Category Archives: Press Releases

August 26, 2021 · 2:09 pm

The Carnegie Travels to the END OF THE RAINBOW with Latest Theatrical Production

TC_End of the Rainbow promo1

Kim Schroeder Long as Judy Garland.

Judy Garland biography finally takes the stage outdoors after originally being postponed due to COVID; Runs Sept. 10–12 and 17-19

COVINGTON, KY (August 25, 2021)– Judy Garland was a star of stage and screen whose talent was unparalleled in its time. Her personal journey, however, was not always filled with sunshine and happiness. Now, The Carnegie will explore and celebrate her legacy when it travels to the END OF THE RAINBOW at Covington Plaza Outdoor Amphitheater this September.

Set in 1968, END OF THE RAINBOW finds Judy Garland set firmly on the comeback trail. The failed marriages, the suicide attempts and the addictions are all behind her. At 46 years-old and with new flame Mickey Deans at her side, she seems determined to carry it off and recapture her magic. But lasting happiness always eludes some people and there was never any answer to the question with which Judy ended every show: “If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why, oh why, can’t I?”

END OF THE RAINBOW is a savagely funny drama featuring a glorious ensemble of Judy Garland hits such as “Get Happy,” “The Man that Got Away,” and, of course, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” The show was set to be final production of The Carnegie’s 2019-2020 season but instead became the first casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, it’s back with six performances, playing weekends Friday, Sept. 10–19 and tickets are $32 for adults, $29 Carnegie members and $25 for students.

“END OF THE RAINBOW couldn’t be a more fitting production for us given the current times we find ourselves in. While the show is dramatic and definitely has its sober moments; there are happier, inspirational ones as well,” said The Carnegie’s Theatre Director Maggie Perrino. “When we originally chose the production, it was the year Renee Zellweger won an Academy Award for portraying Judy Garland. Now, as we all find ourselves in a time of great uncertainty like Garland herself, we hope to bring a smile to audiences’ collective faces once again.”

Kim Schroeder Long, the Ohio-born actress who portrays Garland in the show, agrees.

“One of the hardest things to navigate as a performer is uncertainty. The very nature of the profession can be subject to a lot of questions without answers. As the past 18+ months have shown, having something you were looking forward to – in my case, portraying a legend close to home – suddenly taken away makes you appreciate it even more,” said Schroeder Long. “Taking inspiration from Garland’s own longing for happiness, I’m excited for audiences to be able to enjoy END OF THE RAINBOW as much as my castmates and I are to bring it to life.”

Performances of END OF THE RAINBOW will run two weekends; September 10–12 with performances at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday and the following weekend, September 17-19 with performances at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. All of which will take place at the Covington Plaza Outdoor Amphitheater. Tickets are $32 for adults, $29 for Carnegie Members and ArtsPass Members, and $25 for students. Tickets can be purchased through The Carnegie Box Office, noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, in person or by phone at (859) 957-1940, or online at www.thecarnegie.com. Patrons seeking group or student tickets should call to make arrangements. 

CONTENT ADVISORY: Production includes adult themes and language. Not recommended for children under 13. 

CAST LIST:

  • Judy Garland – Kim Schroeder Long
  • Anthony – Aaron Whitehead
  • Mickey Deans – Dylan Shelton
  • Radio Interviewer – Julie Locker

PRODUCTION TEAM:

  • Director – Alice Flanders
  • Music Coordinator/Band Leader – Ted Baldwin
  • Stage Manager – Mackenzie Boyd
  • Assistant Stage Manager – Cole Sweasy
  • Original Scenic Designer – Tyler Gabbard, transformed for the amphitheater by Doug Stock
  • Costume Designer – Helen A. Raymond Goers
  • Lighting Designer – Will Baker
  • Technical Director – Doug Stock
  • Producer – Maggie Perrino 

END OF THE RAINBOW is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. 

The Carnegie’s 2021-22 Theatre Series is presented by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Additional support for The Carnegie’s Theatre Series comes from the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet.

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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 http://www.thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030. 

The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from Cincinnati International Wine Festival, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, the Kentucky Arts Council and the City of Covington. The Carnegie is also supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. 

ABOUT THE CARNEGIE THEATRE SERIES:
The Carnegie Theatre Series produces professional, innovative stagings of an eclectic range of theatrical works. Striving to unite the greater Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati theatre community through partnerships and collaborations, the series engages and nurtures both emerging and established talent, including working professionals, committed part-time theatre artists, university performing arts students and younger students. The Carnegie Theatre Series productions bring together these forces to provide quality theatre for Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area.

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August 23, 2021 · 2:30 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Postpones DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS

TCTC_Descendents Cancelled

Rhys Boatwright as Jay, Aubrey Jones as Evie, Claire Northcut as Mal & Thomas Les Smith as Carlos. Photos by Mikki Schaffner.

COVID is “Rotten to the Core”

Cincinnati: Although still weeks away from opening the first MainStage production in the company’s 102nd Season, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) feels that it is in the best interest of its littlest patrons to postpone all performances of DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL, slated to run October 9 – 17, 2021 at the Taft Theatre to the 22-23 season.

When the Pandemic originally started, TCT formed a COVID Ad Hoc Committee, comprised of representatives from the medical community, including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and TriHealth, members of the TCT Board of Trustees, and staff. Since March 2020, this Committee’s recommendations have allowed TCT to safely navigate this very tenuous time, and the company is leaning on them again for direction.

TCTC_Descendents Cancelled backThe COVID Ad Hoc Committee feels it is TCT’s responsibility to help protect those who can’t protect themselves as a vaccine is not yet available for children ages 12 and under. Because MainStage audiences are mostly comprised of this particular age group, the group feels it would not be prudent to hold performances at the Taft Theatre this October.

“At The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, there is one thing we know for sure: you can always count on us to keep your children safe.  Upon seeing a first-hand increase in the number of children contracting COVID, with the Delta variant on the rise, increasing hospitalizations for children with respiratory conditions, and growing breakthrough cases for vaccinated adults, our COVID Committee feels this situation will likely get worse before it gets better,” says Kim Kern, TCT’s Managing Director and CEO.

Roderick Justice, Producing Artistic Director, echoes that sentiment saying, “Our productions pit the heroes against the villains, and there is no villain more insidious right now than COVID-19 and its variants.  We will continue to monitor the local situation and heed advice from our Committee as well as national recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control. We want performances at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati to be a safe space filled with wonder, not worry.”

TCT 21-22 subscription holders will receive a refund equal to one-quarter of the original subscription price. Being the nation’s oldest children’s theatre, the company has kept going and growing through the generosity of loyal patrons who believe in the company’s mission. Patrons who choose to donate their ticket price back to TCT are asked to email tickets@tctcincinnati.com by Wednesday, August 25. Refunds will automatically appear on patrons’ credit card statements.

As of right now, TCT plans to keep ELF THE MUSICAL JR. on the schedule in December, as well as ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL JR. in February 2022 and THE WIZ JR. in April 2022.

TCT will continue its slate of touring productions as well as digital programming available online.

Last year, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s touring season was redesigned with the ability to perform shows at schools and community venues either in-person or through two different styles of digital presentations: A streamed version of the show through Broadway on Demand, or the brand new “Pick-A-Path” Series, where audiences choose their own adventure and get to decide how they want the story to end. This blended interactive storytelling gives audiences an experience they will never forget. In-person performances include a live, post-show talk-back with actors to engage students in the production’s message. For digital performances, teachers will have the opportunity to schedule a live, post-show talk-back via Zoom.

“Pick a Path” is in partnership with Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, and titles include: JAQUELINE AND THE BEANSTALK, HARRIET TUBMAN: STRAIGHT UP OUTTA’ THE UNDERGROUND, and MARTIN’S DREAM. For details or to book a touring experience, email kamel.mccray@tctcincinnati.com. 

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August 18, 2021 · 9:23 am

AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS | Tue., Nov. 30, 2021 | Cincinnati Music Hall

CAA_An Evening with David Sedaris logoThe Best-Selling Author, Humorist and  Contributor to This American Life  
Live at Cincinnati Music Hall – November 30, 2021

On sale Friday, August 20 at 10:00 AM

(Cincinnati, OH) – WVXU-FM presents An Evening with David Sedaris, author of the previous bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and regular National Public Radio contributor. Sedaris will be appearing for one night only at Cincinnati Music Hall on November 30, 2021 at 7:30 PM, following the release of his newest books The Best of Me and A Carnival of Snackery.

Tickets go on sale Friday, August 20 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street. For Group Sales of ten or more, call (513) 977-4157.

This is a unique opportunity to see the best-selling humorist in an intimate setting. As always, Sedaris will be offering a selection of all-new readings and recollections, as well as a Q&A session and book signing.

With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, Mr. Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. His new book, The Best of Me (Little Brown/ Hachette, Fall 2020), is a collection of 42 previously published stories and essays, about which novelist Andrew Sean Greer wrote in The New York Times: “You must read The Best of Me. It will be a new experience, knowing that enough time has passed to find humor in the hardest parts of life. More than ever — we’re allowed to laugh.”

If you love David Sedaris’s cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you’re getting  into at his live readings. You’d be wrong. To see him read his own work on stage allows his autobiographical narrative to reveal a unique persona that will keep you laughing throughout  the evening. Don’t miss this event!

For more information, visit www.DavidSedarisOnTour.com.

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August 16, 2021 · 1:35 pm

Sinclair Theatre Fall Semester Productions

SCCT_Emergence logoSinclair College’s 2021-22 Theatre Season: EMERGENCE includes fall semester productions to be performed on Blair Hall’s main stage. The 20-21 year left many arts organizations feeling literally held under water, so we celebrate being able to surface once again, though we were always here creating theatre.

SHE KILLS MONSTERS by Qui Nguyen, Oct. 8-16, directed by Chris Harmon.
A comedic romp into the world of fantasy role-playing games! In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS by Charles Schulz, Dec. 2-5, directed by Gina Kleesattel.
This 40-minute production has become a family tradition and 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 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.

“After more than a year of uncertainties and constant ‘pivoting’, we are remaining flexible with the 2021-2022 Season”, says Gina Neuerer. chair of music, theatre & dance. “Last season we continuously adjusted and were able to produce 9 performances including a live, on stage production of Puffs, by Matt Cox in May.”

“While the EMERGENCE of theatre everywhere  is fantastic, we acknowledge that the pandemic is not over so will continue to ‘pivot’ whenever necessary to ensure safety.”

“I’m extremely proud of our students, staff and faculty who rose to the challenges of everything from rehearsals via Zoom to performing on stage both socially distanced and in masks. We learned to Zoom, film and stream, we created new works and explored unique opportunities in order to keep performance alive.We’re grateful for this opportunity to forge ahead and are ready to tackle whatever is sent our way, to preserve the essential role of the arts in society.”

Ticket information will be available in September at: www.sinclair.edu/tickets, allowing time for tailoring of reserved seating to the most current guidelines at showtime.

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August 16, 2021 · 12:40 pm

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER Opens the 2021-22 Season at Falcon Theatre

FT_Guess Whos Coming to Dinner logoNewport, KY – Falcon Theatre opens their 2021-22 season with Todd Kreidler’s GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER. Based on the popular, award-winning movie from 1967, the play is a powerful exploration of interracial marriage that remains just as relevant today. The production, directed by Piper N. Davis, opens September 24, 2021.

A progressive white couple’s proud liberal sensibilities are put to the test when their daughter brings her black fiancé home to meet them in this fresh and relevant stage adaptation of the iconic film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. Blindsided by their daughter’s whirlwind romance and fearful for her future, Matt and Christina Drayton quickly come to realize the difference between supporting a mixed-race couple in your newspaper and welcoming one into your family–especially in 1967. They’re surprised to find they aren’t the only ones with concerns about the match, and it’s not long before a multi-family clash of racial and generational difference sweeps across the Draytons’ idyllic San Francisco terrace. At the end of the day, will the love between young Joanna and John prevail? With humor and insight, GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER begins a conversation sure to continue at dinner tables long after the curtain comes down.

Falcon Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director, Ted Weil, says, “this play is every bit as important today as the movie was in 1967. At its core, the story is about the subtle, often subconscious views we all have about the differences between people. It speaks directly to the challenges even liberal-minded individuals face when confronted by a situation that puts their beliefs to the test.”

Kevin Greene of New City Stage said of the Court Theatre production: “I left the opening night performance of Court Theatre’s GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER [with] the cockles of my effusive heart warmed all the way through.”

The film won Academy awards for Katherine Hepburn for best Actress and William Rose for best Screenplay in 1967.  The play, written in 2013, has received rave reviews at theaters across the country and is both a faithful retelling of a familiar story and a modern commentary on how far we still have to go.

Performances are at 8 PM on September 24, 25, 30, October 1, 2, 7, 8 & 9, 2021.
Tickets prices are $25 for adults and $15 for students with ID. Patrons enjoy a $5 discount for Thursday performances. Visit falcontheater.net to reserve seats.

SAFETY NOTE: Falcon Theater is making the safety of our artists and audience a priority. We will be following CDC and Local Health guidelines. We are currently requiring everyone inside our theater (with the exception of actors onstage) to be masked at all times. Our Covid safety policy will be constantly updated on our website as safety recommendations change.

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