SHOWTIMES’ “Twisted Puppet Theater”, the PBS Documentary “The American Puppet,” and onstage with The Cincinnati Opera as well as in the New York store windows of ‘Saks 5th Ave.’, ‘Bloomingdale’s’ and ‘Hermes New York’ and in the family film “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” featuring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman. Kevin and his puppets have appeared in television commercials for Joseph Toyota of Cincinnati. Most recently, his puppets have appeared in the hit television shows “2 Broke Girls” on CBS and “Warehouse 13” on the Syfy channel.  For the past five seasons, The Frisch Marionette Company has designed puppets for TCT’s MainStage productions at the Taft Theatre.

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August 29, 2018 · 4:08 pm

CARNEGIE MISCAST Returns Saturday, Sept. 29

TC_Carnegie Miscast promo

Join The Carnegie for a night of theatre turned on its head with CARNEGIE MISCAST on Saturday, September 29 at 7:30 p.m.  For one night only, some of the region’s top theatre stars will take to the stage to perform songs from roles in which they would never be cast.

This year’s cabaret-style event will include performances of songs from popular musicals such as LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, GREASE, ANNIE, A CHORUS LINE, WICKED, and many more.

CARNEGIE MISCAST is an opportunity for local actors to take on dream roles they’d never be cast in. Whether it’s because they’re too old, too young, the wrong gender, or can’t dance, the cabaret-style evening gives them the opportunity to perform their favorite songs in front of an audience. Among those performing that evening are: Dain Page, Angela Nalley, Heather Hale, Spenser Smith, Robert Breslin, Jules Shumate, Allison Evans, Tyler Gau, John Woll, Helen Anneliesa Raymond-Goers, Royce Louden, and Marypat Carletti.

Tickets to CARNEGIE MISCAST are $25, $22 for Carnegie Members and can be purchased through The Carnegie Box Office at 859.957.1940, open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5:00 p.m., or online at www.thecarenegie.com.

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August 27, 2018 · 12:59 pm

Broadway Alumni Present Cabaret to Mark CCM Musical Theatre’s 50th Anniversary

CCM_50th Anniversary Cabaret promo

Join CCM Musical Theatre alumni from the past five decades and current students in a cabaret of songs from Broadway, Off-Broadway and the Great American Songbook
on Sept. 16, 2018.

CINCINNATI, OH — The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music celebrates the 50th anniversary of its legendary Musical Theatre program with a Birthday Cabaret at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Featuring the program’s first graduate Pamela Myers, our newest stars of tomorrow and star performers from Broadway and beyond, the Birthday Cabaret promises to be a tuneful and invigorating tribute to 50 years of CCM Musical Theatre excellence.

Devised and directed by CCM Musical Theatre Chair Aubrey Berg and musical theatre alumnus Scott Coulter (BFA, 1993), with musical direction by Julie Spangler, the Birthday Cabaret offers Cincinnati audiences an unforgettable performance that showcases nearly a dozen alumni who represent five decades of CCM Musical Theatre. The program includes songs from Broadway, Off-Broadway and the Great American Songbook.

Alumni guest artists include Tony Award winners and nominees, stars who have appeared on Broadway and in regional theatres, and artists who have performed with renowned orchestras in concert halls throughout the country — all of whom studied at CCM before launching careers on the world’s stage. A full list of alumni guest artists can be found below.

CCM’s newest stars of tomorrow, the Musical Theatre class of 2019, will also perform a new song, which was written by composer and lyricist Andre Catrini (BFA Musical Theatre, 2011) to mark the program’s golden anniversary.

CCM conferred the United States’ first BFA in Musical Theatre to Pamela Myers in 1969. The first program of its kind in the country, CCM Musical Theatre was used by the National Association of Schools of Theatre in formulating the guidelines for the accreditation of Musical Theatre programs nationwide. Fifty years later, graduates continue to work on Broadway and throughout the nation in such productions as Anastasia, Hamilton, Waitress, The Book of Mormon, Pippin, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, Kinky Boots, Big Fish, Newsies and The Lion King.

During the 2017-18 season, CCM again took the No. 2 spot in Playbill Magazine’s list of “10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway,” coming behind only New York University. CCM Musical Theatre is widely recognized for its “triple-threat” approach to training.  Graduates represent CCM in national and international touring productions, in dinner theatres and theme parks, on cruise ships, on television, in talent agencies, and as producers and creative artists in every facet of the entertainment industry.

Tickets for CCM Musical Theatre’s Birthday Cabaret are on sale now! Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online through our e-Box Office. Complete event information is below.

BIRTHDAY CABARET GUEST ARTISTS

Pamela Myers (BFA, 1969) made her Broadway debut as Marta in the original cast of Stephen Sondheim’s musical Company, introducing the show-stopping number “Another Hundred People.” She was nominated at the 1971 Tony awards for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. Myers has appeared with Marvin Hamlisch and Jerry Herman on In Performance At The White House on PBS and guest starred on numerous TV shows. Myers has also guest starred with the Boston Pops, the Cincinnati Pops, and the Carnegie Hall Tribute to Judy Garland.

Faith Prince (BFA, 1979) established herself as a Broadway star with her portrayal of Miss Adelaide in the much-acclaimed 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls, for which she won both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards as Best Actress in a Musical. In 2001, she was again nominated for Tony and Drama Desk Awards for her portrayal of Ella Peterson in the 2001 revival of Bells Are Ringing. She was also featured in the 2008 Broadway musical A Catered Affair, for which she received Tony and Drama Desk nominations.

Jan Horvath (BFA, 1980) was in the original Broadway company of Hal Prince’s The Phantom of the Opera. Broadway credits include The Threepenny Opera, Sweet Charity, Oliver! andStardust. Internationally, she starred as Queen Isabella in the world premiere of Encounter 500 at La Sistina in Italy, and was featured in Bernstein’s Mass at the Vatican as part of the Jubilee Celebration. She made her Carnegie Hall debut singing in Bernstein’s Mass in 2002 and also appeared there with the New York Pops in “The Three Broadway Divas” concert.

Jessica Hendy (BFA, 1993) made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Cats in 1999. She has also performed in Aida and Amour on Broadway and in the national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Regional credits include Next to Normal, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Miss Saigon and The Gift of the Magi, among others. Hendy has also appeared as a guest soloist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, Modesto Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony and Kentucky Symphony Orchestra.

Scott Coulter (BFA, 1993), one of New York’s most honored vocalists, has received five Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs (MAC) Awards, five Bistro Awards and two Nightlight Awards for Outstanding Vocalist. He spent a record-setting eight months Feinstein’s at The Regency performing the revue 11 O’clock Numbers at 11 O’clock, which he also co-created, directed and musically arranged. Scott was director and star of A Christmas Carol: The Symphonic Concert in its world premiere with the Baltimore Symphony and reprised his performance in the Emmy-nominated PBS production.

Lisa Howard (BFA, 1997) has starred on Broadway in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, 9 to 5, the Tony Award-winning revival of South Pacific and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, for which she won a Drama Desk Award. She has performed in Spot-On Entertainment Co.’s “Broadway Today,” the Kaufman Center’s Broadway Close-up Series “Stephen Schwartz: Magic to Do” and William Finn’s “More Infinite Joy” and “Even More Infinite Joy” at Merkin Hall. She has sung with the Cincinnati Symphony and with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops.

Kristy Cates (BFA, 1999) made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Wicked, which won three Tony Awards, six Drama Desk Awards and the original cast album received a Grammy Award. Cates is perhaps best known for her role as Elphaba in Chicago’s production of Wicked. She also appeared in Princess Ida and in the Off-Broadway production of Boobs! The Musical. In 2016 she portrayed Ms. Basset in Broadway’s Finding Neverland. She most recently played the role of Grandma Josephine in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Liz Pearce (BFA, 2000) is an actor, singer and dancer who currently lives in New York City. She has performed on Broadway, at Radio City Music Hall, in London’s West End, in National and International tours and at countless regional theatres across the country. Her Broadway credits include roles in the original casts of Billy Elliot and Metropolis. She has also appeared in national tours of Little Shop of Horrors, Seussical, Chicago, Scooby Doo in Stage Fright and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Ashley Brown (BFA, 2004) originated the title role in Broadway’s Mary Poppins for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress. Brown starred as Mary Poppins in the musical’s national tour, where she received a 2010 Garland award for “Best Performance in a Musical.” Other Broadway credits include Belle in The Beauty and The Beast. She previously played Magnolia in Francesca Zembello’s Showboat at the Lyric Opera of Chicago and recently returned to star in the role of Laurey in Oklahoma.

Katie Johannigman (BFA, 2012) began her career when she was only in the eighth grade by joining the national tour of Oliver!. Her other professional credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie, Pirates!, The Light in the Piazza, Anything Goes, Mary Poppins, Company, Cats andChicago. Her work as a choreographer has appeared at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, The Human Race Theatre and the Broadway Method Academy, where she served as Artistic Director. She is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Musical theatre at CCM.

Raven Thomas (BFA, 2016) started her professional career in the performing arts shortly after graduating from CCM by joining the national tour of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, which won 11 Tony Awards in 2016. Cincinnati audiences may recognize her from CCM’s 2015 Mainstage production of Carousel, where she played the role of Mrs. Mullin. Thomas also played the role of Pilar in CCM’s 2014 Mainstage production of Legally Blonde.

PERFORMANCE TIME
6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018

Please note: Please note that the start time for CCM Musical Theatre’s 50th Anniversary Birthday Cabaret has changed due to a scheduling conflict with an FC Cincinnati game occurring in UC’s Nippert Stadium.

LOCATION
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

PURCHASING TICKETS
Tickets for CCM Musical Theatre’s Birthday Cabaret are $20 general, $15 non-UC students, and FREE for UC students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online through our e-Box Office! Visit ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice for CCM Box Office hours and location.

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 UC campus. 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 offcampus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots. For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.

Musical Theatre Birthday Cabaret Sponsors: J. Brett Offenberger & Douglas E. Duckett and Cincinnati Dreams Come True Inc.

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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