Category Archives: Press Releases

January 8, 2020 · 12:03 pm

2020-2021 Season Announced by The Carnegie

TC_logo_newTHE CARNEGIE ANNOUNCES 2020-21 THEATRE SEASON

COVINGTON, KY – The 2020-21 Carnegie Theatre Season will be filled with laughter, nostalgia and a few surprises. Audiences will be introduced to a fast talking plant, relive a jam session at the historic Sun Records, celebrate traditions in changing times and experience the debut of a new script by a local arts leader.

The season will open in August with LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, a deliciously hilarious musical about a man-eating plant. In November, audience members will be taken back to a legendary night for MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, when an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together. Old traditions and young love collide in a joyous and timely celebration of life for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in January for The Carnegie’s annual family-friendly musical. Closing out the season in March will be a new play by D. Lynn Meyers, in a first-of-its-kind regional collaboration, The Carnegie and NKU School of the Arts will work together to produce a new play by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s Producing Artistic Director.

Subscriptions for the 2020-21 Theatre Season are on sale now. Patrons who purchase a full season subscription by January 31, 2020 will receive a special season announcement discount – 15% off the regular $106, $102 for Carnegie Members with code Early2020. Subscriptions may be purchased through The Carnegie Box Office at (859) 957-1940, Tuesday through Friday, Noon to 5pm, or online at thecarnegie.com.

The Carnegie’s 2020-21 Theatre Series

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman | Music by Alan Menken
Playing August 8-23, 2020

A Broadway and Hollywood smash musical, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has devoured the hearts of theatregoers for over thirty years. Seymour is a down-on-his-luck floral assistant living on Skid Row and pining for the love of his co-worker, Audrey. But his fortunes change when he meets a fast-talking plant who promises him wealth, fame, and the love of his dream girl to boot. There’s just one problem. In exchange for his wildest dreams coming true, Seymour must follow the plant down a murderous path to world domination.

Featuring a beloved score in a Motown style, you’ll be hopping and bopping to hits like “Suddenly Seymour,” “Skid Row,” and “Somewhere That’s Green.” Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALADDIN) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.

Eight Performances:

  • Saturday, August 8, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, August 9, 3:00pm
  • Friday, August 14, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, August 15, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, August 16, 3:00pm
  • Friday, August 21, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, August 22, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, August 23, 3:00pm

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS-Broadway Version is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MIT). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MIT. www.MTIShows.com.

Content Advisory: Production includes adult themes and language. Not recommended for children under 13. 

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux | Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux
Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins
Playing November 7-22, 2020 

On December 4, 1956, an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary December night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny.

Relive the era with an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits, performed live onstage. Hit songs include “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.

Eight Performances:

  • Saturday, November 7, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, November 8, 3:00pm
  • Friday, November 13, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, November 14, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, November 15, 3:00pm
  • Friday, November 20, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, November 21, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, November 22, 3:00pm

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com.

CONTENT ADVISORY: Production includes adult themes and language. Not recommended for children under 12.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Based on Sholem Aleichem’s stories by special permission of Arnold Perl
Book by Joseph Stein | Music by Jerry Bock | Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Playing January 9 – 24, 2021

Old traditions and young love collide in this joyous and timely celebration of life. Tevye’s daughters’ unexpected choice of husbands opens his heart to new possibilities, as his close-knit community also feels the winds of change blowing through their tiny village.

Featuring an iconic score including “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “If I Were a Rich Man,” FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is an enchanting tale sure to delight the whole family.

Ten Performances:

  • Saturday, January 9, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, January 10, 3:00pm
  • Friday, January 15, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, January 16, 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday, January 17, 3:00pm
  • Friday, January 22, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, January 23, 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday, January 24, 3:00pm

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.

CONTENT ADVISORY: This is a family-friendly production. Appropriate for all ages.

The Carnegie Presents, in collaboration with NKU School of the Arts
A New Play by D. Lynn Meyers
Playing April 10-25, 2021

In a first-of-its-kind regional collaboration, The Carnegie and NKU School of the Arts will work together to produce a new play by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s Producing Artistic Director, D. Lynn Meyers. This bold pairing of educational and creative goals will allow the students of NKU’s School of the Arts Theatre + Dance Program to work intimately with Meyers to workshop and refine the new playscript through the 20-21 school year. The Carnegie will then debut this world premier script as the closing show in its 20-21 theatre season and kick-off the 20th anniversary of the YES Festival, NKU’s new-play festival, the oldest collegiate new-play festival in the country.

Eight Performances:

  • Saturday, April 10, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, April 11, 3:00pm
  • Friday, April 16, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, April 17, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, April 18, 3:00pm
  • Friday, April 23, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, April 24, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, April 25, 3:00pm

CONTENT ADVISORY: Production includes adult themes and language. Not recommended for children under 12.

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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 thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.

The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from Cincinnati International Wine Festival, The Greater Cincinnati 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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January 7, 2020 · 11:19 am

JumpStart Theatre Application Now Available

Schools with Grades 5-8 can apply for services and materials valued at $12K

TCTC_JumpStart final performance 2019

From the 2019 JumpStart Theatre Showcase at the Taft Theatre.  Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Applications are now available to participate in the middle school initiative, JumpStart Theatre, managed by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

All Cincinnati tri-state area middle schools and schools with grades 5-8 may apply to participate in JumpStart Theatre. Applications can be completed and submitted online beginning January 6, through February 15, 2020. Selected schools will be announced in the spring and will begin implementing the program in their school in the fall of 2020.

Participant schools are chosen through the online application which is now available at: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/2019/12/jumpstart-theatre-program/

Training & Ongoing Mentoring:
Each selected school will receive services and materials valued at $12,000 in the form of training, mentoring, and production support for a show for their community. Students will be involved in every aspect of the production, and TCT will also host an annual JumpStart Theatre showcase, bringing all the participants together to share their work.

Three teachers from each participating school are taught the techniques and skills to develop and manage a musical theatre program (everything from casting, to rehearsal schedules, to staging/choreography and technical requirements, to cultivating parent/community engagement, to achieving economic sustainability) through a series of three, full-day professional development “boot camps” each year of the three-year program, plus an ongoing mentoring/coaching relationship with an experienced theatre teaching artist.

Timeline:

  • January 6 through February 15, 2020 (11:59 PM) – Applications accepted
  • February – March 2020 – Interviews for schools who have applied and Site Visits for Finalists
  • April 2020 – Selected schools notified & orientation for selected schools
  • May 2020 – Planning for 2020-2021 school year (submit show selections, boot camp dates determined, contracts signed)
  • Fall 2020 – Program begins at selected sites

About JumpStart Theatre:
JumpStart Theatre is a collaboration among the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), and New York City-based companies, Music Theatre International (MTI) and iTheatrics. The program trains educators to develop sustainable arts programs at underserved middle schools that do not currently offer theatre in the curriculum or after school.

“Studies have shown that theatre education helps our young people become better students and citizens. The experience of being in a musical teaches life skills like accountability, respect, teamwork, discipline, risk-taking, and creativity,” said Julie Theobald Executive Director of EdTA.

Kim Kern, Managing Director and CEO of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati said, “JumpStart Theatre is a natural extension of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s goal to fill the gap left by the reduction of arts education in schools, and to provide equitable access to the arts for all children.  This program gives schools the tools they need to build a sustainable musical theatre program, while providing students with exposure to the arts and building life skills such as increased self-esteem and social skills.”

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January 3, 2020 · 3:12 pm

Laughter is in Your Future! ETC Presents Regional Premiere Comedy FORTURE, Jan. 18-Feb. 15, 2020

ETC_Fortune logo

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati kicks off the new year with the mystifying regional premiere comedy Fortune by Deborah Zoe Laufer, coming to the stage January 18-February 15, 2020. Sure to spark warmth this winter, this quirky comedy is about finding love, whether it’s in the cards or not. The Ithaca Times calls this play “charming and off-beat…the laughter is constant and the romance is sweet in this fine concoction.” Directed by Brian Robertson. Production Sponsor is John Goering.

Maude, aka Madame Rosa, is not your average fortune teller. A true clairvoyant with a bluntness that won’t quit, she often scares her customers away with the truth of what their futures hold. However, when love-hungry accountant Jeremy stumbles into her parlor with death in his imminent future, Maude tells a little white lie triggering supernatural consequences and changing both their destinies. In hilarious rom-com style, Fortune sweetly affirms the benefits of the unpredictability of life.

“We chose this play to start the New Year off with a lot of hope and joy. Fortune captures the idea that you think you know what’s coming your way, but you never do,” says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “It demonstrates that life is a great adventure, and unexpected romance brings highs and lows. This play follows the journey of two people who start out with a great deal of pessimism but work towards hope, which is what I wish we all find in 2020.” 

About the Cast
Kelly Mengelkoch (Maude) returns to Ensemble Theatre where she has also been seen in Tribes, The Other Place, This Random World, and Red Velvet. She is an Associate Artist at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and has also appeared at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati, New Stage Collective, The Human Race Theatre Company, Xavier University Theatre, and, most recently, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Her film credits include Dark Waters, The Old Man and the Gun, A Kind of Murder, Perception, Over-the-Rhine, and CSA: The Confederate States of America.  

Jeremy Dubin (Jeremy) returns to the Ensemble Theatre stage after his last appearance in Lolita Chakrabarti’s Red Velvet. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jeremy has called Cincinnati home for the past twenty years. He is the Director of Creative Education and a longtime ensemble member with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, where he works as an actor, director, educator, and other miscellaneous roles.

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic and Lighting Designer), Amanda McGee (Costume Designer), Matt Callahan (Sound Designer), Julia Guichard (Dialect Coach), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Master & Design Assistant), Matthew Hollstegge (Production Manager), and Jack Murphy (Technical Director). Production Stage Manager is Brandon T. Holmes. Assistant Stage Manager is Lexi Muller.

Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday-Saturday at 8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm; Sunday at 7:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances is available online at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $40 for adults; student tickets are $28; and children are $24. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person. $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only.

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2019-2020 Season Presenting Sponsor is the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Additional support provided PNC.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich and inspire our audiences.

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January 3, 2020 · 10:46 am

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE Comes to the Arts Center at Dunham on Jan. 11

SSP_The Barber of SevilleInvitation to Join the Artistic Fun at the Arts Center of Dunham
Free Family Fun Series

CINCINNATI, OH – January 1, 2020 — Courtesy of a grant from Price Hill Will and Sunset Players, the Arts Center at Dunham Free Family Fun Series kicks off the new decade with ROK Cincy’s adaptation of The Barber of Seville on Saturday, January 11 at 2 pm.

Sung in English and Italian, this show stuns with familiar music, vocal fireworks and high energy hi-jinks. Rosina has been grounded by her strict guardian, Dr. Bartolo, and isn’t allowed to enter her project into the State Science Fair. Her teachers, Mr. Figaro and Ms. Susannah, know that she can win first place if they can only get it submitted. They’ll need all their cunning and more than a few tricks to make it happen. Recommended for grades K-6, but all ages welcome!

ROKCincy is a non-profit program with a mission to introduce young people to the thrill of live, fully staged opera and to give developing professional musicians an opportunity to hone their performance skills through experience.

All Free Family Fun Series performances are on Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. The remaining series includes:

  • February 1, 2020 Stuart Little by Joseph Robinette, adapted from the book by E.B. White.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Stuart Little is a lovable mouse born into an ordinary New York family. His many adventures—both big and small—vividly come to life through a series of delightful scenes. Based on E.B. White’s endearing classic and written with charm, wisdom and joy, this adaptation presents the marvelous maneuverings of a mild-mannered mouse who is trying to survive in the great big world. Recommended for grades kindergarten and up.

  • April 4, 2020 Dragons Love Tacos by Ernie Nolan, adapted from the book by Adam Rubin.

Do you know what dragons really love? Tacos, of course! Chicken tacos, beef tacos, big tacos and tiny tacos. As a boy and his dog watch a television show about dragons, they unexpectedly get caught up in the “Dos and Don’ts” of what to feed dragons. But if they accidentally eat spicy salsa, watch out! Performed by the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Off the Hill players. Recommended for pre-k and up.

  • April 18, 2020 Cincinnati Ballet

Dancers from the prestigious Cincinnati Ballet will provide an exciting peek into the typical day in the life of professional dancers. Audience members will learn the fundamentals of the art of ballet and gain an understanding of the discipline and athleticism required for a professional career in ballet. A dance demonstration with audience participation and a question and answer discussion are included.

Reservations for performances in the ACAD FREE Family Fun Series can be made online (www.sunsetplayers.org) or by calling 513-588-4988.

The Arts Center at Dunham is an arts center for the west side of Cincinnati and its vision is to provide affordable creative and performing arts experiences for Price Hill and surrounding communities. Housed in one of the three remaining buildings of what was the first municipally owned tuberculosis sanatorium in the United States, the Arts Center includes a 350-seat performance venue as well as extensive studio and programming space. The Arts Center is located in the CRC’s Dunham Recreation Complex. See what is happening at the Arts Center at Dunham on Facebook.

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January 3, 2020 · 10:08 am

2020-2021 Season Announced by Cincinnati Music Theatre

cmt_logoHappy New Year!

Mark your calendars now for our 2020/2021 season! CMT will produce a five-show season with two Mainstage productions and three Studio Series productions!

Mainstage
Jarson-Kaplan Theatre, Aronoff Center for the Arts

BANDSTAND [November 13 – 21, 2020]
A Cincinnati Premiere of one of the past decade’s best musicals (as voted by TheaterMania)!
Book by RICHARD OBERACKER and ROBERT TAYLOR. Music by RICHARD OBERACKER. Lyrics by RICHARD OBERACKER and ROBERT TAYLOR
Directed by Skip Fenker

KISS ME, KATE [May 14 – 22, 2021]
Book by SAM and BELLA SPEWACK, Music and Lyrics by COLE PORTER. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.
Directed by Chad Brinkman

Studio Series
Fifth-Third Bank Theatre, Aronoff Center for the Arts

BELOVED MELODIES: Best of Rodgers and Hammerstein [August 21, 22 & 28, 29, 2020]
Music and Lyrics by RICHARD ROGERS and OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN.
Directed by Richard Zenk

MUSIC AT THE MOVIES [February 12, 13 & 19, 20, 2021]
Created by CMT Member BRIAN ANDERSON.
Directed by Brian Anderson

THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND [June 11, 12 & 18, 19, 2021]
*Rights Pending*
Music by JOHN KANDER. Lyrics by FRED EBB. Conceived by SUSAN STROMAN, DAVID THOMPSON, and SCOTT ELLIS.
Directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn

Meet Our Directors

Richard Zenk (Beloved Melodies) is new to CMT but has directed several shows for CenterStage Players, Beechmont Players, and The Drama Workshop among others. Tribes, which he directed for CenterStage Players in 2018, was excerpted at the Southwest Regional ACT Conference, and was chosen to represent our area at the state OCTA conference.

Skip Fenker (Bandstand) has directed more than 15 shows for CMT over the past 20 years, winning Orchids and CEA awards for many including Chicago, The Drowsy Chaperone, Peter Pan, Sunset Boulevard, Hairspray and most recently both The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Cabaret.

Brian Anderson (Music at the Movies) brought his Broadway credits as a performer to CMT’s Evita, and his directorial and choreographing skills to CMT’s 42nd Street. He has choreographed and performed in several other CMT shows over the past 20 years.

Chad Brinkman (Kiss Me, Kate) is a new director to CMT but he has designed lights for two of our Studio Series, Musical of Musicals and Home. An experienced director, set designer, and lighting designer, Chad brings a welcome talent to CMT.

Jerry Wiesenhahn (The World Goes ‘Round) is a seasoned director and choreographer in the Cincinnati community theater family. Former credits for CMT include directing Young Frankenstein, and performing as Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady, the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, as well as numerous other shows over the past 22 years with CMT.

A special thank you to the creative committee, led by Vice President of Creative, Kendra Struthers, for their efforts in creating what is sure to be an exciting season!

  • Adrianna Boris
  • Julie Beelman
  • Dianna L. Davis
  • Julie DeMatteis
  • Mike Fielder
  • Molly Sexton

Season subscription packages for both the Mainstage and Studio Series will be available for purchase in 2020. Additional Information will be provided at a later date.

BANDSTAND is produced by arrangement with Samuel French. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Samuel French.
235 Park Avenue South, Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10003.
Tel.: (866) 598-8449
samuelfrench.com

KISS ME, KATE is produced by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK, All authorized performance materials are also supplied by TAMS-WITMARK.
229 West 28th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10001
Tel: (212) 564-4000 Fax: (212) 268-1245
http://www.tamswitmark.com.

THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND is produced by arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

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