Category Archives: Press Releases

November 9, 2015 · 8:28 am

Cincinnati Ballet, Playhouse in the Park, ETC and Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Return for the Holidays with the Character Crew

CINCINNATI BALLET, CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK, ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI AND THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CINCINNATI RETURN FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE CHARACTER CREW

(CINCINNATI) – Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati are joining together once again to spread holiday cheer across the Tristate with a number of special character appearances beginning Nov. 14.

Characters from Cincinnati Ballet’s classic Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker; Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s 25th annual production of A Christmas Carol, presented by U.S. Bank; Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s holiday production of Cinderella, sponsored by Macy’s; and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, also sponsored by Macy’s, will come together at holiday events around the city from mid-November through Nov. 29.

The Character Crew will make appearances at the following holiday attractions:

  • Saturday, Nov. 14 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, Duke Energy Convention Center
  • Friday, Nov. 20 (5 to 7 p.m.): Festival of Lights Members’ Preview, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • Friday, Nov. 27 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
  • Saturday, Nov. 28 (2 to 4 p.m.): Crafty Supermarket, Music Hall
  • Saturday, Nov. 28 (5:30 to 7 p.m.): Macy’s Downtown Dazzle, Fountain Square
  • Sunday, Nov. 29 (12 to 2 p.m.): Winterfair, Northern Kentucky Convention Center

About Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Patric Palkens & Maizyalet Velazquez. ©Peter Mueller

Patric Palkens & Maizyalet Velazquez. ©Peter Mueller

Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of important classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet’s mission is to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance. Returning Dec. 18 through Dec. 27, the beloved holiday tradition of Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, performed since 1974, continues to delight children and adults alike. For more information, visit www.cballet.org.

Ebenezer Scrooge (Bruce Cromer) celebrates his renewed holiday spirit . Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Bruce Cromer as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has been offering local audiences the finest in professional theatre for 56 years. Winner of two Tony Awards, the Playhouse is nationally known for its commitment to new works and as an artistic home for America’s best actors, directors and designers. Faithful storytelling and spellbinding special effects combine in the Playhouse’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, one of the city’s most popular family plays, which returns Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 for its 25th anniversary. For more information, visit www.cincyplay.com.

ETC_Cinderella promoNow in its 30th season, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC), located in historic Over-the-Rhine, is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. This season marks the 18th year ETC has been presenting family-friendly musicals for the holidays. This season, ETC presents Cinderella, Dec. 2, 2015, to Jan. 3, 2016. For more information, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

TCTC_Charlie_Brown Christmas promoThe Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCTC) brings art to life for children and the young-at-heart through three key programs: MainStage at the Taft, ArtReach and Learning the Craft. Currently celebrating its 91st season, TCTC is the oldest children’s theatre in the country and serves nearly 150,000 children, families and schools each season. From Dec. 4 to 13, The Children’s Theatre presents the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. For more information, visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

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November 4, 2015 · 6:25 am

Holiday Humor Abounds in AS YOU LIKE IT Opening at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

Cincinnati Shakespeare’s 2015-2016 Shakespeare Season Opener is “As You Like It”, Nov. 20-Dec. 12, 2015

Sara Clark as Rosalind.

Sara Clark as Rosalind.

Cincinnati, OH, November 3, 2015— Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues their 2015-2016 mainstage season with Shakespeare’s beloved comedy “As You Like It” playing November 20- December 12, 2015.  This production is directed by CSC Artistic Associate Jeremy Dubin and features the entire Cincinnati Shakespeare Resident Ensemble including Sara Clark, Geoffrey Barnes, Paul Riopelle, and Billy Chace. The production is generously sponsored by AARP, the ensemble sponsor is PNC, costume design sponsor is Macy’s, and the properties design sponsor is Towne Properties.

Banished to the Forest of Arden with only her cousin and a fool for company, the clever Rosalind (Sara Clark) dresses as a man for protection. Once in the woods, she is shocked to discover the trees are covered with love poems written to her! She is further shocked when she discovers that their author is none other than the handsome Orlando (Geoffrey Barnes), who recently captured her heart. Hiding behind her boyish disguise, she puts Orlando’s love for her to the test, while juggling the affairs of courtiers and country bumpkins alike. Featuring a hilarious cast of characters, delightful music, and warm-hearted romance, “As You Like It” will be the perfect choice for a cold winter’s night.

Artistic Associate and audience favorite Sara Clark will be featured as Rosalind. Now in her 10th season as a member of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Resident Ensemble, Sara has recently appeared at CSC as Daisy in “The Great Gatsby”, Ophelia in “Hamlet”, Juliet in “Romeo and Juliet”, and Abagail Williams in “The Crucible” as well as appearing in “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” for the last 9 years.  She says that “‘As You Like It’ is an exquisitely verbal comedy, and at its center lies one of the great roles in English drama. One that I am now lucky enough to undertake.”  She continues to say “Rosalind is a joy to play because she has the intelligence of Beatrice without her cynicism (from “Much Ado About Nothing”), the heart of Viola without her melancholy (from “Twelfth Night”), the cleverness of Cleopatra without her volatility (from “Antony and Cleopatra”), and the lovesick giddiness of Juliet without her tragic end (from “Romeo and Juliet”).”

Performances of “As You Like It” are scheduled from November 20- December 12, 2015 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. No show on Thanksgiving Nov. 27, show added Saturday Nov. 28 at 2 p.m.  There is no performance on Sunday Nov. 22.  Preview performances are on Wednesday Nov. 18 and Thursday Nov. 19 at 7:30pm and tickets are $25.

The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center.  Single ticket prices range from $22-$35 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$39 on Fridays and Saturdays.  Previews are $25.  If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased 30 minutes before a show with a valid student ID.  This production is a part of this season’s subscription package. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted.  Ticketing fees may apply.  Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as AAA members.  To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.

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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 nearly 30,000 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.  Last season, 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 2015-2016 Season:
This season 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, in part, by the generosity of thousands of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s productions of “Julius Caesar” and “Antony and Cleopatra” are part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.  The season design sponsor is Mark & Sue Ann Painter.  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 atwww.cincyshakes.com.

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November 2, 2015 · 7:11 am

Handicap Entrance at The Drama Workshop a Reality

TDW_New ramp(Cheviot, OH) A long-time goal of The Drama Workshop, the community theatre troupe based at The Glenmore Playhouse in Cheviot, is now a reality with the addition of a new handicap entrance. The improvement to the 96-seat facility was made possible by a generous grant from the Clare Schibi Memorial Foundation, Inc.

Since the 61-year-old theatrical company purchased and began renovations the former Glenmore Bowl building, a major goal has been to make the building accessible to its patrons with mobility issues. For the last three seasons, the only entrances to the building have required patrons to navigate steps at the front or side doors. Because of the way the building is configured, the only option to add a handicap ramp was to cut a new opening in the building.

Over the last two seasons, TDW’s patrons contributed over $1,500 towards the construction of a new ramp and entrance. A special production of the comedy PRECIOUS HEART in the summer of 2014 raised another $2,000, but these efforts fell far short of the modifications’ $14000 price tag. The Drama Workshop had all but given up on doing the project this year, until the Clare Schibi Memorial Foundation stepped in with its $8,000 contribution. TDW was able to cover the difference from its general operating budget, and the go-ahead for work was given.

“The Clare Schibi Memorial Foundation was honored to be able to support The Glenmore Playhouse,” said Teri Schibi, president of the foundation.  “Our hope is that this new handicap entrance will enable everyone to enjoy the arts and all that The Glenmore Playhouse has to offer.”

The new entrance will be formally dedicated at a ceremony at 12:30 pm on Sunday, November 8, prior to the final performance of TDW’s production of DEATHTRAP. The Glenmore Playhouse is located at 3716 Glenmore Ave in Cheviot. All are welcome to celebrate this major enhancement to Cheviot’s own community theatre. A limited number of tickets to the 2 pm performance of DEATHTRAP that day are also available. Reservations for the show may be made by calling 513.598.8303 or by visiting the group website at www.thedramaworkshop.org.

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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 Cincinnati. TDW productions have been regularly selected to represent the Southwest Ohio region at the Ohio Community Theatre Association annual conference, and TDW was also honored to represent the state of Ohio at the American Association of Community Theatre regional conference in 2013. The Drama Workshop was also recognized by the Cincinnati Preservation Association in 2013 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.

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November 2, 2015 · 6:56 am

RELATIVELY SPEAKING, Alan Ayckbourn’s Masterpiece of British Comedy, Comes to the Aronoff Center

WE CAN ALL USE A GOOD LAUGH!

“RELATIVELY SPEAKING,” ALAN AYCKBOURN’S MASTERPIECE
OF BRITISH COMEDY, COMES TO THE ARONOFF CENTER

DTC_Relatively Speaking logoCINCINNATI (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE) – As the first production in its 2015-16 season, Diogenes Theatre Company presents Alan Ayckbourn’s comedic masterpiece RELATIVELY SPEAKING at the Aronoff Center’s Fifth Third Black Box Theater November 11 through November 22.

The production, directed by Brian Isaac Phillips, stars Robert Pavlovich, Abby Rowold, Patrick Phillips and Bailie Breaux.

RELATIVELY SPEAKING is one of Alan Ayckbourn’s finest plays. A series of mistaken identities and misunderstandings lead to an evening of pure enjoyment for the audience.

Ginny goes to the house of her older lover, Phillip, in order to end a relationship and to retrieve some compromising letters. Matters are complicated when her current partner, Greg, also turns up and meets Sheila, Phillip’s wife, believing her to be Ginny’s mother. Confusion ensues, as the characters become more and more tangled in their own attempts to hide the truth about who they really are and their unspoken relationships to each other. Critics of British productions have described the play as “achingly funny” and “riotously funny.”

Robert Pavlovich plays Phillip, Ginny’s lover. Recently, he premiered the play BIBI: A One Man Show with Diogenes at the Aronoff. He was also seen as Zero in Adding Machine: A Musical, and The Father in Eurydice with The Know Theatre here in Cincinnati. Other recent productions include: Lawrence in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Zach in A Chorus Line, Lazar Wolfe in Fiddler on the Roof, and Feldzeig in Drowsy Chaperon, in New Orleans. On the Drama faculty at the University of Cincinnati, CCM, Robert is a proud 18-year member of Actor’s Equity.

Ginny is played by Bailie Breaux, whose recent credits include The Tall Girls (Washington Ensemble Theatre) and Dangerous Liaisons (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company), where she became EMC. Bailie has acted around the world in Scotland (Edinburgh Fringe), England (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art), and Greece (One Year Lease Theatre Company). Her TV credits include “Outsiders.” Bailie is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, and holds a BFA in Acting from CCM.

Abby Rowold plays Sheila, Phillip’s wife. Originally from Iowa, Abby gradually made her way east, stopping in Chicago for ten years where she acted in store-front theatres, studied at the Second City Conservatory, and performed with her band. She attended Indiana University and received her MFA in Acting in 2011. Regionally she has performed at Indiana Festival Theatre, The Brown County Playhouse, The Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis, and The Utah Shakespeare Festival. Locally she has performed at The Carnegie, Children’s Theatre Cincinnati, The Cincinnati Fringe Festival, and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. She is currently a co-artistic director of SHEatre Cincinnati Women’s Theatre.

Greg, Ginny’s current romantic partner, is played by Patrick E. Phillips. Patrick is a proud graduate of Xavier University where he received his degrees in Theatre and English. Most recently, Patrick performed in Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s production of “Luna Gale” (Peter) after having completed a year-long acting internship with Ensemble. Some of Patrick’s favorite collegiate credits include “The Crucible” (Rev. Hale; co-production with Cincinnati Shakespeare Co.), “From White Plains” (Gregory), “Avenue Q” (Princeton) and “The Taming of the Shrew” (Lucentio).

The top notch design team includes scenic designer Sarah Beth Hall, sound designer Doug Borntrager, lighting designer Alan Kleesattel and costume designer Amanda McGee. Jared Joplin is the stage manager.

“We are thrilled to have such a great team for such a great play,” said Jeff Landen, on behalf of the producers. “Brian Isaac Phillips is obviously a brilliant director, and the actors each bring an excellent sense of comedic timing to a show that is simply chock full of laughs.”

Performances of RELATIVELY SPEAKING are scheduled from November 11- November 22, 2015 on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, with a final matinee performance on Sunday, November 22, at 2 pm.

The Fifth Third Black Box Theater is part of the Aronoff Center. The entrance to the intimate performance space is at the corner of Seventh and Main. Single ticket prices are $29, with students welcome for the reduced price of $14.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Aronoff Center box office at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org, or by phone at (513) 621-2787 [ARTS].

“Relatively Speaking” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

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About Diogenes: Diogenes Theatre Company is an Ohio nonprofit corporation. Diogenes produces theatrical works showcasing the talents of some of the best theatre professionals in the Greater Cincinnati area. Diogenes is proud to be an Actors’ Equity Association Small Professional Theatre.

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October 28, 2015 · 6:41 am

The Ohio Stage Company Announces Its 2015‐2016 “Season of Heart & Soul”

OSC_Season logoThe Ohio Stage Company is proud to announce its first full season for 2015‐2016 – “A Season of Heart & Soul”  ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas; Almost, Maine; Ordinary Days; A Piece of My Heart; and Quilters. Ohio Stage had a successful summer with a three show premiere season at New Miami High School, and it’s thrilled to present the upcoming season at Fitton Center for Creative Arts in downtown Hamilton. We invite you to join us for as we celebrate our first season and share in the excitement.

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
December 17 – 20, 2015
Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45011
By Ken Ludwig | directed by Skip Badonsky

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.ʺ But wait! A mouse is stirring ‐ because Santa missed his house last year. Before you can say ʺMerry Christmas!ʺ weʹre off on the wild adventures of a mouse, an elf and a spunky little girl who just wonʹt take no for an answer. Donʹt miss this joyful tribute to the holiday season!

Almost, Maine
January 21 – 24, 2016
Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45011
By John Cariani | directed by Skip Badonsky

On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star‐ filled sky above, Almostʹs residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend—almost—in this delightful midwinter nightʹs dream.

Ordinary Days
March 10 – 13, 2016
Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45011
Music and Lyrics by John Gwon | Directed by Skip Badonsky

From one of musical theatreʹs most exciting new composers comes ORDINARY DAYS, a refreshingly honest and funny musical about making real connections in the city that never sleeps (but probably should at some point.) ORDINARY DAYS tells the story of four young New Yorkers whose lives intersect as they search for fulfillment, happiness, love and cabs. Through a score of vibrant and memorable songs, their experiences ring startlingly true to life. ORDINARY DAYS is an original musical for anyone whoʹs ever struggled to appreciate the simple things in a complex place. With equal doses of humor and poignancy, it celebrates how 8.3 million individual stories combine in unexpected ways to make New York City such a unique and extraordinary home.

A Piece of My Heart
 May 26 – 29, 2016
Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45011
By Shirley Lauro | directed by Skip Badonsky

The true stories of six courageous women sent to Vietnam and their struggle to make sense of a war that irrevocably changed them and a nation that shunned them. A work with the music and soul of a tumultuous era in our history.

Quilters
July 21 – 24, 2016
Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Avenue, Hamilton, Ohio 45011
By Molly Newman and Barbara Damashek | directed by Skip Badonsky

Ostensibly the story of a pioneer woman and her six daughters, QUILTERS blends a series of interrelated scenes into a rich mosaic which captures the sweep and beauty, the terror and joy, the harsh challenge and abiding rewards of frontier life. Illuminating stories contained in various patches or ʺblocksʺ with music, dance and drama, the action depicts the lot of women on the frontier: girlhood, marriage, childbirth, spinsterhood, twisters, fire, illness and death. But, with this, there is also love, warmth, rich and lively humor and the moving spectacle of simple human dignity and steadfastness in the face of adversity. In the end, when the various patches are assembled into one glorious, brilliantly colorful quilt.

For tickets and show times, call the Fitton Center Box Office at (513) 863‐8873 ext. 110 or visit fittoncenter.org/specialevents

The Ohio Stage Company is based in Hamilton, Ohio, and is an IRS approved  501(c)3 non‐ profit organization. For more information on The Ohio Stage Company, our shows and upcoming open auditions, please visit www.ohiostage.org

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