Category Archives: Press Releases

Springboro Community Theatre presents CHICAGO

SCT_Chicago logoSpringboro, OH – In Chicago during the Roaring Twenties, murder is the name of the game. When Roxie Hart shoots her faithless lover, she deceives her dutiful husband, Amos, claiming burglary as the cause of the murder. Amos takes the bait, until the truth is revealed and he turns on Roxie. Imprisoned for her crime, Roxie meets the other “Merry Murderesses,” including Velma Kelly, convicted for killer her cheating husband and sister. Under the watchful eye of Matron Mama Morton, the women of the Cook County Jail learn that anything is possible with a little bit of reciprocity.

Desperate for not only fame, but acquittal as well; Roxie seeks the counsel of slick lawyer Billy Flynn, who coaches Roxie through the media circus of her trial. As Roxie’s fame grows, Velma begins to slip into obscurity. Velma approaches Roxie with a plan to help both grow in their infamy, which Roxie turns down… Until another sordid crime of passion threatens to send her down the same path as Velma. Featuring musical theatre staples such as “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” “Roxie,” “Mister Cellophane,” and “Razzle Dazzle,” you won’t find a better story of the dangerous pursuit of fame, fortune, and acquittal than Chicago!

Chicago will be performed in the Premier Health Theatre at the Springboro Performing Arts Center.

Director Jenni Cypher, along with music director Judy Mansky and choreographer Kara Castle, has assembled an immensely talented cast to bring these larger-than-life characters, songs, and dances to the stage. Get your tickets today to experience “All That Jazz” at BoroTheatre.org!

When:
Evening: November 8, 9, 15 & 16 at 8PM
Matinee: November 10 & 17 at 2PM

Where:
Springboro Performing Arts Center, 115 Wright Station Way, Springboro, OH 45066

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NKU SOTA’s THE FRENCH CONNECTION Concert Features Classical Selections, Jazz and Dancing

NKU_The French Connection logo

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts will present a collaborative concert entitled “The French Connection” on Oct. 29. Join in a celebration of the great French Composers and Pedagogues Nadia Boulanger and Darius Milhaud with performances of their music and the music of their distinguished students. Other featured composers from the Americas include William Bolcom, David Brubeck, Aaron Copland, Astor Piazzola, and Louise Talma.

Since the founding of the American Conservatory at Fontainebleau in 1921, innovative musical styles have flourished in France and the Americas. Nadia Boulanger and Darius Milhaud served as the composition teachers and mentors for literally hundreds of different composers representing all music genres. “The French Connection” was conceived to bring this connection to the forefront by showcasing the music of these two prominent French Composers and some of their great students from North and South America.

Featured performers include San Sung Aum, piano; Holly Attar, viola; Meghan Bennett, flute; Stephanie Brumer, Dance Troupe director; Joy Burdette, soprano; Kimberly Gelbwasser Lazzeri, soprano; Amy Gillingham, cello; William Herzog, violin; William Brian Hogg, saxophone; Kelly MacKenzie-Thurley, soprano; Mike Meloy, drums; Sam Reuscher, bass; Christina Lalog Seal, piano; Hye Eun Suh, piano; and Richard Van Dyke, piano.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019, at 7 p.m. in Greaves Concert Hall at NKU. Tickets range $5-$15 and can be purchased at nku.edu/sotatickets or by calling 859-572-5464. Parking is available for patrons in Lots D & I on campus. For more information about NKU’s School of the Arts, please visit nku.edu/sota or follow on social media @NKUSOTA.

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In It’s 111th Year, Memorial Hall Celebrates Veterans with Free Patriotic Performances, Exhibitions and Lecture

MISC_Memorial Hall Society logoCincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall proudly continues its century-long mission of honoring Cincinnati veterans with a full day of patriotic programming. Theatre, visual arts, symphonic music and history coalesce in an evocative celebration of our armed services.

Memorial Hall’s (1225 Elm Street, Over-The-Rhine) 2019 Veterans Salute will take place on Sunday, November 10 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The full schedule of events is as follows:

  • 11am–4:30pm – Veterans Creative Therapy Art Exhibition + Military Dress Display
  • 11:30am–12:15pm – Lecture: 75th Anniversary of The Battle of the Bulge
  • 1-2pm – Performance: The Accidental Hero
  • 3:30–4:30pm – Performance: Queen City Concert Band Veterans Salute

The Veterans Creative Therapy Art Exhibition and Military Dress Display will also be available for viewing on Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, from 9:00am – 3:00pm

All programs are free of charge, though reservations are required. Free tickets can be reserved at MemorialHallOTR.com, or by calling the Memorial Hall Box Office at 513.977.8838 (Tu – Fr, 1pm – 6pm).

The 2019 Veterans Salute is co-presented by the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society, in collaboration with the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Queen City Concert Band, and Lytle Camp 10, Department of Ohio, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Veterans Creative Therapy Art Exhibition + Military Dress Display – 11am – 4:30pm
Celebrate Veterans Day by viewing an exhibition of artwork created by local veterans in the Memorial Hall Ballrooms. Featured artwork will include pieces created by veterans who have participated in the Creative Arts Therapy program at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center (VAMC). Mediums included in past veteran shows have included painting, drawing, sculpture and photography; applied art that includes ceramics, woodcarving, needlework and leatherwork; and craft kits such as string art, fabric art and wood building. This exhibition is part of a veteran’s therapy and provides recognition for their artistic accomplishments.

The exhibition is complemented by a military dress display, featuring uniforms and artifacts from American Wars.

Lecture: 75th Anniversary of The Battle of the Bulge – 11:30am–12:15pm
Presented by Lytle Camp 10, Department of Ohio, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

James L. Centner, Jr., is a Cincinnati Native, Retired United States Naval Officer, former Assistant Professor of History at The United States Military Academy at West Point New York, and current visiting professor at the John Felice Rome Center, Loyola University Chicago. His main area of expertise is World War Two American Military Operations. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Marquette University, and a Master’s Degree in History from Xavier University.

Commander Centner’s presentation is on the great sacrifices and hard-fought actions of the American soldier surrounding the 1944 Battle of the Bulge. Additionally we will have two guest of honor in attendance, that were actually Combat Veterans of the Battle.

The Accidental Hero – 1- 2pm
The Accidental Hero is a multi-media one-man show about a WWII American officer who miraculously liberates the Czech villages of his grandparents.  It’s a true story, written and performed by his grandson.

Patrick Dewane’s grandfather refused to talk about his service in the war. Yet when he died, his basement yielded a treasure trove of typewritten accounts, photos and rare film footage.

Dewane brings this archival material to glowing life as an enthralling, humorous and heartwarming tale of miraculous escapes and astonishing coincidences. This touching show runs from belly laughs to tears. Dewane takes on a dozen different roles as he powerfully recounts his grandfather’s journey from Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the end of WWII. In the last week of the war, Konop’s story turns away from a soldier’s survival tale to something from mythology.  He discovers his lost identity, embraced by the tribe he never knew. Like Luke Skywalker, Konop thought he was just fighting the Evil Empire, in this case the Nazis. But unlike Skywalker, this story is true. His was an epic homecoming. As he freed the Czechs, they liberated him.

Queen City Concert Band Veterans Salute – 3:30–4:30pm
Memorial Hall’s longtime resident wind symphony, the Queen City Concert Band (QCCB) is proud to return home for its tenth annual Veterans Salute. As always, a Military Honor Guard will be on hand representing all branches of the United States military. The QCCB will offer a variety of patriotic selections with themes reflecting the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform during America’s significant domestic and foreign wars. This year marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day, which will be commemorated with popular musical highlights from World War II. Veterans (and family members) are encouraged to attend this fitting tribute. A cookie and punch reception will follow. 

ABOUT MEMORIAL HALL
Memorial Hall, managed and programmed by 3CDC, is conveniently located in the heart of the revitalized arts district of Over-the-Rhine. This exquisite venue overlooks Washington Park, and is adjacent to Music Hall in addition to being down the street from both the School for Creative and Performing Arts and soon-to-be completed new home of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Designed by Samuel Hannaford, the hall features marble staircases adorned with intricate wrought iron that lead to the 550-seat proscenium theater, dubbed the Annie W. and Elizabeth M. Anderson Theater. Exceptional acoustics, decorative murals and Tiffany chandeliers enhance this historic theater. Memorial Hall offers an elegant setting for performances and unique spaces for social and business events.

ABOUT THE MEMORIAL HALL SOCIETY
Established in 2004, the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society (CMHS) is a trustee-led, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history and enhancing Memorial Hall as a place for culture, arts and community. In 2012, CMHS led the revitalization of Memorial Hall, resulting in its comprehensive renovation completed in 2016 by the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation (3CDC), CMHS and Hamilton County. CMHS provides community input for the operation and programming of Memorial Hall; coordinates the “Friends of Memorial Hall” group; and provides high-quality entertainment for a diverse audience through its annual, multi-genre, contemporary music series, “The Longworth-Anderson Series.”

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THE CAKE Is a Sweet Treat With an Edge

HRTC_The Cake promo

Featuring Laurie Carter Rose as Della. Publicity photo courtesy of Heather N. Powell.

The Human Race continues its Women of Influence season
with Bekah Brunstetter’s THE CAKE

(DAYTON, Ohio) Della Brady is the proud owner of Della’s Sweets, and she has been selected to compete on The Great American Baking Show. But when her best friend’s daughter comes home to North Carolina to get married, Della’s life gets turned upside down when she realizes there’s not just one bride, but two. Della’s husband, Tim, says she can’t possibly bake their wedding cake. But can she? Should she? For the first time in her life, Della is left to re-examine the beliefs she’s always held – and the foundations of her own marriage.

The Human Race Theatre Company’s Artistic Director, Kevin Moore, knew right away that this play would be an essential addition to the Women of Influence season. He says, “I fell in love with this play. While the inspiration may be taken from current headlines about discrimination, the play is less about the politics and more about how we challenge our own beliefs for the people we love. That makes for great theatre!”

THE CAKE was written by Bekah Brunstetter, a writer and co-producer on the NBC smash-hit family drama This Is Us, and she packs this play full of hilarity and compassion as she offers a prism into four different experiences of the place where love, tradition, and family expectations collide. The principal role of Della was originated by Debra Jo Rupp (That 70s Show) in both the world premiere and Off-Broadway productions.

THE CAKE stars Laurie Carter Rose as Della, Tim Lile as Tim, Claire Kennedy as Jen, and Candice Handy as Macy, and is directed by Greg Hellems.

The preview performance of THE CAKE is October 31; opening night is November 1. Both performances begin at 8 PM.

This production is sponsored by Marion’s Piazza, Ashley’s Pastry Shop, Sue Spiegel and Lisa Hanauer, Heather Bailey and Frank Scenna, Della’s Baking Class Sponsorship Club, and Anonymous Friends.

All season long, The Human Race Theatre Company is partnering with The Neon for the “Women of Influence in the Movies” series. Join us at The Neon on Monday November 4 at 7:30 pm for Saving Face. Wil is a lesbian, but she dare not tell her widowed mother or very traditional grandparents. She’s shocked to find out she’s not the only one in her family with romantic secrets when she learns her 48-year-old mother is pregnant and has just been kicked out of the family home.

PERFORMANCE AND SPECIAL EVENT INFORMATION

Tickets for THE CAKE start at $16. Prices vary depending on the day of the week and seating location. Group discounts are available for parties of 10 or more. Student tickets are available at 50% off regular adult prices and a student I.D. must be presented when picking up at the Box Office. The November 3 7:00 p.m. performance is “Sawbuck Sunday,” when any available seat can be purchased in person for just $10 at the Loft Theatre box office two hours prior to the show. Discounts are subject to availability and some restrictions apply.

All performances are at the Metropolitan Art Center’s Loft Theatre, located at 126 North Main Street in downtown Dayton, Ohio. Show times for THE CAKE are 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Performances on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings begin at 7:00 p.m., and at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday matinees.

Tickets and performance information for THE CAKE are available at www.humanracetheatre.org or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

Box office hours: Tuesday – Fridays, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Schuster Center; and two hours prior to each performance in the Loft Lobby. Ticket prices start at: $37 for adults, $34 for seniors and $19.50 for students. Prices vary depending on performance date.

Discounts: Select side-area seats available for $28 at all performances; “Sawbuck Sunday” November 3 at 7:00 p.m. – $10 seats available for walk up sales only.

Student Discounts: All adult priced tickets are discounted at 50% for students. *A student I.D. must be presented at the box office.

Military Discount: U.S. Military members (active duty & retired) can receive 50% off a Full Priced Adult Ticket with Military ID. *Limit 2 per performance.

Group sales: contact Betty Gould at (937) 461-8295 or Betty.Gould@victoriatheatre.com

The Cake performance dates:

  • Wednesday, October 30 8:00 p.m. Pay-What-You-CAN open rehearsal
  • Thursday, October 31 8:00 p.m. “Inside Track” pre-show discussion/Preview performance
  • Friday, November 1 8:00 p.m. Opening night with post-show lobby party
  • Saturday, November 2 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 3 2:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 3 7:00 p.m. “Sawbuck Sunday” – $10 tickets at the door
  • Tuesday, November 5 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 6 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 7 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, November 8 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 9 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 10 2:00 p.m. “While We’re on the Subject” post-show talk-back
  • Tuesday, November 12 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, November 13 13 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 14 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, November 15 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 16 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 17 2:00 p.m. Closing performance

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2019-2020 marks the 33rd season for The Human Race Theatre Company, “Dayton’s Official Professional Theatre Company.” Founded in 1986, The Human Race moved into the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence in its current home, the 212-seat Loft Theatre. In addition to the Eichelberger Loft Season, The Human Race produces new works development and special event programming. Under the direction of Executive Director Kappy Kilburn and Kevin Moore, Artistic Director, the company also maintains outreach programs, as well as artist residencies in area schools and a summer youth program. Human Race organizational support is provided by the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, Culture Works, the Shubert Foundation, the Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The 2019-2020 Sustainability Sponsors are the ELM Foundation, Anne F. Johnson, Steve and Lou Mason, Morris Home, and the Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation. The 2019-2020 Loft season sponsor is the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of the Dayton Foundation. The Women of Influence season sponsor is the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation for the Arts.

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Classic Broadway Hit 42ND STREET Opens CCM’s 2019-2020 Musical Series

CCM_42nd StThe CCMONSTAGE Musical Series presents the ultimate show-biz musical
42ND STREET on Oct. 24-27, 2019
Tickets are on sale now

CINCINNATI, OH — Declared by Playbill Magazine as one of the most represented schools on Broadway, UC’s College-Conservatory of Music presents 42ND STREET on Oct. 24-27, 2019 at Corbett Auditorium. Featuring tap dancing and classic show tunes, CCM’s musical theatre student stars of tomorrow bring this beloved story to life on stage with all of the glitz and glamour of the Great White Way.

The ultimate show-biz musical, 42ND STREET celebrates Broadway, Times Square and the people who make the magic of musical theatre. Aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown, Pennsylvania, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star?

Featuring music by Harry Warren, lyrics by Al Dubin and a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, the score is chock-full of Broadway standards, including “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me,” “Dames,” “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and “Forty-Second Street.”

A special guest and distinguished alumnus returns to CCM during the run of 42ND STREET to work with musical theatre students in a series of master classes. Lee Roy Reams (’64, ‘82; HonDoc ’98) originated the role of Billy Lawlor in 42ND STREET when it opened on Broadway in 1980. He was nominated for Tony and Drama Desk awards for his performance. Reams’ master classes at CCM will focus on auditioning, the importance and impact on 42ND STREET in the realm of American musical theatre, tap dancing and the “business of the business.” Read more about Reams and his upcoming CCM master class.

The 2019-20 CCMONSTAGE Musical Series presents 42ND STREET on Oct. 24-27, 2019, at Corbett Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office; student discounts are available.

42ND STREET Billing Credits 

  • Music by Harry Warren
  • Lyrics by Al Dubin
  • Book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble
  • Based on the Novel by Bradford Ropes
  • Original Direction and Dances by Gower Champion
  • Originally Produced on Broadway by David Merrick

The use of all songs is by arrangement with Warner Bros., the owner of music publishers’ rights.

42ND STREET is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK, www.tamswitmark.com

Creative Team

  • Diana Lala, director
  • Roger Grodsky, musical director
  • Diana Lala and Katie Johannigman, co-choreographers
  • Mark Halpin, scenic designer
  • Reba Senske, costume designer
  • Jeremy Mayo*, lighting designer
  • Hankyu Lee*, sound designer
  • Samantha Kittle*, wig and make-up designer
  • Jennelle John-Lewis*, production stage manager
  • Eddy Mineishi*, associate sound designer
  • Ashley Crockett*, prop master
  • k. Jenny Jones, fight director
  • Sammi Grant, dialect coach
    * CCM Student

Cast List 

  • Michael Canu as Andy Lee
  • Joey Vaz as Oscar
  • Matthew Skrovan as Mac
  • Zoë Grolnick as Annie
  • Camila Paquet as Maggie Jones
  • John Collins as Bert Barry
  • Anna Chase Lanier as Ethel
  • Kylie Liya Page as Diane
  • Tori Heinlein as Gladys
  • Jack Brewer as Billy Lawlor
  • Bailee Endebrock as Peggy Sawyer
  • Allison Bossart as Lorraine
  • Haley Holcomb as Phyllis
  • Nick Berninger as Julian Marsh
  • Jamie Goodson as Dorothy Brock
  • Sam Cohen as Abner Dillon
  • Sam Pickart as Pat Denning
  • Madison Hagler, Stone Mountain as Thugs
  • Kurtis Brown as Doctor
  • Ensemble: Jenna Bienvenue, Kurtis Brown, Carina Florio, Ashton Francis, Alloria Frayser, Madison Hagler, Cole Harksen, Chip Hawver, Tori Heinlein, Kai Horvit, Joshua Kenneth Allen Johnson, Anna Chase Lanier, David Littlefield, Kylie Liya Page, Cassie Maurer, Eli Mayer, Kassi McMillan, Chesney Mitchell, Stone Mountain, Eli Owens, Ben Pimental, Aaron Richert, Sammy Schechter, Quinn Surdez, Abby Tucker, Julia Yameen, Jess Zylstra
  • Swings: Christian Feliciano and Delaney Benson
  • Dance Captain: Joshua Kenneth Allen Johnson
  • Tap Captain: Zoë Grolnick
  • Assistant Director: Elijah King

Performance Times

  • 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24
  • 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25
  • 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Location
Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Single tickets prices start at $35.50. Student discounts and group rates are also available.

Learn about additional ticket options for current CCM students.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online now through our e-box office.

Directions and Parking
CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. Please visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions for detailed driving directions to CCM Village.

Parking is available in UC’s CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors.

CCMONSTAGE Production Sponsors: Macy’s and Dr. & Mrs. Carl G. Fischer

A preeminent institution for the performing and media arts, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the largest single source of performing arts presentations in the state of Ohio. All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit us online at https://ccm.uc.edu/.
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