Category Archives: Family-Friendly

ELF the Musical at Loveland High School Nov. 13-16

Christmas spirit starts early in Loveland with a production of ELF the Musical at Loveland High School November 13th – 16th.  This show is a great start to the family holidays and will have you pulling out your decorations extra early.

A baby who crawled into Santa’s sack and grew up at the North Pole with the elves finds out he actually is human.  When he sets off to find his family in New York City, Buddy’s adventures show him the good and the bad of live in the big city.

Will people believe he really knows “the big guy”?  Can he raise enough Christmas spirit to get Santa’s sleigh to fly and save his dad’s publishing company from ruin?

Over 70 students are involved in this production –  the backstage crew, the actors singing and dancing on stage, and the orchestra playing the stick-in-your-head sparklejollytwinklejingley tunes.

Performances are Wed-Fri at 7pm, Sat at 2pm & 7pm.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students and senior citizens.

Order yours here: https://lovelandhstheater.wixsite.com/lhsdrama/box-office

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Cincinnati Ballet, City, 3CDC, and Art Academy of Cincinnati Announce WINTER WONDERLAND Installation in Washington Park

Story Walk to Be Unveiled December 1 for Holiday Season

CINCINNATI (October 24, 2024) – The holiday season is just around the corner and the Cincinnati Ballet, the City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), and the Art Academy of Cincinnati have partnered to bring a Nutcracker-inspired Winter Wonderland installation to Washington Park this December.

The installation, Winter Wonderland presented by Cincinnati Ballet, will be a story walk with six scenes created by students from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, in addition to dazzling holiday lights on park trees, along paths, and surrounding the bandstand.  The story walk will be viewable from December 1-31 and the lighting enhancements will remain in the park through February 2025. Additionally, Cincinnati Ballet will host a special event December 1 to celebrate the launch of the story walk experience from 11AM – 3PM. The event will include ballet dancers and characters, family-friendly activities, music, and more. Santa Claus will also be on-site at the Sherwin-Williams Porch greeting families and taking free photos.

“The holidays are a magical time for families to enjoy our City. Bringing Washington Park to life with the timeless tale of The Nutcracker will create memories and a connection to Cincinnati that will last a lifetime. These experiences are the cornerstone of growing our City. I can’t thank the Cincinnati Ballet, 3CDC, and the Art Academy of Cincinnati enough for making this moment possible” said Cincinnati City Councilmember Seth Walsh.

“We’re thrilled to partner with staples of our community, the Cincinnati Ballet and the Art Academy of Cincinnati, to bring holiday magic to Washington Park this winter” said Christy Samad, Executive Vice President of Civic & Commercial Space Activations for 3CDC. “OTR is rich with shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences during the holiday season and we’re excited to give folks one more reason to come downtown and enjoy the holidays in OTR. We’re grateful to the City of Cincinnati for helping us to bring this vision to life.”

This season, the Cincinnati Ballet is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Nutcracker in Cincinnati. The Company first performed the holiday classic in 1973. Performances will be held at Music Hall from December 19 – 29 and tickets can be purchased at https://cballet.org/performances/the-nutcracker-presented-by-sheakley-family/.

“This season we joyfully celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Cincinnati Ballet’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker,“ said Interim Artistic Director Cervilio Miguel Amador. “Attending The Nutcracker at Music Hall has been a beloved holiday tradition for families across generations. This immersive and spectacular installation at Washington Park will enhance this magical experience!” “Our mission is to share the love of dance with our community,” said Cincinnati Ballet CEO Debbie Brant. “We are so excited to bring this partnership to life in Washington Park, as we come together to celebrate the magic of the holidays.”

Winter Wonderland presented by Cincinnati Ballet debuts December 1, 2024 and will be viewable during all park hours (7AM – 10 PM) seven days a week through December 31.

Washington Park’s Sherwin-Williams Porch and concession stand offer full bar service including hot chocolate, coffee, Coca-Cola products, beer, wine, seltzer and liquor from brands like Fifty West Brewing Company, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, Heineken, White Claw, Dark Horse, Bud Light, Boone County Distilling, Rhinegeist, Canvus Premium Cocktails, and The Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. No outside alcohol is permitted in the park.

Washington Park is located at 1230 Elm Street, in the heart of OTR. Secure parking is available in the Park’s 450-space underground garage facility, or at nearby Mercer Garage on Vine Street.

MORE INFORMATION: www.WashingtonPark.org.

# # # 

About 3CDC
The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) is a private, non-profit full-service real estate developer with a mission and strategic focus to strengthen the core assets of Downtown Cincinnati in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati corporate community. Its work is specifically focused on revitalizing and connecting the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine. For more information, visit http://www.3cdc.org.

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Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR Runs Oct. 12-21

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Oct. 12-21
Taft Theatre [Downtown]

Directed by Maddie Jones
Choreographed by Roderick Justice

Cast: Lena Andrews as Mrs. Potts, Juno Brosas as Belle, Avery Fox* as Silly Girl/Ensemble, Josh Galloway as Lefou, Max Hunker as Monsieur D’arque/Ensemble, James Jones as Lumiere, Evan Koons as Gaston, Ethan Kuchta as Beast/Prince, Casey Merren as Babette/Milk Maid, Bobby Montaniz as Maurice, Gabrield Kanai Nakata as Cogsworth, Ellie Maddock* as Silly Girl 1/Ensemble, Parker Patton* as Chip, Madeline Stern as Wardrobe/Ensemble & Keya Vadivelu* as Silly Girl 2/Ensemble
Ensemble: Jude Abella, Kate Bauer, Brinley Culver*, Edrico Evans-Pritchett, Jonathan Hobbs, Claire Long*, Austin Mills, Anthony Nocero, Kip Richardson*, Avery Sherman, Colton Slade, Kari Keller Stewart, Cynsere Stevens, Lisa Takahashi* & Mia Zink*

TCT last produced Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. in 2009 and 2014, and the new 2024 production will feature a fresh concept with an interesting twist for the “tale as old as time.” The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

  • Sat, Oct. 12 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, Oct. 13 at 2pm
  • Fri, Oct. 18 at 7pm
  • Sat, Oct. 19 at 11am & 2pm
  • Sun, Oct. 20 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook events |

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SEUSSICAL the Musical Runs Sept. 14-15

SEUSSICAL the Musical
Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg
Sept. 14-15
Riverfront Park [Miamisburg]

Official cast list |

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Join CPAM for the “Arts by the River” event featuring Seussical the Musical on the Ginkgo Stage! With local food trucks and vendors, this FREE event is one you don’t want to miss!

  • Sat, Sept. 14 at 2pm & 5:30pm
  • Sun, Sept. 15 at 5:30pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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Auditions Announced for Dr. Seuss’s THE CAT IN THE HAT and Disney’s FROZEN JR. at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in August for the third and fourth MainStage productions in their 2024-2025 season at the Taft Theatre.

Performers ages 9-14:
For performers ages 9-14, we are accepting virtual submissions ONLY. Please sign up to audition at the following link. https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/ When you go to select a time slot, please only select “waiting list” as an option, so we have all of your correct information. After that, you must submit your virtual submission of a one-minute song with backing track or piano accompaniment HERE no later than Sunday, August 18th. NOTE: Please make the title of your video submission the performers first and last name. We will review your submission on Monday, August 19th and reach back out to you via email IF we are interested in seeing you for callbacks.

Adult performers and young performers ages 15-18:
Adults over 18 to be considered for casting and performers 15-18 to be considered for TCT’s Young Artist Company, you may make an audition appointment by visiting https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/ 

Appointment dates:

  • Monday, August 19, 2024- 5:30-9:00 PM
  • Tuesday, August 20, 2024- 5:30-9:00 PM
  • Wednesday, August 21, 2024- 5:30-9:00 PM
  • Thursday, August 22, 2024- 5:30-9:00 PM

All roles are paid positions.

TCT, the nation’s oldest theatre for children, is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and is committed to a dynamic casting process. All roles are open to everyone regardless of ethnicity, background, ability, or gender identity.

Upon audition registration, you may indicate which shows for which you would like to be considered. Auditions are by appointment only.

You only need ONE audition appointment, even if you are interested in both productions. 

Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat callbacks will take place on Saturday, August 24, 2024, 11:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Disney’s Frozen JR. callbacks will take place on Sunday, August 25, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM.

Auditions and Callbacks are held at TCT’s headquarters located at: 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati OH 45227.

If you are unable to attend auditions in person and would like to inquire about a virtual submission, or for information concerning auditions email Maddie Jones at Maddie.Jones@tctcincinnati.com.

Visit https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/ to sign-up for an audition appointment.

PREPARATION CHECKLIST

  1. Please prepare the piano sheet music to a memorized song that shows your acting and vocal range. (1-minute max). The song must be age Remember to have your PIANO SHEET MUSIC, as we will not be auditioning for a cappella skills. An accompanist will be provided. Your sheet music MUST have the piano part, not just the vocal line, and music should be in a 3-ring binder with any cuts CLEARLY marked for the accompanist.

    You only need a song. You do NOT need to prepare a monologue.

  2. Bring a RECENT 8×10 headshot and up-to-date performance Even if you upload to the audition website, a hard copy of your headshot and resume is needed.
  3. Plan to arrive at least 15-20 minutes ahead of your appointment to check/correct previously submitted paperwork. If we are ahead of schedule, we may bring you in to audition early.
  4. Come with your scheduling conflicts. Due to concentrated rehearsal periods, we ask that conflicts during rehearsals be at a minimum. In an effort to best facilitate all rehearsal times, you will be asked to list all conflicts at the time of the Conflicts may result in a stipend adjustment. Please take note of when rehearsals begin, the day and evening tech and performance schedule, and bring your calendar with you to the audition.

ABOUT THE SHOWS

SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT
Based on the book by Dr. Seuss. Play Originally Produced by the National Theatre of Great Britain.
Adapted and Originally Directed by Katie Mitchell.
Directed by: James Jones

From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that The Cat in the Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, he is certainly loads of fun. He turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure… but what will mom find when she gets home…?

Rehearsals: January 11- February 8, 2025. Rehearsals typically take place Mondays-Thursdays, 6:30- 9:30 PM and Saturdays, 10 AM-4:00 PM

Tech in the Taft Theatre: February 11 – 14, 2025, Daytime/Evening

Performances: February 15- February 24, 2025

The first Monday of the week is dark after opening. Throughout the week, TCT hosts morning and afternoon performances for school field trips. Afternoon and evening performances for the public take place Friday-Sunday.

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

[BOY] Male identifying. Portrays age 10-12. Sally’s brother. Curious and excitable, but responsible and cautious. Director may cast an Adult who can play a young boy.

[SALLY] Female identifying. Portrays age 9-10; The Boy’s sister. She is wide-eyed and very curious. Director may cast an Adult who can play a young girl

[THING 1 & THING 2] Any gender. Age: 20-40; The kite-flying duo that wreaks havoc on Boy and Sally’s house.

[THE FISH] Any gender. Age 20-50; The family fish and parental figure of the story. Anxious, uptight, and sapient.

[ENSEMBLE AND UNDERSTUDIES] Age: 20-50. Characters in wild pursuit of fun. Covers the roles of the Cat in the Hat, Boy, Sally, The Fish, Thing 1 and Thing 2.

DISNEY’S FROZEN JR.
Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez. Book by Jennifer Lee.
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee.
The original Broadway production of Frozen was directed by Michael Grandage and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Directed by: Roderick Justice
Choreography by: Angelo Cerniglia

Disney’s Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Disney’s Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Disney’s Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart! 

Rehearsals: March 22 – April 19, 2025. Rehearsals typically take place Mondays-Thursdays, 6:30- 9:30 PM and Saturdays, 10 AM-4:00 PM.

Tech in the Taft Theatre: April 21 – 24, 2025 Daytime/Evening

Performances: April 25 – May 4, 2025

The first Monday of the week is dark after opening. Throughout the week, TCT hosts morning and afternoon performances for school field trips. Afternoon and evening performances for the public take place Friday-Sunday. 

SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:

[YOUNG ANNA] Female identifying. Age 9-12. Filled with a tremendous amount of light, energy, and love, Anna is a hopelessly optimistic extrovert at all ages, but as she grows older, she longs for connection with others, especially her sister, Elsa. Vocal range: A3-D5.

[MIDDLE ANNA] Female identifying. Age 12-14. Filled with a tremendous amount of light, energy, and love, Anna is a hopelessly optimistic extrovert at all ages, but as she grows older, she longs for connection with others, especially her sister, Elsa. Vocal range: A3- B4.

[ANNA] Female identifying. Age 16-25. Filled with a tremendous amount of light, energy, and love, Anna is a hopelessly optimistic extrovert at all ages, but as she grows older, she longs for connection with others, especially her sister, Elsa. Vocal range: G3-D5.

[YOUNG ELSA] Female identifying. Age 9-12. Next in line for the throne, Elsa has been born with magical powers that can overwhelm her when she becomes afraid and harm others if not handled with care. Fearful of hurting anyone, especially her beloved sister, Anna, Elsa becomes anxious and withdrawn as she grows older, before eventually learning to take control of, and become confident in, her powers which she masterfully uses to manipulate the Snow Chorus. Vocal range: A3- C#5.

[MIDDLE ELSA] Female identifying. Age 12-14. Next in line for the throne, Elsa has been born with magical powers that can overwhelm her when she becomes afraid and harm others if not handled with care. Fearful of hurting anyone, especially her beloved sister, Anna, Elsa becomes anxious and withdrawn as she grows older, before eventually learning to take control of, and become confident in, her powers which she masterfully uses to manipulate the Snow Chorus. Vocal range: A3- F#4.

[ELSA] Female identifying. Age 16-28. Next in line for the throne, Elsa has been born with magical powers that can overwhelm her when she becomes afraid and harm others if not handled with care. Fearful of hurting anyone, especially her beloved sister, Anna, Elsa becomes anxious and withdrawn as she grows older, before eventually learning to take control of, and become confident in, her powers which she masterfully uses to manipulate the Snow Chorus. Vocal range: F#3- D5.

[KING AGNARR] Male identifying. Age 30-60. The warm-hearted ruler of Arendelle is committed to protecting both his family and the Townspeople from his eldest daughter’s powers.

[QUEEN IDUNA] Female identifying. Age 30-60. The queen possesses a sense of rightness and kindness that guides her in her protection of her two young girls. A daughter of the Northern Nomads, this queen has the ability to communicate with the Hidden Folk of the mountains and so understands Elsa’s powers deeply.

[PABBIE] Any gender. Age 18-40. Pabbie and Bulda are the mystical leaders of the Hidden Folk who have a soft spot for “strays.” Ever-benevolent, these parental figures want what’s best for Kristoff, even if they are a bit misguided in their efforts.

[BULDA] Any gender. Age 18-40. Pabbie and Bulda are the mystical leaders of the Hidden Folk who have a soft spot for “strays.” Ever-benevolent, these parental figures want what’s best for Kristoff, even if they are a bit misguided in their efforts.

[KRISTOFF] Male identifying. Kristoff is a hardworking ice harvester. Kristoff has a sarcastic veneer and a rough-around-the-edges exterior that hides a big heart. Taken in by the Hidden Folk when he was young, he loves Pabbie and Bulda dearly, but is a bit of a loner with a reindeer for a best friend- until he meets Anna. Vocal range: G2- A3.

[SVEN PUPPETEER] Any gender. Age 18-40. Sven is a reindeer of few words, fiercely loyal pal to Kristoff, and loves giving the ice harvester a hard time. Has good comic timing and terrific physical acting skills. Vocal range: A3-A4.

[HANS] Male identifying. Age 18-35. The ambitious Prince of the Southern Isles and overlooked thirteenth son of a king. Hans constantly strives to find a way to make good and stand out. He boasts an exceedingly charming facade that fools everyone – including Anna and, ideally, the audience! – into believing he’s Prince Charming, when really, he’s just a jerk. Vocal range: G2-B3.

[WESELTON] Male identifying. Age 30-60. A visiting duke who possesses a huge inferiority complex. A bombastic, overbearing sycophant, Weselton’s sole purpose is to hobnob with influencers and royalty.

[OLAF] Male identifying. Age 18-40. The magical, puppet snowman created by Anna and Elsa when they were young. Olaf is endearingly delighted by everything – especially the idea of summer. Vocal range: F#2- D4.

[OAKEN] Male identifying. Age 25-45. An exceedingly cheerful and convivial wandering salesperson and ardent devotee to all things cozy and comfortable.

[ENSEMBLE] Any gender. All ages. The Ensemble makes up the Townspeople, Snow Chorus, Hidden Folk, Castle Staff, Housekeeper, Butler, Handmaiden, Cook, Steward, Guards, Summer Chorus, Oaken’s Family. Must be excellent singers, dancers, and actors and will understudy the various roles listed above.

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