Category Archives: Press Releases

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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January 2, 2025 · 5:29 pm

A Unique Courtroom Drama Comes to Life: 12 ANGRY JURORS Staged at Warren County Common Pleas Court

Warren County, Ohio – The iconic courtroom drama 12 Angry Jurors will take on new life in a one-of-a-kind theatrical production staged at the Warren County Common Pleas Court. This immersive performance promises to captivate audiences by blending the power of live theater with the authenticity of a real courtroom setting.

Show Dates: January 31st, Feb. 1st, Feb, 7th and 8th
Show Times: all shows at 7:30pm
Location: Warren County Common Pleas Court, 500 Justice Dr. Lebanon, OH 45036

Tickets: https://www.thestorycollective.org/12-angry-jurors-2025

Adapted from Reginald Rose’s classic drama 12 Angry Men, this production explores themes of justice, bias, and the power of deliberation. The unique staging inside a working courthouse deepens the play’s resonance, immersing the audience in the intensity and intimacy of jury deliberations.

The cast features a talented ensemble of local performers, each embodying the diverse and complex personalities that make up a jury tasked with deciding a young defendant’s fate. Their performances will be further heightened by the historic and imposing courtroom setting, which serves as both a character and a stage for this unforgettable production.

Tickets are limited due to the intimate setting, so early reservations are strongly recommended.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thestorycollective.org

About The Story Collective:
The Story Collective of Cincinnati creates and produces a variety of events in Northern Cincinnati, including but not limited to, fully staged productions, staged readings, creative events, classes, and workshops that connect artists and communities of all ages through artistic excellence and encouraging environments.

About 12 Angry Jurors:
Originally adapted from Reginald Rose’s 12 Angry Men, this version opens the story to a diverse jury, broadening the scope and relevance of its themes for modern audiences

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December 19, 2024 · 5:16 pm

Cincinnati Opera Announces 2025 Opera Raps Series

Discover the stories behind the works featured during
Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival

CINCINNATI (December 18, 2024)—Cincinnati Opera announces the return of its popular Opera Raps series, offering audiences a fascinating exploration of the history, controversy, and personalities behind the works featured during its 2025 Summer Festival. Led by Cincinnati Opera’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director Evans Mirageas along with special guest artists, the four-part series runs from January 8 through April 3, 2025, and delves into Rigoletto, Tosca, and Fiddler on the Roof with exclusive performances, stories, and insights. See below for details.

Cincinnati Opera
2025 OPERA RAPS CALENDAR

January 8, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Opera Houses Lost and Found: A Season Preview
Wilks Studio, Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The works featured during Cincinnati Opera’s 2025 Summer Festival—Rigoletto, Tosca, and Fiddler on the Roof—received their world or US premieres in New York City opera houses and theaters. Join Evans Mirageas and guest artists to trace the histories of these productions tied to historic and now-mostly-vanished venues. With exclusive video and live performances, they’ll share the stories of how these works came to be in America.Admission: Free. Reservations are available beginning December 18 at noon; call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org.

February 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Rigoletto: Banned at the Box Office
Mercantile Library
414 Walnut Street, Suite 1100, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Though Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto now occupies a secure position in the operatic canon, at its premiere, it was the subject of significant controversy and censorship. The source material for the libretto had already been banned in France: the drama Le roi s’amuse by Victor Hugo. Determined to adapt the play into an opera, Verdi fought at every turn to preserve the power of the story and integrity of the source material, with varying degrees of success. Join in this exploration of Rigoletto, as well as Verdi’s other hotly contested operas, featuring special musical performances.

Admission: Free. Reservations are available beginning December 18 at noon; call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org.

March 12, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Tosca: A Roman Evening
Cincinnati Opera Production Facility
7712 Reinhold Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45237

Throughout Giacomo Puccini’s opera Tosca, the city of Rome plays an ever-present role. The opera is set among iconic Roman landmarks like the Castel Sant’Angelo and Palazzo Farnese, and even includes music in the Roman dialect. Evans Mirageas and featured artists will lead guests on a musical tour of Rome, interweaving music from Tosca with classic Roman songs.

Admission: Free. Reservations are available beginning December 18 at noon; call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org.

April 3, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Fiddler on the Roof: The Songs That Got Away
The Amberley Room, Mayerson JCC
8485 Ridge Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236

The beloved musical Fiddler on the Roof is full of classic tunes like “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” The creators of the show—Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), and Joseph Stein (book)—were so prolific that they also produced many songs that did not make the final cut. Evans Mirageas and musical guests will serve as guides through the forgotten songs of Fiddler on the Roof, including hits from the show as we know it today and surprises from the archives.

Admission: Free. Reservations are available beginning December 18 at noon; call 513-241-2742 or visit cincinnatiopera.org.

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. This project was supported in part by 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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December 17, 2024 · 5:52 pm

TEXAS ANNIE: The Legend of the Moan Ranger Partners with Midwestern Lesbian for a One Night Interactive Show Experience

The Texas Annie “Interactive Show Experience” Debuts January 18, 2025, at The Know Theatre’s Underground Bar: A Campy Musical for the Fight Against Shame and Oppression

CINCINNATI, OH – On Saturday, January 18, 2025, the Texas Annie “Interactive Show Experience” debuts at The Know Theatre’s Underground Bar, bringing a fresh, community-driven take to the celebrated satirical musical. This updated version of the show, featuring a new digital component supported by an Ohio Arts Council Artist Opportunities Grant, offers a night of connection, laughter, and activism.

Designed to build community while tackling urgent social justice issues, Texas Annie takes audiences on a journey as hilarious as it is heartwarming. With rising anti-obscenity laws targeting the LGBTQ+ population, this new version of the show couldn’t come at a better time.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
  • Location: Know Theatre’s Underground Bar, 1120 Jackson St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

  • Time:

    • 5-6pm: Happy Hour with Texas Annie-themed drink specials

    • 6-7pm: The Texas Annie “Interactive Show Experience”

    • 7-9pm: Sapphic Sips After Party hosted by Midwestern Lesbian

  • Tickets: On sale now! Early bird discount through December 20th.
    Get Tickets Here

About Midwestern Lesbian

Midwestern Lesbian—founded by Kelsey Ference—is an event promotion and community engagement platform dedicated to creating inclusive, empowering spaces for the Midwest’s LGBTQ+ community. Known for hosting sold-out events like the Big Gay Bar Crawls and Sapphic Sips, Midwestern Lesbian has built a reputation for fostering meaningful connections through social gatherings, queer networking opportunities, and community-focused initiatives.

For the Texas Annie premiere, Midwestern Lesbian is bringing their signature energy to the Sapphic Sips After Party, providing an inviting space for queer women and allies to celebrate, network, and connect after the show. With over 35,000 social media followers and a track record of capacity-filled events, Midwestern Lesbian continues to play a vital role in promoting LGBTQ+ culture and activism throughout Cincinnati.

Attendees can look forward to:

  • Opportunities to meet fellow LGBTQ+ community members.

  • Door prizes donated by CalExotics and local queer-owned businesses.

  • The signature community-centered atmosphere that Midwestern Lesbian is known for.

A New, Interactive Experience

This new, reimagined version of Texas Annie: The Legend of the Moan Ranger transforms the original staged production—which debuted to sold-out crowds and won the Audience Pick Award at the 2022 Cincinnati Fringe Festival—into a high-energy, cabaret-style experience. With audience shoutbacks, singalongs, digital projections, and comedic sound effects, this version invites connection and engagement like never before.

Join the Movement

All proceeds from the January 18th performance will help fund Texas Annie’s journey to the NYC Fringe Festival in April 2025.

How You Can Support Texas Annie:

Texas Annie’s Creative Team

  • Produced by: Jenn Howd and Maggie Perrino

  • Book by: Jenn Howd & Roz Mihalko

  • Music by: John Woods, Stephen Goers, Roz Mihalko, and Jenn Howd

  • Lyrics by: Roz Mihalko, Jenn Howd, and John Woods

  • Directed & Choreographed by: Maggie Perrino

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