Category Archives: Press Releases

March 27, 2023 · 6:00 am

The Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department Welcomes Audiences to PUFFS

WHHS_Puffs

Sophie Christian and Kamani Killings in the Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department’s production of Puffs. Photo by Mikki Schaffner photography

Cincinnati, OH – Following their previous success from their production of Carrie the Musical, The Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department is eager to welcome audiences to the Rick Steiner Black Box Theatre with the comedy, PUFFS – a hilarious parody of the story of “the boy who lived” and attended a certain “school of magic” for seven years (get it? You get it).

The show runs April 20-21, 2023 at 7 p.m. with additional 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, April 22nd, and Sunday April 23rd.

This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life), featuring many recognizable characters from a Certain School of Magic and Magic. Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) An epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.

Regarding the show, director Helen Raymond-Goers says, “Puffs is hilarious, you should come see it!”

Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students. They are now available, and can be purchased at: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/tickets.

CONTENT WARNING: Due to some strong language and adult content, this production is recommended for mature audiences 13 and up.

WHHS_Puffs2This production and the entire WHHS Theatre Season is graciously sponsored by the Walnut Hills High School Class of 1964 Performing Arts Fund.

Featuring Kyra Doty as Wayne Hopkins, Sophie Christian as Megan Jones, Adeleigh Karoutchi as Oliver Rivers, Katie Berich as Narrator, Andrew Canter as Harry/Hermeeon 2/Myrtle/Ric Gryff/Susie Bones, Corinne Adams as Hannah/Mr. Nick/ Professor McG, Kamani ______ as Hermeoon 3/Frenchy /Rita/Scooter/Rowena /Professor Sprouty /Xavia Jones, Emma Dalton as Blondo Malfoy/Mr. Voldy, Hadian Dwyer as Fat Friar/Second Headmaster/Zac Smith/Very Tall Man, Hoyt Noble as Clumsy Longbottom/Goyle /J. Finch /Uncle Dave, James Overton as Ms. Babble/Runes Teach/Professor Lanny/Professor Locky/Professor Turban, Loretta Rubin as Hermeoon/Sally Perks, Malcolm Ward as Cedric, Nate Caudill as Anthony Goldstein/Leanne/Mr. Bagman/Real Mr. Moody/Viktor, Riley Soutar as Big Snek(Bassylisk)/Ernie Mac/Ghost History Teacher, Uyen Dao as Colin/First Headmaster/Ginny/Helga, and Wolf Singer as A Certain Potions Teache/Sal/Seamus

Directed by Helen A. Raymond-Goers
Co-Assistant Directed by Ryan Peerless and Lizzy Rebber
Technical Direction by Helen A. Raymond-Goers
Production Stage Manager- Nyla Shahanavaz
Assistant Stage Manager- Graham Gardner
Costume Designer- Emma Smith
Lighting Designer- Sophie Glenn
Props Designer- AJ Frecker
Scenic Designer- Chloe Goodman
Sound Designer- Maya Busche
Marketing and Publicity Head- Lizzy Rebber
Head Electrician- Maya Busche

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March 24, 2023 · 5:49 am

ETC Presents World Premiere Dramedy WHO ALL OVER THERE?, April 11-30

ETC_Who All Over ThereA fresh remix on a celebrated favorite.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati presents World premiere Dramedy
Who All Over There?, April 11 – 30, 2023

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is excited to present the commissioned world premiere dramedy Who All Over There? by Torie Wiggins. Things aren’t always black and white—especially when it comes to relationships. Penned by the one of Cincinnati’s favorite multi-hyphenate artists, this new play is inspired by the classic Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and shines a light on what happens when cultures clash in the name of love. April 11–30, 2023. Directed by Stori Ayers. Premiere Sponsor is Fifth Third Bank.

When Dean, a young professional, and Danya, an aspiring singer, go on a refreshingly candid first date, they keep it real about the dynamics of a potential interracial relationship. As they grow comfortable nestled in the cocoon of their budding love, the real world brings a whirlwind of inflammatory race relations, opinionated family and friends, and troublesome pasts. Can love truly be colorblind?

“The idea came a long time ago to commission an idea from Torie Wiggins,” says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “We bought her play on faith and without a draft, really. That’s what you have to do to give somebody a chance. What’s essential about theatre is the opportunity to have different perspectives and points of view that we could never have in our own experience, and Torie has given us an opportunity with this piece to be a fly on the wall in someone else’s world.”

About the Cast

Kenneth Early (John Martin) last performed at Ensemble Theatre as Aldrin in The Dancing Princesses, and some of his other credits there include Pipeline, Red Velvet, The Whipping Man, Grey Gardens, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, and Around the World in 80 Days. He has also been seen in productions at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, The Human Race Theatre Company, and Actors Theatre of Louisville.

Jay Wade (Sebastian “Truck” Martin) was last seen at Ensemble Theatre in Sweat and Pipeline. He also appeared as Omari in Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s production of Pipeline. He is from St. Louis, MO, and earned his BFA in Acting from Southeast Missouri State University.

Maliyah Gramata-Jones (Danya Martin) returns to Ensemble Theatre, where she was last seen in The Wolves. Some of her other Cincinnati credits include Puffs and Red Bike at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Titus Andronicus at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and many beautifully “weird” projects through the Cincinnati Fringe Festival.  

Spencer Lackey (Dean Willis) returns to Ensemble Theatre, where he was last seen in the virtual production of Side Man. He is an actor and composer based in Brooklyn, NY. His regional theatre credits include Barefoot in the Park, Queens Theatre; Shakespeare in Love!, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey; and The Other Rhine, Know Theatre of Cincinnati. His film and TV credits include Notzilla, Healing River, and Dead of Winter on Discovery ID. Spencer has a BFA in Acting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. 

Blake Gehring (Scot Lancaster) makes his Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. He received his BFA from Northern Kentucky University, where he studied Radio/TV/Film and Theatre. He most recently attended the Theatre Training Institute under the direction of Ken Jones. Following graduation, Blake spent several years in Los Angeles pursuing acting and stand-up comedy. A few of his favorite theatre credits include The Brighton Beach Memoirs, Young Frankenstein, The Shape of Things, The Full Monty, and Dearly Departed.

Kyndra Dyanne Jefferies (Petunia “Aunt Toonie” Thompson) makes her Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. She is a native of Cincinnati and an alum of the School for Creative and Performing Arts. Kyndra has performed in various productions in the area including Disney’s Descendants, The Wiz Jr., Annie Jr., Superman, and Mary Poppins Jr., The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati; Bourbon at the Border, Falcon Theatre; Memphis, Loveland Stage Company; and Disney’s Newsies, Warsaw Federal Incline Theater. Her film credits include Dark Waters and The Old Man and the Gun.

Keisha L. Kemper (Deirdre Martin) is a native of Cincinnati and makes her Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music with her BFA in Dramatic Performance. Her regional credits include Weezy in Alabaster and Harry in Harry and the Thief, Know Theatre of Cincinnati; Chorus/Nurse in Prokofiev: Suite from Romeo and Juliet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; (Story)Teller in The Bradbury Tattoos: An Experimental Rock Opera, Concert:Nova; Maria, Captain, and First Officer in Twelfth Night, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare in the Park; and Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, New Edgecliff Theatre.

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Aharon Simone (Costume Designer), Matt Callahan (Sound Designer), Nigel C. Mask (Wig Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), and Jack Murphy (Technical Director). Production Stage Manager is Margot Whitney. Assistant Stage Manager is Lexi Muller.

Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday at 8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $35 for adults and student tickets are $28. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person. $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.

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March 24, 2023 · 5:48 am

Accessible for All: Family Series: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, April 13-16 at the Aronoff

CB_Beauty and the BeastSpecial sensory-friendly performance April 14, PLUS all shows ASL-interpreted

Cincinnati, OH (March 23, 2023) – Cincinnati Ballet is proud to continue its commitment to accessible programming with the upcoming production of Family Series: Beauty and the Beast at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, April 13-16. In partnership with Cincinnati Children’s, Cincinnati Ballet will offer a dedicated sensory-friendly performance on Friday, April 14 at 10:30 am. Sensory-friendly performances are created to provide a supportive and welcoming experience for those with sensory processing challenges to enjoy live ballet with their friends and family. The environment is relaxed and may include lighting, sound, and other production modifications. Electronic devices, fidgets, and other support items are allowed in the theater. Patrons are also permitted to enter and leave the theater during the performance. In addition, every performance of Beauty and the Beast will be ASL (American Sign Language) interpreted. Select performances will also be audio-described for patrons who are visually impaired. “Cincinnati Ballet believes dance is for everyone. We strive to break down attendance barriers for all audiences,” said Scott Altman, Cincinnati Ballet President and CEO. “Cincinnati Ballet is committed to providing a welcoming experience for our deaf, hard of hearing and vision impaired guests, as well as those with sensory sensitivities.”

The Family Series is an hour-long, narrated ballet performed by the Second Company – CB2 and Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy students. This year, be our guest for the ‘tale as old as time – Beauty and the Beast.’ The love of Beauty, a kind and curious girl, saves a prince cursed to live as a Beast. Plus, the patron experience starts at the door. The Aronoff Center will be transformed into the Beast’s Castle, with free games, crafts, photos, and other activities on all three levels. We are so pleased to welcome families back to the Aronoff for an interactive dance performance created with children in mind. Beauty and the Beast features the familiar storyline re-interpreted with incredible dance. The production, choreographed by Pamela Robinson Harris, is also narrated, making the story easy for even the youngest members of your family to understand and enjoy. The production runs a little over an hour.

Tickets cost $20-$60 and are on sale now. For more information visit cballet.org.

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet
WHAT: Family Series: Beauty and the Beast
WHEN:

  • Thursday, April 13 and 7:30 pm
  • Friday, April 14 at 10:30 am (Sensory-friendly) and 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, April 15 at 11 am, 2:30 pm and 6:30 pm
  • Sunday, April 16 at 11 am and 2:30 pm

WHERE: Aronoff Center for the Arts – 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio

TICKETS: Call 513.621.5282 or visit cballet.org

Cincinnati Ballet 2022-2023 Season Sponsors:
Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, Margaret and Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

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 Jodie Gates, Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement in local to global communities, 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, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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March 23, 2023 · 5:50 am

ZOINKS! A Live Studio Recording on April 10

QCF_ZoinksA Haunted House? What is so messed up at home that you’d rather be here?

(CINCINNATI, OHIO) –  ZOiNKS! – Queen City Flash presents a Live Studio Recording of their sold-out, Cincy Fringe hit, Zoinks! This award-winning, teen-sleuth comedy follows Nolan Blackwell, amateur detective, and her wise-cracking dog, Casper, as they solve supernatural happenings against a backdrop of the opioid epidemic.

Fans of Nancy Drew and Scooby Doo will delight in this irreverent and foul-mouthed take on the teen detective genre, while asking hard-hitting questions like: “A Haunted House? What is so messed up at home that you’d rather be here?”

Zoinks! features actors Jordan Trovillion and Trey Tatum with script by Tatum, directed by Bridget Leak.

One Night Only: April 10, 2023 @ 7pm

Tickets:  queencityflash.ticketleap.com/zoinks-live/

Venue: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt Adams Cir, Cincinnati, OH 45202 

Tickets: $10 

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park the Arts and Culture Incubator, aims to achieve that by providing resources in our new facility to a selected group of local artists and organizations. Beginning this spring, nine organizations that serve the region through artistic and cultural work have the opportunity to utilize the Mainstage Theatre Complex to continue and build upon existing projects. Queen City Flash is thrilled to be a part of the Arts and Culture Incubator at the Playhouse.

Queen City Flash is Director Bridget Leak and Playwright/Composer Trey Tatum.

Queen City Flash: Bold Stories, Irreverently Told.

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March 14, 2023 · 5:48 am

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Exceeds Campaign Goal by $1.3 Million for $50 Million Mainstage Theatre Complex

PIP_Rouse Theatre

Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre is the centerpiece of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s all -new mainstage theatre complex. Building designed by BHDP Architecture. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park celebrated the completion of its capital campaign today with a ribbon cutting for its new Mainstage Theatre Complex, featuring Moe and Jack’s Place — The Rouse Theatre. The $50 million project began construction in 2021.

“Thank you to all the donors that gave generously and made this amazing achievement possible,” Robert Reifsnyder, who co-chaired the capital campaign with Woody Taft, noted in his remarks to the city and state leaders and donors in attendance. “We exceeded our fundraising goal by just over $1.3M for a grand total of $51,230,174 in funds available to build this new facility and usher in a new era for the Playhouse.”

The Rouse Theatre and Schueler Lobby will officially open March 16 with an all-new production of A Chorus Line. The new facility features expanded comfort and accessibility for patrons and enables the Playhouse to host Pre-Broadway productions, which means a production that premieres in Cincinnati could go straight to Broadway for the first time ever, further solidifying Cincinnati’s reputation as a city with a thriving arts scene.

“Thanks to the support of our community, we emerge from a tumultuous period with renewed clarity in our role as Cincinnati’s national theatre – committed to bringing diverse, engaging works of great artistry to our community and putting Cincinnati’s artistic excellence in the national spotlight,” stated Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director.

Enhancements to outdoor features and landscaping this spring will connect the Playhouse to the Cincinnati Ballet and Cincinnati Art Museum in the emerging Eden Park/Walnut Hills arts corridor. New design elements also deepen the Playhouse’s roots in its Eden Park home.

The State of Ohio invested $3 million in the project, which created over 200 construction jobs and brought $2 to the community for every $1 spent. Other key donors include Moe and Jack Rouse; The Rosenthal Family Foundation; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; Digi and Michael Schueler The Taft Family; Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Lemmerman Family; Procter & Gamble; Margaret and Albert Vonz, III; LKC Foundation, the City of Cincinnati; First Financial Foundation; The Harold C. Schott Foundation; Barbara M. Weyand;  Susan Friedlander; Craig & Anne Maier; Robert and Dell Anne Sathe; Ellen and Ray van der Horst; Western & Southern Financial Group; Susan and Don Zaunbrecher.

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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