Category Archives: Press Releases

November 12, 2019 · 11:18 am

The Spirits of the Season Return to Cincinnati Playhouse, A CHRSTIMAS CAROL Comes to Life Nov. 27-Dec. 29

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Britney Nicole Simpson as Ghost of Christmas Past and Bruce Cromer as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

(CINCINNATI) — The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s joyous, time-honored celebration of the true meaning of the holidays returns for its 29th season as First Financial Bank presents Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The beloved, iconic story will be performed Nov. 27 through Dec. 29 in the Playhouse’s Robert S. Marx Theatre. (Opening night is Nov. 29.)

More than 630,000 people have enjoyed the timeless classic at the Playhouse over the past 28 years. An immediate hit when Dickens wrote it in 1843, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is often credited for revitalizing the celebration of Christmas as we know it today.

“Thousands of families return each year to the Playhouse to make A CHRISTMAS CAROL a part of their holiday traditions,” explains Blake Robison, artistic director. “The enduring message of A CHRISTMAS CAROL helps to make it one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each season and a perfect way to introduce children to the joys of live theatre.”

Adapted by Howard Dallin, Dickens’ narrative comes to vivid life with spectacular effects and hundreds of costumes that illuminate Ebenezer Scrooge’s time-traversing pilgrimage with the spirits one magical Christmas Eve. From his kind-hearted sister Fan and first love Belle to his generous employer Fezziwig and humble clerk Bob Cratchit, Scrooge is repeatedly shown the saving grace of love and concern for humanity.

Bruce Cromer returns to fill Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly shoes this season for the 15th time, the longest run among the four actors who have played the role, and his son, Charlie, returns for a second season to portray Scrooge as a young adult. Michael Evan Haney is the director of the production.

All show times for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are at 2 p.m. for matinees and 7 p.m. for evening performances to accommodate families with children. Please note the earlier curtain time. There will be no performances on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and selected weeknights in early December.

TICKETS
Prices for A CHRISTMAS CAROL start at $35 for the Nov. 27 preview performance and at $40 for all other performances depending on seat location. Tickets for children and teens are $50, $45 or $30 depending on seat location. Prices are subject to change. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show. In addition to calling the Box Office at 513-421-3888, tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Playhouse website at www.cincyplay.com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be audio described for those with visual impairments at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, and signed for persons with hearing impairments at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. There is a sensory-friendly performance on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.

CAST
(in speaking order)

Bruce Cromer (Ebenezer Scrooge); Nick Rose (Mr. Cupp/Percy/Rich Man at Fezziwig’s);
Taha Mandviwala (Mr. Sosser/Topper/Man with Shoe Shine/Guest at Fezziwig’s); Ryan Wesley Gilreath (Bob Cratchit/Schoolmaster Oxlip); Daniel Petzold (Fred); Greg Procaccino (Jacob Marley/Old Joe); Britney Nicole Simpson (Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Peake); Benjamin Sheffer (Boy Scrooge/Boy at Fezziwig’s/Bootblack/Streets); Ari Elizabeth Johnson (Fan/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Douglas Rees (Mr. Fezziwig/Ghost of Christmas Present); Annie Fitzpatrick (Mrs. Fezziwig/Patience/Streets); Nicolás Acosta (Dick Wilkins/Streets); Jo Garcia-Reger (Mary [Scrubwoman at Fezziwig’s]/Caroler/Streets); Charlie Cromer (Young and Mature Scrooge/Ghost of Christmas Future); Sara Masterson (Belle/Catherine Margaret); Joshua Carandang (Constable at Fezziwig’s/Man with Pipe/Caroler/Streets); Kelly Mengelkoch (Mrs. Cratchit/Laundress/Streets); Teancom Thacker (Peter Cratchit/Gregory/Apprentice at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Ashlynn Isabel Hezlep (Belinda Cratchit/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Mia Goodlett (Martha Cratchit/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Roshan Chitnis (Tiny Tim); Julia Gomez (Rose/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Caroler/Streets; Stephen Tait (Ignorance/Matthew/Apprentice at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Teagan Farmer (Want/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Shonita Joshi (Mrs. Dilber/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Ethan Graham Roeder (Undertaker/Caroler/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Sabian Swan (George/Charles/Rich Son at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Deja Elliott (Poulteress/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets)

PRODUCTION
Michael Evan Haney (Director); James Leonard Joy (Set Designer); David Murin (Costume Designer); Kirk Bookman (Lighting Designer); David B. Smith (Sound Designer/Composer); Steve O’Shea (Lighting Contractor); Cindy Witherspoon (Costume Coordinator); Rebecca N. Childs (Music Director); Dee Anne Bryll (Choreographer); Stephanie Klapper, CSA (Casting Director); Andrea L. Shell (Stage Manager); Jenifer Morrow (Second Stage Manager)

SPONSORS
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented by First Financial Bank. The design sponsor and artist sponsor/Ghosts is Ohio National Financial Services. Artist sponsor/Ebenezer Scrooge is AAA/Provident Travel. Artist sponsor/Tiny Tim is Bahl & Gaynor.  Additional support is provided by The Stona Fitch Family.

The Robert S. Marx Theatre Season is presented by Schueler Group. Season Sponsor of New Work is The Rosenthal Family Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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EVENTS

HOXWORTH BLOOD DRIVE
Saturday, Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join the Playhouse and Hoxworth Blood Center for our 24th annual blood drive! Donors will receive a voucher for half-price tickets for select performances of A Christmas Carol and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. You’ll also leave knowing that you provided life-giving support to those in need, saving up to three lives with your single donation.
For an appointment, visit www.hoxworth.org/groups/playhouse. Appointment times are limited, so you are strongly encouraged to reserve your spot in advance.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m.
This performance is specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. The Playhouse removes sensory challenges and provides various accommodations to address needs by making technical adjustments to the production (such as sound modifications and removing fog, haze and certain kinds of lighting). Offstage accommodations are also available.

Recommended for first-grade and older students and adults. Tickets cost $15 per person. Companion seats can also be purchased. To reserve tickets for this special performance, please contact Valerie Perez at 513-977-2028, or valerie.perez@cincyplay.com. To read about accommodations, modifications and our philosophy surrounding the event, visit our blog.

CRATCHIT FAMILY FOOD DRIVE
Help a neighbor in need by participating in the Playhouse’s annual Cratchit Family Food Drive to support the Freestore Foodbank. To donate, simply bring a nonperishable food or personal care item to the Playhouse when you come for a performance in November or December and place it in one of the barrels located near the Box Office. Food items that are always in demand include canned meat products; canned vegetables; fruits and soups; peanut butter; and macaroni and cheese. Personal care items include soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products and disposable diapers. Please, no glass items.

 

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November 12, 2019 · 9:38 am

World Premiere, LIKE DEMONS on Nov. 22-25

IBP_Like Demons logoInBocca Performance is pleased to announce the World Premiere of LIKE DEMONS, a brand-new show from playwright Maggie Lou Rader and director Alice Flanders.

We’ve all learned in history class that the Civil War pitted brother against brother. This autumn, leave the history books behind and learn the untold real-life story of the women who hid their true selves and dressed like men to give their lives for their country and Eight for what they thought was right. Focusing on Sarah Emma Edmonds (Nurse and Spy in the Union Army,) playwright Maggie Lou Rader brings the same careful study to the women of the Civil War as she did to Mary Shelley in the Know Theatre’s 2018 hit production of Mary’s Monster.

Come join us for a swashbuckling, emotionally charged adventure you definitely didn’t learn about in high school! Starring eight Cincinnati favorites: Elizabeth Carman, Esther Cunningham, Hannah Gregory, Ashley Morton, Ryan-Chavez Richmond, Chaslee Schweitzer, Rory Sheridan, and Kate Stark.

LIKE DEMONS will run Friday, November 22nd through Monday, November 25th. All performances are at 7:30 P.M. at Leapin Lizard (724 Main St, Covington, KY 41011).

Tickets are $15, and the show is appropriate for most ages (please be advised there is light cursing and stylized depictions of war and violence.)

To order tickets, please visit inboccaperformance.com or follow the links
below:

InBocca Performance utilizes experimental theatre methods to create devised works highlighting women specifically, which build actors’ craft and produce a unique experience for the audience; all under general direction from producer Caroline Stine.

History of the Company
InBocca Performance humbly began as the Cliffview Players in a basement in 1997 and became a main stage company in 2008. Notable past performances for the Ft. Thomas Community Theatre were Peter Pan in 2008 and Into the Woods in 2010. Artistic Director Caroline Stine began working with young actors to devise theatrical pieces in the summer of 2011 at The Village Players in Ft. Thomas, KY. In 2012, they created The Maid of Orleans, an emotionally charged production about Joan of Arc. The next year, they created Romeo y Margarita, a story that combined the lyricism of Shakespearean verse with the romance of the Spanish language. They then expanded to create art within greater Cincinnati, including a sellout production of Swan Lake: A Waking Dream at the
Southgate House Revival in 2015, followed by My Twisted Face at Cincinnati Fringe Festival. In 2016, InBocca performed at Cincy Fringe again with Charlie’s Girls, which built a script almost entirely from testimonies from the trials of the Charles Manson murders. In 2017, InBocca created ALICE, a dance/theatre sequel to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland set in a Victorian asylum. Ms. Caroline Stine received her Bachelor degree from Butler University and her Masters in Contemporary Performance from Naropa University in Boulder, CO. She received theatrical training in Italy and Russia and participated in the Crisis Arts Festival in Arezzo, Italy. She is currently teaching at Northern Kentucky University and Notre Dame Academy.

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November 11, 2019 · 12:23 pm

Xavier University Theatre Presents THE WOLVES, Nov. 15-23

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Becky Williams as 8, Kennedy Florence as 13, Olivia Pletcher as 2, Lily Dennstaedt as 14, Liv Hardy as 46, Victoria Forbes as 11, Lauren Davidson as 00, Holland Taylor as 25, & Gigi Relic as 7.

Helmed by HAMILTON tour resident director Tiffany Nichole Greene
with sets by Paul Shortt

(CINCINNATI, Nov. 8, 2019) – Xavier University continues its 2019-20 season with one of the nation’s most-produced shows this year, Sarah DeLappe’s The Wolves. The play, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, runs for two weekends from Nov. 15 to 23 in Xavier’s Gallagher Student Center Theater.

Left quad. Right quad. Lunge. A girl’s indoor soccer team warms up. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. The Wolves is a portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals.

Director Tiffany Nichole Greene is elated to be working with the Xavier theatre program for a second time, having previously directed the world premiere production of Cannibal Galaxy in 2017. Originally from Houston, Greene now splits her time as the resident director of the Philip Tour of Hamilton and as a freelance director in theatres across America. She is a proud member of SDC whose recent work includes Boudica (Guthrie Theater); A Christmas Carol (Dallas Theater Center); The Danger: A Homage to Strange Fruit (JACK Brooklyn); Between Riverside and Crazy (SpeakEasy Stage); Well-Intentioned White People (Barrington Stage); Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Theatre Three); A Raisin in the Sun (Triad Stage); and Skeleton Crew (Trinity Rep).

“At first glance, The Wolves could easily be perceived as a play about bratty teen girls, but that would be incorrect. And that doesn’t interest me,” says the show’s director, Tiffany Greene. “There are three central ideas that I found to be powerful and used as the baseline in my direction: this play skillfully explores the ways in which we pollute our most sacred spaces; it artfully articulates the effects fear and insecurity have on the ways in which we connect or reach out; and it leaves us clear about one thing- a sacred space is not to be confused with a protected one… no one is exempt.”

“We are ecstatic to have Tiffany directing for us again,” said Stephen Skiles, director of Xavier University Theatre. “She was the perfect person to work on this physical, important, dynamic piece of theatre. The fact that she stepped away from Hamilton to work with us says a lot about the dedication of our students. I can’t wait for audiences to see the nuance, energy and commitment that Tiffany gets from these young performers.”

The cast for The Wolves features first-year students Kennedy Florence and Becky Williams; sophomores Lauren Davidson, Victoria Forbes, Olivia Hardy and Olivia Pletcher; juniors Tina Boffa and Holland Taylor; and seniors Lilly Dennstaedt and Gigi Relic. Understudies are first-year student Emily Bruns, sophomore Connie Kavensky and senior Emily Jorgensen.

In addition to Greene, other members of the creative team include Paul Shortt (set designer), Jessica Pitcairn (costume designer), Joe Beumer (lighting designer) and Tatum Mann (sound designer). Support is provided by Stephen Skiles (producer), Amara Shroba (soccer coach) and Joe Leonard (technical director). The stage manager is senior Emi Suarez, and assistant stage managers are first-year student Lillian Reynolds and junior Katherine Ivins.

Performances take place in the Gallagher Student Center Theater at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 and 2:00 p.m. on Nov. 16. Tickets for The Wolves are available now through the Xavier University Theatre Box Office. They are $18 each for adults and $13 each for students, as well as Xavier faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, visit www.xavier.edu/theatretickets or call 513-745-3939.

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November 9, 2019 · 10:15 am

2020-2021 Season Announced by Mariemont Players

MPI_logoTHE OUTSIDER – By Paul Slade Smith
Directed by Doug Berlon
September 11-27, 2020

Ned Newley doesn’t even want to be governor. He’s terrified of public speaking, and his poll numbers are impressively bad. To his ever-supportive Chief of Staff, Ned seems destined to fail. But political consultant Arthur Vance sees things differently: Ned might be the worst candidate to ever run for office – unless the public is looking for… the worst candidate to ever run for office. A timely and hilarious comedy that skewers politics and celebrates democracy.

THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO – By Alfred Uhry
Directed by Aaron Whitehead
Comedy/Drama
November 6-22, 2020

In December 1939, Gone with the Wind is having its world premiere and Hitler’s invading Poland, but members of Atlanta’s Jewish-German elite are more concerned with who’s going to Ballyhoo, the social event of the season. Amidst comedy, romance, and unexpected turns, the Freitag family is forced to face where they come from and deal with who they really are. Winner of the 1997 Tony Award for Best Play.

THE CAT’S MEOW – By Steven Peros
Directed by jef brown
Drama
January 15-31, 2021

Based on the true story of a mysterious Hollywood death, a fascinating cross section of Jazz Era characters including William Randolph Hearst, Charlie Chaplin, Marion Davies, and Thomas Ince intersect in this fictionalized account of one notorious weekend on board Hearst’s yacht in 1924.

THE CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE STAKES – By Bruce Graham
Directed by Dan Maloney
Comedy/Drama
March 12-28, 2021

It’s a special day at the racetrack where “Champagne” Charlie, a racetrack regular, has a race named in his honor. A dreamer and teller of tall tales, Charlie conspires to place his entire meager savings – “the whole she-bang” – on a long-shot hunch. This gentle and poignant comedy mixes family, love, and an oversized bet to illustrate the power of loyalty, integrity, and growing older gracefully.

CRY IT OUT – By Molly Smith Metzler
Directed by Becky Collins
Comedy/Drama
May 7-23, 2021

In the sweet spot between their yards where both baby monitors get reception, new moms Jessie and Lina bond over coffee during naptime while laughing through the highs and lows of motherhood. A comedy with dark edges, Cry It Out takes an honest look at the absurdities of being home with a baby, the power of female friendship, the dilemma of going back to work, and the effect class has on parenthood in America. **Contains Strong Language**

BEEHIVE: The 60’s Musical – Created by Larry Gallagher
Directed by Linda Abbott
Musical Revue
July 9-25, 2021

Beehive celebrates the powerful female voices of the 1960’s with such timeless hits as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “Be My Baby,” “Son of a Preacher Man,” and “Me and Bobby McGee.” Told from the perspective of six young women who come of age in this enigmatic decade, BEEHIVE takes us from their first Beehive Dance to the challenges we faced as a nation.

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November 6, 2019 · 12:15 pm

Cincinnati Ballet and Taft’s Brewing Company Team Up for Special NUTCRACKER Ale

CB_Nutcracker AleCINCINNATI, OH.  (November 5, 2019) – Cincinnati Ballet and Taft’s Brewing Company are proud to announce the creation of the first-ever ‘Nutcracker’ Ale. Based on Taft’s classic holiday winter warmer ale, Santa’s Bribe, this Nutcracker Ale is filled with similar festive flavors including cinnamon, ginger, and vanilla. Expect more and stronger! This specialty version pairs perfectly with a Christmas cookie or two. The limited-edition Nutcracker Ale will be available at Cincinnati Music Hall during the annual production of Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy, as well as Taft’s locations during the holiday season.

Please join us for The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy at historic Music Hall December 19 through December 29. The family favorite follows Clara and her Nutcracker Prince as they travel to the Land of Sweets and meet a colorful cast of characters. Ticket information at cballet.org.

About Taft’s Brewing Company
Taft’s Brewing Company was founded in 2015 through the creation of Taft’s Ale House. The founders of Taft’s partnered with the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp (3CDC) to create the brewery and restaurant located in Cincinnati’s Over-The-Rhine. The three-story Ale House resides in a renovated historic church originally built in 1850 and offers premium steak fare in a beautifully designed space. In 2017, the Taft’s team created a production brewery and tap room, Taft’s Brewpourium, located in Spring Grove Village. The 50,000-square-foot facility is home to high-volume brewing and beer kegging, canning and packaging. The Brewpourium tap room offers guests 12-15 of Taft’s house-created brews and New Haven style coal-fired pizza. Taft’s beers can also be found in bars, restaurants, grocery stores and other outlets across the region. Visit http://www.taftsbeer.com.

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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