Category Archives: Press Releases

Record Attendance Expected for This Year’s NUTCRACKER

CB_The Nutcracker 2022The annual tradition is the hottest ticket in town, Dec. 15-24 at Music Hall 

CINCINNATI, OH (November 23, 2022) – Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Music Hall December 15 through 24. The Company expects to shatter attendance records, projecting more than 25,000 patrons over the course of the production run. With the production in high demand, several performances are already near sell-out. The lavish production features elaborate sets and costumes and live musical accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with choreography from Victoria Morgan. More than one hundred children’s roles are featured in the production, with young performers from across the region dancing alongside Cincinnati Ballet’s professional company dancers. The Nutcracker is a classic holiday tale that follows the imaginative story of Clara, a little girl who embarks on a dreamy journey after she receives a nutcracker as a gift on Christmas Eve. With her Nutcracker Prince, Clara travels through the Land of Sweets, meeting colorful and exciting characters along the way. Morgan’s whimsical choreographic take on the classic story is like nothing you have ever seen before. Fiona the Hippo continues to appear in the production. This year, audiences should play close attention to the second act for a special nod to her new baby brother, Fritz.

Victoria Morgan’s The Nutcracker premiered in 2011 with new sets by scenic designer John Ezell, bright and beautiful costumes by Carrie Robbins, lighting by Trad A Burns and athletic, engaging choreography by Victoria Morgan. Morgan’s rendition of the classical ballet is filled with unique, contemporary twists on longstanding traditions: from the bright, whimsical sets, stage effects and acrobatics to the appearance of new, playful characters such as Clara’s companion, a pet poodle named Minnie, dancing Cupcakes, tumbling Snowballs, an ensemble of poodles performing the Dance of the Mirlitons (or “Lollipups”) and more.

Masking is optional for performances.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND INFORMATION

WHO:

Cincinnati Ballet
Choreography: Victoria Morgan
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

WHAT:

The Nutcracker

WHEN:

  • Thursday, December 15 – 7:30 pm
  • Friday, December 16 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, December 17 – 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 1:00 pm
  • Sunday, December 18 – 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday, December 20 – 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday, December 21 – 2:00 pm
  • Wednesday, December 21 – 7:30 pm
  • Thursday, December 22 – 2:00 pm
  • Thursday, December 22– 7:30 pm
  • Friday, December 23 – 1:00 pm
  • Friday, December 23 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, December 24 – 6:30 pm

WHERE:

Music Hall
1241 Elm St.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

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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The Carnegie Announces Cast for Upcoming Production of SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN

TC_logo_newThe splash-hit musical takes The Carnegie stage January 28-February 12, 2023

COVINGTON, Ky. (November 22, 2022) – The “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time” is set to be lovingly adapted for the stage, complete with an onstage rainstorm, in The Carnegie’s production of SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN this January. New York City based actor Logan Anthony will return to The Carnegie this winter to star as Don Lockwood in the stage adaptation of the beloved movie musical SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN. He previously appeared as Favorite Son in The Carnegie’s hit 2019 production of Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT. Locally, Anthony has performed with Cincinnati Landmark Productions, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Kincaid Regional Theatre, Northern Kentucky University, and Cincinnati Music Theatre.

Anthony is joined by Chris Logan Carter, a resident artist at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, as Cosmo Brown, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) Senior Delaney Benson as Kathy Selden, and Wright State University student and Carnegie veteran, Juno Brosas as Lina Lamont. The production is directed and choreographed by Maggie Perrino, Artistic Director of the School for Creative and Performing Arts. CCM faculty member Steve Goers is the Music Director.

The multi-talented ensemble features several faces familiar to The Carnegie audiences including Aaron Marshall, Arabella Bertucci, Dez Hutchens, and Seava Sierra King. New to The Carnegie stage are Cody Combs, Annalese Fusaro, Madison Osment, Tre Taylor, Franny Bell, Clare Graff, Sarah Newland, and Jameson Zoller.

“We’re excited to conclude our season with a song-and-dance extravaganza that will melt away the winter blues and build excitement for our recently announced 2023-24 season,” said The Carnegie Theatre Director, Tyler Gabbard. “I look forward to seeing audiences of all ages delight in this glorious musical fantasy!”

Complete with technicolor costumes, a stunning set, and an onstage rainstorm, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN is packed with memorable songs, including “Good Morning,” “Moses Supposes,” “Broadway Melody,” and the beloved title song. Tickets to SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting thecarnegie.com. The production is sponsored by Johnson Investment Council.

The recently announced 2023 Summer Series includes KINKY BOOTS, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL, and GUYS AND DOLLS. In Winter 2024, The Carnegie will present HELLO, DOLLY! Tickets for the 2023-24 season will go on sale in early 2023.

CAST

  • Don Lockwood – Logan Anthony*
  • Cosmo Brown – Andy Donnelly
  • Kathy Selden – Delaney Benson
  • Lina Lamont – Juno Brosas
  • Ensemble – Cody Combs, Annalese Fusaro, Aaron Marshall, Madison Osment, Tre Taylor
  • Teen Ensemble – Franny Bell, Arabella Bertucci, Clare Graff, Sarah Newland, Jameson Zoller
  • Youth Ensemble – Dez Hutchens, Seava Sierra King
  • Swings – Cody Combs, Julia Schick
    *The Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

PRODUCTION TEAM

  • Director/Choreographer – Maggie Perrino
  • Music Director – Steve Goers
  • Scenic Designer – Tyler Gabbard
  • Costume Designer – Allison Jones
  • Lighting Designer – Kate Ingram
  • Sound Designer – Eric Bardes
  • Technical Director – Doug Stock
  • Production Stage Manager – Morgan Becker
  • Assistant Stage Manager – Erin Caudill
  • Assistant Director – Grace Wagner
  • Associate Choreographer – Julia Schick
  • Producer – Tyler Gabbard

# # #

About The Carnegie
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center. More information about The Carnegie is available at www.thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.

The Carnegie is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from the Kentucky Arts Council, City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati International Wine Festival.

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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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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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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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