Category Archives: In Other News

August 31, 2021 · 1:24 pm

The Passing of Jim Lockwood

MISC_Jim LockwoodFrom Russell Florence

Jim Lockwood. Just hearing his name, thinking of his name, immediately brings a smile. He adored theatre and theatre people. His performances and directorial assignments are numerous and memorable, but I must admit he had a special fondness for Stephen Sondheim and was particularly proud of his productions of ‘”Assassins” at Beavercreek Community Theatre and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” at Dayton Playhouse.

Our mutual admiration of Sondheim sparked many fun and insightful conversations during many intermissions through the years. And how wonderful it was to always count on seeing him every July at the Playhouse for FutureFest, supporting the development of new plays with energy and excitement, especially in 2017 when his grandson Jack starred in a special presentation of Peter Filichia’s “Adam’s Gifts.”

The local arts community has truly a lost a titan of the stage but Jim’s indelible legacy will linger in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him and witness his artistry.

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August 2, 2021 · 10:11 am

The Passing of Barbara Jo Warapius

From Cincinnati.Com

MISC_Barbara Jo WarapiusBarbara Jo Warapius

Amelia – Barbara Jo, loving daughter of Norma Causland of Vero Beach, FL. and the late Thomas Warapius passed away on Wednesday 21 July at the age of 67. She leaves behind a loving sister Susan Jacobs, and nieces Lyndsay and Kellee Jacobs, all of Ontario, Canada. Barbara Jo was born in Cincinnati and was a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S. She received an honours degree in Music from the University of Windsor and Bachelor of Education from Nipissing University in Sudbury, Ontario.

As a pianist and musical director, she was a prized member of countless productions put on by Cincinnati area groups like the Footlighters and the Beechmont Players, Inc.. She served as Secretary of Cincinnati UpDownTowners and was very proud to serve as a member of the Kentucky Army Reserve Band. Barbara Jo was employed with Great American Insurance Group, in Cincinnati. Barbara Jo was known for her many passions: animals, the great Canadian north, clothes making and her iconic V.W. Cabrio convertibles. She will be missed for her offbeat humour, razor-sharp intellect, and endless stories. Condolences may be shared with the family at ThomasJustinMemorial.com Arrangements will be made at a later date to celebrate Barbara Jo’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations in Barbara Jo’s name may be directed to your local SPCA.

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July 26, 2021 · 12:07 pm

The Passing of Cathy Ann Creason

From Cincinnati.Com

Cincinnati – Cathy Ann Creason, 65, of Cincinnati, OH, passed away from metastatic cancer on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. She is most remembered from her time at St. Xavier High School, where she taught English for 25 years and and served as Theatre Xavier’ vocal director for years beyond that. Her beautiful voice moved thousands at countless religious services throughout the city. She was the daughter of Dr. Jack T. Creason and Montelle J. “Peggy” (Jewell) Creason, both deceased.

Arrangements by Spring Grove Funeral Homes in Cincinnati, OH. Burial will be in the Benton Cemetery, Benton, KY. A private celebration of her life will be held by close friends in the near future. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cathy Creason GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme/f/caring-for-creason, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Lourdes Hospice, P.O. Box 7100, Paducah, KY 42002; or the charity of your choice.

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June 21, 2021 · 10:45 am

Pick of the Fringe Winners for 2021

CFF21_logo2The Cincinnati Fringe Festival is thrilled to announce the Pick of the Fringe winners for 2021:

  • The Audience Pick: MEERA’S KITCHEN from Beena Raghavendran
  • The Critics’ Pick: THE BELLE AND BOONE HELM from Hannah Gregory
  • The Dr. Robert J. Thierauf Producer’s Pick: CONTINUUM from Performance Gallery and Solasta Theatre Lab
  • The Linda Bowen All-Access Pick: YOU WILL LIVE UNDER THE SEA from Queen City Flash
  • The David C. Herriman Artists’ Pick: THE BUTTERFLY HEIST from Kelly Morton

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June 16, 2021 · 1:21 pm

CFF21: My Fringe Show Rankings

CFF_The Belle and Boone HelmUpdated 6/18/21 1:30pm

Below I am ranking the shows I’ve attended to date, based on a number of criteria from the voices in my head. 🙂 Please understand that differences between shows in the rankings can be infinitesimal. Only 15 more video on demand shows to go! -Rob

  1. THE BELLE AND BOONE HELM (VOD)
    Smartly written, beautifully filmed, and a strong ensemble led by Gregory and an intense and scary Dylan Shelton.
  2. YOU WILL LIVE UNDER THE SEA (VOD)
    Written by Trey Tatum. Directed by Bridget Leak. Performed by Tatum and Jordan Trovillion. This team never disappoints. Join them this year as they ruin a children’s book. Rated R for language. “I want my f@#$ing jet pack!”
  3. THE PRIME OF MISS JEN JOPLIN (VOD)
  4. HORSETALE (VOD)
  5. THE BUTTERFLY HEIST (OS)
  6. UNBOXING (VOD)
  7. PLANET OF THE GRAPES LIVE (LS)
  8. UNINTENTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE (VOD)
  9. BETSY CARMICHAEL LIVE AT THE BINGO PALACE (LS)
  10. HARAMBE (OS)
  11. ONE EASY LIE (LS)
  12. PANTHER WOMAN (OS)
  13. NAUGHTY BITS (VOD)
  14. DIED IN A TRAILER PARK, WOKE UP A MERMAID (VOD)
  15. AWAY, NOW (VOD)
  16. AN EVENING WITH GWENDOLYN (VOD)
  17. DANGEROUS WHEN WET: BOOZE, SEX, AND MY MOTHER (LS)
  18. MEERA’S KITCHEN (LS)
  19. #TXTSHOW (ON THE INTERNET) (LS)
  20. TILTED FRAME @ HOME (LS)
  21. TWITTERHATED (OS)
  22. REWIND-A-BUDDY (LS)
  23. SAFE (VOD)
  24. FROM RUSSIA WITHOUT LOVE (LS)
  25. CONTINUUM (LS)
  26. THE PARK CRUISING DIARIES (OS)
  27. ON MAINTENANCE (OS)

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