Category Archives: Press Releases

November 29, 2021 · 2:21 pm

Pre-Pandemic NUTCRACKER is Back at Cincinnati Ballet’s Music Hall

CB_The Nutracker 2021 promoFull cast — including children — will perform December 16-26

CINCINNATI, OH (November 29, 2021) – Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker returns to Music Hall December 16 through 26. The lavish production will be staged in its full pre-pandemic splendor, with elaborate sets and costumes and live musical accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. This year’s production of Artistic Director Victoria Morgan’s whimsical version is even more special as this season marks Morgan’s 25th Anniversary and final season with the Company. “This whole story, Clara’s story is a child’s fantastic dream,” Morgan said. “The holidays are about joy, and I hope this production brings everyone as much joy as it has brought me over the years. It has been my honor and pleasure to share my Nutcracker with our patrons and the community.” Dozens of local children will dance alongside Cincinnati Ballet’s professional company. Due to vaccination requirements, only children 12 and older are featured in this year’s production. “We are so excited to have children back in The Nutcracker,” Morgan added. “Children are the heart and soul of the production and bring a magical energy as they perform. It’s also such an amazing opportunity for these children to perform alongside our professional dancers.” Cincinnati Ballet dancers and young performers (age 12 and older) appearing in the production are fully vaccinated and will perform unmasked.

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! 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 “Mirlipoos”) and more. This year, three Otto M. Budig Academy students will have the opportunity to perform the role of Clara – Mollie Berk, Isabella Horn, and Nina Bosley.

All ticket holders aged 12 and above are required to show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination for entry into Cincinnati Music Hall and the Aronoff Center for the Arts. We are pleased to announce that to expedite entry, venues have partnered with BINDLE, a smartphone app that converts COVID-19 vaccination records into digital entry passes. The Bindle app is safe, secure, and available FREE OF CHARGE to all guests. The use of this app will speed the health screening process, allowing you to reach your seats faster! Use of Bindle is NOT REQUIRED, and health information is not shared with Bindle or the Cincinnati Arts Association (Aronoff Center/Music Hall). You can safely store your vaccine records and COVID-19 test results using Bindle’s military-grade encryption, keeping personal identity and health information strictly private. Proof of a negative Covid-19 test will also be accepted in lieu of proof of vaccination. The negative test can either be a PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance or an antigen test by a healthcare or pharmacy provider within 24 hours. In addition, all guests regardless of age or vaccination status are required to always wear masks inside the venue, including while seated in performance spaces. This policy will remain in effect until further notice. Cincinnati Ballet, along with our venue partners, will continue to closely monitor the rate of Covid-19 transmission in Hamilton County and assess and adjust accordingly. Additional Covid-19 related health protocols and requirements may be in effect at the time of future events. Cincinnati Ballet will communicate any changes via email prior to all affected performances.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND INFORMATION

WHO:
Cincinnati Ballet
Choreography: Victoria Morgan
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed with the Cincinnati Symphony
Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Carmon DeLeone

WHAT:        The Nutcracker

WHEN:

  • Thursday, December 16 – 7:30 pm
  • Friday, December 17 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, December 18 – 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, December 18 – 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, December 19 – 1:00 pm
  • Sunday, December 19 – 6:30 pm
  • Tuesday, December 21 – 7:30 pm
  • Wednesday, December 22 – 2:00 pm
  • Wednesday, December 22 – 7:30 pm
  • Thursday, December 23 – 2:00 pm
  • Thursday, December 23– 7:30 pm
  • Friday, December 24 – 1:00 pm
  • Sunday, December 26 – 1:00 pm
  • Sunday, December 26 – 6:30 pm

WHERE:     Music Hall – 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Cincinnati Ballet 2021-2022 Season Sponsors:

Victoria Morgan’s 25th Anniversary Season presented by PNC

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 Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet has become 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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November 29, 2021 · 12:45 pm

ONE ACTS FESTIVAL at WHHS Runs Dec. 2-5

WHHS_One Acts Festival 2021 logoThe Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department is proud to announce the return of our student-directed ONE ACTS FESTIVAL, playing December 2-5, 2021.

This festival features four one act plays (two junior high, and two senior high):

Junior High One Acts 

OZ by Don Zolidis
Directed by Clare Graff and Nate Caudill

THE INTERNET IS DISTRACT-OH LOOK A KITTEN! by Ian McWethy
Directed by Oran Wilkins and Katie Berich

Senior High One Acts

HOME OF OVERGROWN WEEDS by Ava Wallace (current WHHS student!)
Directed by Avery Frank

THE NIGHT WITCHES by Rachel Bublitz
Directed by Sophia Rooksberry

Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for students. Due to COVID 19 protocols, there are no door sales- all tickets must be purchased online prior to the show. Service fees apply, and seating is limited.

Festival Line Up:

Junior High One Acts:

  • Thursday, December 2 @ 7 p.m.- SOLD OUT
  • Saturday, December 4 @ 2 p.m.- SOLD OUT
  • ADDED PERFORMANCE Sunday, December 5 @ 2 p.m. -Tickets on sale to public starting 12/2

Senior High One Acts:

  • Friday, December 3 @ 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 4 @ 7 p.m.

To purchase tickets, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/tickets

For complete cast and crew lists, please visit: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/current-season/one-act-festival

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November 29, 2021 · 10:31 am

DISNEY PRINCESS – The Concert Tour Announces Full Cast for March 28 Stop at the Aronoff Center

DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT ANNOUNCES
FULL CAST FOR SPRING 2022 DATES 

80+ CITY TOUR PLAYS CINCINNATI’S ARONOFF CENTER ON MARCH 28 

HIGHLIGHTS OF SHOW’S WORLD PREMIERE RELEASED TODAY 

CAA_Disney Princess cast

Spring 2022 Performers: Arielle Jacobs, Susan Egan, Syndee Winters, & Anneliese van der Pol. Photo credit: Nathan Johnson.

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT WORLD PREMIERE: https://youtu.be/vU3c5Af34oM 

DISNEY PRINCESS – THE CONCERT TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE. 

[CINCINNATI, OH] Disney Princess – The Concert, presented by Disney Concerts, has released a first look of the show from its world premiere in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.  The clip, which premiered on People.com this morning, is available here.

Today the tour announced the cast of the spring 2022 leg, which will perform from the tour’s kickoff on January 30 in Wichita, KS, through April 16 in Lancaster, PA, presented by Pandora Jewelry. Be our guest as Broadway’s Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, and Anna celebrate all the Disney Princesses in an unforgettable evening of story, animation, and song on Monday, March 28 at 7:00 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall. Perfect for Princesses and Princes of all ages, the musical experience is part of Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2021-22 Season.

Tickets are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office at 650 Walnut Street, Downtown. For Group Sales, call (513) 977-4157. Ticket prices: $65 • $55 • $45 • $35. Applicable services fees may apply.

The 80+ city U.S. tour launches its first spring leg with Tony®-nominee Susan Egan (Broadway’s original Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Meg in Disney’s animated feature Hercules), Arielle Jacobs (Broadway’s Jasmine in Aladdin, In The Heights), Disney Channel icon Anneliese van der Pol (That’s So Raven, Raven’s Home, Broadway’s final Belle in Beauty and The Beast), and BroadwayWorld Award-winner Syndee Winters (Broadway’s Nala in The Lion King, Hamilton).

Music Director, Benjamin Rauhala (Fiddler on the Roof, The Secret Life of Bees), and enchanting Prince, Adam J. Levy (Waitress), will also join the featured quartet this spring.

Fans will get another sneak peek of the show when Egan, van der Pol, Winters, and Grammy®-nominee Courtney Reed (Broadway’s original Jasmine in Aladdin) perform as part of Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which will stream via Hulu between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.  The quartet also performed last weekend as part of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.

Concertgoers are encouraged to dress up in their best royal attire for an unforgettable evening, where the acclaimed cast will perform more than thirty favorite Disney Princess and Frozen songs, including classics like “Part of Your World,” “Let It Go,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” The performers will share exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen.  Larger than life animations and visuals accompanying the music will immerse the audience in pure Disney magic.

Disney Princess – The Concert is based on the established touring production Broadway Princess Party®, which began as a cabaret show at Feinstein’s/54 Below in NYC in 2015. It garnered critical success and a loyal fan base, including more than 20 million views on YouTube. This new venture is co-produced by Disney Concerts with Broadway Princess Party, LLC.

About Disney Concerts
Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company.  Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras and presenters on a worldwide basis.  Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live to picture” film concerts and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts, and range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choir.  Current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series (Episodes IV-VIII), Toy Story, Aladdin, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Disney Princess – The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up and The Nightmare Before Christmas, which in 2019 accounted for over 900 performances in many of the world’s top concert venues.

About Pandora
Pandora designs, manufactures, and markets hand-finished jewelry made from high-quality materials at affordable prices. Pandora jewelry is sold in more than 100 countries through 7,400 points of sale, including more than 2,700 concept stores. Headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora employs 28,000 people worldwide and crafts its jewelry at two LEED certified facilities in Thailand using mainly recycled silver and gold. The company plans to be carbon neutral by 2025 and has joined the Science Based Targets initiative to reduce emissions across its full value chain. Pandora is listed on the Nasdaq Copenhagen stock exchange and generated sales of DKK 21.9 billion (EUR 2.9 billion) in 2019.

https://www.disneyconcerts.com/disney-princess-concert-tour/
https://www.instagram.com/disneyconcerts/
https://www.facebook.com/disneyconcerts/
https://twitter.com/disneyconcerts/

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November 23, 2021 · 2:39 pm

The Spirits of the Season Return to Cincinnati Playhouse

PIP_ChristmasCarol2019

Cast of 2019’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Comes to Live Nov. 24-Dec. 30

CINCINNATI (Nov. 23, 2021) — Charles’ Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s joyous, time-honored celebration of the true meaning of the holidays returns to the stage for its 30th anniversary, presented by First Financial Bank. Audiences can see the beloved classic in the Robert S. Marx Theatre for the final time from Nov. 24 to Dec. 30. Opening night is Nov. 26.

More than 659,000 people have enjoyed the story of Ebenezer Scrooge at the Playhouse over the past 29 years, comprising more than 1,100 performances (including 168 student matinees). Hundreds of costumes and vivid special effects bring Dickens’ narrative to life as audiences join his time-traversing pilgrimage with the spirits one magical Christmas Eve. The construction of a new, state-of-the-art mainstage theatre complex, now underway, will enable even more theatrical magic and technical capabilities— and with it, a new adaptation in 2023.

“Thousands of families return each year to the Playhouse to make A CHRISTMAS CAROL a part of their holiday traditions,” explains Blake Robison, producing artistic director. “The enduring message of A CHRISTMAS CAROL helps to make it one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each season and a perfect way to introduce children to the joys of live theatre.”

Bruce Cromer returns to fill Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly shoes this season for the 17th time, the longest run among the four actors who have played the role, and his son, Charlie, returns for a third season to portray Scrooge as a young adult. For 2020, Cromer brought his role to life through a special one-time production of A Christmas Carol for Radio.

All show times for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are at 2 p.m. for matinees and 7 p.m. for evening performances to accommodate families with children. Please note the earlier curtain time. There will be no performances on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and selected weeknights in early December.

All patrons must present proof of vaccination or negative test and wear a mask to attend. More details on he Playhouse’s COVID-19 safety protocols can be found at cincyplay.com.

CAST
Bruce Cromer (Ebenezer Scrooge); Charlie Cromer (Young and Mature Scrooge / Ghost of Christmas Future); Paulina De La Parra (Mary, Scrubwoman at Fezziwig’s / Mrs. Dilber / Streets); Annie Fitzpatrick (Mrs. Fezziwig / Patience / Streets); Parker Flautt (Peter Cratchit / Gregory / Apprentice at Fezziwig’s / Streets); Ryan Wesley Gilreath (Bob Cratchit / Schoolmaster Oxlip / Guest at Fezziwig’s); Ashlynn Isabel Hezlep (Belinda Cratchit / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Streets); Maeada King (Business Person with Newspaper / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Streets); Taha Mandviwala (Mr. Sosser / Dick Wilkins / Topper / Man with Shoe Shine); Sara Masterson (Belle / Catherine Margaret); Matthew McGinn; (Constable at Fezziwig’s / Undertaker / Streets); Kelly Mengelkoch (Mrs. Cratchit / Laundress / Streets); Daniel Petzold (Fred / Guest at Fezziwig’s) Gianna Porfano (Rose / Poulteress / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Caroler / Streets); Greg Procaccino (Jacob Marley / Old Joe); Douglas Rees (Mr. Fezziwig / Ghost of Christmas Present); Makenzie Ruff (Martha Cratchit / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Streets); Benjamin Sheffer (Boy Scrooge / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Ignorance / Streets); Britney Nicole Simpson (Ghost of Christmas Past / Mrs. Peak); Sabian Swan (Charles / Apprentice at Fezziwig’s / Bootblack / George / Streets); Braylen Underwood (Tiny Tim / Matthew / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Streets) Athena Updike (Fan / Guest at Fezziwig’s / Want / Streets); David Whalen (Mr. Cupp / Percy / Rich Man at Fezziwig’s)

PRODUCTION
Howard Dallin (playwright); Michael Evan Haney (director); James Leonard Joy (set designer); David Murin (costume designer); Kirk Bookman (lighting designer); David B. Smith (sound designer/composer); Stephen Skiles (associate director); Rebecca N. Childs (music director); Dee Anne Bryll (choreographer); Stephanie Klapper, CSA (casting director); Andrea L. Shell (stage manager); Brooke Redler (second stage manager); Brandon T. Holmes (assistant stage manager); Jessica B. Lucas (assistant stage manager)

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. Call 513-345-2248 for Telecommunications Device for the Deaf accessibility.

Performances Tuesdays through Saturdays will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Individual tickets start at $40. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show for all other performances. Discounted ticket prices for children and teens are available for all productions and are $30 to $45, depending on show and seat location.

AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE (Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.) Each Marx Theatre production offers one audio-described performance during the show’s run. Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a closed-circuit receiver that is the size of a deck of cards and fits in a jacket pocket or on the lap. A small earpiece fits into one ear, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue.

SIGNED PERFORMANCE (Dec. 5 at 2 p.m.) Each Marx Theatre production offers one signed performance during the show’s run. Funding for this program is made possible by Bartlett.
 
ADVISORY: 
Recommended for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted. Please contact the Box Office if you have questions or require additional information.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Visit the Health & Safety page for details on the current health and safety guidelines in place for the 2021-22 season.

SPONSORS

Production Sponsor is First Financial Bank. Design and Artist Sponsors are Ohio National Financial Services, AAA/Provident Travel, Skidmore Sales and Distributing, and Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel. Additional support was provided by Barbara Fitch and the Stona Fitch Family as well as Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Season Sponsors are Schueler Group, US Bank and the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 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.

ACCESS

The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs, and complete wheelchair access are available. Dates for audio-described and signed performances are listed above.

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November 22, 2021 · 1:19 pm

TDW Announces the Lineup and Cast of HOME BREW THEATRE V

TDW_Home Brew 5 logoHOME BREW THEATRE is The Drama Workshop’s recurring celebration of short plays by local authors, followed by a Meet The Artists Reception with beer from a local brewery.

This January 14-16, 2022, TDW is happy to present HOME BREW THEATRE V, featuring nine fully-produced short plays and, for the first time in Home Brew history, a short musical!

We are excited to announce the following plays and their casts.

A BEER by Peter J Stavros
Directed by Becky Collins
Featuring Robert Brumberg, Jimmy Jackson, and Fred Murrell

FIRST KISS by Betsy Bossart
Directed by Judy Berrens
Featuring Parker Culp, Elizabeth Hickerson, and Anna-Grace Rose

GATE EXPECTATIONS by Christie Bishop
Directed by Jeff Nieman
Featuring Parker Culp, Tim Rogers, and Kayla Vogel

HEART CONDITION by Eric Thomas
Directed by Judy Berrens
Featuring Robert Brumberg, Jessie Faye, Micheal Harris-Kiser, and David Radtke

MADAME MISTY by Megan Ann Jacobs
Directed by Trisha Cooper
Featuring Robert Brumberg, Elizabeth Hickerson, and Kayla Vogel

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 Fred Murrell and Karen Romero

PUDDLE JUMPERS: a Short Musical by Fred Tacon
Directed by Lynne Aronson
Featuring Alejandra Decima, Ali Lewis, and Joelle Reid
Accompanied by Amy Waldfogle, Guitar.

THE SURPRISE ENGAGEMENT by Christine Charlson
Directed by Greg Hatfield
Featuring Lorie Baker, Jessie Faye, Josh Flowers, Elizabeth Hickerson, and David Radtke

ZOMBIES ARE TAKING OUR JOBS by Micheal Hickerson
Directed by Rose Vanden Eynden
Featuring Mark Culp, Jimmy Jackson, David Radtke, Kristy Rucker, Holly Sauerbrunn, and Kayla Vogel

Performance dates are January 14th and 15th at 8pm, and January 16th at 2pm. Tickets are available now at www.thedramaworkshop.org/tickets or by calling (513)598-8303. Get your tickets soon! The last Home Brew event was a full weekend of sell-outs!

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