Category Archives: Family-Friendly

March 25, 2024 · 8:46 pm

Auditions Announced for SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! at Mason Community Players

MCP_logoAuditions for Mason Community Players Fall Show Are Set – Mason Community Players, Inc. is holding auditions for its fall show, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! The show will be directed by Laureen Catlin and produced by Mary Stan Fizer with musical direction by Lara Gonzalez.

In Schoolhouse, we meet Tom, a nerve-wracked school teacher who is freaked out about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV, when various characters emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music. Full of familiar tunes such as Just a Bill, Lolly, Lolly, Lolly and Conjunction Junction this show promises to transport you back to a simpler time.

If you are interested in being a part of the show, the singing of a song is the requirement. Come as a family! Come with your partner! Come as an individual! Each song is being treated as a mini show in itself with its own “family.” Depending on the number cast, you could be a part of two or more songs with a flexible rehearsal schedule. It’s a perfect show for those whose schedules make rehearsals for book musicals a challenge.

Auditions will be

  • Saturday, May 18th from 2pm to 6pm or
  • Sunday, May 19th from 2pm to 4pm

at 5140 Minuteman Court, Mason
(Varied location is to accommodate a rental in the Playhouse at 5529 Mason Road. Location is blocks from the Playhouse.)

Each auditioner age 14 and up should prepare 16-32 bars of a song of your choosing. Musical theatre songs encouraged! Please bring sheet music or a music track to sing along with. Both an accompanist and blue tooth speakers will be provided.

Those under the age of 14 may prepare a song, or be asked to sing a tune of the accompanist’s choosing (“Twinkle, Twinkle” or “Happy Birthday”, for instance.)

Those auditioning should fill out an audition form online or at the audition. The online form is accessible at MasonPlayers.org with a link on the Home Page.

If you would like to be a part of the show and cannot attend auditions, or have any questions or concerns, please contact Director Laureen Catlin. laureen.catlin@gmail.com.

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE! will be performed September 6, 7, 12, 13 & 14 at 7:30pm and September 8 at 2pm at the Mason Community Playhouse.

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March 25, 2024 · 6:17 pm

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY The Stage Show | Aug. 30 – Sept. 1, 2024 | Aronoff Center

CAA_Blueys Big PlayWACKADOO! EMMY® AWARD-WINNING PHENOMENON BLUEY
BRINGS FIRST LIVE STAGE SHOW BACK TO THE ARONOFF CENTER

August 30 – September 1, 2024
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

Tickets on sale Friday, March 29

[Cincinnati, OH] – Grab the sticky geckos, break out the duck cakes, and alert the grannies! It’s time to meet the much-loved Heeler family, who are returning to Cincinnati by popular demand with the Bluey live show, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show!  The Emmy® Award-winning animated preschool series, which airs on Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney+, will be “taking the show on the road” to Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall for five shows from Friday, August 30 – Sunday, September 1 (see full performance schedule below). The show is part of the Cincinnati Arts Associations 2024-25 Season.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 29 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org and (513) 621-ARTS [2787]. Ticket prices: $64.25 | $54.25 | $44.25. Prices subject to change. Applicable services fees may apply. American Sign Language and Audio-Description are available at select performances. To request these services, please contact us at (513) 977.4157 or ticketing@cincinnatiarts.org.

A VIP Package is available for $123.75. The VIP Package includes one orchestra seat in the first six rows, an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet session with Bluey costume characters, an exclusive Bluey VIP lanyard, exclusive Bluey VIP gift, and an exclusive photo opportunity per group. All VIP attendees must have their own VIP ticket. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Fans of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli as the Heelers return to Cincinnati with their live theater show featuring puppetry, actors, and iconic sets. Based on an original story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show also contains music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

“After seeing the amazing reaction the show received during its Australia run, we are delighted to bring this standout live theater show to U.S. audiences,” said director Rosemary Myers of Windmill Theatre Co. “We know how much love there is out there for Bluey and are thrilled and honored to translate these brilliant characters into the three-dimensional world and to share this special experience with fans throughout America.”

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co. The stage show enjoyed much success in the home market of Australia, where it premiered in Bluey’s hometown Brisbane and went on to perform 447 times across 65 venues, including the Sydney Opera House.

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show Performance Schedule 

  • Friday, August 30 @ 6:30 PM
  • Saturday, August 31 @ 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM
  • Sunday, September 1 @ 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

About Bluey
The series follows Bluey, a six-year-old Blue Heeler dog who loves to play and turn everyday family life into extraordinary adventures that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family, friends, and community into her world of fun.

Bluey has won the hearts of kids and parents around the world since it first launched in Australia in October 2018, and has quickly become a global hit. In Australia, Bluey is the number one kids show on broadcast television and is the most-watched series ever on ABC iview. In June 2019, BBC Studios struck a global broadcast deal with Disney to premiere Bluey in all territories outside Australia, New Zealand, and Greater China; it now screens in over 60 countries. In the U.S. on Disney Junior since March 2021, the show has been the #1 most watched TV series with kids 2-6. In the UK, Bluey was the most watched show on CBeebies in January 2022 and is also available on Disney+.

Bluey has also won multiple awards, such as the International Emmy® Kids Award in the prestigious Preschool Category in 2020, and has picked up the AACTA Award for Best Children’s Program for three years running (2019-21). Bluey recently won four Kidscreen Awards in February 2021.

Bluey is produced by multi-Emmy® award-winning Ludo Studio for ABC Kids Australia, co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios, and distributed internationally by BBC Studios outside of Australia.

Notable accolades include the 2019 Venues Now #1 Top Stop of the Decade Award for tickets sold (5,000 seats or less); 2019 Billboard #2 Highest Grossing Venue Worldwide (5,000 seats or less); and 2019 Pollstar #3 Worldwide Ticket Sales (5,000 seats or less)

CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show

WHEN:                Friday, August 30, 2024 – 6:30 PM

                             Saturday, August 31, 2024 – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

                             Sunday, September 1, 2024 – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

PRICE:                 $68.75 | $58.75 | $48.75. Additional service fees may apply.

VIP PACKAGES – $123.75. The VIP Package includes one orchestra seat in the first six rows, an exclusive post-show meet-and-greet session with Bluey costume characters, an exclusive Bluey VIP lanyard, an exclusive Bluey VIP gift, and an exclusive photo opportunity per group). All VIP attendees must have their own VIP ticket. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

INFO:                   Fans of all ages will get to see Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli as the Heelers return to Cincinnati with their live theater show, featuring puppetry, actors, and iconic sets. Based on an original story written by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show also contains music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale Friday, March 29 at 10:00 AM

  • www.CincinnatiArts.org
  • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]
  • Aronoff Center Ticket Office
  • American Sign Language and Audio-Description available at select performances.

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION SPONSORS
The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by the Ohio Arts Council,
which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts.

SEASON SPONSORS:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Fairfield Inn & Suites Cincinnati Uptown/University Area, Graphic Village, Harlan Graphics, Heidelberg Distributing, Kinley Cincinnati, Pepsi, Skyline Chili, TriHealth

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March 25, 2024 · 6:15 pm

Disney’s FINDING NEMO JR. Runs April 20-28

TCTC_Finding Nemo JrDisney’s FINDING NEMO JR.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
April 20-28
Taft Theater [Downtown]

Directed by Dani Lobello
Music directed by Mark Femia
Choreographed by Roderick Justice

Cast: Benjamin Abes-Feldman as Tad, Celia Joy D’Ascenzo as Sheldon, Stella Ellen D’Ascenzo as Nemo, Josh Galloway as Bruce, Tommi Harsch as Dory, Dez Flynn Hutchens as Nemo, Elli Maddock as Pearl, Aaron Marshall as Marlin, Elexis Selmon as Bubbles, Carly Shepherd as Coral, Lisa Takahashi as Squirt, Noah Warner as Crush & Kavan Vaidvelu as Gurgle
Ensemble: Lena Andrews, Issiah Current, Edrico Evans-Pritchett, Ethan Kuchta, Gabriel Kanai Nakata, Parker Patton, Keya Vadivelu & Mia Zink

Disney’s FINDING NEMO JR. is a “fin-tastic” musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Featuring memorable songs such as “Just Keep Swimming,” “Fish Are Friends Not Food,” and “Go With the Flow,” Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.

  • Sat, April 20 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, April 21 at 2pm
  • Fri, April 26 at 7pm
  • Sat, April 27 at 11am & 2pm
  • Sun, April 28 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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March 20, 2024 · 9:46 pm

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE Runs April 5-May 5

PIP_The Lion the With and the Wardrobe promo

Promotional photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Off the Hill Series
April 5-May 5
[Various]

In Narnia — a land of talking animals, mythical creatures and eternal winter — the White Witch holds power over all. Any who dare dissent are turned instantly into stone. But one day, a little girl named Lucy enters this magical land through an enchanted wardrobe, and her fantastical adventure signals the fulfillment of a prophecy and great change to come. Step through the wardrobe with Lucy, Peter, Susan and Edmund in this tour-de-force, two‐actor adaptation of the beloved and heroic tale of good’s triumph over evil.

Updated 03.20.24 – Visit the official page for the latest list of performances.

  • Fri, April 5 at 7pm | Lebanon Theatre Company – 10 S Mechanic St, Lebanon, OH 45036
  • Sat, April 6 at Noon | Artsville – 5021 Whetsel Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45227
  • Sat, April 13 at 10am | Blue Ash Rec Center – 4433 Cooper Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242
  • Sat, April 13 at 2pm | Memorial Hall – 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • Sat, April 20 at 7pm | Bell Tower Arts Pavillion – 3270 Glendale Milford Rd, Cincinnati, OH
  • Sun, April 21 at 1pm | Carnegie Center of Columbia-Tusculum – 3738 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226
  • Sun, April 21 at 7pm | Bi-Okoto Cultural Center – 5601 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45212
  • Fri, April 26 at 7:30pm | Fitton Center for Creative Arts – 101 S Monument Ave, Hamilton, OH 45011
  • Sat, April 27 at 10am | ARCO Price Hill Will – 970 Purcell Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45205
  • Sun, May 5 at 2pm | Kennedy Heights Arts Center – 6546 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213

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March 18, 2024 · 6:47 pm

Dive Into Adventure with the Family Series: THE LITTLE MERMAID, April 11-14 at Aronoff Center

CB_The Little Mermaid

Ballet West’s THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photo by Ashleigh Porter.

Special sensory-friendly performance April 12, PLUS all shows ASL-Interpreted 

Cincinnati, OH (March 18, 2024) – If you like the movie, you’ll love the ballet! Cincinnati Ballet presents the annual Family Series: The Little Mermaid, April 11-14 at the Aronoff Center. The hour-long, narrated production is perfect for families and dance lovers of all ages. Cincinnati Ballet is also proud to continue its commitment to accessible programming for all with this annual production. In partnership with Cincinnati Children’s, Cincinnati Ballet will offer a sensory-friendly performance on Friday, April 12 at 10:30 am. Sensory-friendly performances are created to provide a supportive and welcoming experience for those with sensory processing challenges to enjoy live ballet with their friends and family. The environment is relaxed and may include lighting, sound, and other production modifications. Electronic devices, fidgets, and other support items are allowed in the theater. Patrons are also permitted to enter and leave the theater during the performance. In addition, every performance of The Little Mermaid will be ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted. Select performances will also be audio-described for patrons who are visually impaired.

The Family Series is performed by the Second Company – CB2 and Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy students. This year, dive into adventure with the classic Hans Christian Anderson tale. It’s the beloved story of a brave, kind mermaid, a devious sea witch, and a handsome prince. The stage will be transformed into an ocean filled with a cast of colorful characters including angelfish, sharks, crabs, and of course, mermaids! Plus, the patron experience starts at the door. The Aronoff Center will become the Mermaid’s Cove, with free sea-themed games, drop-in dance classes crafts, photos, and other activities on all three levels. We are so pleased to welcome families back to the Aronoff for an interactive dance performance created with children in mind. The Little Mermaid features the familiar storyline re-interpreted with incredible dance. The production, choreographed by Pamela Robinson Harris and Peggy Dolkas, is also narrated, making the story easy for even the youngest members of your family to understand and enjoy. The production runs a little over an hour.

Tickets cost $20-$60 and are on sale now. For more information visit cballet.org.

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet

WHAT: Family Series: The Little Mermaid

WHEN:

  • Thursday, April 11 and 7:30 pm
  • Friday, April 12 at 10:30 am (Sensory-friendly) and 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, April 13 at 11 am, 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm
  • Sunday, April 14 at 11 am and 2:30 pm

WHERE: Aronoff Center for the Arts – 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio

TICKETS: Call 513.621.5282 or visit cballet.org

Cincinnati Ballet 2022-2023 Season Sponsors:
Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, Margaret and Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Under the artistic direction of Jodie Gates, Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement in local to global communities, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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