Category Archives: Events

November 27, 2017 · 10:56 am

Matthew 25: Ministries Presents TICKETS TO RADIO PLAY Play by Reverend Wendell Mettey

MISC_Matthew 25 Ministries logoTickets the Radio Play is a family-friendly holiday treat! 

November 22, 2017  CINCINNATI, OH – Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization located at 11060 Kenwood Road in Blue Ash presents TICKETS TO RADIO PLAY by Reverend Wendell Mettey on December 1st and 2nd.  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?  Join us at Matthew 25: Ministries for this charming, heartwarming, family-friendly holiday entertainment that celebrates the Christmas spirit.

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 TO 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.

Performances of TICKETS TO RADIO PLAY are 12/1 (7:30) and 12/2 (3:00 and 7:30).   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.  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.

More than 99% of Matthew 25: Ministries’ cash and in-kind donations go toward programs. Matthew 25 also welcomes volunteers six days a week at their Blue Ash facility.  For the most up-to-date information about Matthew 25: Ministries’ humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts please contact Joodi Archer at (513) 793-6256 or visit their website at www.m25m.org. Follow Matthew 25: Ministries on Facebook facebook.com/m25m.org, Pinterest pinterest.com/m25m/, Instagram instagram.com/m25m_org and Twitter twitter.com/M25M_org.

ABOUT MATTHEW 25: MINISTRIES: Matthew 25: Ministries rescues and reuses approximately 15,000,000 pounds of corporate discontinues, misprints, overruns, off-spec, slightly damaged, returned and past season products each year and redistributes them to people in desperate 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 2,500 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, or to schedule an interview, contact Joodi Archer at Matthew 25: Ministries (513) 793-6256 or visit www.m25m.org.

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Celebrating 25 Years of Caring for a Needy World
Matthew 25: Ministries is top-ranked among over 2,000 4-star charities by Charity Navigator and has been ranked by Forbes.com as one of the most efficient large US charities.  Matthew 25: Ministries was awarded the “Best Charities in America” seal from the Independent Charities of America and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau through the “Wise Giving Alliance Standards”. Matthew 25: Ministries was named Non-Profit of the Year by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and is a winner of the Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics and the ONE Award for Process Excellence.  Matthew 25: Ministries participates in the Combined Federal Campaign, the Federal Government’s workplace philanthropy program that requires all non-profit participants to meet the highest standards of transparency and efficiency in the industry.  More than 99% of M25M’s cash and in-kind donations go toward programs.

Matthew 25: Ministries is an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization helping the poorest of the poor and disaster victims locally, nationally and internationally regardless of race, creed or political persuasion.  By rescuing and reusing products from major corporations and manufacturers, Matthew 25: Ministries provides basic necessities, nutritional supplements, educational materials, building supplies, medical care, community development and disaster relief across the US and worldwide.

 

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November 22, 2017 · 2:31 pm

CCM Mainstage Dance Presents THE ART OF MOTION

The mixed-repertoire Mainstage production features The Little Mermaid, Paquita and John Adams’ Shaker Loops

CCM_logoThe University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s fall Mainstage Series comes to a stunning conclusion with THE ART OF MOTION, a concert of mixed repertoire presented by the Dance Department. Co-directed by Dance Department Chair Jiang Qi and Associate Professor of Dance Deirdre Carberry, the production runs from Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, through Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in CCM’s Patricia Corbett Theater.

The program begins with featured work The Little Mermaid, which is choreographed by guest artist Adam Sage with music by Léo Delibes and Antonín Dvořák. This classic fairytale, written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, is about the lengths in which a young mermaid will go for love.

The concert also showcases Paquita with music by Ludwig Minkus, restaged by Deirdre Carberry to choreography by Marius Petipa. Set in Spain during the occupation by Napoleon’s army, the ballet follows the story of a young gypsy girl who saves the life of a French officer and falls in love with him.

The performance concludes with Shaker Loops by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Adams, featuring choreography by CCM Dance Professor André Megerdichian. CCM’s Café MoMus Ensemble performs the beloved work under the direction of CCM student Alexandria Black. Shaker Loops includes an illuminated collaboration with UC DAAP faculty member Henry Hildebrandt, the Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs in the School of Architecture and Interior Design.

Experience “The Art of Motion” at CCM, which runs Nov. 30-Dec. 3 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone 513-556-4183 or online at ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice/mainstage/art-of-motion.
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Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30
  • 8 p.m. Friday Dec. 1
  • 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
  • 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3

Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Tickets to THE ART OF MOTION are $27-31 for adults, $17-20 for non-UC students and $15-18 for UC students with a valid ID.

Student rush tickets will be sold one hour before each performance to non-UC students for $12 or $15, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid ID, based on availability.

Customizable subscription packages are also available for CCM’s 2017-18 Mainstage
Series.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online at ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice/mainstage/art-of-motion.

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 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.

CCM Season Presenting Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy’s
Dance Department Supporter: The Corbett Endowment at CCM
Dance Performance Sponsor: Teri Jory & Seth Geiger

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November 13, 2017 · 3:04 pm

MEALS 4 MONOLOGUES at ETC on Dec. 4-5

ETC_new_logo_banner

Meals 4 Monologues:
Casting Society of America Member D. Lynn Meyers to Audition Actors in Exchange for Donations to Benefit Local Foodstore, December 4 & 5, 2017

(Cincinnati, OH) Dim the lights, raise the curtain! With the holiday season in full swing, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati hosts its sixth annual Meals 4 Monologues auditions. Actors from throughout the Midwest are invited, on behalf of the Casting Society of America (CSA), for a general audition call to perform for CSA member D. Lynn Meyers in exchange for at least three non-perishable food items to benefit Cincinnati’s Freestore Foodbank.

The event, which is part of a nationwide Casting Society of America effort to support local food banks while auditioning local talent, will be held at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202) on Mon, Dec 4 and Tues, Dec 5, 2017 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm each day. This is an open casting call to all Equity union and non-union actors for future theatre, film, TV, and commercial projects cast by D. Lynn Meyers, CSA.

Actors must bring:

  • A current HEADSHOT and RÉSUMÉ to the audition (Please do NOT email them)
  • At least THREE non-perishable food (pasta, canned goods, etc…) or toiletry items (soap, toothpaste, etc…)
  • A short, prepared monologue and song (must be performed a cappella), or two prepared monologues.

Time slots are 5 MINUTES maximum and are available by appointment only.

Time slots are on a first-come, first-serve basis and must be scheduled via EMAIL ONLY by contacting Lauren Carr at auditions@ensemblecincinnati.org. Actors must provide a telephone number and include their audition date and time preference. Please note, no walk-ins will be accepted.

The Freestore Foodbank distributes over 12 million pounds of food annually. In 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, they have a trusted network of over 325 local member agencies. Member agencies include soup kitchens and shelters, food pantries, churches, daycare and senior centers, and many other community and social services organizations.

The Casting Society of America (CSA) is the premier organization of theatrical Casting Directors in film, television, and theatre. Although it is not a union, CSA’s members are a united professional society that consistently set the level of professionalism in casting on which the entertainment industry has come to rely. CSA’s more than 490 members are represented not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Canada, Australia and South Africa.

“I am very proud to be a member of the Casting Society of America,” says CSA member D. Lynn Meyers. “I am delighted at the opportunity to see new faces and to spread outreach beyond the Greater Cincinnati area by embracing the idea of Meals 4 Monologues. It is such an inspiration for CSA to support this event.” Ms. Meyers would like to welcome actors of all ages and experience levels to partake in auditions and highly encourages people to give back to the community in which we live.

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Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

2017-2018 Season Presenting Sponsor is the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Additional support provided by PNC. 

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich and inspire our audiences.

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November 2, 2017 · 11:15 am

Prominent Businessman Nat Comisar Brings Local Renown, Surprising Musical Credentials to Cincinnati’s Premier Vocal Jazz Group

NP_Vocal Band6_Arch

Back: Joshua Steele & Adam Wheeler. Front: Charlie Harper, Matt Croy, Jeff Grooms & David Baum. Photo by Leslie Goddard.

CINCINNATI, OH – Somehow amid a career running the revered Maisonette & La Normandie restaurants and serving as Executive Vice President of Sibcy Cline Realtors, Nat Comisar found his way into playing concerts with a-list musicians including Steve Winwood, Kenny Loggins, Jim Messina, POCO, and famed novelty a cappella ensemble, The Bobs. After one listen to a rising vocal jazz group, Comisar eagerly sheds his business mantle again to thrill local audiences with his exquisite bass voice.

Nat Comisar joins NO PROMISES Vocal Band for the “Christmas With NO PROMISES” tour, December 7 – 21 at venues across Cincinnati, Dayton and Covington. Featuring the ensemble’s signature blend of jazz-infused seasonal favorites and everyday classics, including selections by The Manhattan Transfer, John Coltrane, Blondie, Joni Mitchell, Alicia Keys and Harry Connick, Jr., the tour consists of five appearances:

A Very Merry Christmas
Thursday, December 7, 7:00pm
The Carnegie 1028 Scott Boulevard | Covington
$25 – $40; Reservations Required (859.957.1940)

Christmas with NO PROMISES
Friday, December 8, 7:00pm
New Thought Unity Center 1401 McMillan Street | Walnut Hills
Free Admission; Freewill Donations Accepted

Holiday Live at the Uni
Sunday, December 10, 4:00pm
Montgomery Universalist Church 9467 Montgomery Road | Montgomery
$5 Suggestion Donation
Reservations Required (513.891.2424)

Christmas with NO PROMISES
Thursday, December 14, 7:30pm
Saint Andrew United Methodist 250 N. Fairfield Road | Beavercreek
Free Admission; Freewill Donations Accepted

Christmas with NO PROMISES
Thursday, December 21, 7:30pm
Community of the Good Shepherd 8815 E. Kemper Road | Montgomery
Free Admission; Freewill Donations Accepted

NO PROMISES popular annual Christmas offerings have been attended by more than 3,000 patrons since the group’s 2015 debut.

NP_Nat Comisar

Nat Comisar.

Renowned Businessman, Guest Vocalist to the Stars
After viewing NO PROMISES’ popular summer video recording of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You,” Comisar reached out to the group for an audition, and was quickly invited to join the vocal jazz ensemble for their holiday concert tour. But his musical talents, and national-caliber performance resume, would likely surprise many Cincinnatians familiar with the prominent businessman.

Perhaps best known for his ownership and management of the much-missed Maisonette & La Normandie restaurants, Comisar has parlayed his tutelage in the family business into a sterling career in real estate and development. Amid other business interests, he serves as Executive Vice President of Sales for Sibcy Cline Realtors, where his current projects include adaptation of the Norwood Baptist Church and Allison Schools into affordable condominiums.

During his years as a restaurateur, Comisar kept up his musical chops playing guitar and singing whenever possible, including on 700 WLW as guest host for legendary Cincinnati radio personality Gary Burbank.

“My favorite part of that gig was a bit called ‘Stump the Band,’” recalls Comisar. “It was me, Gary, and the Goshorn Brothers Band [formerly of Pure Prairie League]. People would call in with obscure songs for us to sing. If we didn’t know the tune, we would make it up on the spot (which is what we wanted to do anyway) and we would laugh our heads off for an hour once a week.”

Comisar’s performances on the nationally-syndicated program earned him a standing invitation to perform at a Dallas, TX benefit, where over the years he had the opportunity to perform with the likes of Richie Furay (Buffalo Springfield), Steve Winwood, Jim Messina, Kenny Loggins and POCO, among many others.

Maisonette also allowed Comisar to rub elbows with the musical elite during their stops in Cincinnati, including Bono, Cyndi Lauper, Tony Bennett, and the world-renowned novelty a cappella ensemble, The Bobs. After inviting the vocal group to dinner, Comisar suddenly found himself co-producing a live concert recording for WCET. The Bobs invite Comisar to perform with them whenever he attends a concert.

Comisar has a special love for a cappella music. At the age of 15, he joined Cincinnati’s Southern Gateway Chorus. During his college years, he led Cayuga’s Waiters: a well-traveled vocal ensemble from Cornell University. He presently sings with the award-winning Roaring 20s Barbershop Quartet.

Guest Tenor Joins NO PROMISES On Break From National Tour
NO PROMISES Christmas engagements will also feature the exception talents of Dayton native and professional actor, Noah Berry.

Berry is a recent graduate of Northern Kentucky University, where he studied Musical Theatre and took voice lessons from NO PROMISES leader Joshua Steele. Among his post-collegiate professional regional and children’s theatre credits, Berry joined the national tour of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story in the role of rock drummer Jerry Allison. Before returning to the tour in January, Berry will lend his soaring tenor to the NO PROMISES concerts on December 14 and 21.

NO PROMISES Christmas Album
NO PROMISES will travel this holiday season with their Christmas 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.

About NO PROMISES
NO PROMISES is a professional a cappella ensemble bringing exhilarating vocals and breathtaking harmonizations to popular favorites of jazz, Motown and adult contemporary music. Hailing from across Ohio, the men of NO PROMISES are Broadway veterans, theater managers, hair stylists and dads, with a passion for fine a cappella singing.

The Men of NO PROMISES

  • Joshua Steele (Pleasant Ridge) – Venue manager, voice instructor, performer, dad
  • Charlie Harper (Anderson) – Actor, stagehand, project manager, dad
  • Adam Wheeler (Miamisburg) – Drummer, multi-instrumentalist, digital music producer, dad
  • David Baum (Blue Ash) – Broadway veteran, clinical psychologist, dance instructor dad
  • Jeff Grooms (Cold Spring, KY) – Chorister, hair stylist, dog dad
  • Matt Croy (Findlay) – Performer, producer, property manager, dad

Special Guests:

  • Nat Comisar (Indian Hill) – Singer, realtor, developer, dad
  • Noah Berry (Oakley) – Singer, actor, parkour enthusiast

Full bios available at: http://www.nopromisesvocalband.com/lineup/

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October 26, 2017 · 3:44 pm

THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME Comes to Loveland High School

LHS_The Hunchback of Notre Dame promo

Lily Morris as Esmeralda, Gabe Moss as Quasimodo & and Luke Rohling as Archdeacon Frollo.

Loveland High School’s production of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME will be presented November 8-11th in the high school auditorium.  We are proud to be the first high school in Ohio and in the TriState area to stage this new musical which pairs Victor Hugo’s classic Gothic tale with the hauntingly beautiful music from the animated version of the story.

Isolated in the cathedral bell tower, Quasimodo longs to part of the Paris scene that he sees below.  When he sneaks out to join the festivities on the Feast of Fools Day, his joy turns to regret, but not before he has met the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda.  She becomes the only thing he will ever truly love, but she has also caught the eye of Archdeacon Frollo, Quasimodo’s guardian, as well as Phoebus, a handsome soldier recently come to town.

Filled with emotion and soul-touching melodies, the bells of the cathedral ring both in joy and sadness, as the drama explores the concept of “what makes a Monster and what makes a Man.”

Shows are:

  • Wednesday November 8 at 7pm
  • Thursday November 9 at 7pm
  • Friday November 10 at 7pm
  • Saturday November 11 at 2pm and 7pm

Tickets are a preshow price of $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.  At the door the price will be $13 for adults and $11 for students and senior citizens.

Tickets are available online at http://lovelandhstheater.wixsite.com/lhsdrama/box-office

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