Category Archives: Press Releases

June 9, 2022 · 2:30 pm

Follow Alice Down the Rabbit Hole at Sunset Players’ Children’s Show ALICE IN WONDERLAND

SSP_Alice in Wonderland logoCINCINNATI, OH – June 1, 2022 — Sunset Players presents its annual children’s show Alice in Wonderland based on the Lewis Carroll classic, dramatized by William Glennon, and directed by Bob Kelley at the Art Center at Dunham at 1945 Dunham Way, Cincinnati, OH 45238.

Alice in Wonderland comes to life as a group of performers seeks out Alice to provide “her turn” in Wonderland. As her adventure unfolds, Alice encounters many unforgettable characters who everyone will grow to love.

Performances are June 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26. Friday night performances are at 7:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $6 or $25 for a group of 5.

The cast includes:

  • Mak Kelley as Alice
  • Brianna Doyle as Mad Hatter/Mouse
  • Amelia Andriacco as Queen of Hearts/March Hare
  • Nora Andriacco as Cheshire Cat
  • Lenora “Nora” Braukman as Duchess/Gryphon
  • Corbin Hazlett as White Rabbit
  • Dashiell Suess as Fish Footman/Knave of Hearts
  • Lilly Ahlers as Frog Footman/Two of Hearts
  • Megan Weber as Cook/Mock Turtle
  • Jake Courter as King of Hearts/Dormouse
  • Ella Knochelman as Seven of Hearts/Juror

Tickets are $6 or $25 families/groups of five or more and can be ordered online at https://www.sunsetplayers.org/current-production—tickets or at the door. Tickets can also be reserved by calling 513-588-4988. 

Sunset Players, Inc. is a community theater group located on the west side of Cincinnati. Founded in 1979, the group performs at the Arts Center at Dunham and has produced more than 148 shows. Its mission is to bring a smile, and its plays include comedies, farces, dramatic comedies, and musical comedies—as long as there is some “comedy” in the performance. For more information about the 41st season, visit our website at www.sunsetplayers.org or like us on Facebook.

Sunset Players is a proud recipient of a grant from the Hamilton County CARES Relief Program for assistance to arts and cultural organizations and a recipient of the Catalyzing Impact Grant from ArtsWave.

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June 2, 2022 · 3:54 pm

First Financial Bank Summer Series Returns to Washington Park

CO_washington-park-crop3CDC celebrating 10 years of programming since completed renovation

3CDC and First Financial Bank kicked off their Summer Series events at Washington Park this week. Programming includes movies, workouts, music from multiple genres, and more, all free and open to the public. It was 10 years ago, in 2012, that 3CDC completed the renovation of Washington Park and began programming the space with free events. Today, Washington Park welcomes millions of individuals each year from all over, and hosts over 500 events annually. Popular event series including Friday Flow, OTR Performs, Summer Cinema, and Roots Revival are all celebrating their 10th season this summer.

A full liquor license allows 3CDC to offer beer, wine, and liquor at events and at The Porch presented by PPG Paints, which is open in Washington Park 7 days a week.

See below for the full schedule of summer events at the Park. Visit www.washingtonpark.org for detailed information and lineups for each series or subscribe to 3CDC’s weekly newsletters to stay on top of all free events offered this summer.

All Washington Park Summer Events are presented by First Financial Bank and produced by 3CDC.

The Porch presented by PPG Paints
Monday-Sunday, Hours Vary

The Porch presented by PPG Paints is open this summer 7 days a week! Washington Park’s Porch lies directly north of the dog park and offers bar service including craft beer, wine, hard seltzer, liquor, and Coca-Cola products. ‘Like’ The Porch on Facebook and find information on operating hours, Porch events, and drink specials.

Jazz at the Park
Monday, 6-9p

Local and regional jazz acts perform every Monday at the Porch presented by PPG Paints, featuring the finest of Cincinnati’s thriving jazz scene. Jazz in the Park is programmed in collaboration with Jazz at the Memo. This series is presented by Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and GBBN Architects.

Workout on the Green
Tuesday & Wednesday, 5:30-7:30p

No contracts. No excuses. Just FREE fitness in Washington Park. All classes are led by licensed, trained instructors. Visit our webpage for weekly lineups. Thanks to our sponsor Melanoma Know More.

Summer Cinema
Wednesday 9-11p

Summer Cinema features a free movie screening every Wednesday at the Park! Dust off those lawn chairs, grab a picnic basket, and join us for a fun, relaxing evening over on our civic lawn. Thank you to United Dairy Farmers, Frisch’s, Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati Art Museum, altafiber, and First Financial Bank for sponsoring Summer Cinema.

Roots Revival presented by The Johnson Foundation
Thursdays, 7-9p

Looking for a foot-stompin’, finger-pickin’ good time? Roots Revival returns for its 10th season in 2022. Enjoy an evening of free Bluegrass, Roots, and Americana music at Washington Park’s bandstand. Food will be available from various local food truck and vendors.

Fiday Flow presented by P&G
Select Fridays, 6-9p

Washington Park’s FREE R&B Series, Friday Flow presented by P&G, returns this summer with eleven nights of entertainment! Chrisette Michelle, one of the very first headliners in year one of the series is returning to help us celebrate 10 years of Friday Flow. Follow us on Facebook for more announcements. Concerts are from 7p-10p at Washington Park’s main stage on the civic lawn.

DBL Law OTR Performs
Select Sundays, 7-9p

Enjoy an evening of free arts programming in the Park on select Sundays this summer. Dates will be added throughout the season, check back for details and be sure to follow us on Facebook for detailed descriptions of each show. Thanks to our sponsors DBL Law and GBBN Architects.

FC Cincinnati Pre-Match at the Park presented by ProLink Staffing
Dates and Times Vary

Join us before every FC Cincinnati home game for our Pre-Match at the Park! Festivities will include a DJ, and family activities. Food trucks will be parked on Elm street serving up delicious grub and the Porch presented by PPG Paints will be open serving beer, wine, hard seltzer, and drink specials. Visit our Facebook page for updates for each individual match.  FC Cincinnati Pre-Match at the Park presented by ProLink Staffing and is supported by FC Cincinnati, Frost Brown Todd and CVG Airport.

Dunkin’ Yappy Hour
Dates and Times Vary

Round up your furry friends and meet us in Washington Park every month for a paws-itively spectacular time at Dunkin’ Yappy Hour. Each event will be a little different but you can always count on a dog-friendly, dog-centric good time. Follow us on Facebook for event updates.

Pop Up Play
Dates and Time Vary

Add a bit of creative fun to your day at Pop Up Play! Join us in Washington Park on select weekdays for games, adventures, craft projects and more! Pop Up Play is sponsored with thanks to Urban Sites and The Hubert Family Foundation.

MORE INFORMATION: Please visit www.washingtonpark.org for more information.

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June 1, 2022 · 11:33 am

The Story of an Unlikely Friendship Becomes a One-Woman Musical Comedy

HRTC_My 80yo Boyfriend1At one point in our youth, we all had to write one of those “Most Memorable Person I Have Ever Met” essays.  It always described that one person who changed your life.  Now, imagine taking that story and turning it into a musical.  Well, that is exactly what Charissa Bertels did – with the help of some friends – when she created My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend– playing June 16 – July 3, 2022 in the Loft Theatre.

With the assistance of book writer/lyricist Christian Duhamel, and composer/lyricist Ed Bell, Charissa retells, alone on stage, her chance encounter with “Milton,” a spry, quick-witted 80-year-old millionaire who loves Schubert, Shakespeare and Dallas BBQ.  Charissa soon discovers there’s much she can learn from her surprising new companion.  My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend reveals the thrill of chasing a dream, the power of living in the now, and all that can happen when we let ourselves say “yes.”

“This production is also a bit of a homecoming for the book writer/lyricist, Christian Duhamel,” said Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “Christian is a graduate of the theatre program at Wright State, and in 2011, appeared as “Feste” in The Human Race production of The Tempest, where he also composed and performed a song for the show. Since then, he has continued to have success as an actor, writer and composer.  For his work as librettist of My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend, Christian received the prestigious Kleban Award for Musical Theatre.”

This production is in cooperation with the Arizona Theatre Company, where it played last fall, directed by Artistic Director Sean Daniels.  Sean also directed the premiere production at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre.  Following the Dayton production, this show has its sights set on New York City.   Music Director/Pianist Brett Ryback will be Charissa’s silent partner on stage.  Besides being an accomplished musician, Brett is also an actor, composer/lyricist and writer.

The creative team for My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend includes:  Neal Patel, Scenic Designer;  Jen Caprio, Costume Designer;  Brian Lilienthal, Original Lighting Designer;  John Rensel, Human Race Lighting Designer;  Danny Erdberg, Sound Designer;  Alexander Koker, Associate Sound Designer; Ashlee Wasmund, Assistant Director; and Production Stage Manager, Dom Ruggiero.

My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, June 16 – July 3, 2022.  Tickets are on sale through Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org

Special performances: 

  • Pay What You CAN – Wed. June 15 at 8 pm – benefits The Foodbank and the Young at Heart Players.
  • Sawbuck Sunday – Sun. June 19 at 7 pm – $10 tickets available 5:30 pm at the door           
  • While We’re On The Subject – Sun. June 26 – Audience discussion follows 2 pm matinee 

* Production photos courtesy of Arizona Theatre Company.  Photos by Tim Fuller. 

The Human Race acknowledges its gratitude for the public and private support which makes these productions possible:  Loft Season support:  The Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of The Dayton Foundation;  Additional Season support:  Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts;  Organizational support:  Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council, The Shubert Foundation, Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation;  Sustainability support:  Anne F. Johnson, Steve and Lou Mason and Morris Home. Production Sponsors:  Marni Flagel, Dr. Robert L. Brandt, Jr.,  Lisa D. Arlt, CPA, and  Milton’s Magnificent Mavens.

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June 1, 2022 · 9:46 am

HOME BREW THEATRE Returns to the Drama Workshop Stage

TDW_Home Brew 5 logoLocal playwrights’ work showcased alongside local beer

(Cheviot, Ohio) After a three year hiatus, The Drama Workshop is again presenting Home Brew Theatre, a weekend-long festival of short plays by local playwrights, served up with local beer.

This is the fifth instalment of the festival, and the first since 2019.  It runs just one weekend: June 10, 11 at 8pm and June 12 at 2pm. The production features nine short plays by local playwrights. Each performance will be followed by a “Meet the Artists” reception featuring beer sponsored by Braxton Brewing Company. Audience members are encouraged to meet and toast the authors, directors, and cast members. All performances are at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave. in Cheviot.

Home Brew Theatre was the brainchild of Co-Producer and Artistic Director Clint Bramkamp, and was created to be one of the few opportunities to see short plays in the area. The rise of the ten-minute play as a unique artform can be traced to the 1977 Humana Festival at the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville. A short play poses unique challenges to the author.  “I enjoy the short format; it makes you stick to the essentials,” Clint said. “In 2016, I suggested doing a program of ten-minute plays to The Drama Workshop, and they adopted the idea.”

Home Brew Theatre has continued to grow over the years, and has become the premier short play festival in Cincinnati. This year’s production selected nine plays from among the record 61 short plays submitted by local playwrights.The plays were read by a committee who selected a shortlist of 17 plays, from which the directors picked the plays they’d like to direct.

The final selections are as follows: (*indicates world premier)

A BEER* by Peter J Stavros. Directed by Becky Collins. Featuring Nathan Huitger, Jimmy Jackson, and Fred Murrell.

FIRST KISS* by Betsy Bossart. Directed by Judy Berrens. Featuring Parker Culp, Peggy McDonald-Allen, and Ana-Grace Rose

GATE EXPECTATIONS* by Christie Bishop. Directed by Jeff Nieman. Featuring Parker Culp, Jeff Nieman, and Tim Rogers.

HEART CONDITION by Eric Thomas. Directed by Judy Berrens. Featuring Aaron Bates, Nicholas Dunker, Jessie Faye, and Micheal Harris Kiser.

MADAME MISTY* by Megan A Jacobs. Directed by Jessie Faye. Featuring Heather Abbott, Peggy McDonald-Allen, Cat Cook and Nathan Huitger

MANHUNT by Teri Foltz. Directed by Betsy Bossart. Featuring Micheal Harris Kiser and Ben Lacy

THE MILE HIGH CLUB* by Arny Stoller. Directed by Amy Eyers. Featuring Peggy McDonald-Allen and Fred Murrell

THE SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT by Christine Charlson. Directed by Greg Hatfield. Featuring Will Christman, Cat Cook, Kiya Fix, Jessie Faye, and Jim Waldfogle.

ZOMBIES ARE TAKING OUR JOBS* by Micheal Hickerson. Directed by Richard Zenk. Featuring Nicholas Dunker, Kiya Fix, Jimmy Jackson, Ben Lacy, Rusty Lacy, Peggy McDonald-Allen.

Nine very different plays from nine authors means there will be something for every taste, including silly comedies (with and without zombies!), compelling dramas and heartfelt romantic plays.

Award-winning local actor Peggy McDonal-Allen is in four of the productions, and welcomes the challenges of the short play. “Being able to convey nuances of your character to the audience in ten minutes is quite a challenge. But that’s part of the fun!”

Local acting legend Jim Waldfogle added, ”The audience gets a great variety of points of view in a bite-size (and very funny) format.”

The Home Brew technical production team is rounded out by pillars of the Cincinnati theatrical community: Jason Cox, Dennis Murphy, Alexa Justice, Clint Bramkamp, Jessie Faye, Sophie Grant, Eric Thomas, Elaine Volker, Chris Eyers and Megan Horton.

Tickets to ‘Home Brew Theatre are $18 in advance and $20 the day of the show. Show dates and times are June 10th and 11th at 8pm, and June 12th at 2pm. Shows frequently sell out, and reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets can be ordered through The Drama Workshop’s ticket line at 513-598.-8303, or ordered online via the TDW website at www.thedramaworkshop.org/tickets

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May 31, 2022 · 12:19 pm

Gideon Productions Presents BE MY THIEF World Premiere as Part of Cincy Fringe Festival

GP_logoWORLD PREMIERE AS PART OF THE CINCY FRINGE FESTIVAL
WRITTEN BY MAC ROGERS
DIRECTED BY JORDANA WILLIAMS

JUNE 14th – JUNE 17th @ ART ACADEMY ROOM 103

Gideon Productions, the company behind the Cincy Fringe hits God Of Obsidian (2017 Linda Bowen Full Frontal Pick) Musical Chairs (2018 Critic’s Pick Award), and This House Will Never Let Us Go (2019 Critic’s Pick Award) will present the World Premiere of playwright Mac Rogers’ (The Honeycomb Trilogy; the global hit podcasts The Message, LifeAfter and Steal The Stars) sci-fi-inflected psychological thriller BE MY THIEF, running from June 14th to June 17th at Art Academy Room 103 as part of the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. The production will be directed by Jordana Williams (The Honeycomb Trilogy; Steal the Stars) and will feature Rebecca Comtois (Viral; Crystal Skillman’s Geek! with Vampire Cowboys), Mac Rogers (NYIT Outstanding Lead Actor Nominee for The Adventures of Nervous-Boy with Nosedive Productions), and Kristen Vaughan (Frankenstein Upstairs, The Honeycomb Trilogy, NYIT Outstanding Lead Actress Winner for Benefactors).

Mira just came home from her first day back at work in person… but her husband Sam doesn’t think she’s really Mira at all. Sam is convinced that she’s a duplicate, created for unknown and likely nefarious reasons. Unable to persuade Sam from his apparent delusion, Mira tracks down an unconventional (and unnerving) therapist, Latham, who takes the couple down a terrifying therapeutic rabbit-hole that unearths truths none of them could have imagined. BE MY THIEF is a twisty thriller about marriage, intimacy, identity, and the fear that society may be changing faster than we can ever prepare for.

BE MY THIEF will run June 14th at 7:00pm, June 15th at 7:00pm, June 16th at 8:45pm, and June 17th at 8:45pm, as part of the Cincinnati Fringe Festival at Art Academy Room 103 (1212 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45202). Tickets ($16) may be purchased online at www.cincyfringe.com. The show will run 60 minutes with no intermission.

MAC ROGERS (Playwright and Sam) is an award-winning playwright and audio dramatist. His sci-fi thriller podcasts THE MESSAGE, STEAL THE STARS, and LIFEAFTER were downloaded over 7 million times.  His plays God of Obsidian, Musical Chairs, and This House Will Never Let Us Go were all Cincy Fringe award-winners. His plays include THE HONEYCOMB TRILOGY (New York Times and Backstage Critic’s Picks and winner of the NYIT Award for Best Premiere Production), VIRAL (winner of Outstanding Play at FringeNYC 2009), and UNIVERSAL ROBOTS (nominated for four New York Innovative Theatre awards). Mac’s plays have earned acclaim from The New York Times, The Guardian, Time Out New York, The New York Post, and many others. 

JORDANA WILLIAMS (Director) has directed numerous plays by Mac Rogers, including the CityBeat Critic’s Picks This House Will Never Let Us Go, God Of Obsidian, Musical Chairs, and Ligature Marks, as well as The Honeycomb Trilogy (NY Times and Time Out NY Critics’ Picks), Universal Robots and Viral. She also directed Mac’s podcast thrillers Steal the Stars, a 2018 Audie Award finalist for Best Audio Drama, and Give Me Away. Other favorite directing work includes Kill Shakespeare at NY Comic Con, Vince Gatton’s Alexandria and The Particulars at FringeNYC.

REBECCA COMTOIS (Mira) previously worked with Mac Rogers and Jordana Williams on the Cincy Fringe award-winners This House Will Never Let Us Go, God Of Obsidian, Musical Chairs, and Ligature Marks, as well as Viral (Winner of FringeNYC’s Outstanding Production of a Play) and The Honeycomb Trilogy (NY Times and Time Out NY Critics’ Picks).  Other notable roles include Minnie the Minotaur in Cystal Skillman’s Geek! (Vampire Cowboys), Jenny in James Comtios’ Infectious Opportunity (Nosedive Productions) and Mag in Taylor Mac’s The Hot Month  (Boomerang’s Legacy Reading Series).

KRISTEN VAUGHAN (Latham) is a three-time NYIT Awards nominee for Lead Actress, winning for Jane in Benefactors (Retro Productions).  Among Kristen’s other roles; Amelia Cooke in The Honeycomb Trilogy and Victoria Frankenstein in Frankenstein Upstairs (Gideon Productions), and Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire (Bleecker Company).  www.kristenvaughan.com

Critical acclaim for Gideon Productions:

“Television is where you find complicated storytelling. Film is the home of epic sci-fi trilogies. Giant aliens are expensive. Mac Rogers’s “Honeycomb Trilogy,” a titanic story about humanity in crisis wedged into a small theater in Queens, laid waste to these truisms, and provided giddy, cerebral fun along the way.” The New York Times 

“With a minimal but imaginative set, two very talented actors, and a powerful passionate script, God Of Obsidian is not to be missed.”  The Sappy Critic

“A sexy, subtle, and startling exploration of apathy versis desire.” CityBeat on This House Will Never Let Us Go 

GIDEON PRODUCTIONS crafts gripping plays that explore what’s strange about being human and what’s human about being strange, using familiar genres and cultural touchstones as a springboard to something wholly unexpected.

www.gideonth.com
www.cincyfringe.com

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