Category Archives: Press Releases

November 4, 2019 · 11:19 am

NKU To Premiere Disney’s FREAKY FRIDAY Musical

NKU_Freaky Friday promo2HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts continues its 2019-2020 Theatre + Dance Season with a regional premiere of a new musical – Disney’s FREAKY FRIDAY. The production runs Nov. 15-24 at NKU’s Corbett Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit nku.edu/freakyfriday.

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. By spending a day in each other’s shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter. FREAKY FRIDAY, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic.

The concept of walking in someone else’s shoes is an age-old concept. In a world filled with division and polarizing personalities, it seems particularly fitting to present a work that delivers a message of compassion and empathy. Freaky Friday does just that. Several characters in the musical are so fully immersed in their own goals and agenda that they have no room for alternate points of view. For Katherine and Ellie Blake, the opportunity to live each other’s life for a day yields frustration, confusion, and ultimately, respect and understanding. The central metaphor of Freaky Friday resounds in all of us in our daily lives.

The NKU cast features Blair Lamb (Ellie Blake), Sarah Hack (Katherine Blake), Charlie Lindeman (Fletcher Blake), Jackson Hurt (Mike), Danielle Ullman (Gretchen), Andie Angel (Hannah), Jake Hunter (Adam), Ellie O’Hara (Savannah), Cian Steele (Parker), Mattison Sullivan (Wells/Fish Vendor), Arianna Catalano (Laurel/Minion), Thomas Smith (Florist/Marquis), Victoria Avery (Torrey/Adam’s Mom), Logan Anthony (Louis/Wells’ Dad), Alex Slade (Grandpa Gordon/Mr. Blumen/Senor O Brien/Parker’s Dad/Gym Asst), Megan Carlson (Grandma Helene/Mrs. Luckenbill/Mrs. Time/Gretchen’s Mom), Kali Marsh (Danielle/Ms. Meyers/Officer Sitz/Savannah’s Mom), JeShaun Jackson (Dr. Ehrin/P. Bruno/Officer Kowalski/Security Guard/Gym Asst.). The Ensemble is comprised of Ethan Brooks Baker, Chloe Hedrick, Kanai Nakata, and Grace Vetter. The show is directed by Jamey Strawn. Other creative team members include Damon Stevens (Musical Director), Tracey Bonner (Choreographer), Anna Catton (Scenic Designer), Isabel Sleczkowski (Props Design/Master), Ronnie Chamberlain (Costume Designer), Mark Brackman (Lighting Designer), Zach Collins (Sound Designer), and Halee Hood (Hair/Makeup Designer). The Stage Manager is Emily Vicars, and Assistant Stage Managers are Jensyn Bowman and Holden Casada.

For more information, call the NKU School of the Arts Box Office at (859) 572-5464 or visit nku.edu/sotatickets.

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November 1, 2019 · 1:39 pm

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Presents the Comedies THE MERRY WIVES OR WINDSOR and EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD This November and December for Hilarious Holiday Fun

CSC_Merry Wives of Windsor promo2

Jennifer Joplin as Mistress Margaret Page and Abby Lee as Mistress Alice Ford in William Shakespeare’s THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

There is something to make everyone laugh this holiday season at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company with Shakespeare’s delightful comedy “The Merry Wives of Windsor” playing Nov. 15- Dec. 7 followed by the annual holiday blockbuster comedy “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” Dec. 13- 29, 2019 

CINCINNATI, October 29, 2019 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is pleased to announce more details on their upcoming productions this November and December. Opening next on the mainstage from November 15th through December 7th will be William Shakespeare’s screwball comedy “The Merry Wives of Windsor” directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips.  Following closely after that will be the 14th annual production of the beloved holiday classic, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” on stage December 13- 29, 2019 and will, once again, be directed by Jeremy Dubin.

Originally written to make Queen Elizabeth I laugh, “The Merry Wives of Windsor” proves that women’s wits and wiles win the day! The bawdy, bombastic, and chronically cash-poor Sir John Falstaff has been raising hell in the quiet town of Windsor. When his massive bar tab outstrips his meager means, he needs to raise some cash—and quick. He hatches a plan to seduce two of Windsor’s most wealthy married women, but when they catch wind of his salacious scheme, they turn the tables on their would-be wooer, joining forces to teach him a lesson he won’t soon forget.

In honor of 100 years of the passing and ratification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, CSC is setting the backdrop of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” in the Women’s Suffrage era for this silly and fun comedy. The soundscape of the production, constructed by Sound Designer, Douglas J. Borntrager, will feature Suffrage hymns and marches and original music will be composed by Ensemble member, Cary Davenport. The production will also feature a Bergamask dance with choreography by Ensemble member, Darnell Pierre Benjamin. The dance originated in Bergamo, Italy and is typically associated with lightheartedness and buffoonery.

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Billy Chace, Miranda McGee Maggie Lou Rader, and Justin McCombs EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME). Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Following “The Merry Wives of Windsor” for the 14th straight year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is thrilled to offer a full season of holiday cheer in just a little more than 90 minutes with “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez. This hilarious production is a non-stop holiday romp through everyone’s favorite Christmas stories performed by just four actors.  Justin McCombs and Billy Chace, who are respectively 14th year and 13th year company members, return to poke fun at the holiday season, with returning special guest Miranda McGee, 10th year company member. CSC welcomes back for the 3rd season in this production, Resident Company Member Maggie Lou Rader!

CSC Director of Creative Education, Jeremy Dubin, returns to the director’s chair. This production is one of the most popular events in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company history breaking attendance and sales records every year. Director Jeremy Dubin remarks, “This cast has so much fun together that the show has become a very personal holiday tradition for all of us. It’s occasionally a little irreverent but always warm-spirited, and it’s the perfect panacea to all your winter woes.”

Please note that “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” is most appreciated by adults and older teens, and is not recommended for any theatergoers still young enough to believe in Santa.

All performances of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” are held at The Otto M. Budig Theater on 1195 Elm St in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park.  Tickets start at $28.  To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273), or visit us online at www.cincyshakes.com.

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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in OTR. CSC’s repertoire is made up of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, and contemporary classics.  CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of the Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theatre Association.  Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach over 50,000 young people and underserved community members each season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions.  In 2015, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the classics!

About The 2019-2020 Season of the Woman:
From June of 1919 to August of 1920, these United States passed and ratified the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. In commemoration of this centennial, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will shine the spotlight on the Women of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in our “Season of the Woman”, both onstage and off, and join organizations across the city in an ArtsWave led initiative called “Power of Her” to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage!

This season is also funded by ArtsWave.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, JR./U.S. Bank Foundation, The Ohio Arts Council, and The Shubert Foundation.  The season’s marketing design sponsor is Grey Midwest. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.

About POWER OF HER:
POWER OF HER is a collaboration of organizations across the Greater Cincinnati region, united to activate and amplify women’s voices in the arts. Led by ArtsWave, and inspired by the women’s suffrage movement, the initiative salutes the women who came before us, and honors female leadership and woman-centric works of all kinds.

At its core, POWER OF HER underscores creativity as a vehicle for inclusion and equality by celebrating the female voice — and the many ways it champions a more diverse and vibrant world.  Learn more at https://www.artswave.org/discover/power-of-her

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November 1, 2019 · 9:42 am

Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance to be Built in Walnut Hills, scheduled to open Summer 2021

CB_Ground levelCINCINNATI, OH.  (November 1, 2019) – Today Cincinnati Ballet unveiled design plans for the Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, scheduled to begin programming in Summer 2021. The new center for dance will be built on vacant land purchased by Cincinnati Ballet at 1801 Gilbert Avenue in Walnut Hills.

Cincinnati Ballet is currently engaged in a building capital campaign to fund the $30 million project. Longtime Cincinnati Ballet patrons and supporters Margaret and Michael Valentine have committed the largest one-time gift in Cincinnati Ballet history to name and memorialize the Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance.

CB_Aerial View“The Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance will dramatically expand Cincinnati Ballet’s mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement programs,” said Scott Altman, President + CEO. “Cincinnati Ballet has expanded its professional mainstage productions and experienced record-setting growth in enrollment at our Otto M. Budig Academy over the last few years.  In fact, we cannot accommodate demand due to full classes. Quite simply, the organization has outgrown its current space. The new ballet center will be an integral arts destination for the community and the region.”

The size of the new ballet center will be dramatically larger, providing ample space for the Company, as well as the Academy and specialized programming. The 57,000-square-foot building will house eight studios. Cincinnati Ballet’s current 36,000-square-foot building, which houses four studios, was built in 1994 and expanded in 2005.  Designed by world-renowned architecture firm GBBN, the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance features a sleek, innovative exterior that boasts panoramic views of downtown Cincinnati from its two largest studios. Messer Construction Co. will serve as construction manager for Cincinnati Ballet, building off its experience with other high-profile arts projects in the region. The new ballet center will be developed in partnership with Neyer Properties.

CB_Premiere Studio“This is a huge step forward for Cincinnati Ballet,” said Victoria Morgan, longtime Artistic Director. “The Valentines’ generous gift is so significant and meaningful to the organization. They have a deep commitment to elevating the artistry of dance and its impact on Cincinnati and the region. This generous gift will take our world-class company to even greater heights.” Previously, the Valentines have funded world-premiere, full-length ballets including The Nutcracker, King Arthur’s Camelot, and a recent co-production with Ballet West of Nicolo Fonte’s Carmina Burana. The couple also established a Cincinnati Ballet touring endowment, as well as financial support of Cincinnati Ballet’s Live Music Fund for professional productions.

Cincinnati Ballet is also grateful for a significant gift to the project from Rhonda Sheakley and her husband Larry A. Sheakley. As a permanent commemoration of the Sheakley family’s generosity, the largest Company studio will be named the Rhonda and Larry A. Sheakley Premier Studio. With iconic views of downtown Cincinnati, the impressive, 3,650-square-foot studio will offer ample space for main Company rehearsals and seating for up to 125 guests to view educational demonstrations and Otto M. Budig Academy presentations. The studio may also include performance enhancements such special lighting and sound capabilities. We are honored that Rhonda, an Emeritus Trustee, now co-chairs the building capital campaign, Move With Us. A Campaign for Cincinnati Ballet’s New Home, with fellow Emeritus Trustee Larry Kellar. “This is a huge win for Cincinnati,” said Cincinnati Ballet Board Chair Debbie Brant. “The new ballet center is a significant addition to our region’s rich arts community. It will be a destination for dance lovers from around the world.”

The Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance will also feature: 

  • Physical Therapy and Training Services — Mercy Heath – Orthopedics and Sports Rehabilitation at Cincinnati Ballet, a roughly 3,000-square-foot space for performing artists, as well as members of the public
  • Dedicated Spaces – A dedicated dancer lounge for Company dancers adjacent to an upgraded dressing and changing area and an Academy lounge area, which will feature a quiet space to study and relax between classes
  • Expanded Parking – More than 150 parking spaces, doubling parking capacity
  • Easier Access — Streamlined drop-off and pick-up for Academy students and guests

More on Cincinnati Ballet’s Record Growth:
In recent years, Cincinnati Ballet has experienced growth organization-wide. Attendance numbers for our professional, mainstage productions have grown from 58,000 during the 2015-2016 Season to 70,400 in the 2018-2019 Season. Cincinnati Ballet also increased the number of performances offerings each season, with added Thursday evening performances and the annual Family Series. During fiscal year 2018-2019, the Otto M. Budig Academy saw a nearly 21% growth in school year enrollment. Enrollment for fiscal year 2019-2020 is already pacing ahead of last year. Enrollment that includes adult and summer programming has seen a steady increase during the last five years. From fiscal year 2017-2018 to 2018-2019, the Academy saw a 17% increase, a number expected to accelerate in a new, larger space as students have been consistently shut-out of sold-out programming. Currently, 92% of children’s division classes are at capacity or have waiting lists. Cincinnati Ballet also expects to greatly expand education and community engagement programming at the new center. Ballet Moves – specialized, on-site classes for students with unique abilities, developed in partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center – would offer expanded classes. The program currently serves students with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and autism. With more dedicated space, Ballet Moves would grow to serve students in at least 10 populations including the senior community, those with dementia, depression and anxiety, and other physical impairments.

What our Building Partners are Saying: 

Matthew Schottelkotte, GBBN Chief Executive Officer
“The building’s transparency celebrates the activity within. People outside can see what’s going on in the studios. Inside, dancers look out at tremendous views of city.  From the lightweight steel and slender columns of the studios, to the way light enters the building, the project captures the strength, grace, and sheer delight of dance. The project’s prominent site along a major city artery is accessible and visible. It sends a clear message to the community, and people passing through the city, about the strength and importance of the arts in Cincinnati.”

Greg Herrin, Vice President and head of Messer’s Cincinnati region
“Messer, and our partner TriVersity Construction, is honored to continue our long-standing relationship with the Cincinnati Ballet and the arts community. This highly visible, iconic building will not only raise the already revered status of the Cincinnati Ballet, but also transform the way our Arts community and, by extension our region, is viewed throughout the country.”

Chris Dobrozsi, Neyer Vice President of Real Estate Development
“Neyer Properties feels this is the right place and the ideal use for the land and compliments the historic Baldwin development. Eden Park and the arts organizations within the park are gems of Cincinnati and deserve a grand entrance. Right now, it’s hard to know the beauty and culture that is there until you are in the thick of it. Adding the Ballet at this site will help establish that sense of arrival to all the arts in the area.”

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. 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 inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance through exhilarating performances, extensive education outreach programs and top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

Cincinnati Ballet 2019-2020 Season Sponsors: Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, Frisch’s Big Boy, Knowlton

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October 30, 2019 · 2:31 pm

Magician Cody Clark to Perform CONDUCTOR CODY’S CHRISTMAS EXPRESS at Haines House of Cards

MISC_Christmas Express Haines HOCOctober 30, 2019 (CINCINNATI, OH) – Louisville, KY based professional magician Cody Clark, as his children’s magic character Conductor Cody, will be performing his holiday magic show Conductor Cody’s Christmas Express! at Haines House of Cards magic shop in Norwood on St. Nicholas Day (Fri. Dec. 6th) at 7 PM

In the style of classic holiday movies such as The Polar Express, Cody takes audiences on a train trip to the North Pole, with magic moments a plenty. Golden train tickets will be torn & restored, hot chocolate will magically appear, and after the show is over, your family will get to meet Santa! Through magic, audience participation, and creative storytelling, Conductor Cody’s Christmas Express! will be the catalyst for great holiday memories!

Cody Clark has been performing magic for 15 years. He is no stranger to Cincinnati, having performed in the 2015 & 2019 Cincinnati Fringe Festivals. His children’s character Conductor Cody is inspired by his childhood love of trains and George Carlin’s stint as Thomas the Tank Engine narrator Mr. Conductor. He performs this show at birthday parties, railroad museums, and libraries across America.

Tickets for Conductor Cody’s Christmas Express! are $10. They can be purchased in advance at http://www.haineshouseof.cards or at the door. Haines House of Cards is located on 2514 Leslie Ave in Norwood. To learn more about Conductor Cody, you can go to www.conductorcody.com .

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October 30, 2019 · 1:52 pm

Mariemont Players Announces BROADWAY BOUND

MPI_Broadway Bound promo

Linda Callahan, Jake Hart, Tanner McDole, Fred Murrel & Arny Stoller. Photo by Kristy Rucker.

Mariemont Players presents Broadway Bound by Neil Simon at the Walton Creek Theater, 4101 Walton Creek Road (just East of Mariemont), November 8th-24th, 2019.

Part three of Neil Simon’s acclaimed semi-autobiographical trilogy finds Eugene Jerome and his older brother Stanley trying to break into the world of show business as professional comedy writers while coping with family tensions, parental pressures, and maybe even…love? When their material is broadcast on the radio for the first time, some things about the family portrayed in the sketch seem very familiar…

Broadway Bound is directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn, produced by Kristen Vincenty, and features the talents of Linda Callahan, Fred Murrell, Arny Stoller, Jake Hart, Tanner McDole, and Peggy S. Allen.

Come visit our beautifully renovated auditorium complete with more comfortable seating, new carpeting, fresh paint, aisle lighting, enhanced stage lighting, state-of-the-art sound, and a sound induction loop for those with hearing aid T switches and head sets for those with low hearing issues.

Performances:

  • 8 PM Friday, November 8th (Free Opening Night Reception)
  • 8 PM Saturday, November 9th
  • 2 PM Sunday, November 10th
  • 7:30 PM Thursday, November 14th
  • 8 PM Friday, November 15th
  • 8 PM Saturday, November 16th
  • 2 PM Sunday, November 17th
  • 7 PM Sunday, November 17th
  • 7:30 PM Thursday, November 21st
  • 8 PM Friday, November 22nd
  • 3 PM Saturday, November 23rd
  • 8 PM Saturday, November 23rd
  • 2 PM Sunday, November 24th

To order tickets for Broadway Bound, call Betsy at 513-684-1236 OR order online at www.mariemontplayers.com. All seats are reserved and $20 each.

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