Category Archives: Press Releases

November 22, 2022 · 5:49 am

Live on Stage: Sinclair Theatre’s A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

SCCT_Charlie Brown 2022 promoCharlie Brown is BACK, live on stage, in Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre from December 15th through the 18th. The Sinclair Theatre Dept. is delighted to offer this 40-minute holiday classic for the ninth time. With tickets remaining at their 2014 price of $8, this is a perfect introduction for young children to LIVE theatre. First shown as an animated TV special based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts characters in 1965, this show has become a Sinclair family tradition.

Directed by Gina Kleesattel with music direction by Charles Larkowski and choreography by Rodney Veal, this faithful stage adaptation features Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang as they grapple with the real meaning of Christmas. Featuring colorful costumes and scenery, the show is perfect for school, church, scout and other youth groups.

SCCT_Charlie Brown 2022 promo2“It’s delightful to see many groups and families returning year after year to get in the holiday spirit,” says Gina Neuerer, chair of Sinclair’s Music, Theatre and Dance Dept. “We’re also excited to announce that ALL performances will be ASL Shadow interpreted expanding our partnership with Sinclair’s American Sign Language Dept.”

All seats are reserved and the regular house policy of  “no children under 6” has been lifted. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket (from infants to seniors). Please review detailed house policies before ordering tickets available now at: www.sinclair.edu/tickets

If you need further assistance, email box.office@sinclair.edu or leave a message at 937-512-2808. Box office messages are monitored by student box office agents who work around their class schedules and return calls as quickly as possible.  The box office is open one hour prior to performances if tickets are still available for purchase at the door. Groups of 20 or more can save the $2 per ticket processing fee when ordering online with a credit card. For additional group information, email patti.celek@sinclair.edu.

Cast includes:

  • Charlie Brown: Gage Recker
  • Snoopy: Diesel Weatherly
  • Lucy: Corinne Tew
  • Linus: Ethan Harris
  • Pig Pen: Josiah Callinan
  • Frieda: Emma Campbell
  • Schroeder: Deangelo Powell
  • Violet: Shamya Sumlin
  • Sally: Anna Senyk
  • Patty: Sierra Ward
  • Shermy: Derek Dunn-Melvin

ASL Shadow Interpreters: Nargila Kasimova, Victoria Cooper, Siera Ferguson, Ansley Collins

Performances times:

  • Thursday, Dec. 15 at noon
  • Friday, Dec. 16 at noon
  • Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2, 4 & 7 pm
  • Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 & 4 pm

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November 21, 2022 · 5:02 pm

2023-2024 Season Announced by The Drama Workshop

TDW_VERTThe Drama Workshop is proud to announce our 70th Season, continuing the tradition of bringing quality theatre to Cincinnati’s west side, while encouraging the growth of our local actors, artists and technicians.

The shows selected for our 2023-24 season are as follows:

BINGO! The Winning Musical
By Heitzman, Reid & Holcenbert
Directed by Gina Kleesattel
Performance dates: July 28 – August 13, 2023

THE TIN WOMAN
by Sean Grennan
Directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn
Performance Dates: September 29 – October 15, 2023

WINTER WONDERETTES
by Roger Bean
Directed by Linda Abbott
Performance Dates: December 1-17, 2023

HOME BREW THEATRE VII
A weekend of short plays by local authors.
Performance Dates: Jan 19-21, 2024

BECKY’S NEW CAR
by Steven Dietz
Directed by Tom Peters
Performance Dates: March 1-17, 2024

DEAR WORLD
by Lawrence, Lee & Herman
Directed by Dennis Murphy
Performance Dates: May 3-19, 2024

More information to come!

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November 21, 2022 · 5:44 am

Celebrate the Holidays with Beloved Characters from A CHRISTMAS CAROL at MR. AND MRS. FEZZIWIG’S HOLIDAY PARTY

PIP_Mr & Mrs Fezziwigs Holiday Party promoCINCINNATI (Nov. 18) — Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig, everyone’s favorite hosts from Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, invite all Cincinnati residents ages 5 and up to an immersive Victorian-era party that celebrates the cheerful spirit of the season. The special holiday event takes place Dec. 14-18 at the Phoenix on Race Street.

“Due to the construction of our new mainstage theatre, the beloved A Christmas Carol production will not be staged this year,” explained Daunielle Rasmussen, director of artistic engagement. “We took the opportunity to create something new, where you can experience MR. AND MRS. FEZZIWIG’S HOLIDAY PARTY up close through dancing, food, drinks, games and crafts for both kids and adults.”

The immersive holiday events take place on Dec. 14 -16 at 7 p.m., Dec. 17 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Each party is designed for up to two hours of entertainment. Guests can experience the activities and entertainment at their own pace.

Carolers and actors will perform throughout the interactive, festive event where guests will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn Victorian-era group dances
  • Enjoy holiday-styled beverages and lite bites coursed throughout the evening topped off with dessert
  • Play a variety of parlor games, including knock rummy, charades and “Yes or No,” as seen in the Playhouse’s production of A Christmas Carol
  • Mix and mingle with Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig and other Victorian-era characters

Children ages 5 and up can partake in guided fun and games in the parlor room and library, including:

  • Victorian-era floor games
  • A holiday arts and crafts station
  • Puppet shows
  • Interactive performances by a magician
  • A short, original melodrama written and performed in the Victorian style

Tickets can be purchased here. Each ticket includes lite bites, dessert, unlimited punch, cider and hot cocoa. Adults will receive one drink ticket for beer, wine or spiced mead. Cash bar available for additional adult beverages. Period costumes are not necessary, but holiday attire is welcomed.

LOCATION
MR. AND MRS. FEZZIWIG’S HOLIDAY PARTY takes place at the Phoenix, 812 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

TICKETS
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.

ADVISORY
MR. AND MRS. FEZZIWIG’S HOLIDAY PARTY is recommended for ages 5 and up. Any participant of any age must have their own ticket. No strollers will be allowed in the venue.

SPONSORS
Sponsored by First Financial Bank with additional support from Barbara Fitch and the Stona Fitch 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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November 21, 2022 · 5:43 am

Two-Time ‘Best of Cincinnati’ Winners Bring Celebrated Annual Holiday Concert to Local Venues

NP_Fall 2022

David Baum, Jeff Grooms, Nat Comisar, Corey Tucker, Kaeden Kass & Joshua Steele. Photo by Leslie Goddard

CINCINNATI, OH – Greater Cincinnati music lovers will kindle their holiday spirits with NO PROMISES Vocal Band as the group embarks on their beloved annual CHRISTMAS WITH NO PROMISES tour this December.

NO PROMISES debuts selections by Pentatonix, Gordon Lightfoot and Andy Williams, joining sacred and
secular seasonal favorites from Joni Mitchell, Three Dog Night, the Drifters and much, much more. Guest
artists Kaeden Kass and Corey Tucker add exquisite vocals to a family-friendly program.

CHRISTMAS WITH NO PROMISES will be include four performances at venues across Greater Cincinnati:

The Carnegie
Wednesday, December 14, 7:30pm
1028 Scott Boulevard | Covington
Full-Length Program with Two Sets
Tickets $25
Tickets Required: www.thecarnegie.com, or 859.957.1940

Community of the Good Shepherd
Thursday, December 15, 7:30pm
8815 East Kemper Road | Montgomery
60m Family-Length Program
A freewill offering will be accepted; no reservations required

St. Columban Parish
Tuesday, December 20, 7:30pm
894 Oakland Road | Loveland
60m Family-Length Program
A freewill offering will be accepted; no reservations required

Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre
Wednesday, December 21, 7:30pm
801 Matson Place | Price Hill
Full-Length Program with Two Sets
Tickets $25
Reservations Required: http://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/Incline/, or 513.241.6550

What’s New In 2022?
Now in its eighth season (including a pandemic-era digital concert in 2020), Christmas with No Promises
has become a holiday tradition for vocal music lovers across Cincinnati, drawing thousands of listeners to
the annual series of concerts at Greater Cincinnati’s popular venues and sacred spaces. This year’s
offerings will bring the same yuletide joy that the group’s fans have come to expect, while mixing in
exciting new voices and selections, according to group leader Joshua Steele.

“Like many groups, it’s felt like a constant scramble since the pandemic began,” says Steele. “While we’ve
introduced a number of new tunes over that time, we’re excited to roll out some new holiday music for
the first time since 2019, including selections by Pentatonix, Gordon Lightfoot and Andy Williams.”

“And new music is made even better when singing it with new friends. We’re thrilled to welcome
Cincinnati Men’s Chorus favorite Kaeden Kass to his first NO PROMISES holiday program. We’re also joined
by singer songwriter Corey Tucker, whom folks will recognize from the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra,
wedding bands and Cincinnati’s top bars and restaurants. We’re thrilled to debut this fantastic lineup.”

About NO PROMISES
NO PROMISES is a Cincinnati-based professional a cappella ensemble bringing exhilarating vocals and
breathtaking harmonizations to jazz and popular music favorites from 1940s classics to today’s jams.
Citybeat “Best of Cincinnati” winners in 2017 and 2022, the group has entertained at festivals, concert
series, conventions and performing arts centers throughout the state. Its members have graced the stages
of Broadway, fronted major symphony orchestras, and backed the likes of Jim Messina, Steve Winwood,
Kenny Loggins and POCO. In their day-to-day lives, the men of NO PROMISES are clinical psychologists,
theatrical talent buyers, real estate moguls and hairdressers with a passion for fine a cappella singing.

In 2023, NO PROMISES will premiere a newly commissioned work by composer Cecelia Olszewski as part
of Cincinnati May Festival’s program 25 for 25: A New Time for Choral Music. 2021 saw the ensemble’s
debut of “The Boy Band Diaries,” a collaboration with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra featuring male
vocal hits spanning the past century. The group has released three recording projects: A No Promises
Christmas (2016), All Wet (2018) and The Nines (2019).

The members of NO PROMISES are Joshua Steele (resident of Kennedy Heights), David Baum
(Montgomery), Jeff Grooms (Cold Spring, KY), and Nat Comisar (Indian Hill). Current guest artists include
Kaeden Kass (Mt. Airy) and Corey Tucker (West Chester). Individual bios available at
www.nopromisesvocalband.com/lineup.

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November 21, 2022 · 5:40 am

Cincinnati Opera Announces 2023 Summer Festival

co_logoThe four-opera season features a fizzy comedy, a romantic tragedy, the world stage premiere of THE KNOCK, and a groundbreaking new production of MADAME BUTTERFLY

Cincinnati, Ohio—Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, tonight announced details for the company’s 2023 Summer Festival. The season takes place June–July 2023 and features four productions: a romantic thriller, a touching and timely premiere, an effervescent comedy, and an innovative new vision of an operatic classic.

The 2023 Summer Festival includes Gaetano Donizetti’s soaring Scottish tragedy Lucia di Lammermoor, the world stage premiere of Aleksandra Vrebalov and Deborah Brevoort’s moving opera inspired by military families, The Knock, Gioachino Rossini’s hilarious and charming The Barber of Seville, and a bold new production of Giacomo Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, conceived by an all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team. All will take place at Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall and feature the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera’s orchestral partner since its founding in 1920. Performance dates for each production will be announced in January 2023.

“As Cincinnati Opera steps into its vibrant second century, we’ve sharpened our focus on presenting operas that both reward the devoted fan and provide an inviting and engaging experience for the curious newcomer,” said Mirageas. “For the coming season, we’re proud to offer beautiful productions of favorite works, while also elevating new voices and fresh perspectives.”

Continued Mirageas, “Next summer, we’ll continue to build on our vision of expanding the operatic repertoire by presenting the world stage premiere of The Knock, which sensitively expresses the suffering and strength of military families.”

“Likewise, we’re honored to be the lead producer on a compelling new production of Madame Butterfly,” he said. “It’s a Butterfly for our time, exploring one of the most beloved works in all of opera through the lens of a modern-day fantasy. We’re thrilled to partner with our all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team to tell Cio-Cio-San’s story in a powerful new way.”

Subscriptions for Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 Summer Festival start at $106 and are available now. Tickets to individual performances go on sale April 10, 2023. Visit cincinnatiopera.org for more information.

CINCINNATI OPERA
2023 Summer Festival

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LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR

Music by Gaetano Donizetti
Libretto by Salvadore Cammarano

June 2023
Springer Auditorium | Cincinnati Music Hall

William Menefield
Raven McMillon
Lucia

Santiago Ballerini
Santiago Ballerini
Edgardo

Anthony Clark Evans
Anthony Clark Evans
Enrico

Griffen Hogan Tracy
Griffen Hogan Tracy
Raimondo

Terrence Chin-Loy
Terrence Chin-Loy
Normanno

Sahel Salam
Sahel Salam
Arturo

Based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Bride of Lammermoor, itself inspired by true events, this operatic thriller set in the Scottish Highlands shows how thwarted desire can lead to deadly extremes. At Lammermoor Castle, Lucia and Edgardo are engaged in a secret affair. Despite their families’ age-old feud, they vow to give everything up for love. But Lucia’s disapproving brother endeavors to undo the lovers’ promise and marry Lucia off in a more lucrative union. The deception becomes a curse, and once hope for love is lost, Lucia and Edgardo make terrible new vows, culminating in one of opera’s bloodiest finales.

Leading the cast as Lucia is soprano Raven McMillon, and tenor Santiago Ballerini is her love, Edgardo. Baritone Anthony Clark Evans sings the role of Enrico, with bass Griffen Hogan Tracy as Raimondo, tenor Terrence Chin-Loy as Normanno, and tenor Sahel Salam as Arturo. Conductor Renato Balsadonna will lead the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with Chorus Master Henri Venanzi leading the Cincinnati Opera Chorus. The production shifts the opera’s setting to the Victorian era and will feature staging by director Jose Maria Condemi, scenic and costume design by Philip Witcomb, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, and wig and makeup design by James Geier.

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus
Production from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
Sung in Italian with projected translations

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World Stage Premiere

THE KNOCK
Music by Aleksandra Vrebalov
Libretto by Deborah Brevoort

June-July 2023
Harry T. Wilks Studio | Cincinnati Music Hall

Aleksandra Vrebalov
Aleksandra Vrebalov
Composer

Deborah Brevoort
Deborah Brevoort
Librettist

Armando Contreras
Armando Contreras
Lt. Roberto Gonzales

Briana Hunter
Briana Hunter
Aishah McNair

Lauren Snouffer
Mary-Hollis Hundley
Joella “Jo” Jenner

Stephanie Sanchez
Stephanie Sanchez
Alto/Commanding Officer’s Wife

“An evocative and beautifully woven piece” (Opera News), The Knock tells the story of a group of military wives awaiting news of their husbands who have been deployed to Iraq. As they wait, a young Army officer makes the long journey to their gathering place. Named for the expression used by military spouses for a death notification, The Knock is based on years of interviews with spouses of soldiers, resulting in a rare and sympathetic glimpse into the lives of America’s military families. According to Opera News, “… The Knock manages to be many things at once, reverential and damning, internal and operatic, all while concisely portraying the complicated existence of those left behind.”

A co-commission with The Glimmerglass Festival, The Knock was slated for its stage premiere at Glimmerglass but was sidelined due to the pandemic. The company instead created an hour-long film of the work, which was released in November 2021 and is currently available online. Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 production will mark The Knock’s world stage premiere.

The cast features artists who were part of The Knock film, including baritone Armando Contreras as Lt. Roberto Gonzales, soprano Mary-Hollis Hundley as Joella “Jo” Jenner, and mezzo-soprano Stephanie Sanchez as Alto/Commanding Officer’s Wife. Mezzo-soprano Briana Hunter will sing the role of Aishah McNair. Alison Moritz directs Cincinnati Opera’s new production, with scenic design by Jimmy Rotondo, costume design by Trevor Bowen, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, and wig and makeup design by James Geier. At the podium is conductor Stephanie Rhodes Russell leading the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

A co-commission with The Glimmerglass Festival
Sung in English with projected titles

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THE BARBER OF SEVILLE

Music by Gioachino Rossini
Libretto by Cesare Sterbini

July 2023
Springer Auditorium | Cincinnati Music Hall

Rodion Pogossov
Rodion Pogossov
Figaro

Emily Fons
Emily Fons
Rosina

Alasdair Kent
Alasdair Kent
Count Almaviva

Nicholas Newton
Nicholas Newton
Don Basilio

Supreme silliness ensues when Figaro, Seville’s most beloved barber, plays matchmaker for his former employer, Count Almaviva. The Count loves Rosina, but she’s the ward of the devious Doctor Bartolo, who has designs on wedding her himself. To win Rosina’s heart, the Count enlists Figaro to cook up disguises, double dealings, and deceits to fool old Bartolo and set Rosina free. Rossini’s sparkling comedy reminds us that sometimes, on the path to true love, the last thing you should be is yourself.

Cincinnati Opera favorite baritone Rodion Pogossov returns as Figaro. Making company debuts are mezzo-soprano Emily Fons as Rosina, tenor Alasdair Kent as Count Almaviva, and bass-baritone Nicholas Newton as Don Basilio. Christopher Mattaliano directs, with scenic design by Allen Moyer, costume design by James Scott, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, and wig and makeup design by James Geier. Christopher Allen conducts the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with Chorus Master Henri Venanzi leading the Cincinnati Opera Chorus.

Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus
Scenery from Minnesota Opera; Costumes from Washington National Opera
Sung in Italian with projected translations

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MADAME BUTTERFLY
Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa

July 2023
Springer Auditorium | Cincinnati Music Hall

Matthew Ozawa
Matthew Ozawa
Stage Director

Karah Son
Karah Son
Cio-Cio-San

Adam Smith
Adam Smith
B.F. Pinkerton

Nozomi Kato
Nozomi Kato
Suzuki

Nmon Ford
Nmon Ford
Sharpless

To close the 2023 season, Cincinnati Opera presents Puccini’s heartrending tragedy Madame Butterfly from a groundbreaking new point of view. As envisioned by the all-Japanese and Japanese American creative team of Matthew Ozawa (stage director), Kimie Nishikawa of Design by dots (scenic design), Maiko Matsushima (costume design), and Yuki Nakase-Link (lighting design), our new production reframes Puccini’s opera from a wholly inventive perspective, transporting Butterfly’s story to a modern-day realm where fantasy and reality intersect.

Enter the world of naval officer B.F. Pinkerton, who treats Japan as his playground. He’s taken a nearly thousand-year lease on a house there and will marry a young girl named Cio-Cio-San, known as Madame Butterfly. But is it merely a fantasy? For Butterfly, vows are not to be taken lightly, and as Pinkerton’s intentions are revealed, her dreams become a tragedy of limitless depths with no going back.

Making their company debuts are soprano Karah Son as Cio-Cio-San and tenor Adam Smith as Pinkerton. Mezzo-soprano Nozomi Kato also debuts with Cincinnati Opera as Suzuki, and baritone Nmon Ford returns to sing the role of Sharpless. Conductor Keitaro Harada leads the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with Henri Venanzi leading the Cincinnati Opera Chorus.

A co-production of Cincinnati Opera, Detroit Opera, Pittsburgh Opera, San Diego Opera, and Utah Opera
Featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Opera Chorus
Sung in Italian with projected translations

Tickets and Information

Subscriptions for Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 Summer Festival start at $106 and are available now. Tickets to individual performances go on sale April 10, 2023. For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org or call the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742.

About Cincinnati Opera

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from the Ohio Arts Council, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Support for The Knock is provided by the Mellon Foundation. The Knock is also supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts; to find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America.

To learn more, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

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