Category Archives: Press Releases

Sinclair Theatre Presents Children’s Holiday Musical

Photo by Scottie Jackson.

Dayton, Ohio – November 14 – Share pure holiday magic with your family, classroom or children’s group when Sinclair Theatre presents ‘TWAS, A Holiday Musical, live on stage from December 19-22 in Blair Hall Theatre, building 2, on Sinclair’s downtown Dayton campus. Tickets cost only $8 and are available online at www.sinclair.edu/tickets. Groups of 20 or more ordering online save all ticketing fees.

New music and dance has been added to this extravaganza which highlights many holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Las Posada, while emphasizing “kindness all year through.” Add some snow, a “visitor in red” and a sing-along, and you’ve created memories for children of all ages.

Written by local playwright, Patti Frankhouser Celek, ‘Twas is based loosely on the poem Twas the Night Before Christmas. This story features family pets left home alone on Christmas Eve.  They discover that families celebrate the holiday season in many ways, and although different, we’re all “One Big Rescue Family.”

In addition, this 45-minute presentation is American Sign Language Shadow Interpreted, which means the interpreter follows the character onstage (instead of being placed to one side) creating a seamless experience for Deaf and Hard of Hearing patrons as well as a truly unique event for everyone.

“We’re so proud to have made our holiday children’s show more and more inclusive since we began offering it in 2014,” says Gina Neuerer, Chair of Theatre and Dance and Show Producer. “It’s a joy to see families return year after year and be able to expand the educational opportunities to include multiple cultures.”

Directed by Gina Kleesattel with choreography by Rodney Veal, cast includes both student and community actors: Edward Folkerth, Ayauna Goodwin, Janiece Carver, Olivia Burchfield, Adalia Gaynier, Neveah Webb, Hannah Ramey, Shae Trauthwein, and Saul Caplan. Shadow interpreters are: Amy Crissman, Madison Janson, Kristen Weaver, Olivia Rose Parrish, and Bethany Crank.

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Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Brings Romance and Revelry to Cincinnati and European Audiences with TWELFTH NIGHT

Jeremy Dubin, Cary Davenport, and Geoffrey Warren Barnes II. Photo by
Mikki Schaffner.

After the run in Cincinnati, this very production—cast, design, and all—will head to Prague, Czech Republic, for CSC’s first international collaboration with Prague Shakespeare Company 

Cincinnati, Nov 14, 2024 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is making a voyage to Illyria and beyond with William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night playing November 15 – December 7. This production is directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO, Brian Isaac Phillips and features an ensemble cast of 10 with multiple returning CSC Resident Ensemble Members, welcoming in fresh faces from Prague Shakespeare Company and beyond. The Ensemble for Twelfth Night is generously sponsored by PNC Bank and the Design is sponsored by Rance and Marilyn Duke.

Shakespeare’s delightful comedy of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements, is a family-friendly spectacle that promises laughter and joy for all. Set in the whimsical land of Illyria, the play follows the adventures of Viola, who, disguised as a man, finds herself at the heart of a hilarious series of misunderstandings and mishaps. With a colorful cast of characters, the play is a merry dance of romance, comedy, and playful deception perfect for audiences of all ages.

Courtney Lucien returns to the stage as Viola, with Jeremy Dubin starring as the fool, Feste. Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Cary Davenport, and Candice Handy comedic chemistry ignites in their roles of Toby Belch, Sir Andrew, and Maria as they trick Malvolio, played by Barry MulhollandCameron Nalley as Sebastian and Leraldo Anzaldua as Orsino make their debut at Cincy Shakes. In an exciting first, Twelfth Night is a collaborative production with the Prague Shakespeare Company (PSC), the Czech Republic’s premier English-language theater! Founded by Guy Roberts, PSC is a renowned international company, celebrating 17 years of exceptional theater with productions spanning the globe. Actors Elissa Levitt and Josh Morrison join the cast from PSC and have travelled all the way to Cincinnati to be a part of this production. After its Cincinnati debut, the entire production and cast of Twelfth Night will travel to Prague for performances there, bringing CSC’s unique take on this classic to European audiences—a thrilling first for everyone!

Charlie Calvert returns as scenic designer, creating a multi-level set furnished by Lane Shoemaker’s properties design. Robert Carlton Stimmel is the sound and projections designer as well as co-lighting designer with Abigail Fluck. Rainy Edwards’ costumes, designed in Elizabethan style, are vibrant to match the comedic tone of Twelfth Night, and Kayla Cieslinski’s wig design adds the finishing touch to the actor’s appearances. Jeremy Dubin has composed original music to score the Shakespearean text.

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For the best ticketing experience and to avoid resale sites or scams, please be sure to only purchase tickets directly through Cincinnati Shakespeare Company online at cincyshakes.com or by calling our Box Office at 513.381.2273. Ticket prices range from $12- $78; don’t pay more!

Twelfth Night runs from November 15 – December 7, 2024, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, plus two Saturday matinees on November 30 and December 7, and two Sunday matinees on November 24 and December 1 at 2:00 PM. A sensory friendly performance will be held on December 4 at 6:30 with tickets costing $5. This performance will be uniquely adapted for individuals with autism and/or those with developmental and/or sensory differences to enjoy with their families.

Preview Performances on Wednesday, November 13, and Thursday, November 14, for half-price tickets. Young Professionals can enjoy YP Preview Night on November 13 with $25 tickets, a free drink, and a post-show talkback. At all performances discounts are available for students, seniors, educators, military, local residents, and community partners, as well as $14 “Access” tickets in the Upper Gallery for each performance, available for advance purchase online or by calling the Box Office. Also, starting 1 hour before each show, unreserved tickets may be available as $12 Rush Tickets for anyone (not just students), in various seating locations, based on availability. Rush Tickets must be purchased in person at the Box Office within an hour of showtime.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or visit cincyshakes.com. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted, and ticketing fees apply.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at 1195 Elm Street, adjacent to Washington Park. Valet parking is available for $25 and self-parking for $15 is available in the adjacent lot. Make advance reservation online the website or contact the Box Office.  For more details, visit cincyshakes.com/your-visit/parking.

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About Prague Shakespeare Company:

The Prague Shakespeare Company presents professional theatre productions, workshops, classes, lectures and other theatrical events of the highest quality, conducted primarily in English by a diverse multinational ensemble of professional theatre artists, with an emphasis on the plays of William Shakespeare. The Prague Shakespeare Company brings to Czech, European and international audiences performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking, and eminently accessible, connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today.

About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers and 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!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2024-2025 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

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TCT Receives Second $500,000 Gift from the Farmer Family Foundation for the Emery Theater

Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is thrilled to announce a second, transformative gift of $500,000 from the Farmer Family Foundation to benefit TCT’s campaign to revitalize Cincinnati’s historic Emery Theater and make it the company’s permanent MainStage home. This contribution from the Farmer Family Foundation brings TCT significantly closer to fully funding this ambitious $51.5 million dollar project, A Crown for the Queen City, which aims to provide a world-class, family-focused performing arts space for generations to come, and ensure the company’s future as a premiere arts organization. The remaining amount to raise is $3,250,000. 

TCT President & CEO Kim Kern expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s continued commitment: “The Farmer Family Foundation’s generous support is instrumental in bringing our vision for TCT at the Emery to life. Their belief in this project reflects a shared dedication to enhancing our community’s cultural fabric, and we are immensely grateful for their enduring partnership in building a venue that will create lifelong memories for young audiences and families.”

TCT’s renovation of the storied Emery Theater includes modern upgrades to create a state-of-the-art performance space while preserving the historic charm of the venue. Campaign Co-Chair Allison Kropp emphasized the impact of the Farmer Family Foundation’s latest contribution: “With this gift, we are within reach of a landmark cultural center designed with families in mind. We hope this inspires others to join us in realizing this dream for Cincinnati’s youth and families.”

The Farmer Family Foundation, known for its deep-rooted commitment to enriching the lives of local families, has a long-standing history of supporting impactful community projects in Cincinnati. Their focus on education, health, and youth aligns seamlessly with TCT’s vision to create accessible arts programming for all.

As the oldest professional children’s theatre in the United States, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has inspired, entertained, and educated young audiences for over 100 years. With the renovation of the Emery Theater, TCT seeks to elevate its programming and expand its reach, offering a vibrant gathering place where young people can experience the transformative power of the arts.

What TCT imagines is not simply a restoration but a reinvention of the theater into a modern and memorable venue equipped with the latest technology that both inspires and teaches. TCT’s plans to incorporate the most modern technology, a turntable stage lift, an automated fly system, a 40’x 60’video wall, and projection mapping will provide an immersive audience experience and overcome backstage and wing space limitations.

With The Emery as its home, TCT will unlock its potential to inspire diverse audiences with original works and even more innovative programming. TCT will also expand programming for younger children (theatre for the very young) and teenagers, with work considered a revenue risk in its current rented space.

After the completion of fundraising and construction, The Children’s Theatre will open the Emery in Fall 2025, as planned, with its 2025-2026 MainStage season.

History of The Emery Theater:
Imagined by philanthropist Mary Emery and designed by the famed architectural firm of Samuel Hannaford & Sons, the Emery Auditorium opened in January 1912 with an inaugural concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The acoustically exceptional 2,200-seat theater in Over-the-Rhine was once considered one of the top concert halls in the country. Sergei Rachmaninoff, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bette Davis, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all stood on the Emery stage at various points in its history. The Emery was also the performance home of TCT until 1969, when the University of Cincinnati took ownership of the property and ran it as the College of Applied Sciences until 1989. The theater was used for films, lectures, and meetings for the next decade. While the building’s upper floors were developed as apartments in 2001, the theater has fallen into disrepair since that time. TCT is the Emery Theater’s best hope to be restored to its former glory and to regain its place as a memorable and iconic arts venue.

About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati:

Celebrating 105 years this season, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country, creating lifelong memories and lasting impact for children and families for more than a century. TCT brings art to life through three divisions: TCT MainStage productions, TCT on Tour/WorkShops, and TCT Academy. TCT draws more than 100,000 youth and adults to its MainStage productions, over 50,000 K-8 students to TCT on Tour Shows, and 1,200 students participate in TCT Academy. Each season, 60,000 students attend TCT MainStage productions with their schools. Delivering much more than entertainment, TCT offers an inclusive space and innovative programming for children and adults to learn confidence, patience, and imagination. TCT’s partnerships with regional schools allow thousands of students each year to reap the lifelong benefits of a quality arts education that they might otherwise not experience.

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TCT presents SANTA CLAUS: The Musical this December Featuring Local 12’s Bob Herzog

Bob Herzog as Nick. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 24-25 MainStage Season at the Taft Theatre continues with Santa Claus: The Musical December 7-16, 2024. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.thechildrenstheatre.com. This is the company’s last season at the Taft Theatre before opening the reimagined Emery Theater in October 2025.

Book by Noah Putterman. Music & Lyrics by David Christensen & Luke Holloway. The show features Local 12’s Bob Herzog as Nick, Santa’s chosen replacement.

It’s Christmas Eve! After 1,000 years of faithful service, Santa and Mrs. Claus announce their decision to hang up the big red suit and train a replacement. Enter Nick (Bob Herzog): a website designer and single dad to tech-savvy daughter, Bea. With pressures mounting–and a jealous, naughty elf thwarting their every move–will everyone in Santa’s Workshop come together in time for Nick to take the reins?

Jingle jam-packed with a sleigh full of fun, energetic, and original holiday music, Santa Claus: The Musical‘s heartwarming story and score put joyful audiences in the spirit of the season!

TCT’s production will be directed and choreographed by Anthony C. Daniel. As a Director/Choreographer, Anthony C. Daniel’s regional credits include The Sound of Music (starring Emilie Kouatchou), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Kinky Boots, Sister Act, Mary Poppins, Tick, Tick…Boom!, Million Dollar Quartet, The Little Mermaid, Murder For Two, The Marvelous Wonderettes, and more. National/International Tours: Associate Director – The Sound of Music, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Cheers! Live on Stage, the American Premieres of The Boy Who Loved Batman, Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, A Complicated Woman, and The Witches of Eastwick. As an Educator, Anthony has worked with numerous collegiate institutions across the country and for the Broadway Dreams Foundation.

Santa Claus: The Musical is ideal for ages 4+. This production runs approximately one hour without intermission.

Public Showtimes include:

  • Saturday, December 7 at 2 PM
  • Saturday, December 7 at 5 PM
  • Sunday, December 8 at 2 PM
  • Friday, December 13 at 7 PM
  • Saturday, December 14 at 11 AM
  • Saturday, December 14 at 2 PM
  • Sunday, December 15 at 2 PM
  • Sunday, December 15 at 5 PM – ADDED PERFORMANCE!

Accessible Performance:

  • Saturday, December 7 at 2 PM

Additionally, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents eight additional performances of Santa Claus: The Musical for school students, including an exclusive homeschool performance. Tickets are $10 per student, with one free adult admission for every 15 students. For details on ordering school performance tickets or for free proficiency test-focused Study Guides visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

TCT last produced Santa Claus:The Musical in 2018.

Dani Lobello, Director of Production and Sound Designer. Jennifer Rhodus, Scenic Designer. Ben Gantose, Lighting Designer. Jeff Shearer, Costume Designer. Maggie Foley & Andrew Nunley, Technical Direction. Adam Borchers, Properties Supervisor. Jadi Davis, Production Stage Manager.

Santa Claus: The Musical is made possible by Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth, Production Sponsor The Summit Hotel, and Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation. PNC Foundation provides additional funding for MainStage Ticket Subsidies. Additional Sponsors include the H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Foundation – Fifth Third Bank and Narley L. Haley, Co-Trustees, the National Endowment for the Arts, and The Shubert Foundation Inc. Media sponsors include Local 12 and Q102.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands who generously give to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including Santa Claus: The Musical, are performed in the historic Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $12. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets.

CAST

  • *LUCY ARGUETA…Blitzen
  • JUNO BROSAS…Punchy
  • CAMMI CALDWELL…..Chirpy
  • *HAILEY CHANG…..Vixen
  • *CELIA D’ASCENZO…Bea
  • *STELLA D’ASCENZO…Prancer
  • TINA DEALDERETE….Elf Ensemble
  • JOSH GALLOWAY…Henchy
  • NICK GODFREY…Elf Ensemble
  • BOB HERZOG…Nick
  • *CLAIRE HUNKLER…Dasher
  • DIANA HUTCHINSON…Tenchy
  • *GRACE JEFFREYS…Cupid
  • BETHANY XAN KERR…Mrs. Claus
  • *PARKER M. PATTON…Dancer
  • RYAN J. POOLE…Santa Claus
  • *AUDREY SATTERWHITE…Donner
  • KATE STARK…Elf Ensemble
  • *LISA TAKAHASHI…Comet
  • MORGAN TRACY…Elf Ensemble
  • ZACH TREINEN…Elf Ensemble

Understudies: For Punchy, Tenchy, and Chirpy: Morgan Tracy; for Henchy: Zach Treinen; for Nick and Santa: Nick Godfrey; for Bea: Claire Hunkler; for Mrs. Claus: Tina DeAlderete

*Denotes TCT’s Young Artists Company

All photos by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

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The Second City 65TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW Now Open at Cincinnati Playhouse through Dec. 22

The cast. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

CINCINNATI Nov. 1, 2024) – THE SECOND CITY returns to celebrate 65 years of legendary laughs through Dec. 22 in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre. The show includes some all-time favorite songs, sketches and characters hand-picked from their iconic comedy archive performed by the next generation of comedy superstars.

The cast of The Second City 65th Anniversary Show at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The Second City sells out its shows at the Playhouse every time they perform, and this year they arrived just in time to provide the perfect antidote for the busy holiday season.

This special 65th anniversary show includes songs, sketches and characters written by some of The Second City’s most recognizable alumni, including Catherine O’Hara, Tina Fey, Keegan-Michael Key, Stephen Colbert, Tim Meadows, Bill Murray, Joan Rivers and Eugene Levy. The cast features up-and-coming comedians who perform sketches and improvisation in the raucous style of Saturday Night Live.

Boasting a slew of well-loved and famous comedy alumni, The Second City continues to be the world’s most influential name in comedy for 65 years and counting. The Second City performs for more than one million audience members a year at esteemed venues around the world.

THE SECOND CITY 65TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW is directed by Anthony LeBlanc. The show features ensemble members Acquah Dansoh, Jessica Joy, Adam Peacock, Allison Price, Dominic Rescigno and Brittani Yawn, along with Music Director Matthew Pollack.

TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35.00. Prices vary based on seating location and performance day. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered Nov. 20 at 1 p.m.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.

ADVISORY
The Second City’s 65th Anniversary Show is recommended for adults and older teenage audiences. The comedy of The Second City contains strong adult language, covers a variety of mature topics, and includes some elements of audience participation. However, we can’t predict what might happen during the improvisation sections – other than that it will be hilarious.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: CONSTRUCTION ON EDEN PARK DRIVE
The City of Cincinnati has begun a months-long project to stabilize the slope and repair the sidewalk on Art Museum Drive leading up from Eden Park Drive. With this work, there are currently some road closures on the approach to the Playhouse from Eden Park Drive that will last into December. Please refer to this online map for information on the closures and alternate routes and add extra time for your arrival to the Playhouse. Thanks for your patience and understanding. Please call the Box Office at (513) 421-3888 with any questions.

SPONSORS
Production Sponsors are Dick and Sandy Manteuffel. Honorary Producer Charles and Joann Mead. Design Sponsor is Geiler. Artist sponsors are David and Elaine Billmire and Diane and Carl Iseman. Season Sponsor is The Vontz Family.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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