Category Archives: Press Releases

December 1, 2017 · 11:58 am

98° to Join with the People of Cincinnati to Help Ellie Richardson

CAA_98 Degrees promoThursday, December 15 – 4:00 PM
Aronoff Center 

Tickets on sale Friday, December 1 at 12 Noon

December 1, 2017 (Cincinnati, OH) –  98° announced a special show at the Aronoff Center, December 15th at 4:00pm with proceeds going to help Elizabeth “Ellie” Richardson. Limited tickets for this very special event go on sale today, December 1 at 12 Noon at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.

In a random act of violence on Thanksgiving morning, Ellie Richardson, an employee of Nick and Drew’s Lachey’s bar, was shot on a street nearby. She is currently in the hospital, improving and in strong spirits. Upon hearing of the incident, Nick and Drew Lachey immediately took to social media to rally their hometown and help their friend in need. In addition to donating to a YouCaring fundraising page that was set up for her, they wanted to do more.

The band 98° – Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, Jeff Timmons – all have deep roots in Cincinnati and collectively decided to add an additional show to their tour with the proceeds going to Ellie Richardson to aid in her recovery.

For additional information, please visit 98degrees.com

If fans are not able to attend the concert, they can still help by donating to: https://www.youcaring.com/ellierichardson-1021871.

Leave a comment

Filed under Events, Press Releases

Tagged as ,

November 30, 2017 · 12:16 pm

OTRimprov, Arnold’s and Know Theatre Team-Up to Make Your Holidays One-of-a-King with THE NAUGHTY LIST

OTRi_The Naughty List logoAn improvised dinner show that wants to know if you’ve been bad or good
December 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 & 28 @ Arnold’s Bar & Grill

It’s a little bit naughty and a little bit nice — but always a lot of fun — and is the only ticket in town guaranteeing you’ll never see the same show twice. OTRimprov (OTRi), transforms the patio at Arnold’s Bar & Grill into a magical world to celebrate, skewer, lament, embellish, and extol everything we love, and love to hate, about the holidays.

Starting from audience suggestions, OTRi’s award-winning improvisers (voted Cincinnati’s Best Improv Troupe 2015, 2016, 2017 Best of Cincinnati, CityBeat) transport you to magical lands and create scenes you’re unlikely to forget. Whether they are rewriting a beloved carol in front of your eyes, showing how Santa should handle unexpected gift requests, or reimagining your favorite holiday stories in magical ways, The Naughty List will fill your holidays with side-splitting laughs. Bring your cheer or your humbug; either way, you’ll help craft the incomparable experience only OTRimprov can provide.

On the traditional attendance at The Naughty List, director Paul Wilson comments,

“Seeing families and friends come back year after year, to have them talk about their favorite moments and what they love about the experience is incredibly satisfying. And the people who discover us each year who tell us how glad they are they found us and how they can’t wait to come back…it makes for a unique Cincinnati holiday tradition we are grateful to be a part of.”

And to delight even more of your senses, host Arnold’s Bar & Grill provides a delectable a la carte menu of dinner, drinks, and dessert for you to enjoy before and during the show. Audience members can arrive up to 90 minutes prior to the 7:30pm start time to feast – but please note that you must arrive no later than 7:00pm to guarantee dinner service. Dinner and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Parties of 5 or more should contact Know Theatre of Cincinnati (513-300-5669) to place seating reservations. All parties are welcome and encouraged to request a reservation time for dinner.

Cast in Alphabetical Order

  • Alanna Turner-Palmer
  • Charlie Roetting
  • Chris Smyth
  • Dave Powell
  • Erin Ward
  • Kat Smith
  • Mike Hall
  • Nathan Tubbs

Production Team

Director – Paul Kerford Wilson

About OTRimprov
OTRimprov (OTRi) began in 2010 as a collection of wayward improvisers looking for like-minded performers and a place to play in Cincinnati. After headlining shows for the Little Big Night at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, we formed our own partnership with Know Theatre’s Jackson Street Market, a resource sharing program for fledgling companies, and began producing shows independently. This continued partnership allows us to call Know’s Underground space on Jackson St. in Over-the-Rhine home.

We continue to explore a variety of styles and formats, while developing a strong improv community populated with smart, engaging people and doing work that is collaborative, curious, and sometimes a little bit daring. We foster new talent through training and a welcoming atmosphere, where all performers feel inspired to explore and take risks.

Calendar Listing

Production:  THE NAUGHTY LIST

When:          7:30pm December 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28

Dinner service from Arnold’s Bar & Grill is available at every performance. Audience members can arrive for dinner as early as 6:00pm but must arrive no later than 7:00pm to guarantee service. Dinner and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Parties of 5 or more should contact Know Theatre of Cincinnati (513-300-5669) to place seating reservations. All parties are welcome and encouraged to place reservation times.

Where:         Arnold’s Bar & Grill – 210 E 8th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

Tickets:        $20 – Dinner and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting knowtheatre.com or calling 513.300.5669 (KNOW).

#######

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as , ,

November 27, 2017 · 11:27 am

Roald Dahl’s WILLY WONKA Playing Weekends January 18-28 at The Carnegie

TC_Willy Wonka logo(COVINGTON, KY) – This January The Carnegie will take audiences on a fantasy ride into the land of pure imagination as it continues its 2017-18 Theatre Series with Roald Dahl’s WILLY WONKA, playing weekends January 18-28, 2018.

Based on the enchanting 1971 Oscar-nominated film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory starring Gene Wilder, Roald Dahl’s WILLY WONKA follows enigmatic candy manufacturer, Willy Wonka, as he stages a contest by hiding golden tickets in five of his scrumptious candy bars. Whomever comes up with these tickets will win a free tour of the Wonka factory, as well as a lifetime supply of candy.

“Willy Wonka is a fun-filled fantasy that’s just as enjoyable for adults who grew up on the movie as it is for kids who are being introduced to it for the first time,” said Carnegie Theatre Director Maggie Perrino. “We’ve got lots of special effects, clever turns of stage magic, and an entire plaza full of candy decorations planned. You won’t want to miss this very special production at The Carnegie.”

Featuring songs such as “The Candyman,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” and “Pure Imagination,” Roald Dahl’s WILLY WONKA is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight everyone’s musical sweet tooth.

Performances of Roald Dahl’s WILLY WONKA will run Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm and 7:30pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm. Tickets are $30, $27 for Carnegie Members, Northern Kentucky Chamber Members and Enjoy the Arts Members, $18 for children 12 and under, and $23 for students. Tickets can be purchased through The Carnegie Box Office, open Tuesday – Friday 12pm – 5pm, in person or by phone at (859) 957-1940, or online at www.thecarnegie.com. Patrons seeking group, member, or student tickets should call the Box Office to make arrangements.

The 2017-18 Carnegie Theatre Series is sponsored by the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.

Roald Dahl’s WILLY WONKA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

###

 

CAST LIST:

  • Willy Wonka – Dain Alan Paige
  • Phineous Trout – Sean P. Mette
  • Charlie Bucket – Cade C. Harvey
  • Augustus Gloop – Christian Arias
  • Mrs. Gloop – Angela Alexander Nalley
  • Veruca Salt – Gabrielle Tollefson
  • Mr. Salt – John Siedenberg II
  • Mike Teavee – Liam Sweeney
  • Ms. Teavee – Emily Martin
  • Violet Beauregarde – Laura Dinn
  • Mrs. Beauregarde – Lesley Hitch
  • Grandpa Joe – Don Wong
  • Mr. Bukcket – Brian Anderson
  • Mrs. Bucket – Linsey Rogers
  • Grandma Josephine – Aimee Zimmer
  • Grandpa George – Jeff Richardson
  • Grandma Georgina – Cathy Alter
  • James/Teen Ensemble – Jackson Higgason
  • Matilda/Teen Ensemble – Molly Munn
  • Sophie/Teen Ensemble – Samantha Cline
  • Danny/Teen Ensemble – Anna Dudley
  • Alfie/Teen Ensemble – Mark Schutzman
  • Billie/Teen Ensemble – Katelyn Moore
  • Oompa Loompas/Youth Ensemble – Ryan Armstrong, Olivia Bayer, Russell Corby, Ruthie Darnell, Yvonne Herrmann, Novella Rose Marshall, Evgenia Sias, Sophia Teague

PRODUCTION TEAM:

  • Director and Choreographer – Maggie Perrino
  • Music Director- Xan Jeffery
  • Stage Manager – Jackie Smith
  • Scenic Designer – Tyler Gabbard
  • Costume Designer –Josh Newman
  • Lighting Designer – Larry Csernik

SELECT BIOS:

Willy Wonka – Dain Alan Paige
Dain Alan Pagie started writing and producing plays in the third grade, and has never looked back.  A graduate of the CCM acting program, he has performed with many theatres around town, including Jersey Productions, Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, Showboat Majestic, Kincaid Regional Theatre, Commonwealth Theatre Company at NKU, Monmouth Theatre and ArtReach Touring Theatre. Favorite roles include Michael in I DO! I DO!, Cliff in CABARET, Jesus in COTTON PATCH GOSPEL, and Lumiere in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

Charlie Bucket – Cade C. Harvey
Cade Harvey is a graduate of Oak Hills High school. He has worked with multiple theatre companies in the area. He most recently finished the show YOUNG FRANKENSTIEN at The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts.

Grandpa Joe – Don Wong
Don Wong is excited to return to the Carnegie stage again this year after appearing briefly, albeit clothed, in The Full Monty.  A native of Cincinnati and resident of Clifton, Don is the Ticketing Services Manager at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park where he first appeared onstage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Don was a co-founder of Cincinnati Public Theatre in the late nineties and his favorite directing credits include two tours of the six-hour play, THE KENTUCKY CYCLE, LOVE! VALOR! COMPASSION!, THE CRUCIBLE, INHERIT THE WIND, BEAUTIFUL THING, SAINT JOAN, CINDERELLA, SOUTH PACIFIC, and LITTLE MARY SUNSHINE.

Augustus Gloop – Christian Arias
Christian Arias is a sophomore at Scott High School. Christian has appeared in multiple productions including TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME, JUNIE MOON at Scott High School, INTO THE WOODS JR. and SEUSSICAL JR. with Jersey Productions, and SCHREK: THE MUSICAL with Cincinnati Music theater.

Veruca Salt – Gabrielle Tollefson
Gabby Tollefsen is making her Carnegie debut in ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA. Gabby is a sophomore at Mariemont High School and studies at CCM Prep in their high school Musical Theatre Intensive, as well as voice at Musical Arts Center. Favorite past credits include LEGALLY BLONDE at CAPA, CRAZY FOR YOU at CCM Prep, BRIGADOON at Mariemont, and most recently CYPT’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.

Mike Teavee – Liam Sweeney
Liam Sweeney is making his Carnegie debut in ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA. No stranger to the stage, Liam has appeared in GREASE, DECK THE HALLS, CYRANO DE BURGER SHACK, CATS! (Not The Musical), and THE BULLYING COLLECTION at St. Henry District High School. Liam attended the 2017 Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts.

Violet Beauregarde – Laura Dinn
Laura Dinn is making her Carnegie debut in ROALD DAHL’S WILLY WONKA. As a senior at Notre Dame Academy, Laura looks forward beginning her college journey toward receiving a BFA in acting. She is a second year student in the CCM Certificate Acting Program and CCM Preparatory Dance Department where she is able to strengthen her education of acting, tap, and musical theatre dance. You may have recently seen her in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre), REAGACHEV (Cincinnati Fringe Festival), and THE LAST FIVE YEARS (Thomas More College).

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 receives ongoing operating support from Cincinnati Wine Festival, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, The City of Covington, and the Kentucky Arts Council. The Carnegie is also supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as ,

November 27, 2017 · 10:56 am

Matthew 25: Ministries Presents TICKETS TO RADIO PLAY Play by Reverend Wendell Mettey

MISC_Matthew 25 Ministries logoTickets the Radio Play is a family-friendly holiday treat! 

November 22, 2017  CINCINNATI, OH – Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization located at 11060 Kenwood Road in Blue Ash presents TICKETS TO RADIO PLAY by Reverend Wendell Mettey on December 1st and 2nd.  What happens to the Christmas spirit when a church has to decide how to distribute 253 tickets that “Admit One to Heaven” to a congregation of more than 1,000?  Join us at Matthew 25: Ministries for this charming, heartwarming, family-friendly holiday entertainment that celebrates the Christmas spirit.

Tickets the Radio Play is based on the short story TICKETS originally written by Matthew 25’s Founder and President Reverend Wendell Mettey in 1976 for his Walnut Hills congregation.  Reverend Mettey conceived the idea of turning the radio program into a staged old-style radio play and the original radio script received its world premiere staged production in December of 2013.  TICKETS TO RADIO PLAY recreates the ambiance of an old-time recording studio, where actors perform the radio play in front of a live “studio” audience, complete with old style sound effects and surprises.  The original short story TICKETS is included in a compilation of Reverend Mettey’s Christmas stories (Lost and Found, Stories of Christmas), released in November of 2013.

Performances of TICKETS TO RADIO PLAY are 12/1 (7:30) and 12/2 (3:00 and 7:30).   Tickets for Tickets are available at http://m25m.org/event/tickets-the-radio-play/, by calling (513) 793-6256 or e-mailing gracie@m25m.org. Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for children.  The cast of Tickets includes talented, fan-favorite performers from all around Greater Cincinnati.  A selection of unique, international crafts purchased from artists in the locations Matthew 25 serves will be available for purchase at each performance.

More than 99% of Matthew 25: Ministries’ cash and in-kind donations go toward programs. Matthew 25 also welcomes volunteers six days a week at their Blue Ash facility.  For the most up-to-date information about Matthew 25: Ministries’ humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts please contact Joodi Archer at (513) 793-6256 or visit their website at www.m25m.org. Follow Matthew 25: Ministries on Facebook facebook.com/m25m.org, Pinterest pinterest.com/m25m/, Instagram instagram.com/m25m_org and Twitter twitter.com/M25M_org.

ABOUT MATTHEW 25: MINISTRIES: Matthew 25: Ministries rescues and reuses approximately 15,000,000 pounds of corporate discontinues, misprints, overruns, off-spec, slightly damaged, returned and past season products each year and redistributes them to people in desperate need throughout the US and worldwide. Each year, Matthew 25: Ministries impacts the lives of more than 20,000,000 individuals throughout the United States and around the world. More than 99% of Matthew 25: Ministries’ cash and in-kind donations go toward programs. Matthew 25 has been highly ranked on Forbes’ list of the Most Efficient Large Charities in the US. Matthew 25 is also highly ranked of more than 2,500 four star charities on Charity Navigator.  Matthew 25: Ministries is accredited by the Better Business Bureau through the “Wise Giving Alliance Standards”. For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Joodi Archer at Matthew 25: Ministries (513) 793-6256 or visit www.m25m.org.

# # #

Celebrating 25 Years of Caring for a Needy World
Matthew 25: Ministries is top-ranked among over 2,000 4-star charities by Charity Navigator and has been ranked by Forbes.com as one of the most efficient large US charities.  Matthew 25: Ministries was awarded the “Best Charities in America” seal from the Independent Charities of America and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau through the “Wise Giving Alliance Standards”. Matthew 25: Ministries was named Non-Profit of the Year by the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber and is a winner of the Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics and the ONE Award for Process Excellence.  Matthew 25: Ministries participates in the Combined Federal Campaign, the Federal Government’s workplace philanthropy program that requires all non-profit participants to meet the highest standards of transparency and efficiency in the industry.  More than 99% of M25M’s cash and in-kind donations go toward programs.

Matthew 25: Ministries is an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization helping the poorest of the poor and disaster victims locally, nationally and internationally regardless of race, creed or political persuasion.  By rescuing and reusing products from major corporations and manufacturers, Matthew 25: Ministries provides basic necessities, nutritional supplements, educational materials, building supplies, medical care, community development and disaster relief across the US and worldwide.

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Events, Family-Friendly, Press Releases

Tagged as

November 22, 2017 · 2:44 pm

Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Runaway Holiday Blockbuster EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) Returns for Twelfth Straight Season

CSC_ECSET31

Miranda McGee & Justin McCombs. Photo by By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The popular Cincinnati holiday tradition, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD, appears on CSC’s stage for a limited run of eleven performances December 21-31, 2017!

CINCINNATI, November 21, 2017 – For the twelfth straight year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is thrilled to offer a full season of holiday cheer in just 90 minutes with Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez. This hilarious production is a non-stop holiday romp through everyone’s favorite Christmas stories performed by just four actors in ninety minutes. Justin McCombs and Billy Chace, who are respectively twelfth-year and eleventh-year company members, return to poke fun at the holiday season, with returning special guest Miranda McGee, eighth-year company member. This year, CSC welcomes Resident Company Member Maggie Lou Rader to the cast for the first time! CSC Director of Creative Education, Jeremy Dubin, returns to the director’s chair. This production is one of the most popular events in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company history breaking attendance and sales records every year. All tickets are $38, making this show one of the best holiday deals in town. Audiences are encouraged to get their tickets soon!

What starts as an annual performance of A Christmas Carol quickly descends into a playful skewering of everyone’s favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics.” Using just three actors and a little help from the audience, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) crams an entire season’s worth of stories, carols, and television specials into ninety minutes of non-stop laughs. Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) premiered in 2005 at Orlando Shakespeare Company under the direction of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger.

Audiences and critics have made the show a sold-out success for the last eleven Decembers. Rick Pender of CityBeat wrote of the show, “If you’ve laughed yourself silly watching any of the scripts developed by the Reduced Shakespeare Company – you’ll find yourself in similar territory.  Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez clearly went to the same school… This production will certainly appeal to audiences looking for relaxing, adult holiday amusement.”  Director Jeremy Dubin remarks, “This cast has so much fun together that the show has become a very personal holiday tradition for all of us. It’s occasionally a little irreverent but always warm-spirited, and it’s the perfect panacea to all your winter woes.”

 This show will be appreciated by adults and older teens, but is not recommended for anyone young enough to still believe in Santa.

 All performances are held at The Otto M. Budig Theater on 1195 Elm St in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. No passes, subscriptions, group rates, or discounts apply. All tickets are $38. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.  To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273), or visit us online at www.cincyshakes.com.

 For additional information on Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some), including photography, or for interviews with Mr. Dubin or any member of the company contact Jeanna Vella by email jeanna.vella@cincyshakes.com or by phone 513.381.2273 x. 3202.

Show dates and times are as follows:

  • Thurs, Dec 21, at 7:30 PM
  • Fri, Dec 22, at 7:30 PM
  • Sat, Dec 23, at 2 PM
  • Sat, Dec 23, at 7:30 PM
  • Wed, Dec 27, at 7:30 PM
  • Thurs, Dec 28, at 7:30 PM
  • Fri, Dec 29, at 7:30 PM
  • Sat, Dec 30, at 2 PM
  • Sat, Dec 30, at 7:30 PM
  • Sun, Dec 31, at 2 PM
  • Sun, Dec 31, at 7:30 PM

###

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!

About The 2017-2018 Season:
This season is funded by ArtsWave and is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council, the Shubert Foundation and is supported.  The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.

The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest presents Shakespeare in American Communities. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company was one of 40 professional theater companies selected to participate in bringing the finest productions of Shakespeare to middle- and high-school students in communities across the United States.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as