Category Archives: Press Releases

January 14, 2025 · 6:20 pm

CHURCHILL | March 29-30 | Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

CHURCHILL
Starring Daniel Payne

March 29-30, 2025
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater 

Tickets on sale Friday, January 17 at 10:00 AM 

CINCINNATI, OH – Acclaimed actor Daniel Payne stars in Churchill at the Aronoff Center’s intimate Jarson-Kaplan Theater for three performances only from March 29-30, 2025 (see below for performance schedule).  The one-man show is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2024-25 Season.

Tickets start at $55 and go on sale Friday, January 17 at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. 50%-OFF group discount tickets (ten or more) are available by calling (513) 977-4155. Applicable services fees may apply. Prices subject to change.

Winston Churchill has just been awarded honorary U.S. citizenship by President John F. Kennedy. In recognition of this unprecedented occasion, The American-Oxford Society has asked the former Prime Minister to address them and discuss what this honor means to him.

In this often funny, sometimes touching, and always engaging one-man-show created by British actor David Payne (author of An Evening with C.S. Lewis and Christmas with C.S. Lewis), Churchill will be brought to life on stage by David’s talented son, Daniel Payne.

Audiences will be delighted to hear of his exploits during the Boer War, his constant battles with Britain’s fellow politicians, and his special relationship with America and America’s presidents. But most telling of all, Churchill enlightens the audience with intimate and touching details of the two special women in his life—his wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth.

With elements of The Crown and The Darkest Hour, Daniel Payne gives audiences an opportunity to spend an evening with one of the greatest historical figures in the world—Sir Winston Churchill.

Daniel Payne
British actor Daniel Payne gained a diploma in performing arts at a prestigious English college. His acting skills have been featured in such plays as The Bacchae, Under Milk Wood, An Inspector Calls, Aladdin, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His creative energy has seen him add other talents to his repertoire – writer, composer, musician, and director. He is also active as a voice actor and public speaker.

Churchill – Performance Schedule

  • Saturday, March 29 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, March 30 – 2:00 PM

Cincinnati Arts Association SPONSORS

The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Season Sponsors:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), ARTSWAVE, FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, TRIHEALTH

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Fairfield Inn & Suites Cincinnati Uptown/University Area, Harlan Graphics, Heidelberg Distributing, Kinley Cincinnati, Pepsi, Skyline Chili, TriHealth

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                Churchill, starring Daniel Payne

WHEN:                Saturday, March 29 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Sunday, March 30 – 2:00 PM

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

PRICES:               Start at $55.00. 50%-off groups of ten or more. Additional service fees may apply. Prices subject to change.

INFO:                   In this often funny, sometimes touching, and always engaging one-man show created by British actor David Payne (author of An Evening with C.S. Lewis and Christmas with C.S. Lewis), Churchill will be brought to life on stage by David’s talented son, Daniel Payne. Audiences will be delighted to hear of his exploits during the Boer War, his constant battles with Britain’s fellow politicians, and his special relationship with America and America’s presidents.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale Friday, January 17 at 10:00 AM

www.CincinnatiArts.org
(513) 621-ARTS [2787]
Aronoff Center Ticket Office
Group sales (10 or more): (513) 977-4155

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January 13, 2025 · 6:10 pm

A DISTINCT SOCIETY Opens Soon at Human Race Theatre Company

Even in the quietest places, life can echo with excitement and profound significance.  Enter a world of passion and compassion in A Distinct Society, a gripping dramatic comedy by Kareem Fahmy coming to The Human Race Theatre Company in February.

In the tranquil hush of a library that straddles the U.S. – Canada border, life is about to change. When an Iranian father and daughter, separated by the international border, start using the library as a meeting place, the French-Canadian librarian, an American customs agent, and a local teenager find their quiet lives suddenly full of excitement and consequence. Inspired by true events, A Distinct Society is a touching and thought-provoking new play about the many things – family, food, art, love, and politics – that can either divide or unite us.

“A Distinct Society is a deeply personal play, set a stone’s throw from my hometown, and I’m thrilled to be inviting audiences to my little corner of southeastern Quebec,” writes playwright Kareem Fahmy.  “Kareem’s play provides an extraordinary human perspective on an issue that is often addressed in dehumanizing ways,” adds Emily N. Wells, Artistic Director of The Human Race Theatre Company.

Brant Russell, head of the University of Cincinnati – College-Conservatory of Music Acting program, directs the five person cast: Rico Romalus Parker as Bruce (Reindeer Sessions), Kelly Mengelkoch (Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson, Apt 2B) as Manon, Cooper Schairbaum as Declan, James Rana (The Kite Runner tour) as Peyman, and Kylie Flick as Shirin.

The full production team: Mark Halpin, Scenic Design; Darin Keesing, Lighting Design; Cat Schmeal-Swope, Costume Design; Jay Brunner, Sound Design; Sarah Gomes, Props; Erin Joy Swank, Production Stage Manager; Danitza Piper, Assistant Stage Manager; Gina Cerimele-Mechley, Fight & Intimacy Director; Ana Bayat and Deborah Thomas, Dialect Coaches; Samaneh Faramarzi, Cultural Consultant.

A DISTINCT SOCIETY  will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, February 5-16, 2025.  Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org   For press ticket requests, please contact Tiffany Countryman, Engagement and Learning Coordinator at tiffany@humanracetheatre.org

The Human Race Theatre Company continues its commitment to high quality theatre with access points for all with two special ticket initiatives: two sections of $20 seats available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats available 90 minutes before any performance.

Special Nights at The Loft:  

  • Pay What You CAN – Tuesday, February 4, 2025 7:30 pm
  • Inside Track – Thursday, February 6, 2025 6:45 pm – Pre-show Discussion
  • While We’re On The Subject – Sunday, February 9, 2025 2 pm – Post Show Discussion with Welcome Dayton
  • Industry Night/ Sawbuck – Sunday, February 9, 2025 7:30 pm – $10 tickets available at 6:00 pm
  • While We’re On The Subject – Sunday, February 16, 2025 2 pm – Post Show Discussion
  • Parent’s Day Out – Sunday, February 16, 2025 2 pm – Kids Separate Activities (5-12yo)

The Human Race expresses gratitude for the public and private support which makes these productions possible:  Loft Season Sponsor: Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation. Production Sponsor: Merle Wilberding & Susan Elliott. Sustainability sponsors:  Anne F. Johnson, Steve and Lou Mason, The Toulmin Fund at The Dayton Foundation.  Additional Season support:  Erma R. Catterton Trust, Funds at The Dayton Foundation, Virginia F. Kettering Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Sam Levin Foundation, and Morris Furniture Company.  Organizational support:  Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council. Media Sponsor: WDPR Discover Classical. Pay What You Can Sponsor: Enterprise Holdings Foundation. Parent’s Day Out: Rabbit Hole Books/Dayton Book Fair.  Capital Support: The Scheiwetz Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, The Toulmin Fund at the The Dayton Foundation.

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January 12, 2025 · 8:07 pm

Mason Community Players Kickoff 2025 with a Fundraiser

Mason Community Players will host a fundraiser to die for at the Mason Community Playhouse on January 25th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and Concessions will be available before the murder mystery begins and during Intermission. During intermission, guests will be given the opportunity to participate in a Split the Pot Fundraiser with a twist; guess the murderer! The winner will be chosen from the container that bears the name of the character that actually “murdered Annie”! You’ve got to play to win- tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5.

So what is this show about? Annie was working late in the family run flower shop one night, when someone crept up behind her and murdered her. She is unable to move on until her family figures out who murdered her. It is up to the audience and her family to solve her murder. Was it her mother-in-law Violet? Was it her own sister Emma? Could it have been Iris her aunt-in-law or Lily her sister-in-law? Why was she murdered? Jealousy, money, or both? As Annie roams the audience, be prepared for her ghostly presence to plead for help.

Mason Community Players is the oldest continually operating community theater organization in Warren County, OH. Since its creation in 1973, the Mason Community Players has brought more than 120 productions and 30 original musical reviews to audiences in Mason, Ohio.The group operates and performs at the Mason Community Playhouse, located at 5529 Mason Rd. in Mason, OH.  The group has fostered a family for the community, involving people of all ages on stage, backstage, and as spectators. 

The Who Murdered Annie FUNdraiser is only the beginning of MCP’s Spooky Season of 2025.

Next up will be The Cemetery Club in February and March, followed by Blithe Spirit in April and May, The Pirates of Penzance in July, The Haunting of Hill House in October and November; the season will wrap up in December with Welcome to Our House for Christmas. Get tickets to this exciting fundraiser event and the rest of the 2025 season at www.MasonPlayers.org or call 513-398-7104.

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January 9, 2025 · 7:34 pm

Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative Announces LOVEFEST 3 Play Selections

Local playwriting group selects scripts to support Cincinnati Area Heart Association

Cincinnati—October 7, 2024– At its September board meeting, the Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative (CPI) Board of Directors announced the play selections for its Lovefest 3 ten-minute play festival and fundraiser which will showcase the health and wellness community efforts and spotlight local Women of Impact during Heart Month with the Cincinnati Area Heart Association.

The following 8 CPI members will have their plays performed as staged readings at the Aronoff in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

Liz Coley: Mixed Doubles

Doug Decatur:  Running Against Time

Dave Doster: One Night Stands

Rose Vanden Enyden:  Last Call

Teri Foltz: Seventeen

Camilla McMahon:  A Second Chance

Fred Rothzeid:  High School Sweethearts

Charles Stephan:  Ronco Products

Tickets for Lovefest 3 are on sale now for $15 and can be purchased online at the following link: https://www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/cpi-new-voices-february-11 or in person at the box office or by calling 513-621-2787.MORE

CPI is a non-profit theater arts organization whose mission is to support playwrights in the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area by offering free playwriting workshops, cold and staged readings to provide valuable audience feedback so that scripts can be further developed to potentially become fully produced and/or published.

To learn more about joining CPI, visit the website at WWW.cincyplaywrights.org or follow on social media both on Facebook www.facebook.com/cincyplaywrights and X x.com/cincyplaywright.

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January 6, 2025 · 5:52 pm

SEUSSICAL Brings the Beloved World of Dr. Seuss to Life at The Carnegie This Winter

Image by scenic designer Tyler Gabbard.

In partnership with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of
Music

The family-friendly musical comes to Covington January 31–February 16

The Carnegie and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) are joining forces this winter for a wildly imaginative, all-new production of SEUSSICAL. Audiences are invited to step into the magical world of Dr. Seuss as his beloved characters come alive in a joyous adventure for the whole family. This enchanting musical immerses audiences in a fantastical journey that sparks laughter, captures hearts, and leaves lasting memories. Featuring a cast of students from the Musical Theatre program at CCM, SEUSSICAL will transport both young and old to a place where imagination knows no bounds!

“Whether you’re discovering SEUSSICAL for the first time or you’re a long-time fan, you’ll delight in this wonderfully creative production,” says Tyler Gabbard, Director of Theatre at The Carnegie. “The creative team and cast are bringing a vibrant new vision to the show that celebrates the power of theatre—its ability to spark imagination, transport us to new worlds, and embrace our differences. It’s SEUSSICAL like you’ve never seen before!”

The production is directed by Rachel Stevens. A director, developer, educator and acting coach, Stevens was assistant director on the Broadway run of the Tony Award-winning musical Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. Her Off-Broadway credits include Smart Blonde (associate director, 59E59) and
Preludes (assistant director, Lincoln Center Theater, LCT3), and her New York directing and devising credits include work with The Civilians’ R&D Group, SheNYC Festival, NYMF, Theatre Now, TheaterWorksUSA and New York Film Academy. Her regional credits include a production of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 at American Repertory Theatre directed by Rachel Chavkin and The Bandstand at Paper Mill Playhouse directed by Andy Blankenbuehler, along with productions at Quantum Theatre, City Theatre Company and Front Porch Theatricals. Stevens, along with choreographer Jessica Harris and music director Julie Spangler, are on the Musical Theatre faculty at CCM; all three are making their Carnegie debut.

Returning to The Carnegie, Monique Churchill delighted audiences with her BroadwayWorld Award-winning turn as Lauren in Kinky Boots. Churchill plays lovable bird next door Gertrude McFuzz. Carnegie audiences will also recognize Matthew Danforth who appeared alongside Churchill in Guys and Dolls.

Tickets range from $18-$45 and may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting www.thecarnegie.com.

CREATIVE TEAM

  • Director: Rachel Stevens
  • Choreographer: Jessica Harris
  • Music Director: Julie Spangler
  • Scenic Designer: Tyler Gabbard
  • Costume Designer: Charlotte Campbell Parrott
  • Lighting Designer: Julie Cowger
  • Sound Designer: Dani Lobello
  • Wig Designer: Candace Leyland
  • Producer: Tyler Gabbard

CAST

  • Cat in the Hat: Joey Baccioco
  • Horton the Elephant: Matthew Danforth
  • Gertrude McFuzz: Monique Churchill
  • Mayzie LaBird: Sydney Short
  • Sour Kangaroo: Essence Bell
  • Jojo: Carter Minor
  • Ensemble: Arden Allmon, Dominic Carroll, Ry Dever, Josh Devine, Nick Gundrum & Indya Lincicome
  • Standbys: Grace Baker, Edin Kebede, Jack Haroutunian & Gabe Raskind

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

The Carnegie is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from the Kentucky Arts Council, City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati International Wine Festival

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