Category Archives: Press Releases

WINTER WONDERETTES Opens Dec. 1

TDW_Winter Wonderettes1The all-female vocal group, The Wonderettes, is entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware holiday party in 1968. When Santa turns up missing, the women use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party.

Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is a feel-good holiday romp.

This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!

Written by Roger Bean, directed by Linda Abbott and produced by Dennis Murphy, this holiday show is a sequel to “ The Marvelous Wonderettes ,” which played off-Broadway, across the U.S. and in the United Kingdom.

Show dates and times:

Friday, December 1, 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 2, 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 3, 2:00 PM

Friday, December 8, 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 9, 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 10, 2:00 PM

Thursday, December 14, 7:30 PM
Friday, December 15, 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 16, 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 17, 2:00 PM

All performances are at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave. Cheviot.

Cast:

  • Betty Jean – Clare Hingsbergen
  • Cindy Lou – Virginia Venegas
  • Missy – Kelley Flaugher
  • Suzy – Mary Ann Sprague

Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased by calling the TDW ticket line at 513-598-8303 or by ordering online at www.thedramaworkshop.org.

Cast and crew are vaccinated against Covid-19. Patrons and volunteers are not required to wear a mask while inside the Glenmore Playhouse.

Produced by special arrangement with Stage Rights (www.stagerights.com)

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Holy Play of Obligation: One-Nun Show LATE NITE CATECHISM Extended to Dec. 23

PIP_Late Nite Catechism1

Photo of Beth Ward as Sister. Photo by Mikki Schaffner

CINCINNATI (Nov. 9, 2023) – LATE NITE CATECHISM, one of the longest-running shows in Chicago and U.S. theater history, will extend its run at Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre through Dec. 23. The production features Beth Ward as Sister and is presented by Entertainment Events, Inc.

More than 10 million people worldwide (in 410 cities and 6 countries) have experienced the phenomenon of LATE NITE CATECHISM, and now Cincinnati audiences will have seven additional opportunities to see the show that The Hollywood Reporter called “a laugh-filled evening for all cultures, classes and religions.”

In this playful and compassionate send-up of Catholic culture, audience members are students in Sister’s catechism class, where she is subbing in for Father Murphy. Sister rules with an iron fist and teaches the class however she wants. Sister weaves stories into a hilarious tapestry that laughs at the quirks of the church while simultaneously embracing them. Meanwhile, she’s not afraid to stop class to call out her misbehaving students.

“A strong nun is a strong teacher,” Vicki Quade, who co-wrote the play with Maripat Donovan told Loyola Press. “Women will say that by example, nuns showed them how to be a strong woman, how to be in charge, that it’s not a man’s world. You can do whatever you want to do in life. Many women saw nuns as positive influences in their life.”

The performance blends quick-witted stand-up comedy and improvisational crowd work, ensuring that every show is a unique experience. The Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre’s intimate seating arrangement further enhances the feeling of immersion into Sister’s world.

LATE NITE CATECHISM boasts an impressive 30 years of performances, surpassing the longevity of The Lion King in New York City. It was originally conceived and produced at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan. The show has spawned 8 sequels, including holiday specials for Christmas, Easter and Halloween.

CAST/PRODUCTION

  • Beth Ward – Sister
  • Maripat Donovan – Playwright
  • Vicki Quade – Playwright
  • Marc Silvia – Director
  • Jennifer Rhodus – Set Designer
  • Marly Wooster – Lighting Designer
  • Andrea L. Shell – Stage Manager
  • Entertainment Events, Inc. – Producer

TICKETS

Tickets begin at $35.00. Child and teen tickets begin at $33.50. Prices vary depending on performance. Opening night is Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.EVENTS

Opening Night:
Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT!)
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights with a lively post-show cast party.

ART TALKS (Formerly Meet the Artists)

  • Sun, Nov.12 at 2 p.m.
  • Sun, Nov.19 at 2 p.m.
  • Wed, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.

ADVISORY
LATE NITE CATECHISM is appropriate for audiences 12 and up and contains no strong language. It does include some audience interaction and promises lots of fun.

SPONSORS
Artist Sponsor is 1919 Investment Counsel. Honorary Producer is Charles and Joann Mead. Season Sponsor is The Vontz Family.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS, INC. (Producer) is based in New York City.  EEI has made its mark on the theatrical touring industry by offering a variety of new and exciting plays and musicals to an ever growing list of professional presenting organizations throughout the country. In addition EEI has performed over 1500 fundraising events for schools, church groups, and private parties. EEI brings all aspects of producing under one roof: sales, production, casting, creative and technical. EEI productions have been produced and presented in all 50 states as well as in Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. Since 1999 EEI has produced; Late Nite Catechism: The Series, Maybe Baby, It’s You, The Yiddish Are Coming, The Yiddish Are Coming!, Shout! The Mod Musical, Tony N Tina’s Wedding, Defending the Caveman, We’re Still Hot! The Musical and are former producers of Jeanie Linders’ Menopause The Musical. EEI is now proud to present Girls Night: The Musical, ‘Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical, Dishing With the Divas, Help! My Husband Has Gone Missing: My Daughter is Getting Married & I Am Having Hot Flashes!, Panties In A Twist, Cuff Me: The Fifty Shades of Grey Musical Parody, Late Nite Catechism, Sister Strikes Again!: Late Nite Catechism 2, ’Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3, Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold, Sister’s Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?, Late Nite Catechism Las Vegas: Sister Rolls the Dice!, Sister’s Summer School Catechism: God Never Takes a Vacation!, Sister’s Back to School Catechism: The Holy Ghost and Other Terrifying Tales!

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Newly-Imagined National Tour of PETER PAN On Sale Friday

TICKETS FOR THE
NEWLY-IMAGINED NATIONAL TOUR OF
PETER PAN

BIC_Peter PanWILL GO ON SALE NOVEMBER 10 AT 10:00 AM

THE ALL-NEW PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY LONNY PRICE, WITH ADDITIONAL BOOK BY LARISSA FASTHORSE AND CHOREOGRAPHY BY LORIN LATARRO

PREMIERES IN CINCINNATI AT THE ARONOFF CENTER MARCH 12 – 24

CINCINNATI – Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN will go on sale November 10 at 10:00 AM for its premiere Cincinnati engagement at the Aronoff Center March 12 – 24 as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati series presented by TriHealth. Tickets will be available online at CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office, downtown.

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) with additional book by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse (The Thanksgiving Play, What Would Crazy Horse Do?) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress, The Who’s Tommy).

“PETER PAN is one of the great treasures of the American Musical Theatre,” said Lonny Price. “The show nurtures and inspires the imagination of its audience and reminds us to keep alive the child within us all.”

“I am thrilled to be part of bringing PETER PAN to life for a new generation,” said Larissa FastHorse. “If you loved this musical before, you will still see the show that enchanted you, while discovering a PETER PAN that everyone can enjoy, without harm, for many years to come.”

Seventeen-year-old Nolan Almeida will play the iconic role of ‘Peter Pan’. An Orange County, California native, Nolan was most recently seen as ‘Crutchie’ in Newsies at 5-Star Theatricals and was featured in “Christmas on Repeat” on Hulu. Joining him will be Cody Garcia as ‘Captain Hook’ who most recently starred as ‘Willy Wonka’ in the national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and as ‘Buddy’ in Elf; Emerson College graduate Hawa Kamara as ‘Wendy’ and acclaimed recording artist Raye Zaragoza as ‘Tiger Lily’.

The full cast is completed by Shefali Deshpande as ‘Mrs. Darling,’ Kurt Perry as ‘Smee,’ William Foon and Micah Turner Lee alternate as ‘John,’ Reed Epley and Jayden Guarneri alternate as ‘Michael.’ The ensemble includes Charles Antenen, Jonah Barricklo, Eric Allen Boyd, Christina Hélène Braa, Brandon Gille, Ryan Perry Marks, Michael Marrero, Kenny Ramos, Hannah Schmidt, Kiara Williams. The swings are Tony Collins, Bailey Frankenberg, Leo Gallegos and Cheyenne Omani.

Director Lonny Price is thrilled to introduce Nolan Almeida as the high-flying Peter Pan. “Nolan embodies all the beautiful contradictions of Peter. He’s an extraordinarily gifted young actor, a wonderful singer and nothing short of magical. Cody Garcia as Captain Hook is utterly modern, surprising and one of the most engaging actors I’ve ever worked with.”

“I also want to celebrate Hawa Kamara, making her professional debut as Wendy! A wildly charismatic young actress, who’s as talented as she is beautiful. And rounding out this sensational group is Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily – brilliant multi-faceted recording artist and actress. This company is simply going to blow people away and I cannot wait for audiences across the country to fall in love with each of them.”

Based on Sir James M. Barrie’s classic tale and originally directed, choreographed and adapted by Broadway legend Jerome Robbins, PETER PAN features an iconic and unforgettable score by Morris (Moose) Charlap, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and additional music by Jule Styne.

PETER PAN is directed by Lonny Price, with additional book by Larissa FastHorse, choreography by Lorin Latarro and flight choreography by Paul Rubin, with music supervision and additional arrangements by Andy Einhorn and dance arrangements by David Dabbon. The national tour has scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Kai Harada, projections by David Bengali, hair & make-up design by J. Jared Janas, fight direction by Rick Sordelet & Christian Kelly-Sordelet and “Tinker Bell” design by Paul Kieve. The Associate Director is Matt Cowart and the Associate Choreographer is Travis Waldschmidt, with casting by ARC/Duncan Stewart, CSA and additional casting by Michael Donovan Casting. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International. The tour is produced by NETworks Presentations.

The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

PETER PAN will play the Aronoff Center from March 12 – 24, 2024: Tuesday – Thursdays at 7:30PM, Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 2:00PM and 8:00PM, Sundays at 1:00PM and 6:30PM. Tickets start at $36.25 and will be online at CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

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STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH ALL THINGS BROADWAY IN CINCINNATI:
Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @BroadwayCincy

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. For over twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center. The Broadway in Cincinnati series brings more than 185,000 people downtown to the Aronoff Center each year and contributes an average of $30 million to the local economy each season. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 23/24 Season, and the season is presented by TriHealth. 

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands.  Led by 20-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, and Hamilton. Current productions include &Juliet, Hadestown, Hamilton, Kimberly Akimbo, MJ: The Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical. 

The John Gore Organization is the leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide. Under the leadership of 20-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. The company presents shows in 48 cities across North America as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, Japan, and China. It has won Tony Awards in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier Awards.  The John Gore Organization is committed to supporting theater access and education programs that introduce Broadway to the next generation of audiences and theater professionals.

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The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Production of NARNIA The Musical At the Taft Theatre this December

TCTC_Narnia the MusicalCincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 23-24 MainStage Season continues with NARNIA THE MUSICAL at the Taft Theatre December 9 – 18, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/narnia-the-musical/.

Based on the beloved book by C.S. Lewis The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, NARNIA THE MUSICAL comes to life on the Taft Theatre stage for the holidays. Four siblings stumble upon a wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia, held in the power of the White Witch. Her evil spell has frozen the land so that it is “always winter – and never Christmas.”

Book by Jules Tasca. Music by Thomas Tierney. Lyrics by Ted Drachman. Musical Tracks Arranged, Orchestrated, and Recorded by David Christensen and Luke Holloway. Aslan and animal headdresses originally designed and built by Magda Guichard for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.

Stage Direction by Roderick Justice. Choreography by Maddie Jones. Dani Lobello, Director of Production. Scenic Concept Design by Tao Wang. Scenic Design by Nate Bertone and Josh Warner. Lighting Design by Shara Abvabi. Costume Design by Noelle Wedig-Johnston. Music Direction by Mark Femia. Technical Direction by Ben Adams and Maggie Foley. Resident Stage Manager, Jadi Davis. Jake Monaco-Lizott, Orchestration Assistant. Fight Choreography by Benjamin Adams.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs 65 minutes without an intermission.

Showtimes for NARNIA THE MUSICAL include:

  • Saturday, December 9 at 2PM (ASL interpretation will be offered at this performance.)
  • Saturday, December 9 at 5PM
  • Sunday, December 10 at 2PM
  • Friday, December 15 at 7PM
  • Saturday, December 16 at 11AM
  • Saturday, December 16 at 2PM
  • Sunday, December 17 at 2PM

NARNIA THE MUSICAL is made possible by Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth, Production Sponsors The Summit Hotel and The Sutphin Family Foundation, and Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation, with special thanks to Media Sponsor Local 12.  Additional funding for MainStage Ticket Subsidies is provided by PNC Foundation. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. This project was supported in part by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including NARNIA THE MUSICAL, are performed in the historic Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets.

CAST (In Alphabetical Order)

  • JUDE ABELLA…….……………. Ensemble
  • BRIAN ANDERSON……….……. Professor
  • LUCY ARGUETA.………………. Ensemble
  • CHRISTIAN ARIAS………….…. Ensemble
  • HAILEY CHANG…………….…. Ensemble
  • CODY COMBS……….….…..…. Peter
  • *CELIA JOY D’ASCENZO.………Ensemble
  • *STELLA ELLEN D’ASCENZO…Lucy
  • ANTWNAZIA FANT……….……Ensemble
  • *BENJAMIN ABES FELDMAN…. Ensemble
  • ALEC HARRISON………………Mr.Tumnus
  • HENRY HOWLAND……………. Mr. Beaver/BBC Announcer
  • *DEZ FLYNN HUTCHENS…….. Edmund
  • BETHANY XAN KERR…………The White Witch
  • ETHAN KUTCHA…………………Ryweth/Ferris
  • JOHN A. LANGLEY……………. Aslan
  • MATT LOVELL…………………. Father Christmas/Ensemble
  • *ELLI MADDOCK…………………Susan
  • ELLIET MALATESTA………. Mrs. Beaver
  • AARON MARSHALL….…………. Ensemble
  • AUSTIN MILLS……………………Ensemble
  • BOBBY MONTANIZ………………Ensemble
  • ASHLEY MORTON……………….Mrs.McReady/Ensemble
  • GABRIEL KANAI NAKATA………. Ensemble
  • DYLAN PEREZ………………….…Dwarf
  • CHELSEA RUSSELL………………Ensemble
  • COLIN BROGAN STINNETT……. Ensemble
  • MIA ZINK…………………………Ensemble

Understudies
For Lucy: Lucy Argueta; for Edmund: Benjamin Abes Feldman; for The White Witch: Elliet Malatesta; for Aslan and Professor: Aaron Marshall; for Father Christmas, Mr. Beaver, and Father: Bobby Montaniz; for Mother and Mrs. Beaver: Ashley Morton; for Peter, Ryweth, and Fenris: Austin Mills; for Mr. Tumnus: Gabriel Kanai Nakata; for McReady: Chelsea Russell; for Susan: Mia Zink

*Denotes TCT’s Young Artists Company

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois. 

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CINCY BLACK WINE FEST | Sat., Feb. 17 | Music Hall Ballroom

CAA_Black Wine FestSecond Annual Cincy Black Wine Fest
to Celebrate Wine and Culture

Saturday, February 17, 2024
Cincinnati Music Hall Ballroom

[Cincinnati, OH] – Lush Life Brands is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of the Cincy Black Wine Fest on February 17, 2024, at the historic Cincinnati Music Hall Ballroom. Following the success of its inaugural event in 2023, the festival promises to be even more exceptional in year two, offering an elevated experience for wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Cincy Black Wine Fest 2024 will bring together more than thirty-five exceptional wine brands from across the country, celebrating the rich diversity and artistry of Black winemakers. The festival will be a journey through wine, featuring pairings provided by festival partners Lucius Q, Murray’s Cheese, GFI, Sweet Petite’s, and more.

During the festival, guests will be transported to the idyllic landscapes of Napa Valley through immersive activations and experiences that are designed to make this event truly unforgettable. To further enhance the experience, the 2024 festival will introduce two premium liquor brands, offering a diverse range of spirits for attendees to savor. Guests will also have the opportunity to indulge in a cigar lounge, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the event.

Cincy Black Wine Fest 2024 will feature two sessions to accommodate all attendees:

  • DAY SESSION: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
  • NIGHT SESSION: 6:30 – 9:30 PM

Tickets are currently on sale at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. Applicable services fees may apply.

There are two ticket options:

  • VIP: $125 – This exclusive ticket provides access to two private festival lounges, one sponsored by Uncle Nearest in addition to The Lush Lounge sponsored by Yelp. VIP guests will have the opportunity to explore elevated wine and cuisine, conversational lounge seating, additional Uncle Nearest cocktails and tastings, and more sponsored activities.
  • GENERAL ADMISSION: $85 – General admission tickets will grant access to one of the two fantastic sessions, unlimited tasting samples, access to multiple activations, and additional festival activities.

For businesses and organizations looking to support this year’s event, sponsorship opportunities are still available and offer a unique chance to align their brand with a diverse audience. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or the Cincy Black Wine Fest, visit www.lushlifebrands.net.

About Lush Life Brands
Lush Life Brands is a company dedicated to celebrating diversity and culture through the world of wine and spirits. The Cincy Black Wine Fest is just one of the ways in which Lush Life Brands strives to create memorable experiences that bring people together through a shared love of fine libations and delicious cuisine. www.lushlifebrands.net

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