Category Archives: Press Releases

October 15, 2021 · 1:50 pm

The Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department Welcomes Back Live Audiences with the Absurdist Classic, RHINOCEROS

WHHS_Rhinoceros logo

Poster design by Nadyaa Betts.

Cincinnati, OH- After a full season of virtual offerings last year, the Walnut Hills High School Theatre Department is eager to welcome back live audiences with Eugene Ionesco’s classic of the Absurdist Theatre, Rhinoceros.

The show runs November 11-13, 2021 at 7 p.m. with an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, November 13.

The play follows the inhabitants of a small French town, as one by one, they inexplicably turn into rhinoceroses. One “sane” man, Beringer, tries his best to survive the onslaught while resisting the temptation to become one of the herd.

“Being an absurdist play, Rhinoceros doesn’t make a lot of sense on purpose,” says director Mike Sherman. “However, audiences will soon realize that it’s actually pretty brilliant social satire on a whole host of contemporary social issues.  Also, there’s a lot about the current world we live in that doesn’t make a whole lot of rational sense, either.”

WHHS_Rhinoceros2

Owen Cummings as Berenger & Adeleigh Karoutchi as Daisy. Costume and mask design by Sadie Gray. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The design concept of the play combines traditional French style clowning and masks, while also being influenced by the black and white episodes of The Twilight Zone. The design elements are all done in grayscale to make the audience feel like they are watching a black and white, B-horror movie right out of the 1950s- right down to the glorious campiness of it.

WHHS_Rhinoceros1

Wolf Singer as Jean. Costume and mask design by Sadie Gray. Photo by Mikki Schaffner photography.

“While there are some jump scares that happen, it’s also a dark comedy- there’s a lot about human behavior to laugh about,” says Sherman.

Tickets are now available, and can be purchased at: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment/tickets, where audience members can also read the COVID 19 policies for attending the performance.

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

Featuring Owen Cummings as Berenger, Wolf Singer as Jean, Adeleigh Karoutchi as Daisy, Claire Graff as The Housewife, Loretta Rubin as The Grocer’s Wife, Azaria Cuff as The Logician, Leo Jenkins as The Old Gentleman, Jude Shotwell as The Grocer/A Fireman, Anika Vockell as The Cafe Proprietor, Josie Leanza as The Waitress, Nicholas Kaufmann as Mr. Papillon, Isabella Lachey as Botard, Nate Caudill as Dudard, Sophie Christian as Mrs. Boeuf, Andrew Canter as The Little Old Man, and Echo Lyons Siler as The Little Old Man’s Wife.

  • Directed by Mike Sherman
  • Technical Direction by Helen A. Raymond-Goers
  • Production Stage Manager- Mary Sullivan
  • Assistant Stage Manager- Abbie Kershner
  • Costume and Character Mask Designer- Sadie Gray
  • Lighting Designer- Sophie Glenn
  • Master Electrician- Reagan Warvel
  • Props, Puppet, and Rhinoceros Mask Designer- Laurel Prince
  • Scenic Designer- Chloe Goodman
  • Sound Designer- Maya Busche

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October 12, 2021 · 2:33 pm

EMPOWER HOURS Join the Cincinnati Bell Rise Up Women’s Series Event Lineup Celebrating Women Leaders in Arts & Society

MISC_Jennifer Zawadzki

Jennifer Zawadzki

CINCINNATI, OH (October 12, 2021) – Following a successful and impactful launch last month, the Cincinnati Bell Rise Up Women’s Series continues with new and dynamic event experiences which spotlight some of world’s most inspiring women artists and thought leaders.

Memorial Hall OTR proudly introduces the Cincinnati Bell Rise Up Women’s Series Empower Hours starting November 2021. Empower Hours are two-hour experiences that break the monotony of typical networking events, offering audiences the opportunity to hear powerhouse women share their stories of courage.

The series of three Empower Hours will begin on November 17, 2021, featuring Jennifer Zawadzki, CEO and Co-Founder of The Future You Project, sharing her story of transformation that has inspired women
across the country to elevate one another and live their best lives. Programming will continue with a series of entertaining acts at historic Memorial Hall through June 2022.

The first event is being announced at this time:

Empower Hour – Jennifer Zawadzki with Amy Scalia
November 17, 2021, 4:30pm | Doors Open at 3:30pm
Memorial Hall | 1225 Elm Street, Over-the-Rhine

Tickets are $30 and include one drink ticket, complimentary light bites and a meet & greet with the speakers. Tickets available at MemorialHallOTR.com, or by calling the Memorial Hall Box Office a 513.977.8838 (Tu – Fr, 1pm – 6pm).

…The Series Continues with Multi-Genre Programming

This week, Washington Park is thrilled to play host once again to an inspiring Cincinnati Bell Rise Up Women’s Series event. On Sunday, October 17th at 6:00pm, 2019 Latin GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, Nella, will perform at the Washington Park Bandstand. Thanks to the generosity of our Cincinnati Bell Rise Up Women’s Series Sponsors Cincinnati Bell, Procter & Gamble, CIVISTA Bank and Messer Construction we are making the Nella concert more inclusive by offering complimentary tickets to the show. Should the weather not cooperate, the concert will be moved inside to Memorial Hall which is across the street from Washington Park.

The Cincinnati Bell Rise Up Women’s Series continues with a performances by beloved Canadian singer songwriter trio The Wailin’ Jennys on February 9, 2022 and energetic collective of eight musicians, dreamers and artist, Sammy Rae & The Friends on March 15, 2022.

Additional 2022 events will be announced in the weeks to come including a family theatrical program with a female lead, and a women’s conference.

The Cincinnati Bell Rise Up Women’s Series is being made possible with presenting support from Cincinnati Bell, Procter & Gamble, CIVISTA Bank and show sponsorship by KMK Law and Bartlett Wealth Management.

In addition to the events series, 3CDC will offer free media support through its advertising and marketing channels to their non-profit partners Make A Wish and Ladies of Leadership, with the goal of generating awareness for their services and to help with fundraising opportunities.

Empower Hour Speaker Bios:

Jennifer Zawadzki
Jennifer Lee Zawadzki is the CEO and Co-Founder of The Future You Project, a brand that specializes in curated gift boxes and wellness activities that elevate, celebrate and support women.

As a writer and guest speaker for numerous publications, television networks, and women’s empowerment groups, Jennifer’s personal story of transformation has inspired women across the globe to embrace the power of female friendships, believe in their limitless potential, and experience the joy that comes from living life on purpose, with purpose.

Amy Scalia
Amy Scalia is an experienced digital publisher, writer, marketer and on-air talent. Celebrating ten years with Sinclair Broadcast Group in 2021, Scalia develops on-air and digital content for Local12, Star64, CW, Cincinnati Refined and OTT stations nationwide. She’s also a freelance writer for Columbus-based LBrands.

Major life accomplishments include: being a mom of three, receiving a “40 Under 40″ award from the Cincinnati Business Courier, winning the “Best New Product/Service of the Year” Award from the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and a national Web-writing award from ASHPE, a national feature writing award from ASBPE and running three Flying Pig Marathons.

# # #

About Memorial Hall: Memorial Hall is conveniently located in the heart of the revitalized arts district of Over-the-Rhine. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, this exquisite venue overlooks Washington Park, and is neighbor to Music Hall, the Transept, the School for Creative and Performing Arts, and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Designed by Samuel Hannaford & Sons, the hall features marble staircases adorned with intricate wrought iron that lead to the 556-seat proscenium theater, dubbed the Annie W. and Elizabeth M. Anderson Theater. Exceptional acoustics, decorative murals and Tiffany chandeliers enhance this historic performance space, completed with stenciled murals by Francis Pedretti. Memorial Hall Operations is dedicated to programming and preserving historic Hamilton County Memorial Hall. The venue’s bookings reflect the richness of our community, honor the veterans for whom the hall was built, and contribute to the vibrancy of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. For more information, visit www.memorialhallotr.com

About 3CDC: 3CDC is a private, non-profit, real estate development and finance organization focused on revitalizing Cincinnati’s urban core in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati corporate community. 3CDC’s work is specifically focused on the Central Business District and in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. 3CDC also manages The Cincinnati Equity Fund (CEF) and the Cincinnati New Markets Fund (CNMF). These investment funds play an important role by providing needed financial capital to 3CDC’s development projects. For more information, visit www.3cdc.org

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October 12, 2021 · 2:01 pm

Cincinnati Ballet Presents KING ARTHUR’S CAMELOT Nov. 5-7 at Music Hall

CB_Camelot promoPyrotechnics, projections, and puppetry featured in large-scale, post-pandemic production

Cincinnati, OH (October 12, 2021) – Cincinnati Ballet is pleased to welcome audiences back to the theater for its first, full-scale production since the pandemic began. Artistic Director Victoria Morgan’s KING ARTHUR’S CAMELOT features dozens of dancers, dazzling sets and costumes, and incredible special effects. CAMELOT, first created in 2013, is also the first of three full-length, Morgan-choreographed ballets featured during the 2021-2022 Season, as the Company celebrates her 25th and final year as artistic director. “It means so much to me that we are producing KING ARTHUR’S CAMELOT this season,” Morgan said. “There are very few ballets based on the Arthurian legend. It has all the elements of a great story – a hero’s quest, forbidden love, epic battles – and the sword flighting and jousting are exciting as well! It was a joy to create this work, and I am thrilled we are sharing it with Cincinnati again.” CAMELOT transports us to a mystical land where the story of King Arthur, Lancelot, and Guinevere unfolds in a visually stunning display of dance, drama, and magic that the whole family will love! Exquisite costumes by Sandra Woodall, one of the dance world’s most sought-after designers, and an original score by John Estacio set the scene as newly crowned King Arthur navigates the trials of love and betrayal amidst a kingdom at war. All Cincinnati Ballet dancers and Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy young performers (age 12 and older) appearing in the production are fully vaccinated and will perform unmasked.

The health and safety of our patrons, artists and staff remain Cincinnati Ballet’s top priority. All ticket holders aged 12 and above are required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry into Cincinnati Music Hall. Proof of a negative COVID 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 wear face coverings at all times while 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 performance.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information visit cballet.org.

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet
WHAT: KING ARTHUR’S CAMELOT
WHEN:

  • Friday, November 5 at 8 pm
  • Saturday, November 6 at 2 pm
  • Saturday, November 6 at 8 pm
  • Sunday, November 7 at 1 pm
  • Sunday, November 7 at 6:30 pm
  • Sunday, June 20 at 1 pm
  • Sunday, June 20 at 6:30 pm

WHERE: Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street
Cincinnati, Ohio
TICKETS: Call 513.621.5282 or visit cballet.org

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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October 12, 2021 · 1:32 pm

Clovernook Center to Host Blind Jazz Pianist Matthew Whitaker in Concert

MISC_Matthew WhitakerNov. 13 concert to raise funds for Center’s award-winning
 Arts & Accessibility Initiative

CINCINNATI – Oct. 12, 2021 – Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired (Clovernook Center) invites the public to enjoy an afternoon of music with renown blind jazz pianist Matthew Whitaker to benefit its Arts & Accessibility Initiative.

The Clovernook Center will present An Afternoon with Matthew Whitaker from 2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13 at The Metropolitan Club (50 E. Rivercenter Blvd. #1900, Covington, KY 41011). A 90-minute concert with Whitaker will headline the afternoon’s festivities, which also includes hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. A special meet and greet with Whitaker will also be available for Patron Level ticket holders.

All proceeds from the event benefit Clovernook Center’s award-winning Arts & Accessibility Initiative, which provides materials for inclusive, accessible experiences in museums, performing arts organizations and other cultural institutions at low- or no-cost to the institution. The provision of braille and other resources for blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals can often be prohibitively expensive and likewise often poorly crafted. Clovernook Center’s Arts & Accessibility Initiative works with institutions to develop materials that can be effective for blind and visually impaired individuals to experience their offerings.

“The arts are a very important aspect to a person’s growth and development. Some may think that the blind and visually impaired are exempt from enjoying and learning from this simple pleasure in life,” said Clovernook Center President and CEO Chris Faust. “Thanks to An Afternoon with Matthew Whitaker, Cincinnati is able to experience an extraordinary young man who has overcome his disability to achieve his dreams, all while providing accessible arts options to the BVI community.”

Born blind, Whitaker began playing keyboard at the age of three and taught himself to play the organ at the age of nine. A child prodigy and jazz pianist, he gave his first paid performance in Capri, Italy with other seasoned jazz musicians when he was just 11 years old. Since then, he’s played in over 200 clubs and concert halls across the world; has opened for Stevie Wonder at the Apollo; and performed with Christian McBride, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Rhoda Scott, James Carter, John Batiste and more.

Tickets for An Afternoon with Matthew Whitaker are available at $125 for Individuals (which includes admission for one, hors d’oeuvres and refreshments) and $200 at the Patron level. Patron level tickets also include a meet and greet with Whitaker, plus complimentary parking, listing in the program and more.

For more information about Clovernook Center or An Afternoon with Matthew Whitaker, please visit clovernook.org/events. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Rhonda Curtis at RCurtis@clovernook.org for more information.

An Afternoon with Matthew Whitaker is generously supported by P&G and Corporex.

# # #

About Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Since 1903, Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired has been providing life-enriching opportunities and empowering people who are blind or visually impaired to be self-sufficient and full participants in their communities. Adult programs and youth activities, as well as arts and recreation departments provide critical services to those who need it. Clovernook Center’s Braille Printing House is the largest volume producer of braille in the world. It prints books, magazines and other materials for the National Library Services and braille patrons worldwide while providing employment opportunities for individuals who are blind and visually impaired. For more information, visit www.clovernook.org.

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October 11, 2021 · 11:09 am

NKU Brings Laughter with Farcical Comedy NOISES OFF

NKU_Noises Off logoHIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts continues its 21/22 Theatre + Dance season with Michael Frayn’s NOISES OFF, running from Oct. 14-24, 2021 at NKU’s Corbett Theatre. NOISES OFF is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.

  • What: “Noises Off” by Michael Frayn
  • When: Oct. 14-24, 2021 – weeknights/Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m.
  • Where: NKU Corbett Theatre
  • Tickets: nku.edu/sotatickets or (859) 572-5464

NOISES OFF has been called “the funniest farce ever written” and takes a fond look at the follies of theatre folk, whose susceptibility to out-of-control egos, memory loss, and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. This play-within-a-play captures a manic menagerie of itinerant actors rehearsing a flop called “Nothing’s On.” Doors slamming, falling trousers, on and offstage intrigue, and an errant plate of sardines all figure in the plot of this hilarious and classically comic play.

Ken Jones, the Rosenthal Distinguished Professor of Theatre at NKU, directs the show. “These actors are the best of the best when it comes to physical comedy,” Jones reports happily. “I love over-the-top. As long as you’re precise, you can never be too big. And, after being locked up for a year, we’re ready to make people laugh!”

The NKU cast features Hannah Beaven, Sylas Craven, Austin Fidler, Trey Finkenstead, Natalie Hayslett, Chloe Hedrick, Joel Parece, Reagan Ruth, Kirby Schwarber, Liam Sweeney, and Hailey Watson. The show is directed by Ken Jones. The Stage Manager is Erin Caudill and Assistant Stage Manager is Alexia Daniels.

Health & Safety Guidelines
With safety in mind, SOTA is moving to touchless mobile ticketing and print-at-home options. If you do not have a mobile device or home printing capabilities, please call the Box Office (859) 572-5464 for alternative options.

Starting Jan. 1, 2022 all sales will become credit card only to create a “touchless” payment environment for improved health and safety of our guests.

NKU is following all CDC and government guidelines, and continues to monitor the COVID situation. Masks are required indoors on campus for all persons, vaccinated and unvaccinated. Visit nku.edu/covid19 for the latest information.

About NKU: Founded in 1968, we are a growing metropolitan university of more than 15,000 students served by more than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus near Cincinnati. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, Kentucky—just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati—we have become a leader in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky by providing a private school education for a fraction of the cost. While we are one of the fastest growing universities in Kentucky, our professors still know our students’ names. For more information, visit nku.edu.

###NKU###

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