Category Archives: Press Releases

June 19, 2019 · 12:05 pm

PORGY AND BESS and BLIND INJUSTICE Opera Raps in July

co_logoCincinnati Opera Presents
July Opera Raps:
Meet the Cast of PORGY AND BESS &
Introducing BLIND INJUSTICE 

CINCINNATI—Each year, Cincinnati Opera presents a diverse series of informative and entertaining Opera Raps lectures in the months leading up to, and during, the summer performance season. These community programs are created to enlighten and engage opera devotees and newcomers alike, and feature conversations on topics related to Cincinnati Opera’s 2019 Summer Festival. For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org.

Meet the Cast of Porgy and Bess
Cincinnati Opera’s 2019 season production of Porgy and Bess features a star-studded cast: Grammy-nominated soprano Talise Trevigne as Bess; Metropolitan Opera bass Morris Robinson as Porgy; baritone Nmon Ford as the menacing Crown; and many more. Join us for a panel discussion led by Cincinnati Opera’s Evans Mirageas, and meet the magnetic singers who will bring the Gershwins’ great American opera to life on the Music Hall stage this summer. 

When: Tuesday, July 9, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 7080 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237
Admission: FREE, but tickets are required. Call the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at (513) 241-2742 to reserve.

Introducing Blind Injustice
This summer, Cincinnati Opera presents the world premiere of Blind Injustice, an opera drawn from the real-life tragedies and triumphs of six women and men, all of whom were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. Eventually, they were set free through the work of the Ohio Innocence Project.

At this event, exonerees Nancy Smith and Rickey Jackson will share their stories; Blind Injustice cast members will sing several excerpts from the work; and librettist David Cote, composer Scott Davenport Richards, stage director and dramaturg Robin Guarino, and Ohio Innocence Project Director Mark Godsey will discuss the project with Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera. 

Blind Injustice is a collaboration between Cincinnati Opera, the Ohio Innocence Project, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and the Young Professionals Choral Collective.

When: Wednesday, July 17, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, 7080 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45237
Admission: FREE, but tickets are required. Limit 4 tickets per household. Order online at cincinnatiopera.org or call the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at (513) 241-2742 to reserve. 

Founded in 1920, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of opera every June and July in multiple venues, including the recently renovated historic Music Hall. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary works brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative teams. 

Cincinnati Opera’s 2019 Summer Festival runs June 13 through July 28, featuring Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro,Charles Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, Richard Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos, the world premiere of Blind Injustice by Scott Davenport Richards and David Cote, based on true stories of the Ohio Innocence Project, and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess. Cincinnati Opera’s 2019 Season Presenting Sponsor is Huntington Bank. The 2019 season is also made possible with support from ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, and many generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. 

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. 

cincinnatiopera.org

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June 15, 2019 · 8:45 am

CFF19: Fringe Encores/Pick of the Fringe

CFF19_MirandaOur slate of award-winners is:

  • Audience Pick – THE VEGETABLES! by Old, Old, Old, Very Old Man Productions!
  • Fringe Next Pick – TALES FROM THE CUCKOO CLUB from Caldera Studios!
  • Artists’ Pick – MY GERIATRIC UTERUS from Aggressive Curl Pattern Productions!
  • Critics’ Pick – THIS HOUSE WILL NEVER LET US GO from Gideon Productions!
  • Producer’s Pick – DESCENT: A Murder Ballad from Hannah Gregory!
  • Full Frontal Pick – ZOINKS! from Queen City Flash!

And our slate of Encores, drawn from our available Pick of the Fringe Winners as well as our “Shows You Wished You’d Gotten To See” votes are as follows:

  • 1:30 PM – DESCENT: A Murder Ballad at Know Theatre
  • 2:45 PM – MY GERIATRIC UTERUS at Art Academy Room 103
  • 4:00 PM – ZOINKS! at Art Academy Room 563
  • 6:30 – THE VEGETABLES! at Know Theatre
  • 7:45 – 90 LIES AN HOUR at Know Theatre **PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGE**
  • 9:00 – LET’S PRANK CALL EACH OTHER at Know Theatre

For individual tickets visit https://knowtheatre.vbotickets.com/events

For an Encore Pass visit https://knowtheatre.vbotickets.com/events and click on the Subscriptions tab.

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June 14, 2019 · 2:57 pm

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Presents the 13th Annual FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour Starts Next Week!

CSC_Shakespeare in the Park 2019 logoThe tour of over 40 locations runs from June 21- August 31, 2019

Cincinnati, June 14, 2019- Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2019 FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour opens next week on Friday June 21! This year’s tour has over 40 performance stops (and growing). The popular Shakespeare titles, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Macbeth will be presented.  These performances are FREE and open to the public.  The cast features six actors from CSC Professional Intern Company.  Following the Park Tour, these shows will travel and tour to local schools, community centers, venues and other performing arts locations through May 2020.  Last year, CSC’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour had over 10,000 people in attendance!

The FREE Shakespeare in the Park Tour kicks off the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2019-2020 season, which also marks their third year in their new custom-built theater (The Otto M. Budig Theater) in Over-the-Rhine.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is constantly working to expand their reach further and further into the region and has one of the largest programs for free outdoor Shakespeare in the nation, both in number of stops and the size of the region reached. For a complete list, including show titles and info on the venues, visit this page:http://cincyshakes.com/shakespeare-in-the-park/  

Admission to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Shakespeare in the Park Tour is free and there is no ticket or RSVP required.  All performances are open to all and are general admission, open seating.  Arriving early is typically recommended for best seating and lawn chairs and blankets are recommended.  For questions regarding inclement weather or for details and rules regarding outside food and drink (including or excluding alcohol), please contact the individual parks and venues.

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Production Information:

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by William Shakespeare
What happens when feuding fairies meddle in the love lives of human couples? Comical adventures, mistaken identities, and a silly play-within-a-play! The cast of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is on tour with fairies, lovers and Nick Bottom and the Mechanicals as they hilariously attempt to rehearse and perform a play for the Duke’s wedding. In this whimsical forest, a happy ending is guaranteed for both sprites and mortals alike.

ROMEO AND JULIET by William Shakespeare
One of the most beloved romantic tragedies in Shakespeare’s canon, Romeo and Juliet is the tale of the Bard’s star-crossed lovers. Romeo and Juliet fall instantly in love only to discover they come from feuding families. In defiance of their families, amidst the animosity of friends, and in concealment from their mentors, a young couple risk everything to be together. CSC is proud to present this modern production of Romeo and Juliet and prove its continued relevance in the lives of the young and old alike.

MACBETH by William Shakespeare
Prophecies. Ambition. Murder. Madness. In Shakespeare’s famous cursed play “Macbeth”, we see the darkness of the world overcome the light. After an encounter with three witches on a Scottish battlefield, Macbeth must make a decision that will change the course of his life.  Betrayal, love, bloodshed and tragedy adorn the path in this chilling, supernatural tale, leaving us wondering how far Macbeth will go to get what he wants. Tormented by visions and guilt when the price of his crimes take their toll, what fate awaits Macbeth? Find out in Shakespeare’s supernatural thriller.

Both shows are suitable for children and families of all ages and are approximately 90 minutes in length with an intermission.

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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 Theater 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!

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June 13, 2019 · 1:58 pm

Cincy Fringe’s Encore Performances Present the Best of the Fest!

CFF_Orange logo text onlyCINCINNATI, June 13, 2019 – The 2019 Cincinnati Fringe Festival is in its last days! With 42 performances remaining over the final three days, there are still plenty of chances – but not a lot of time – to come get weird at Cincy Fringe, where our motto is “Kinda Weird – Like You.”

Primary Lineup performances continue on Thursday and Friday, in staggered start times from 6:30 to 9 pm. With almost all productions coming in under an hour, it’s easy to sample multiple shows in one evening! Many performances so far this festival have been sold out or very close to capacity (we’re approaching a record-breaking year for sold out performances!), so patrons are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance on our website or by calling the box office at 513-300-5669. The full lineup is available at cincyfringe.com.

On Saturday, June 15, we will present a day-long festival grand finale of Encore Performances. The Pick of the Fringe Awards will be announced on Friday night, beginning at approximately 10:30 pm; each of the six winning productions will present one final performance to close out the festival. This “Best of the Fest” lets audiences sample (or revisit) the most highly-lauded and noteworthy productions of 2019 Cincy Fringe.

Individual tickets for Encore Performances go on sale both in-person and online for $15/ticket on Friday night after the winners are announced, but until then, the only way for patrons to guarantee themselves a spot to see these award-winning productions is with the purchase of an Encore Pass. At $75, these passes offer a great value (six tickets for the price of five) and ensure the holder a seat in each Encore Performance. The performances begin at 1:30 pm, 2:45 pm, 4:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:45 pm, and 9:00 pm.

After the winners of the Pick of the Fringe Awards are announced live in Friday night’s Bar Series programming at the Know Theatre, the lineup of Encore Performances will be shared with audiences through the Cincinnati Fringe Festival website, cincyfringe.com, as well as through our digital newsletter and all our social media channels.

For additional details on the 2019 Cincy Fringe, please visit
https://www.cincyfringe.com!

The 16th Annual Cincinnati Fringe Festival
WHEN
Now through June 15, 2019
Individual performance and event times vary.
Visit https://www.cincyfringe.com for more information.

WHERE
Fringe HQ (Know Theatre)
1120 Jackson Street 45202

Individual performance and event venues vary.
Visit https://www.cincyfringe.com for more information.

TICKETS
$15 single tickets
Multi-show pass options available.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://www.cincyfringe.com
or by calling 513.300.5669 (KNOW). 

Know Theatre is Cincinnati’s Theatrical Playground. The Know showcases unexpected voices, new works, and plays that embrace the inherent theatricality of the live experience. Know Theatre seeks to be a place where artists and audiences feel welcome to take artistic risks, creating work that is cutting edge and accessible. 

Know Theatre’s work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign .

The  Ohio Arts Council  helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. 

Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation , helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the  Greater Cincinnati Foundation , which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving. 

Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network.

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June 13, 2019 · 10:21 am

Miamisburg High School Theatre Wins Awards at the Miami Valley High School Theatre Awards (MVHSTA)

MISC_Miamisburg High School Theatre logoJune 13, 2019 – Miamisburg High School Theatre took home multiple awards at the First Annual Miami Valley High School Theatre Awards including an overall award of Merit for their production of The Addams Family, directed by Mark Phillips, music directed by Halli Hill, and choreographed by Stacy Gear.

Modeled after the Tony Awards, the awards showcase took place on June 11, 2019 at the Schuster Center. Forty productions, from twenty-two schools, were reviewed by three qualified adjudicators from across the area who also provided directors feedback. In addition to Outstanding Musical and Play, award categories included Outstanding Lead Actor/Actress in a Play and Musical, Outstanding Supporting Actor/Actress in a Play and Musical, Outstanding Ensemble Performance, Outstanding Student Designers, Outstanding Featured Dancer, Outstanding Student Orchestra, and Theater Program Director of the Year.

The MVHSTA Showcase featured 24 students who performed solos based on the roles they are recognized for in the Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress in a Musical category. Miamisburg High School soloists included: Nick Bradley (Gomez), Cassidy Jackson (Morticia), Ryann Davis (Alice), Caitlin Zook (Fester), and Mackenzie Fox (Pugsley). Additionally MHS Theatre had two actresses (Jenna Burke and Allie Hubler) perform in the opening and closing numbers.

MHS Theatre’s production of “The Addams Family” had multiple nominees and awards, listed below.

  • Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical
  • Merit for Production of a Musical
  • Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical – Nick Bradley
  • Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical – Cassidy Jackson, Ryann Davis, Mackenzie Fox, Caitlin Zook
  • Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical – Allie Hubler
  • Outstanding Student Stage Management – Nathan Stelter
  • Merit for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Musical – Eden Hill
  • Nominees for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Musical – Jenna Burke, Mattelyn Magill

Mark Phillips, Director for The Addams Family, says “The MVHSTAs are not “Participation Awards” but are judged by highly skilled theatre professionals. Earning nine awards is an impressive feat, since many of the twenty-two schools involved walked away with only one or two, or no awards. Everyone involved in the MHS Theatre Program should be very proud of what we have accomplished.”

The award-winning cast included Nicholas Bradley as Gomez, Cassidy Jackson as Morticia and Eden Hillas Wednesday. Pugsley was played by Mackenzie Fox, Fester played by Caitlin Zook, Grandma played by Grace Levan, Lurch played by Dovea Gogo, Mal played by Noah Engel, Alice played by Ryann Davis and Lucas played by Chris Howie. The Ancestors, recognized for Outstanding Ensemble in a Musical were played by Jenna Burke, Haley Cole, Haidyn Couts, Megan Daniels, Tiffany Higgins, Allie Hubler, Mattelyn Magill, Tate Middleton, Ava Newkirk, Sophia Schafer, and Evette Williamson.

The creative team included Mark Phillips (director), Nathan Stelter (stage manager), Halli Hill (music director), Stacy Gear (choreographer), Lonnie Daniels & Melissa Smith (scenic builder), Tim Guth (sound and lighting designer) and Andrea Hubler (costume designer and marketing).  The show is produced by Tom Hubler and Melissa Fogle.  The production was additionally supported by Sabrina Sedlacko (asst stage manager), Teri Bradley (tickets & marketing) and Liz Engel (house manager). 

ABOUT MIAMISBURG HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE
Miamisburg High School Theatre came roaring back to the stage in 2016 with Into the Woods and followed up that performance with High School Musical Jr. in 2018. The MHS Theatre program is committed to bringing excellence in performance opportunities for students in the 6th-12th grades in the Miamisburg School System.

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