Category Archives: Press Releases

October 31, 2024 · 8:11 am

Cincinnati Opera Announces its 2025 Summer Festival, Including an All-New Production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

The company’s 105th anniversary season also features Verdi’s Rigoletto, Puccini’s Tosca, and the return of Studio Sessions

Performances take place June 12 through July 27, 2025, at Cincinnati’s historic Music Hall

CINCINNATI (October 30, 2024)—Cincinnati Opera’s Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO, and Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, have unveiled details for the company’s 2025 Summer Festival, its 105th anniversary season.

Next summer, Cincinnati Opera will present one of the world’s all-time favorite musicals, Fiddler on the Roof, in a brand-new production. Also featured will be a new-to-Cincinnati production of Rigoletto, Giuseppe Verdi’s tragic story of vengeance gone wrong, and a revival of the company’s production of Tosca, Giacomo Puccini’s gripping tale of love, betrayal, and political intrigue. Rounding out the 2025 Summer Festival is the return of Studio Sessions, a series of intimate, artist-curated concerts presented cabaret-style. Performances run from June 12 through July 27, 2025, at Cincinnati Music Hall (1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202).

The 2025 Summer Festival also marks Evans Mirageas’s 20th season as Cincinnati Opera’s artistic director. Said Mirageas, “For our 105th summer of opera and my 20th with this extraordinary company, we’re excited to offer opera as a catalyst for connection, both with oneself and one’s community. From the affecting emotional landscapes of Tosca and Rigoletto to the life-affirming message of Fiddler on the Roof to the soul-stirring intimacy of Studio Sessions, the 2025 season offers experiences that will resonate deeply with the spirit and illuminate our shared humanity.”

Said Christopher Milligan, “We’re thrilled to invite audiences to experience our 2025 Summer Festival, a season that reflects our commitment to both tradition and exploration. We aspire to offer accessible points of entry to enjoy opera, and we hope that productions like Fiddler on the Roof alongside classics like Rigoletto and Tosca, plus our Studio Sessions series, will open the doors of Music Hall to all who are curious about exploring this inspiring art form.”

Cincinnati Opera

2025 Summer Festival

Rigoletto

Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave

Thursday, June 12, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 14, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Springer Auditorium | Cincinnati Music Hall
Sung in Italian with projected English translation

Opening the 2025 Summer Festival is Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto. Set in a corrupt 16th-century court, the opera follows the tragic story of the jester Rigoletto, whose attempt to protect his daughter, Gilda, from the immoral Duke of Mantua spirals into a harrowing tale of betrayal and revenge. Known for its riveting drama and unforgettable music including the iconic aria “La donna è mobile,” Rigoletto reminds us that fate cannot be fooled.

Singing the title role is baritone Michael Chioldi, who enjoyed recent successes as Rigoletto at The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, and Austin Opera; said Broadway World, “Not only does he give us every note in his beautiful baritone, he makes us feel his love, anger, pain, and grief at every moment.” His daughter, Gilda, will be sung by soprano Kathryn Lewek, of whom the New York Times said, “Singing like Lewek’s is what the magic of opera is all about.” Appearing as the Duke of Mantua is Zach Borichevsky, who was praised as possessing a “tenor [with] a magical brilliance that brought goosebumps” (Music City Review). As the assassin Sparafucile, Cincinnati Opera Artistic Advisor Morris Robinson brings his “booming, focused bass” that lends “chilling effectiveness” (ArtsATL) to the role.

This new-to-Cincinnati production from The Atlanta Opera, originally directed by Tomer Zvulun, features scenic design by John Conklin, costume design by Vita Tzykun, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, and hair and makeup design by James Geier. John Fiore will conduct the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Henri Venanzi will lead the Cincinnati Opera Chorus.

Tosca

Music by Giacomo Puccini
Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa

Thursday, June 26, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Springer Auditorium | Cincinnati Music Hall
Sung in Italian with projected English translation

The season continues with Puccini’s glorious ode to undying love, Tosca. Floria Tosca, a passionate singer, is caught in a dangerous triangle between her lover, the artist Cavaradossi, and the villainous police chief, Scarpia. As tensions escalate, Tosca must confront her deepest fears and make an agonizing choice to save the man she loves. With its gripping drama and stirring music, Tosca remains one of opera’s most compelling works.

Following her extraordinary company debut as Cio-Cio-San in Cincinnati Opera’s 2023 production of Madame Butterfly, soprano Karah Son returns to Music Hall to sing Tosca; The Guardian (U.K.) has lauded her Tosca as “forceful and convincing … Son brings a potent dignity and sense of agency to the role.” Matthew White returns to Cincinnati Opera with his “elegant tenor capable of exciting high notes” (Cincinnati Business Courier) in his role debut as Cavaradossi. Appearing as Scarpia is baritone Anthony Clark Evans, who most recently moved Cincinnati audiences with his affecting portrayal of Germont in the company’s 2024 production of La Traviata.

Cincinnati Opera will revive its celebrated production of Tosca featuring stage direction by Jose Maria Condemi, scenic and costume design by Robert Perdziola, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, and hair and makeup design by James Geier. Conductor Clelia Cafiero makes her U.S. debut leading the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Henri Venanzi directs the Cincinnati Opera Chorus.

Fiddler on the Roof

Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl
Music by Jerry Bock | Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick | Book by Joseph Stein
Produced on the New York stage by Harold Prince
Original New York stage production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins

Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 25, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 27, 2025 | 3 p.m.
Springer Auditorium | Cincinnati Music Hall
Sung in English with projected lyrics

Winner of nine Tony Awards, Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of Tevye, a milkman in a small Russian village, who struggles to uphold his family’s traditions in a rapidly changing world. As his daughters grow up and challenge age-old customs, Tevye must navigate the tension between honoring the past and embracing the future. Through its exploration of love, tradition, and resilience, Fiddler on the Roof captures the universal struggle of families facing change.

“Fiddler on the Roof has been a global sensation since its Broadway premiere in 1964,” said Evans Mirageas. “We believe this piece is perfectly suited for the operatic stage. With its sweeping symphonic score, richly crafted roles, and emotional depth, it’s a natural fit for the talents of our extraordinary cast, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera Chorus, and Cincinnati Ballet. Our production will give this classic new life, celebrating its vibrancy and universality.”

Max Hopp will make his U.S. debut as Tevye, a role he has performed to acclaim in Europe; said the New York Times of his portrayal, “Max Hopp carried most of the evening. … [His] performance peeled back the character’s many layers and identities—Everyman, fool, pious Jew, paterfamilias—without ever reducing him to a single one.” With “singing and acting [that] radiate intensity” (Opera News), GRAMMY Award-winning mezzo-soprano Victoria Livengood makes her company debut as Golde, Tevye’s wife. Their daughters, Tzeitel, Hodel, and Chava, will be sung by sopranos Rachel Kobernick, Rachel Blaustein, and Jennifer Zetlan. The cast also includes mezzo-soprano Janice Mayerson as Yente, baritone Simon Barrad as Perchik, and vocalist Sarah Folsom as Fruma Sarah.

Cincinnati Opera’s new production will be directed by Crystal Manich and will feature scenic design by Andrew Boyce, costume design by Chad Phillips, lighting design by Thomas C. Hase, hair and makeup design by James Geier, and choreography by Michael Pappalardo, featuring dancers from Cincinnati Ballet. Levi Hammer will conduct the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Henri Venanzi will lead the Cincinnati Opera Chorus.

Fiddler on the Roof is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Studio Sessions

Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 10, 2025 | 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 8 p.m.
Wilks Studio | Cincinnati Music Hall

Beyond the mainstage, Cincinnati Opera will host three Studio Sessions in Music Hall’s Wilks Studio, each offering an artist-curated, up-close, and personal performance experience. These intimate concerts will immerse audiences in a unique atmosphere where artists take center stage, guiding the evening through storytelling and song. Studio Sessions provide a rare opportunity to connect with opera in a way that feels both fresh and deeply personal. Featured artists and programming will be announced at a later date.

Casts, Community Programs, and Tickets

Full season casting and community programming for the 2025 Summer Festival will be shared in early 2025. Subscriptions for Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival are now available and start at $105. Tickets to individual performances go on sale April 1, 2025, and start at $36. Discounts are available for seniors, educators, U.S. veterans and active military personnel, full-time students, ArtsWave ArtsPass members, and SNAP cardholders. For more information, visit cincinnatiopera.org or contact the Cincinnati Opera Box Office at 513-241-2742.

About Cincinnati Opera

Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. Cincinnati Opera receives funding from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

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October 28, 2024 · 5:38 pm

The Footlighters, Inc., Celebrates the Holiday Season with the Wildly Popular, Family-Friendly Musical JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

NEWPORT, KY — Go go go Joseph!

Told entirely through song, this upbeat musical follows the trials and tribulations of Joseph from the Old Testament. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams lands him as Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Full of catchy tunes and a heartfelt message, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a story for the dreamer in all of us.

Veteran award-winning actor and operatic soprano Megan Ainsley Schneider takes the stage as the show’s narrator, a beloved role she has played before. In fact, this marks her fourth production of Joseph, having first appeared in the children’s chorus as an eighth grader at Walnut Hills High School. Megan has performed with several local companies in town, including The Covedale, The Carnegie, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, and Footlighters. She is a certified Early Childhood Montessori teacher, and her joy is working with young children each day.

For the past seven years, Megan has vocal directed summer theater camps through the Cincinnati Academy of Performing Arts. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has always held a special place in her heart, serving as a meaningful touchstone throughout her life, and she is excited to bring its magic back to the stage once more. What makes Footlighters’ family-friendly production even more extraordinary for her is that she gets to share the stage for the first time with her daughter, Hattie, and pass along her love of theater and Joseph.

Performances:

  • Thursday – Saturday, December 5 – 7 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday – Saturday, December 12 – 14 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday – Friday, December 19 – 20 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $25 each and available online at footlighters.org/tickets or by contacting the box office via text or phone call at (859) 652-3849 or FootlightersTickets@gmail.com.

The Footlighters, Inc., has been producing quality community theater shows in Greater Cincinnati for over 60 years. The group was established in 1963 by a small group of community theater volunteers who wanted to bring theater opportunities to the west side of Cincinnati.

In 1987, the group bought the Salem United Methodist Church in Newport and transformed it into The Stained Glass Theatre. The theater is on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated a Kentucky landmark. In September of 2021, Footlighters completed the third and final phase of their accessibility project by adding ADA-compliant seating in their theater to complement the ADA ramp and elevator installed in 2017 and 2018, allowing access for all patrons with limited mobility.

For more information, please visit footlighters.org or like The Footlighters, Inc., on Facebook.

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October 23, 2024 · 5:21 pm

WITCH Casts a Spell at The Carnegie This Fall in Partnership with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

The dark comedy comes to Covington November 14-17

The Carnegie and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) are joining forces this November for Jen Silverman’s WITCH.

A beguiling devil arrives in a quiet English town to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes — unexpected passions flare, alliances are formed, and the village is forever changed. This smart modern fable explores the intricacies of temptation and resilience.

Inspired by John Ford, Thomas Dekker, and William Rowley’s 1621 drama The Witch of Edmonton, Silverman’s bold transformation of a Jacobean drama begs the question: would you know what to ask for if the Devil came knocking on your door?

“WITCH is a bold, electrifying play that shatters expectations in thrilling ways. Silverman weaves a sharp, darkly comic tale that explores temptation and power,” says Tyler Gabbard, Director of Theatre at The Carnegie. “I’m excited to launch this new partnership with CCM with this hauntingly relevant play.”

Director Lindsey Augusta Mercer returns to helm the production after staging hit productions of TICK, TICK… BOOM! and KINKY BOOTS for The Carnegie.

Samuel Stricklen, a CCM Acting professor and professional actor, plays Sir Arthur Banks. Stricklen has appeared on and off-Broadway and at regional theatres including The Old Globe, Premiere Stages, La Jolla Playhouse, The Getty Villa, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Actors Theatre of Louisville. His tv and film credits include Law and Order, Six Degrees, The Good Wife, Mozart in the Jungle, High Maintenance, and more.

The CCM student cast includes Staylie Grace, an alumni of The Carnegie education department’s summer and after-school programs and Carson Mehlbauer, who Carnegie audiences will recognize from his turn as Ambrose Kemper in HELLO, DOLLY! earlier this year. CCM student cast members making their Carnegie debut include Nico Graves, Debra Najor, and Nikolas Gray.

Playwright Silverman is currently represented on Broadway with their new comedy, THE ROOMMATE, starring Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow.

Tickets range from $13-$35 and may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting
thecarnegie.com.

PRODUCTION TEAM

  • Director – Lindsey Augusta Mercer
  • Scenic Designer – Doug Stock
  • Costume Designer – Maria Fenanda Ortiz
  • Lighting Designer – Ashton Karp
  • Sound Designer – Kaitlin Barnett
  • Asst. Director – Hannah Toronto
  • Fight Director – Gina Cerimele-Mechley
  • Intimacy Coordinator – Torie Wiggins
  • Production Stage Manager – Anika Shirvaikar
  • Asst. Stage Manager – Ali Fishbain
  • Producer – Tyler Gabbard

CAST

  • Elizabeth Sawyer – Debra Najor
  • Scratch – Nico Graves
  • Sir Arthur Banks – Samuel Stricklen
  • Cuddy Banks – Carson Mehlbauer
  • Frank Thorney – Nik Gray
  • Winnifred – Staylie Brunner
  • Understudy – Victor Brame
  • Understudy – Katie Reeser

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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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October 21, 2024 · 6:00 pm

Cincinnati Ballet Presents GISELLE, Oct. 31-Nov. 3

Just in time for Halloween! Ballet’s most beloved ghost story at haunted Music Hall

CINCINNATI, OH (October 21, 2024) – Cincinnati Ballet opens choreographer Devon Carney’s Giselle October 31, with live music performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. With performances at Music Hall through November 3, Giselle follows the story of a peasant girl who descends into emotional turmoil and dies of a broken heart after her lover betrays her and features an elaborate production, multiple eye-catching theatrics and of course, a beautiful Borzoi dog!

The story was created by composer Adolphe Adam who was inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Orientales. Giselle features tons of complex characters, such as the lovestruck Giselle and Albrecht, envious forester Hilarion and Giselle’s concerned mother Berthe. The production includes romance, heartbreak, forgiveness, and our corps de ballet as the famous ghostly maidens in the second act. “At its core, Giselle tells a story of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption—universal themes that continue to resonate with audiences,” said Cervilio Amador, Interim Artistic Director. The exploration of unrequited love, the consequences of deception, and the power of forgiveness transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.” 

Giselle was last seen at the Cincinnati Ballet in 2011, it includes the famous Act I Variation, and multiple pas de deux—the most well-known dance in the ballet repertory. The music is from the score by Adolphe Adam, performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  Tickets are on sale now, starting at $29 at cballet.org.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND INFORMATION

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet
Choreography: Devon Carney
Music: Adolphe Adam, performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

WHAT: Giselle

WHEN:

  • Thursday, October 31 – 7:30 pm
  • Friday, November 1 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, November 2 – 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, November 2 – 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, November 3 – 1:00 pm

WHERE: Music Hall – 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Cincinnati Ballet 2024-2025 Season Sponsors:
Margaret and Michael Valentine, Julie and John Richardson | SugarCreek, ArtsWave, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

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, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement in local to global communities, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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October 17, 2024 · 5:22 pm

Mason Community Players Present an Agatha Christie Classic, THE MOUSETRAP

Mason Community Players is the oldest continually operating community theater organization in Warren County, OH. The group operates and performs at the Mason Community Playhouse, located at 5529 Mason Rd. in Mason, 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. More importantly, the group has become a family for the community, involving people of all ages on stage, backstage, and as spectators.

The Mousetrap premiered in London in 1952 and remains to this day the longest running play in the world, despite having to close briefly from 2020 to 2021. It was originally written by Agatha Christie as a birthday present for Queen Mary. A classic whodunit mystery, join seven strangers as they get stranded together and become completely adrift when a murder is revealed. When a police detective arrives, see if you can figure out the murderer before the unsuspecting victims.

With over 29,500 performances to date, this play is not one to be missed. Director Susan Berger and Producer Robert Terry welcome you to the Mason Community Playhouse this November 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 8 pm and Sunday, November 17 at 2 pm for a story crafted by the Queen of Mystery herself. With a cast that celebrates members both old and new, they will spin a tale of murder that will leave you dazzled.

That wraps up the 2024 Season for Mason Community Players. Join us in 2025 for our season of fear and cheer! Tickets are now available for the upcoming 2025 season by leaving a message at 513-398-7804 or visiting the website, www.MasonPlayers.org.

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