Category Archives: Press Releases

September 13, 2016 · 6:30 am

FAMILY TIES ON STAGE Replaces ANNE OF GREEN GABLES at Human Race Theatre Company

hrtc_red-logoFAMILY TIES
by Daniel Goldstein
Based on the CBS television series
Directed by Kevin Moore

June 1 – 25, 2017
On sale now to Loft Season Subscribers. Single tickets on sale January 2017.

One of the most beloved television families of the 1980s takes to the stage. Almost thirty years have passed and Alex P. Keaton, now running for Congress, returns to his parents’ Columbus home with his sisters, Mallory and Jennifer, who are parents of their own. Gathered together once again, they relive some of the most important moments from their childhood – the growing pains, heartbreaks and reconciliations – with fondness and appreciation for simpler times that defined a generation.

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September 8, 2016 · 6:54 am

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Launches Adventure-Filled Off the Hill Season with Legendary Tale ROBIN HOOD

pip_robin-hood-promo(CINCINNATI) – The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park breathes life into three classic stories from literature in fun, innovative and fresh ways for this season’s Off the Hill Series. ROBIN HOOD, which chronicles the exploits of the legendary outlaw, will launch the popular family-friendly series this fall, touring to community centers throughout Greater Cincinnati from Sept. 24 through Oct. 30.

Good and evil take center stage as Robin Hood and his merry band of underground heroes rally to support those who cannot fight for themselves. Full of fights and swordplay, Greg Banks’ ROBIN HOOD is a high-powered, action-packed adventure geared to ages 8 and up.

“Being a movement-based director, I loved this script because of the potential for physicality, including a large amount of stage combat and visual storytelling,” says Director of Education and Community Engagement Daunielle Rasmussen, who is directing ROBIN HOOD. “I also love that our Maid Marian can hold her own with a bow against Robin Hood. She’s no one’s damsel in distress, and I’m excited for the effect that will have on our version of the story.”

Rasmussen hopes to spark discussion with this decidedly modern adaptation. “Robin Hood isn’t just a famous outlaw,” she explains. “He is a character who asks us what we are willing to do in the face of injustice. Will you stand by and do nothing? Or will you defend, feed and care for your community? What do we do when it feels as though we are powerless and have no recourse? We are living in a time in which these questions are being asked. What do we learn from ROBIN HOOD that we can exemplify in our own neighborhoods?”

The ROBIN HOOD cast includes Richard Buchanan (Sheriff/King Richard/Soldier 3), George Bull (Prince John/Will Scarlett/Soldier 1/Little John/Friar Tuck), Candice Handy (Much/Maid Marian) and Taha Mandviwala (Robin Hood/Marian’s Dad/Soldier 2), all members of the Playhouse’s 2016-17 Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company. Along with Rasmussen, the production team includes set designer Kenton Brett, costume designer Melanie Mortimore, sound designer Trey Tatum and stage manager Tracy Hoida.

In addition to ROBIN HOOD, the Playhouse’s 2016-17 Off the Hill season features AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, adapted by Toby Hulse from the Jules Verne classic, and THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, based on the story by C.S. Lewis and dramatized by Le Clanché du Rand.

“What I love about these adaptations is how accessible they are for a wide array of ages,” says Rasmussen. “I am constantly looking for scripts that have something for everyone who might be watching, from toddlers to older siblings and parents.”

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS embarks with Phileas Fogg this winter on the world’s most amazing race by rail, boat — and even elephant — featuring just three actors portraying 19 characters to create a spirited, highly imaginative and hilariously entertaining comedy. Recommended for ages 8 and up, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS travels off the hill from Jan. 21 through Feb. 12, 2017.

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE will close the Off the Hill season in the spring, transporting audiences through the wardrobe to the magical realm of Narnia — a land of talking animals, mythical creatures and eternal winter where the White Witch holds power over all. The tour-de-force, two-actor adaptation, recommended for ages 5 and up, will tour Greater Cincinnati from April 8 through May 21, 2017.

For more information about the Playhouse’s education and outreach programs, contact the Education Department at 513-345-2242 or visit www.cincyplay.com.

Off the Hill is supported by the Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation, ArtsWave and the Ohio Arts Council.

The Cincinnati Playhouse season is presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation and Heidelberg Distributing Co. The season sponsor of new work is The Lois and Richard Rosenthal Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 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. 

ROBIN HOOD PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (as of Sept. 6, 2016)

  • Saturday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m., Artsville (Madisonville)
  • Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Ft. Wright Civic Club
  • Saturday, Oct. 8, 2 p.m., Campbell County Library (Carrico-Ft. Thomas Branch)
  • Sunday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m., Blue Ash Recreation Center
  • Sunday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m., Cedar Village Retirement Community (Mason)
  • Sunday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m., Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum
  • Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m., Woman’s Art Club of Cincinnati (Mariemont)
  • Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m., Oxford Community Arts Center
  • Friday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m., Springfield Township at Grove Banquet Hall
  • Saturday, Oct. 29, 2 p.m. Sunset Players at Dunham Recreation Center
  • Saturday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. District A at Woodford Paideia

Note: Details vary by location. Contact the individual sites for tickets and prices. Contact information is available on the Playhouse website at www.cincyplay.com. Click on the SCHEDULE tab.

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September 7, 2016 · 6:45 am

Anthony Hamilton – What I’m Feeling Tour | Sat., Oct. 15 | Aronoff Center

caa_anthony-hamilton-promoGRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST ANTHONY HAMILTON
ANNOUNCES FALL 2016 TOUR DATES
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS LALAH HATHAWAY AND ERIC BENET

Saturday, October 15 – 8:00 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall 

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH AT 10:00 AM

CINCINNATI, OH – Grammy Award-winning recording artist ANTHONY HAMILTON is excited to announce Fall 2016 tour dates with special guests LALAH HATHAWAY and ERIC BENET.  The tour plays Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center on Saturday, October 15 at 8:00 PM.

Tickets range between $49.50 – $89.50 and go on sale Friday, September 9th at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.  VIP and Platinum seating will also be available.

Kicking off October 6th at The Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham, NC, the four-week tour will hit major cities including Detroit; Washington, D.C.; New Orleans; Los Angeles; and more. Fans can expect to hear all of the artists’ hits, plus new music as each has released new albums this year. On March 25th, Hamilton released his fifth studio album, What I’m Feelin’, via RCA Records, which includes the hit single, “Amen.”

ANTHONY HAMILTON IN-CONCERT TOUR DATES

DATE               CITY                             VENUE

October 6        Durham, NC                Durham Performing Arts Center

October 7        Charleston, SC             N. Charleston Performing Arts Center

October 8        Washington, D.C.        Constitution Hall

October 9        Baltimore, MD            Modell Performing Arts Center At the Lyric

October 13      Louisville, KY               Palace Theatre

October 14      Detroit, MI                  Fox Theatre

October 15      Cincinnati, OH             Aronoff Center for the Arts

October 16      Augusta, GA                Bell Auditorium

October 20      Memphis, TN              Orpheum Theatre

October 21      Nashville, TN               Municipal Auditorium

October 22      Chattanooga, TN         Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium

October 23      New Orleans, LA         Lakefront Arena

October 27      Ft. Lauderdale, FL       Broward Center For the Performing Arts

October 28      Jacksonville, FL            Moran Theater

October 29      Columbia, SC               Township Auditorium

October 30      Richmond, VA             Altria Theater

About Anthony Hamilton
The Grammy-Award winning singer has collaborated with a bevy of artists including Nas, Rick Ross, Carlos Santana, Jill Scott, Tupac and Al Green to name a few. With a talent that is recognized by some of the most profound figures of our time, Hamilton has performed for President Obama at the Smithsonian Salutes Ray Charles: In Performance at the White House and on the daytime talkshow The Real, as well as appeared on the Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore.

Demonstrating his international reach, he recently took the stage in the UK and the Netherlands with a performance on BBC 1xtra Live Lounge that debuted on August 8th. In addition to his multiple chart-topping albums and singles, Hamilton earned a BET Award and has been praised by a plethora of outlets including The New York Times, USA Today, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, ESSENCE, Billboard, and more. Having covered Hamilton’s career throughout the years, NPR recently explored his North Carolina roots and will include him in the inaugural launch of their highly-anticipated docu-series Illuminated that aired in August.

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September 7, 2016 · 6:44 am

NKU Brings Great American Novel THE GRAPES OF WRATH to the Stage

NKU_The Grapes of Wrath logoHIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – Northern Kentucky University | School of the Arts | Program of Theatre and Dance presents THE GRAPES OF WRATH September 29 – October 9, 2016. Performances will take place in the Corbett Theatre in the Fine Arts Center.

THE GRAPES OF WRATH
By Frank Galati | From the novel by John Steinbeck
September 29 – October 9, 2016 | NKU Corbett Theatre

A powerful and deeply affecting stage version of one of the masterpieces of American literature, there’s a reason why THE GRAPES OF WRATH is a classic. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the story’s themes—endurance, sacrifice, and family—are no less powerful today than they were 77 years ago, when John Steinbeck penned the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. This Tony Award-winning stage adaptation follows the Joad family on their flight from the dust bowl of Oklahoma, culminating in a soaring and deeply moving affirmation of the indomitability of the human spirit.

We sat down with director and theatre faculty member Corrie Danieley to get the inside scoop on THE GRAPES OF WRATH. Read on to learn more about Danieley’s unique approach to the show.

How familiar were you with THE GRAPES OF WRATH before you started diving into the play?

Corrie Danieley: I had read the play a long while ago and have a love for Steinbeck. His language is devastatingly poetic and beautiful – I fell in love with how he captures the human spirit and our connection to the earth.

Are there any special challenges in bringing one of the “Great American Novels” to life?

CD: I guess it’s that most everyone has read or seen some version of it before and to live up to any expectation is a challenge. My approach is to experience this production as a new piece – to get out of the way of the language and let the story tell itself. It’s beautiful as it is – I don’t want to get in the way of it.

What inspirations did you share with your cast and creative team?

CD: Visual research a big piece of the process for me – and I have pictures hung up in my office so I can continue to let the atmosphere of the world continue to speak to me throughout the whole process. I’ve included some very iconic pictures from the Dust Bowl – lots of pictures of families struggling, tragic poverty, endless horizons, and a deep sense of longing – longing for what they had, what they want, and to feel whole again. I have lots of pictures on acts of nature, the prairie, mountains… the novel speaks so eloquently of nature and it’s echoed in the people as well.

What role does music play in this production?

CD: Music is throughout the play – it’s written in the script. We have a talented student band I have affectionately titled “Hobo Band”. They include a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and harmonica. The Hobo Band will sometimes all play together, sometimes separately – but they’re all mobile instruments that many of the Dust Bowl families would have taken with them. Music styles include: hymns, Woody Guthrie, Carl Sandberg, square dance music, and waltz. The role for music is to help recreate mood, parallel the struggle and joys of the journey, and also reflect the historical time period.

What has been most surprising about directing this work at NKU?

CD: Most everyone I talk to about this show recognizes the title and they also get a smile across their face. Everyone seems to have a connection and affection for this story.

For more information call the NKU School of the Arts Box Office at 859.572.5464 or visit theatre.nku.edu

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August 31, 2016 · 6:58 am

DADA RAFIKI: I SEE YOU SISTER | Fri., Oct. 14 | Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

CAA_I See You Sister logoFriday, October 14 – 7:00 PM
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

Tickets on sale Thursday, September 1 at 10:00 AM

CINCINNATI, OH – Award-winning Artist/Poet Annie Ruth and the Cincinnati Arts Association are proud to present Dada Rafiki: I see you sister, one of the most inspirational multicultural celebrations of music, dance, and song in Cincinnati, at the Aronoff Center’s intimate Jarson-Kaplan Theater on Friday, October 14 at 7:00 PM.  

Tickets are $22.25 in advance | $32.25 at the door, and are on sale Thursday, September 1 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.

In 2005, Annie Ruth created Dada Rafiki as a solo exhibition, which was exhibited at the Arts Consortium of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Museum Center as a way of honoring women from all walks of life in the Tri-state area who make an impact  in our community. Since then, she has garnered the support of other artists in the community to honor both women and men. “Dada Rafiki,” which means Sister Friend in the Kiswahili language of Eastern Africa, has honored nearly 140 women over the past ten years and donated priceless art collections to schools and non-profit organizations to benefit the public in conjunction with the celebration.

“Dada Rafiki is a way of continuously honoring the spirit of many positive servants in our community and allowing the public to benefit from the universal power of art,” said Ruth.

This year’s event is themed “I see you sister“ and honors remarkable women who, even though they often serve behind the scenes, have established a legacy of giving within Greater Cincinnati. A special “Baba of Honor” will also be recognized during the event. Annie Ruth will serve as the host/emcee of this engaging and interactive evening, with featured performances by Spoken Soul Artist JaHipster, the Cultural Centre of India, Todd O’Neal and Friends, and Ed “Sax” Thomas & Company, with a special guest appearance from Carla Cook, Jazz vocalist and 2016 Taft Museum of Art Duncanson Artist-in-Residence.

Dada Rafiki: I see you sister Honorees

  • Brenda A. Neil Carter, SPHR – Director of Human Resources, Cincinnati Arts Association
  • Denise Davis – Medical Director, East Indiana Comprehensive Treatment Center
  • Sallie J. Elliott – C.E.O, Images of Excellence Corporation
  • Gloria M. Hayes – C.E.O., Caring Hearts Adult Daycare
  • Edna Howell-Parrish – Co-Director, Eckstein Cultural Arts Center
  • Marian Y. Profitt-Butler – Ministry Servant Leader, Bread from Heaven Outreach Ministries
  • Catherine Roma, DMA – Choral Activist and Conductor, World House Choir and Prison Choral Arts
  • Brenda Shirley – Retired Teacher, Cincinnati Public Schools
  • Carolyn Wallace – Owner, The Perfect Brew
  • Yolanda White – Ministry Leader, New Prospect Baptist Church & Dunamis Mime Ministry
  • Flora “Kathy” Young – Retired Teacher, Cincinnati Public Schools
  • Baba of Honor:  Ozie Davis III, MS, JD – Executive Director, Avondale Comprehensive Development Corporation

ABOUT THE CREATOR OF DADA RAFIKI
Annie Ruth is a Cincinnati-based visual artist/poet who creates work that celebrates the human spirit. She is a trailblazer who has received critical acclaim for her work in the community – fusing her artistic talents with arts education and collaborating with major cultural institutions and museums to bring art directly to communities throughout the United States and abroad.

A few of her awards include an Athena International Leadership Award, YWCA Career Woman of Achievement, an Ohio Senate Commendation for her community service and artistic accomplishments, Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year, Cincinnati Herald Nefertiti Award, Taft Museum of Art Duncanson Artist in Residence, and the Leading Woman Award for Arts and Entertainment.

For more information about the history of Dada Rafiki and  how to help empower young women in the community, visit www.dadarafiki.net or contact Annie Ruth at (513) 821-9027 or annieruth@fuse.net.

Cincinnati Arts Association SPONSORS

Season Sponsors:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), FURNITURE FAIR, LOCAL12 WKRC, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Heidelberg Distributing Company, Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Macy’s, Pepsi, Skyline Chili, TriHealth, Ultimate Air Shuttle, Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc.

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