Category Archives: Family-Friendly

Free Family Fun Series Begins Saturday at the Arts Center at Dunham

SSP_Dorothy Meets Alice logoCINCINNATI, OH – November 16, 2015 — The Arts Center at Dunham is hosting a Free Family Fun Series beginning this Saturday, November 21 at 2:00 p.m. with a Dorothy Meets Alice Meet & Greet Party. Stop by anytime between 2:00 and 3:30 p.m. to meet the characters of Sunset Players’ annual children’s show, DOROTHY MEETS ALICE, including Dorothy and her friends from Oz and Alice and her Wonderland friends. Then enjoy the stories, magic, games and light refreshments. Attendees will receive a discount coupon to see Dorothy Meets Alice that hits the stage at the Arts Center at Dunham on December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13.

“The Dorothy Meets Alice Meet & Greet Party launches the Free Family Fun Series at the Arts Center at Dunham and is an opportunity for families to experience live theater, puppet shows and operas aimed at children,” said Carrie Mees, who supports programming at the Arts Center at Dunham.

All Free Family Fun Series performances on Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. The remaining series events include:

January 30, 2016 – ANTIGONE by John Yearley and performed by the Playhouse in the Park’s Off the Hill Productions. Courtesy of a grant from Price Hill Arts CAT.

With a terrible war behind them, Antigone and Prince Haemon are resolved to bring peace and stability to their city through their wedding. But Antigone remains tortured by the king’s edict forbidding the burial of her traitorous brother. Facing an uncertain future, this brave young woman must choose between obeying the laws of men and honoring her loyalty to her family in this inventive and very accessible new take on the timeless Greek legend. Recommended for ages 11 and up.

March 12, 2016 – AESOP’S CLASSIC FABLES by Madcap Puppets.

In the bountiful array of children’s literature, no author is better known and respected than the Greek storyteller, Aesop. Using animals as characters, he served up life lessons and morals in a tasty and digestible cupcake of a story. In Madcap’s production, Aesop is an old man recalling three of our best-loved stories re-told by a cast of puppets – and you

April 2, 2016 ROKCincy Opera for Children: THE WIZARD OF OZ

ROKCincy is thrilled to present “The Wizard of Oz!” Using the beloved and familiar story written by Frank Baum and made famous by the 1939 film, ROKCincy has added operatic classics to enhance the drama and retell the tale as only they can. The performance is 40 minutes in length and includes a Q&A session with the cast. ROKCincy is a non-profit program with a mission to introduce young people to the thrill of live, fully staged opera and to give developing professional musicians an opportunity to hone their performance skills through experience.

April 23, 2016 THE GARDEN OF RIKKI TIKKI TAVI by Y York and performed by the Playhouse in the Park’s Off the Hill Productions. Courtesy of a grant from Price Hill Arts CAT.

Rudyard Kipling’s beloved classic comes alive in this fun, free-flowing adaptation. The bossy bird Darzee is furious when Rikki Tikki Tavi washes up in her garden. With the dimwitted muskrat Chuchu, she pulls out all of the stops to convince the pesky young mongoose to leave. That is until they see that the tyrannical cobra Nag runs in fear of Rikki Tikki Tavi. Ultimately, the three must band together to save their home in this delightful comedy about sharing and cooperation. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Reservations for all performances in the ACAD FREE Family Fun Series can be made online (www.sunsetplayers.org), or by calling the reservation/information line at 513-588-4988.

The Arts Center at Dunham is a fine arts center for the west side of Cincinnati and its vision is to provide affordable creative and performing arts for Price Hill and surrounding communities. Housed in one of the three remaining buildings of what was the first municipally owned tuberculosis sanatorium in the United States, the Arts Center includes a 350-seat performance venue as well as extensive studio and programming space. The Arts Center is located in the Dunham Recreation Complex. See what is happening at the Arts Center at Dunham on Facebook.

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‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Runs Dec. 17-20

OSC_Tws the Night Before Christmas logo‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
Ohio Stage Company
Dec. 17-20
Hamilton

Directed by Skip Badonsky

Cast:  Jon Jackson, Jacob Spicer, Faith Marsh, Kate Carter & Skip Badonsky

Celebrate the season with this family friendly production. The wild holiday adventures of a mouse, an elf, and a spunky little girl who just won’t take no for an answer, on their quest to find out why Santa missed their house last year. A joyful tribute to the holiday season!

  • Thu-Fri, Dec. 17-18 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 19 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 20 at 2pm

Official page |

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A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS Runs Dec. 16-19

SCCT_A Charlie Brown Christmas logoA CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Sinclair Community College Theatre
Dec. 16-19
Dayton

Directed by Gina Kleesattel
Music Direction by Katherine Frauman

Cast: Jonathan Kelly as Charlie Brown, Erin Waldon as Lucy, Bryana Bentley as Sally, David Brandt as Linus, Greyson Calvert as Snoopy,
Spencer Boden as Schroeder, Marley Judd as Frieda, Brooke Watson as Patty, Jesse MaGill as Shermy, Thomas Puckett as Pig Pen & Chelsea Overman as Violet

This classic holiday show is LIVE ON STAGE and back by popular demand due to last year’s sold out performances. First shown as an animated television special based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts characters in 1965, this faithful stage adaptation features Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the gang as they grapple with the meaning of Christmas. With colorful costumes and scenery, this 40-minute production is quickly becoming a family holiday tradition and offers a perfect introduction for young children to LIVE theatre.

  • Wed-Thu, Dec. 16-17 at 10am & noon
  • Fri, Dec. 18 at noon & 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 19 at 2pm & 7pm

Official page |

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Holiday Tradition Continues with Cincinnati Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER

Frisch’s Presents THE NUTCRACKER returns with special performers from Elementz hip-hop studio

Taylor Carrasco. Photography: Aaron M. Conway

Taylor Carrasco. Photography: Aaron M. Conway

CINCINNATI, OH. Frisch’s Presents THE NUTCRACKER, now in its 42nd annual production, returns December 18 through 27 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s sensational score, conducted by Maestro Carmon DeLeone.

THE NUTCRACKER is the beloved holiday story of Clara, a little girl who embarks on a fantastical journey with her Nutcracker Prince through the Land of Sweets, meeting colorful and exciting characters along the way. The holiday favorite saw a re-envisioning in a 2011 world premiere, with new sets by John Ezell, costumes by Carrie Robbins, lighting by Trad A Burns and choreography by Artistic Director & CEO Victoria Morgan.

Frisch’s and Cincinnati Ballet have a long history of collaborating to present the spectacular production, dating back to the first Frisch’s Presents THE NUTCRACKER in 1974. Frisch’s Restaurants Inc. championed that production through a generous donation and has sponsored the production every subsequent year.

THE NUTCRACKER production provides the rare opportunity for young dancers to star in the featured roles of Clara and her brother, Fritz. Along with Cincinnati Ballet Academy student Lily Freiberg, currently learning the role of Clara is Gracie Harper, the niece of well-known former Cincinnati Ballet dancers, Jenny Leinberger and Jay Goodlett. This will be both young dancers’ first time dancing the role of Clara. Learning the role of Fritz are Academy students Charlie Klesa and Soren Campagna. Having two male dancers learning the role of Fritz signifies a shift in Academy enrollment, with more males represented than previous years. In seasons past, the male role was frequently danced by a female student costumed as a male, due to a paucity of male ballet students enrolled.

Elementz hip hop studio returns as a collaborator with four talented dancers featured as Mice in the battle scene of THE NUTCRACKER. Elementz recently wowed audiences when they were invited to choreograph and perform their own piece in Cincinnati Ballet’s 2014 Kaplan New Works Series, creating a unique juxtaposition of top ballet dancers performing on the same stage as Cincinnati’s number one hip hop company. Morgan also worked previously with Elementz resident choreographer Derrek Burbridge during the creation of King Arthur’s Camelot, to bring “fluidity and an edge” says Morgan, to the character of the villain Mordred.

Founded in 2001, Elementz operates under the principle of using hip-hop to help inner-city youth find their creative voices and provide an outlet for that creativity, while encouraging personal growth and life successes. Elementz is led by executive director Tom Kent, creative director Abdullah Powell and a dedicated staff of creative professionals.

THE NUTCRACKER COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES

Community Night
In partnership with Most Valuable Kids of Greater Cincinnati (MVK), Cincinnati Ballet opens its doors to children and their families to view a dress rehearsal for THE NUTCRACKER the evening of December 17. Sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group and Airheads Candy, this is the second time Cincinnati Ballet has provided families this fun and interactive introduction to ballet. Last season Cincinnati Ballet hosted more than 1,800 attendees at Community Dress Rehearsal for Peter Pan. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in pre-show activities such as a dance class in the lobby and a meet and greet with costumed dancers prior to the rehearsal. For more information on how to request tickets visit MostValuableKids.org.

The Sensory Friendly Nutcracker
Cincinnati Ballet will provide an opportunity for patrons to enjoy a Sensory Friendly Nutcracker experience. The December 22 dress rehearsal will accommodate any patrons and children with sensory sensitivities. For more information and how to request admission, please contact Cincinnati Ballet at 513.621.5282.

MEET THE ARTISTS
In the studio: Join us at the Cincinnati Ballet Center (1555 Central Parkway) for a full behind the scenes experience including a performance preview and a conversation with select artists, December 8 at 5:15 pm. RSVP to the Cincinnati Ballet box office at 513.621.5282.

Pre-performance: Cincinnati Ballet invites ticket holders to a pre-show conversation with select dancers, choreographers and designers who bring THE NUTCRACKER to life, December 18 at 6:30 pm in the Procter & Gamble Hall at Aronoff Center. Present your Nutcracker ticket for admission.

SUGAR PLUM PARADE
The Sugar Plum Parade is an exciting opportunity for Wednesday, December 23 matinee and Saturday, December 26 matinee ticket holders to experience THE NUTCRACKER from the stage itself. Audience members are invited to walk across the stage following the performance, getting a chance to see sets, costumes and dancers up close.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND INFORMATION
WHO:
Cincinnati Ballet
Choreography: Victoria Morgan
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Carmon DeLeone
WHAT: Frisch’s Presents THE NUTCRACKER
WHEN:

  • Friday, December 18 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, December 19 – 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, December 19 – 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, December 20 – 1:00 pm
  • Sunday, December 20 – 5:30 pm
  • Tuesday, December 22 – 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday, December 23 – 2:00 pm*
  • Wednesday, December 23 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, December 26 – 2:00 pm*
  • Saturday, December 26 – 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, December 27 – 1:00 pm
    *denotes Sugar Plum Parade

WHERE: Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
HOW: Call 513.621.5282, visit cballet.org, visit the Cincinnati Ballet Box Office at 1555 Central Parkway, Tickets start at $32.

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Sponsors of Frisch’s Presents THE NUTCRACKER: Frisch’s; The H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation; Airheads Candy; Engaging Dance Audiences

Capital Sponsors for Frisch’s Presents THE NUTCRACKER: Frisch’s, The Robert H. Reakirt Foundation, PNC Bank Trustee and PNC, Great American Insurance Group, Sheakley, The Anonymous Fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Eleanora C. U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank Trustee, James J. & Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation, Sue & Bill Friedlander, Gannett Foundation, The Kroger Company Foundation, Doris M. & Charles B. Levinson Fund, The Louise Taft Semple Foundation, The Corbett Foundation, The Thomas J. Emery Memorial, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Procter & Gamble, Rosemary & Mark Schlachter

Cincinnati Ballet 2015-2016 Season Sponsors: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation, ArtsWave, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley Family Foundation, Rosemary & Mark Schlachter, Ohio Arts Council, PNC Bank, Frisch’s, Wellington Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, Cincinnati Enquirer

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 Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet has become a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world premiere works and exploring unique collaborations with artists as diverse as Grammy winning guitarist Peter Frampton and popular, Ohio-based band Over the Rhine. With a mission to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and

passion of dance, 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, extensive education outreach programs and offers top level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

CONNECT: READ / WATCH / LISTEN / LEARN / ENJOY at cballet.org
http://www.facebook.com/CincinnatiBallet
http://twitter.com/cincyballet

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A 1940S RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL Runs Dec. 11-19

MISC_Lakeview UCC logo2A 1940S RADIO CHRISTMAS CAROL
LUCC Productions
Dec. 11-19
Lakeview UCC [Maineville]

Cast: Christopher Ball, Falecia Frederick, Erich Geoppinger, Lara Gonzalez, Clare Hingsbergen, Zachary Julian, Jennifer Martin, Patrick Nieman, John Rothan, Karen Sence, Siobhan Slone & Kelsey Tchamkoriyski
Special appearances by: Nicole Bucalo, Deb Rufner, Betty Schorry & Robert Schorry

It’s Christmas Eve, 1943.The Feddington Players are in a tiny studio in Newark, New Jersey, broadcasting their take on ‘A Christmas Carol’. With noisy plumbing, electrical blackouts and over the top theatricals of a veteran actor, the play hilariously exploits the mayhem of live radio. To “save the show”, the company improvise the ending as a film noir mystery, featuring a hardboiled detective, a femme fatale, and an absurd rescue of Tiny Tim.

  • Fri-Sat, Dec. 11-12 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 13 t 2:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Dec. 18-19 at 7:30pm

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