Category Archives: Press Releases

August 10, 2016 · 6:38 am

Cincinnati Playhouse Debuts 57th Season With Theatrical Storytelling of John Irving’s Blockbuster A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY

PIP_A Prayer for Owen Meany promo(CINCINNATI) – A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY launches the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s 2016-17 season in a powerful, spectacularly theatrical way on the Robert S. Marx Theatre stage from Sept. 3 through Oct. 1. For the legions of fans of John Irving’s bestselling book, the transformation of beloved icon Owen Meany from page to stage is not to be missed. That being said, “You don’t need to know the book to enjoy this production,” says Playhouse Artistic Director Blake Robison, who is directing the show. “The story carries the day all on its own.”

Owen Meany is an unlikely yet compelling prophet. Despite his strange voice and diminutive stature, he’s outsized in his impact, particularly upon John Wheelwright, who retrospectively narrates the story of his idolized best friend. Owen and John meet as boys in 1950s New Hampshire, survive the shared tragedy of the death of John’s mother and grow to manhood in the shadow of America’s escalation of the Vietnam War. Owen is certain of his divinely ordained destiny in a seemingly random world, and he bewilders, intrigues and ultimately inspires John in a way that transforms his life.

A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY is a sweeping adaptation, by Simon Bent, of Irving’s epic saga about friendship, destiny and the miracle of faith. It made its world premiere in 2002 at London’s Royal National Theatre.

“It taps into our collective doubt, our search for purpose and faith, our estrangement from the society around us and the profound value of friendship,” says Robison. “Owen makes an extraordinary sacrifice for the greater good. He is what America wants to be, but so rarely achieves. I’d say that now, more than ever, we need Owen Meany.”

The trajectory of Owen’s journey — both in the novel and Bent’s adaptation — is not told linearly. John Wheelwright’s narrative moves fluidly among remembrances of his shared childhood with Owen, the explosive decade that followed and John’s assessment of it all from a vantage point nearly 20 years after their
destined denouement.

A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY is innovative in form and execution. The Playhouse production will employ state-of-the-art technology and bold staging with new flying effects from ZFX Inc. that will literally allow Owen to hover and soar through the theatre.

The cast of A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY includes Ernaisja Curry (Mary Beth/Ensemble), Annie Fitzpatrick (Barb Wiggins/Mitzy Lish/Jarvit Mother/Ensemble), Laura Gordon (Harriet Wheelwright/Ensemble), Tatum Hunter (Girl/Jarvit Daughter/Ensemble), Naomi Jacobson (Mrs. Meany), Jared Joplin (Rector Wiggins/Coach Chickering/Randy White/Major Rawls/Ensemble), John Lescault (Reverend Merrill), Sean Mellott (Owen Meany/Lenny Bruce), Matt Mundy (Harold Crosby/Larry Lish/Jarvit Boy/Ensemble), Kevin Orton (Mr. Fish/Chief Pike/Dr. Dolder/Ensemble), Lawrence Redmond (Mr. Meany), Gardner Reed (Tabitha Wheelwright/Ensemble), Koray Tarhan (Boy/Ensemble), Jeremy Webb (John Wheelwright), David Whalen (Dan Needham/Jarvit Father/Ensemble) and Kate Wilford (Lydia/Sam White/Ensemble).

In addition to Robison, the creative team features James Kronzer (set designer), David Kay Mickelsen (costume designer), Mark Barton (lighting designer), Matthew M. Nielson (sound designer/composer) and ZFX Inc. (flying effects provider). Jenifer Morrow is the production stage manager, and Brooke Redler is the second stage manager.

A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY is sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Stable Two Financial, LLC, is the design sponsor.

Tickets for A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY start at $35 for preview performances and $40 for regular performances. Prices are subject to change, and patrons are encouraged to buy early for the best seats at the best prices. The show is appropriate for adult and older teenage audiences.

Tickets to 7 p.m. Sunday College Night performances are priced at just $10 for college students with a valid school ID. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show for all other performances.

Discounted ticket prices for teens and students are always available for $30 and $45, depending on show and seat location.

The Playhouse’s Tasting Series will enhance the theatre experience with wine pairing dinners before Thursday evening performances of A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY. The four-course dinners, which start at 6 p.m., are catered by Tano Bistro & Catering with wine distributed by Heidelberg Distributing Company. The cost is $32 per person; reservations may be made by calling the Box Office at 513-421-3888.

The Playhouse, in conjunction with Joseph-Beth Booksellers, is also offering a new book club for several of its 2016-17 productions, including A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, JANE EYRE and ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT’S END.Playhouse book club participants are invited to attend discussions of A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY at Joseph-Beth Booksellers’ Rookwood location at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 29, and 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19. The discussions are free, but registration is required in advance through the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888.

Previews for A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY are at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 3; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6; and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7. The official opening night is Thursday, Sept. 8, at 7:30 p.m.

Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays.

Free Meet the Artists programs that allow audiences to interact with the cast and others associated with A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY will be held after the following performances: 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14; 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25; and 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29.

A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY will be audio described for those with visual impairments at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, and signed for persons with hearing impairments at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25. The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.

Tickets to A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY are on sale now. 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. Call 513-345-2248 for Telecommunications Device for the Deaf accessibility.

The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.

The 2016-17 Robert S. Marx Theatre season is presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation, and Macy’s is the Robert S. Marx Theatre season design sponsor. 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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

August 5, 2016 · 6:11 am

Xavier University Theatre and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Announce New Collaboration to Complete Shakespeare’s Canon Together!

XUT_logo(CINCINNATI, August 4, 2016) – Xavier Theatre and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company are excited to announce a new collaboration between the two theatres, aimed at presenting all of Shakespeare’s 38 plays in readers’ theatre format over the next five years. The plays will be presented in the Gallagher Student Center Theatre on Xavier’s campus, with eight presentations per year until the entire canon is complete. Xavier students will work with members of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to rehearse and present a new play every four weeks.

CSC_logo“The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has distinguished itself as one of the first five Shakespeare theatres in the country to present all of Shakespeare’s plays,” says Xavier Theatre Director Stephen Skiles. “This new collaboration is an exciting opportunity for our students to not only learn more of Shakespeare’s works, but also to work with some of the most dynamic classical theatre artists in our region. It’s going to be very cool to work with so many of the CSC company, to work and learn from Dr. Niamh O’Leary, and to present these plays to an expanded audience over the next five years. I can’t wait to get started.”

“It is wonderful to see how strong the theatre program at Xavier has become in the last few years,” says Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips.  “Anything CSC can do to help with this robust program, and provide greater accessibility to the joy of Shakespeare, is our distinct pleasure!”  After completing the canon in 2014, CSC launched a groundbreaking educational initiative called, PROJECT38.  In this project, CSC works with 38 local K-12 schools to present each of Shakespeare’s 38 plays through multiple disciplines at a free weeklong festival in the spring each year. Working with university level theater students was a natural next step for CSC as they continue their work with students and Shakespeare’s canon.

In the Xavier collaboration, each play will have four weeks of preparation under the direction of a member of CSC’s resident company. Dr. Niamh O’Leary, Xavier’s resident Shakespearean scholar, will begin the work on each new play by introducing the students to its historical background and significance. The plays will be presented in the original order that they were produced during the 1600’s. HENRY VI PART 2 will open the collaboration, and will be directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips. Brian will be returning to Xavier after directing the CSC/XT co-production of Arthur Miller’s THE CRUCIBLE. He has also taught as an adjunct instructor. The reading will take place on September 19, 2016 in the Gallagher Student Center Theatre on Xavier’s campus.

Next, on October 17, 2016, HENRY VI PART 3 will be presented in the Gallagher Student Center Studio Theatre under the direction of CSC’s Artistic Associate, Jeremy Dubin. Dubin will be returning to Xavier Theatre after directing Xavier’s production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM in 2015.

Rounding out the trilogy will be HENRY VI PART 1, presented on November 14, 2016 in the Gallagher Student Center Studio Theatre and will be directed by CSC’s other Artistic Associate, Sara Clark. Sara will also be returning to Xavier after playing Abigail Williams in the CSC/XT co-production of Arthur Miller’s THE CRUCIBLE in October 2014.

The final play of the first semester will be Shakespeare’s villainous play, RICHARD III on December 12, 2016. RICHARD III will be directed by popular CSC company member Miranda McGee. This will be Miranda’s first work with Xavier Theatre.

Tickets for all readings in the series are free and open to the public, and no reservations are necessary. All readings will take place at 7:30pm.

About Xavier University Theater:
Xavier University’s theatre program combines practical experiences and professional collaborations with a rigorous and diverse curriculum. In addition to a strong foundation of theatre courses, the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre offers students the opportunity to focus in multiple areas of theatre. The program prepares students for professional experience outside of Xavier by fostering a practical, cross-cultural and student- oriented curriculum. Launched in 2013, the Department of Theatre is home to 45 majors, and offers a season of productions ranging from contemporary plays and musicals to classics and world premieres.

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.  Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season.  The 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.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reached over 50,000 young people and underserved community members last season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions at its home on Race Street. 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.  In 2017, CSC will be moving to a brand new facility located in OTR.  CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as ,

August 4, 2016 · 6:37 am

The Drama Workshop Presents NOISES OFF

TDW_Noises Off promo.jpg(Cheviot, OH) The Drama Workshop presents the classic farce “Noises Off” by Michael Frayn at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Avenue, Cheviot. Performances run August 12 through August 28; Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 8 pm, while Sunday afternoon performances start at 2 pm.

In this play within-a-play, the opening night performance of the farce “Nothing On” is just hours away, and as the cast stumbles through their final dress rehearsal, things couldn’t be going any worse. With lines being forgotten, love triangles unraveling and sardines flying everywhere, it’s complete pandemonium… and we haven’t even reached intermission! Can the cast pull their act together on the stage even if they can’t behind the scenes?

“Noises Off” is directed by Dennis Murphy and produced by Elaine Volker, and features the on-stage talents of Stefanie Adams, Elizabeth Beatty, Tim Binzer, Tasha Boeckmann, Bill Keeton, Kent Smith, Maryann Smith, Eric Thomas, and Ian Tinney.

TDW favorite Stefanie Adams is returning to the TDW stage for the first time since 2014’s “Suite Surrender”. “If you’ve ever wanted to know what’s happening backstage at show – here’s your chance,” she said. “What do those actors do when they aren’t on stage? What happens at rehearsals? Does everyone really like each other?” She added, “In this case, we really do!”

Newcomer Elizabeth Beatty is no stranger to the stage, having turned in award-winning performances across the greater Cincinnati area. “Watching each person grow into their character during rehearsals has been a blast. Every night, someone tries some new comedic bit that makes the rest of us lose it,” she laughed. “Everyone is friendly and inviting. I feel very welcome with the group.”

Eric Thomas appeared in last season’s acclaimed production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”, and offered a suggestion to patrons. “The set for this play is worth the price of admission on its own! In Act I, it seems like a perfectly functional set for its purpose. But there’s more than meets the eye. I won’t spoil it, but the audience needs to stay and watch the transition during the first intermission!”

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Aug. 12, Aug. 13, Aug. 19, Aug. 20, Aug. 26, and Aug. 27, and 2 p.m. on Aug. 14, Aug. 21, and Aug. 28. “Noises Off” contains some adult language.

For more information or to order tickets, please call TDW’s 24/7 ticket line at 513-598-8303 or order on line at www.thedramaworkshop.org. Discounts are available for groups over 10. Shows frequently sell out, so reservations are recommended. Advanced reservation seats are $16 each, or tickets may be purchased for $17 at the box office the day of the show. The 96-seat theater uses festival seating, except for season subscribers.

The Drama Workshop was founded in 1954. TDW is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education and promotion of the theatrical arts. The Drama Workshop is widely recognized as one of greater Cincinnati’s most accomplished community theater organizations, garnering dozens of awards annually from the Association of Community Theatres of Greater Cincinnati. In 2015, they were the most-recognized group in the greater Cincinnati area for theatrical excellence.

TDW has a long history of being selected to represent the Southwest Ohio region at the Ohio Community Theatre Association annual conference, including last season’s production of UNNECESSARY FACE. TDW was also honored to represent the state of Ohio at the 2013 American Association of Community Theatre regional conference in Hartford, Wisconsin. The Drama Workshop has been recognized the Cincinnati Preservation Association for their efforts to rehabilitate the former Glenmore Bowl into The Glenmore Playhouse.

Prospective members, and individuals or businesses interested in becoming involved or in helping advance TDW’s mission are encouraged to contact the group through our website at www.thedramaworkshop.org, or by phone at 513.598.8303.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

July 31, 2016 · 8:39 am

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA On Sale Now

BIC_Phatom promo5.jpg

Chris Mann & Katie Travis. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
IN A SPECTACULAR NEW PRODUCTION BY
CAMERON MACKINTOSH 

ANNOUNCES TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO
CINCINNATI AT THE ARONOFF CENTER,
NOVEMBER 15 – 27, 2016

AS PART OF THE FIFTH THIRD BANK BROADWAY IN CINCINNATI SERIES
PRESENTED BY TRIHEALTH

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will make its highly anticipated return to Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center for 2 weeks, November 15 – 27, 2016 as part of Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati’s 16/17 Season presented by TriHealth. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America.  Tickets are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. Ticket prices start at $44. For more information on the production and a video sneak peek, please visit www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com/ustour/

Andrew Lloyd Webber said, “Having received great critical acclaim in the UK, I am really pleased that Laurence Connor’s new production of PHANTOM is to tour the US again, which will play in tandem with the Broadway production which has recently celebrated 28 years.” Cameron Mackintosh said, “I’m delighted that my new production of PHANTOM has proved to be as spectacular a success as the brilliant original which is still the reigning champion as the longest-running production on Broadway after 28 phenomenal years. This exciting new staging, retaining Maria Björnson’s amazing costumes with a terrific new cast is thrilling audiences and critics alike and gaining a whole new generation of fans eager to see this version again and again.  This new production of PHANTOM has now been seen by over 2 million people across North America since it opened in November 2013 and continues to take the music of the night to dazzling new heights.”

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is presented by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Group, and NETworks Presentations. Directed by Laurence Connor (who co-directed the new production of Les Misérables currently running on Broadway and around the world, the award-winning new West End production of Miss Saigon coming to Broadway in 2017 and national tour in 2018, and, most recently, the stage version of the movie School of Rock now playing at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre and nominated for 4 Tony Awards including Best Musical), with choreography by Scott Ambler, set design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Paule Constable, sound design by Mick Potter, and musical supervision by John Rigby.  The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; lyrics by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe); book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber; orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it.  He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.

Cameron Mackintosh’s brilliant original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA continues performances at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London and in its recording-breaking run at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway and many other cities around the world.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play the Aronoff Center from November 15 – 27, 2016: Tickets for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA start at $44. They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

Week 11/15 – 20 Schedule 

  • Tuesday 7:30PM
  • Wednesday 7:30PM
  • Thursday 7:30PM
  • Friday 8:00PM 
  • Saturday 2:00PM and 8:00PM
  • Sunday 1:00PM and 6:30 PM

Thanksgiving Week of 11/22 – 27

  • Tuesday 7:30PM
  • Wednesday 7:30PM
  • Thursday Thanksgiving Day, no performance
  • Friday 1:00PM and 8:00PM
  • Saturday 2:00PM and 8:00PM
  • Sunday 1:00PM and 6:30PM

PHANTOM IS AN ENORMOUS HIT ALL OVER AGAIN!

“Powerful, gorgeous…and better than ever.” –The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Extraordinarily opulent.  This PHANTOM’S storytelling and relationships have an electrifying tension.” –Chicago Sun-Times

“THE PHANTOM IS BACK. IF YOU LIKED THE SHOW BEFORE, YOU’LL PROBABLY LIKE THIS ONE EVEN BETTER.” –Seattle Times

“THE SHOW IS AN OPULENT EYEFUL, AN UNDENIABLE TRIUMPH OF ATMOSPHERICS AND TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY.” –Boston Globe

“Take a deep breath and prepare to be dazzled; this kind of gorgeous escapism is exactly what audiences need.” –The Scotsman (U.K.)

“This PHANTOM is for a new generation.” -Roy Leonard, Chicago Now

Official show site:            www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com
Facebook:                           www.Facebook.com/ThePhantomOfTheOpera
Twitter:                               www.Twitter.com/PhantomOnTour
Instagram                           www.Instagram.com/PhantomTour

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. For over twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center.  The Broadway in Cincinnati series brings more than 185,000 people downtown to the Aronoff Center each year, and contributes an average of $30 million to the local economy each season. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 16/17 Season and the season is presented by TriHealth. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the 16/17 Cincinnati Season.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com and is operated by John Gore (Owner & CEO). BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, Finding Neverland, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray, On Your Feet!, The Producers, and Shuffle Along. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

July 29, 2016 · 6:41 am

Xavier Theatre Announces the Xavier Alumni Theatre Company

XUT_logo(CINCINNATI, July 28, 2016) – Xavier University Theatre is proud to announce the formation of the Xavier Alumni Theatre. By creating a company of Xavier Theatre graduates, the Xavier Alumni Theatre will bring these young artists back to the school for unique, engaging and world premiere projects.

“We’ve come a long way with our new program over the past three years,” says Xavier Theatre Director Stephen Skiles. “Our success to date has been a direct result of our dedication to fostering meaningful, professional opportunities for our students.

“This new venture makes a lifelong commitment to our graduates,” Skiles says. “We want to be an artistic home for them for their entire lives, and this new company will allow us to offer them all a place to practice their art and take it to the next level. I couldn’t be more excited to see the work that we will continue to do together.”

“I think it is great that the Xavier University Theatre community is building a platform for alumni to foster their craft,” says 2014 Xavier Theatre graduate and local actor Patrick Phillips. “Having a space to workshop plays, collaborate on projects and hone new skills is a luxury, and I am grateful that my alma mater is creating just that.”

The Xavier Alumni Theatre (XAT) plans to present its premiere production in the spring or summer of 2017.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as