Category Archives: Family-Friendly

Cast Announced for OLIVER! at Rotary Presents

RP_Oliver logoCongratulations to the following people who have been cast in Rotary Presents OLIVER!, taking the stage at Parrish Auditorium at Miami University Hamilton March 19-22, 2020. More details will soon be at www.hamiltonohiorotary.com.

The cast includes:

  • Oliver – Gabe Neal
  • Fagin – Wayne Wright
  • Artful Dodger – Evan Blust
  • Nancy – Mary Vosseberg
  • Bill Sykes – Coby Osborn
  • Mr. Bumble – Scott Christian
  • Widow Corney – Kelly Massie
  • Mr. Sowerberry – Bill Balfour
  • Mrs. Sowerberry – Lacey Parsons
  • Bet – Abby Murrill
  • Noah Claypole – Clayton Eschenbrenner
  • Charlotte – Olivia Jones
  • Mr. Brownlow – Bob Dronberger
  • Dr. Grimwig – Matt Guion
  • Mrs. Bedwin – Joan Angst
  • Rose Seller – Katelyn Moore
  • Strawberry Seller – Holly Meyer
  • Milk Maid – Molly Wanko
  • Knife Grinder – Marco Colant
  • Charlie Bates – Ella Pfirman
  • Nipper – Naomi Wanko
  • Old Sally – Marijo Farley
  • Governors – Gary Bracknell, Tom Angst, Matthew Dieffenderfer, David Went
  • Workhouse Kids: Sammy Platt, Abby McCullough, Devon Adams, Janelle Benjey, Owen Benjey, Morgan Greenwood, Clark Pfirman, Kate Pfirman, Ryder Parsons, Patrick Oehlenschlager, Charlie Ernst, Lilly Gibson, Josie Garrett, Rylan Jackman, Rebecca Moore, Gwen Halverson, Alondra Scott, John Horton & Franz Horton
  • Workhouse & Fagin’s Gang: Maddi Bates, Hannah Neal, Ella Pfirman, Evie Sias, Makayla Platt, Samira Platt, Tyler Hull, Ben Brown, Ryleigh Doss, Josie Halverson, Grace Martin, Ava Martin, Naomi Wanko, Elli Maddock, Chloe Kime, Kaylee Beck, Mia Biondo, Maggie Hochwalt & Aiden Dieffenderfer
  • Men’s Ensemble: Joshua Braun, Dexter Harold Carpenter, David Went, Matt Guion, Marco Colant, Gary Bracknell, Tom Angst, Matthew Dieffenderfer, Clayton Eschnbrenner, Scott Christian & Bob Dronberger
  • Woman’s Ensemble: Sunny Dieffenderfer, Kristina Stoddart, Maria Helbig, Marijo Farley, Shelby Carter, Dani Jones, Chelsea Smith, Molly Wanko, Olivia Jones, Ursula Biron, Joan Angst, Katelyn Moore, Holly Meyer, Sam Murray, Lacey Parsons, Morgan Garrett, Bethany Roundtree & Megan Rademacher

Choreographed by Samantha Murray
Produced by Angie Neal
Vocal Direction by Betsy Horton
Directed by Rodney Neal

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CINCINNATI STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Brings Nationally-Acclaimed Storytelling Talent to Queen City

CSF_ 2020 logo(CINCINNATI, OHIO)  Paul Strickland has been a Cincinnati favorite for years, and has traveled with his beloved Trailer Park Trilogy and other storytelling shows to fringe festivals all over North America. He’s also a nationally acclaimed storyteller, and will be taking his stories to festivals like the Paris Storytelling Festival, Timpanogos Storytelling Festival, and more. But why is Paul travelling to tell his stories? Why not bring his favorite storytellers here?

Madcap Education Center and other local arts organizations have asked Paul Strickland to help them do just that–bring more nationally recognized storytellers right here to Cincinnati, while championing local Cincinnati favorites at the same time! February 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2020 will see Cincinnati’s first Storytelling Festival.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

CSF_Lyn Ford Headshot

Lyn Ford

Lyn Ford is a fourth-generation, nationally recognized, Affrilachian* (of African American heritage and history, from the region called Appalachia) storyteller, a teaching artist and workshop facilitator with the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, a Thurber House mentor, a writer published in storytelling magazines and newsletters, as well as teachers’ enrichment books and story anthologies, editorial collaborations (in 2018, look for: Boo-Tickle Tales and Storytelling Strategies for Reaching and Teaching Children with Special Needs; in fall of 2019, look for: Speak Peace: Words of Wisdom, Work and Wonder, works of heart with friend and fellow storyteller Sherry Norfolk), and her own books, a recording artist with award-winning CDs, a storytelling, creative-writing workshop, and interactive keynote presenter, and a happy partner-in-life, mama, grandmama, great-grandmama, and good cook!

CSF_Bill Lepp

Bill Lepp

Bill Lepp: Growing up in a family where the truth was fluid, Bil Lepp became adept at spinning tales and exaggerating circumstances at an early age. A nationally renowned storyteller and five time champion of the West Virginia Liars’ Contest, Bil’s outrageous, humorous tall-tales and witty stories have earned the appreciation of listeners of all ages and from all walks of life.

Though a champion liar, his stories often contain morsels of truth which shed light on universal themes. Be it a hunting trip, a funeral, or a visit to the dentist, Bil can find the humor in any situation. Lepp explains that while his stories may not be completely true, they are always honest.

Bil is the author of six books and sixteen audio collections. His first children’s book, The King of Little Things, won the PEN Steven Kroll Award for Picture Book Writing, received a Kirkus Starred review, and favorable reviews from The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, The School Library Journal and other publications. It also won the Zena Sutherland Award, the Parent’s Choice Gold Award, was a finalist for the Irma Black Award, and was chosen to be West Virginia’s book at the National Book Festival.

CSF_Paul Strickland Heashot2

Paul Strickland.

Paul Strickland has been a Cincinnati Favorite since moving here in October of 2014. Most of Paul’s stories were told to him by his Ain’t True and his Uncle False, who live in Big-Fib Cul-de-sac, a small trailer park just off the coast of Factual in the mythical America south. His hilarious and heart-felt tall tales have won “Best of Fest” seven times at Fringe Festivals in the U.S. and Canada. Strickland has performed at theaters, festivals, comedy clubs, and more, including two prisons, where he was not an inmate at the time. Selections from his show Levels of Difficulty can be heard on XM Sirius radio.

THE SCHEDULE

Thursday February 6th through Saturday February 8th, 2020, local and national storytellers will converge on the west side of Cincinnati to tell stories and teach workshops.

CSF_Schedule 2020

CSF_ 2020 logoTICKETS AND INFORMATION
Please visit our website at bit.ly/cincystorytelling to find more information.

Tickets and passes can be purchased online by going to bit.ly/cincystorytelling, or by phone at (513) 241-6550.

Venue: Madcap Education Center, 3064 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, OH – in Westwood

Full Schedule on Website

Rating: Family-Friendly when Noted

Tickets: See website for details

Ticket link: http://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/mec/News1.aspx

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A DRAGON’S HEART PART 1: THE COLONY Runs Jan. 17-Feb. 2

THT_A Dragons Heart logoA DRAGON’S HEART PART 1: THE COLONY
Town Hall Theatre
Jan. 17-Feb. 2
[Centerville]

  • Fri, Jan. 17 at 7pm
  • Sat-Sun, Jan. 18-19 at 3pm
  • Fri, Jan. 24 at 7pm
  • Sat. Jan. 25 at 11am (Sensory Performance)
  • Sat-Sun, Jan. 25-26 at 3pm
  • Fri, Jan. 31 at 7pm
  • Sat-Sun. Feb. 1-2 at 3pm
    Optional Pre-Show Party on Feb. 2

Official page |

 

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Auditions Announced for SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL JR. at Rivertown Players

RP_logoHorton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza. Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community emerge triumphant!

Performers ages 5-18 are welcome to audition one the following dates:

  • Saturday, January 11th from 10 AM – 12 PM
  • Sunday, January 12th from 1 PM – 3 PM

Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church
102 W High Street
Lawrenceburg, IN

Please prepare a song one minute or less in length to be sung a capella, and be ready to read from the script and show off your favorite dance move!

Not into performing in the spotlight? We need you too! Any kids in grades 6 or above interested in working behind the scenes should email Shea Haney at haneycshea@gmail.com for more information.

Don’t forget your calendar! We will ask for a list of potential rehearsal conflicts.

Show Dates:
May 29th, 7:00 p.m.
May 30th, 7:00 p.m.

South Dearborn High School
5770 Highlander Place
Aurora, IN 47001

Rehearsals:
Our first rehearsal will be Sunday, February 2nd from 1-3 at Hamline Chapel. We request a parent or guardian attend this as it is mostly informational. The remaining rehearsal schedule will include Sundays from 1-3, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8.

Cast of Characters:

  • The Cat in the Hat
  • Jojo
  • Horton the Elephant
  • Mr. Mayor
  • Mrs. Mayor
  • Gertrude McFuzz
  • Mayzie
  • Sour Kangaroo
  • Young Kangaroo
  • Wickersham Brothers (3)
  • Bird Girls (3)
  • Yertle the Turtle
  • Vlad Vladikoff
  • Whos
  • Jungle Citizens
  • Circus Animals

If you have any questions or need to make special accommodations for a reading disability, etc., please reach out to Shea Haney at haneycshea@gmail.com.

Please note that a Rivertown Player’s membership is required to perform in a production. Student memberships begin at $10.

Facebook event |

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Disney’s DESCENDANTS The Musical Kicks Off The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 101st Season

TCTC_The Descendants logoThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is announcing the opening title of their 101st season, and it’s only fitting for Cruella De Vil to show up for the celebration – along with three other famous Disney super-villains in DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS!  Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on stage October 10-19, 2020 at the Taft Theatre.  The nation’s oldest children’s theatre is thrilled to present the pop culture phenomenon that mashes up of your favorite classic characters in a fun, fresh and feisty new Disney adventure.

About the Show:  It is present-day, and in the kingdom of Auradon, all of Disney’s beloved heroes and royalty are living happily ever after, safe from the terrifying villains and troublesome sidekicks they have banished to the magic-free Isle of the Lost. That is until Ben, the benevolent teenage son of Belle and King Adam (The Beast), offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of the evilest villains. Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos – the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Cruella De Vil, and Jafar – are welcomed to Auradon Prep to attend school with the children of their parents’ sworn enemies. Now entering a completely foreign world and way of life, the four Villain Kids have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents’ wicked footsteps or learn to be good?

The show will be directed by TCT’s Producing Artistic Director, Roderick Justice, who said, “We are elated to produce this brand-new Disney musical about breaking the stereotype mold and being the best person possible, even if it means going against what everyone thinks of you.  This musical will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and a wonderful beginning to our 101st season!”

Show Credits: Book by Nick Blaemire; Songs by Johan Alkenas, Adam Anders, Aristeidis Archontis, Antonina Armato, Howard Ashman, Par Astrom, Stephen Mark Conley, Doug Davis, Charity Daw, Andrew C. Dodd, Josh Edmondson, Pipo Fernandez, Nikki Hassman, Samuel Hollander, Ben Hosteler, Hannah Jones, Jack Kugell, Craig Lashley, Andrew Lippa, Jeannie Lurie, Alan Menken, Grant Phillip Michaels, Anthony Mirabella, Shayna Mordue, Chen Neeman, Susan Paroff, Shelly M. Peiken, Joacim Persson, James K. Petrie, Timothy James Price, Adam Schlesinger, Adam Schmalholz, Tyler Shamy, Jodie Shihadeh, Nikki Ann Sorrentino, Thomas Armato Sturges, Ali Dee Theodore, Matthew Wong, David Zippel.

Music Adaptation by Madeline Smith. Vocal and Incidental Arrangements by Madeline Smith. Additional Lyrics by Nick Blaemire. Orchestrations by Matthew Tishler. Music Produced by Matthew Tishler.

The other three productions in TCT’s 2020-21 season will be announced during TCT’s production of ANNIE JR. opening on February 29, 2020, however subscription renewals, as well as new season subscriptions and memberships can be purchased today: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/subscribe/

Show Dates for 2020-2021 at the Taft Theatre:

  • DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS:  October 10-19, 2020
  • Show 2 TBA:  December 5-December 14, 2020
  • Show 3 TBA:  February 13-Feb. 22, 2021
  • Show 4 TBA:  April 17-April 26, 2021

For the first time TCT is offering two membership types:

  • Traditional Subscriptions — Guaranteed seats, same seats, same time for every show. Ticket exchanges. Free parking – BEST DEAL!
  • NEW Flex Pass Membership Package(s) of 6 vouchers to be redeemed at any performance.

Please note: Becoming a Traditional 4-Show Subscriber is the only way to guarantee seats to DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS.

Showtimes Are Changing in 20-21
To better accommodate our little patrons, we have adjusted our showtimes. TCT will now host 11 AM shows on both Saturdays! The 5 PM showtimes will be discontinued and Friday 7:30 PM show will be moving up to 7 PM.  (This does not affect showtimes for the rest of the 2019-2020 season.)

Season 2020-2021 Showtimes will be:

First Weekend:

  • Saturday at 11 AM
  • Saturday at 2 PM
  • Sunday at 2 PM

Second Weekend:

  • Friday at 7 PM
  • Saturday at 11 AM
  • Saturday at 2 PM
  • Sunday at 2 PM

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by ArtsWave and the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.  The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans

-end-

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