Category Archives: Press Releases

December 9, 2014 · 3:07 pm

PRICE HILL HOLIDAY XTRAVAGANZA Fundraiser at the Arts Center at Dunham on Dec. 20

A New West Side Tradition: Price Hill Holiday Xtravaganza Fundraiser at the Arts Center at Dunham

Kassidy Kaimann, Kalie Kaimann and Melissa Campbell with We Duet All. Photo courtesy We Duet All.

Kassidy Kaimann, Kalie Kaimann and Melissa Campbell with We Duet All. Photo courtesy We Duet All.

CINCINNATI, OH – December 08, 2014 — We Duet All, a local entertainment company, will present a day of holiday festivities on December 20 to benefit the ongoing repair and restoration work at the historic Arts Center at Dunham (1945 Dunham Way) in the Dunham Recreation Complex.

The day begins at 11am with SANTA’S FROSTY FOLLIES, a 45-minute musical revue featuring 16 frosty favorites performed by Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, and Suzy Snowflake, along with a special appearance by Santa Claus. With loads of humor and contemporary music, kids of all ages can join Santa and his friends for some interactive holiday hoopla. Also, kids can bring their Christmas lists and get a photo with Santa after the show.

The fun continues at 7pm with a holiday extravaganza celebrating the emotion of the season, IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE. The 90-minute holiday variety show will take the audience on a magical musical journey with favorite artists from decades past. We Duet All will bring together local celebrities, impersonators, and up and coming artists for singing and dancing that will get guests into the holiday spirit with love of the season fresh in their hearts.

Mr Snow with We Duet All. Photo courtesy We Duet All.

Mr Snow with We Duet All. Photo courtesy We Duet All.

In addition to the two special performances, local vendors will also be on-site between the performances offering unique last-minute stocking stuffers for sale.

Tickets to SANTA’S FROSTY FOLLIES are $8 for general admission; $7 for students, seniors (55 or over), and groups of 10 or more. Tickets to IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE are $16 for general admission; $14 for students, seniors (55 or over), and groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased online at www.sunsetplayers.org or reserve a seat by calling (513) 588-4988.

All performances will be held at The Arts Center at Dunham, 1945 Dunham Way, in the Dunham Recreation Complex.

The Arts Center at Dunham is a fine arts center for the west side of Cincinnati. Housed in one of the three remaining buildings of what was the first municipally owned tuberculosis sanatorium in the United States, the Arts Center includes a 350-seat performance venue as well as extensive studio and programming space. See what is happening at the Arts Center at Dunham on Facebook.

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December 9, 2014 · 2:26 pm

Covedale’s PLAID TIDINGS Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Charlie Meredith as Sparky, Thomas Knapp as Smudge, John Battagliese as Francis & Tyler Huckstep as Jinx.

Charlie Meredith as Sparky, Thomas Knapp as Smudge, John Battagliese as Francis & Tyler Huckstep as Jinx.

The League of Cincinnati Theatre (LCT) announces the Covedale Theatre’s PLAID TIDINGS is a 4-Star Show. Special recognition goes to Steve Goers for Musical Direction and Direction of a Musical, as well as the whole ensemble.

After an unfortunate accident,the 1950’s boy band returns to earth. Their angelic mission: bring a little heavenly ‘harmony’ to an apathetic world at Christmas. The cast includes Tyler Huckstep (Jinx), Charlie Meredith (Sparky), John Battagliese (Francis), and Thomas Knapp (Smudge), all juniors and seniors at CCM.

A panelist notes that “from the very beginning, the quartet engaged the audience and maintained this rapport and participation throughout the show.” Another states “it was the beautiful harmony and comic timing that really stands out.” A final panelist encourages the audience with PLAID TIDINGS is a Christmas revue like the old time TV shows and one you’ll remember for seasons to come…and you don’t need to have a cardigan sweater to enjoy the fun!”

Contact www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com for tickets to “Plaid Tidings.”

Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT party in the summer.The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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December 6, 2014 · 2:05 pm

CYPT Alumni Awards Announced

CYPT_logoEvery year at the Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre Benefit, several notable alumni are recognized for their contributions to the organization or as great ambassadors after their years in CYPT.

The award recipients are, for the first time, being announced in advance of the Benefit.

It is with great pleasure that we honor the following:

Joe Bunke
2014 CYPT Founder’s Award

This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the success and long term development of Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre and Cincinnati Landmark Productions. A long-term member of the Board of Directors for Cincinnati Landmark Productions, Joe has presided over many important initiatives for the organization and has been an important ambassador within the west side business community. Joe is President of Cincinnati Federal Savings and Loan, a “local” full service community bank that honors Cincinnati’s traditions and neighborhoods.

Previous honorees: Mark Mueller, Tony Hungler, Steve Papin, Doug Ridenour, Nicola Burgun, Greg Dastillung.

Laura Grosse Holland
2014 Distinguished Alumni Award – Life

Created to recognize the many alumni who make valuable contributions to our community through their volunteerism or occupations outside the arts. While Laura has stayed involved in the arts since her tenure at CYPT in the late 80s and early 90s, she has also exhibited extraordinary selflessness and humanitarianism through her work with St. Teresa Church, Oak Hills School District and the Shriner’s Hospital.

Previous honorees: Greg Lynch, Sean Tierney, Matt Miller, Tara Tuttle, Molly O’Brien Peters.

Amy Miller
Matthew Wilson
The Matt Gunnels Memorial Award for Distinguished Alumni – Performing Arts
This award recognizes notable achievements in the performing arts after one’s participation in CYPT. Matthew and Amy in their time since CYPT have made sizable impacts on the performing arts – albeit on two different sides of the country.
Note that at the Benefit, this award will officially be re-named in honor of CYPT Alumni Matt Gunnels, who passed away this year.
Amy was in the National Tour and Broadway casts of 42nd Street as well as myriad television shows, and national commercials. For 6 years and counting, Amy has been the Artistic Director, CEO and Founding Member of the Transcendence Theatre Company – a professional community of performing artists in California.
Matthew worked in administration at the Roundabout Theatre in New York City, before returning to Cincinnati to earn his Master’s Degree. An accomplished actor, Matt has appeared in innumerable shows around town since his return, including his acclaimed role as Renfield in Covedale Center’s Dracula. But it’s his work as choreographer and director that has him on “people to watch” lists in local arts circles. Credits include Big River and 42nd Street on the Showboat, and Legally Blonde, Will Rogers Follies and Into the Woods at the Covedale Center.
Previous honorees: Richard Oberacker, Allen Kendall, Eric Bricking, Aaron LaVigne, Brandy Rice Bailey.
Kelcey Steele
2014 CYPT Hall of Fame Award
Kelcey receives the CYPT Hall of Fame award for his outstanding performances during his years with Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre. Kelcey began his CYPT career in 2010 as Enjolras in Les Miserables, followed by Bela Zangler in 2011’s Crazy For You and the lead role of Robbie Hart in 2012’s The Wedding Singer.  A true standout performer, Kelcey has also appeared in other Cincinnati Landmark Productions’ shows, including Big River on the Showboat Majestic, Will Rogers Follies at Covedale Center and on the stage of Miami Universty. On top of all that, Kelcey is an internationally ranked Irish Dance competitor.
Previous honorees: Jan Bruce, Laura Zervic, Doug Berlon, Joe Moeller, Jeni Bayer Schwiers, Tommy Boeing, Emily Berger, Susie Robinson.

Congratulations to the recipients and to all nominated. Join us on December 27 at the Benefit as we honor these deserving individuals in person.

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December 5, 2014 · 10:39 am

Upcoming Productions Announced by Dare to Defy Productions

D2D_logoDare to Defy Productions is excited to announce our upcoming productions:

THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Book, Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
January 2 and 3, 2015 8 PM at the Mathile Theatre in the Schuster Center
Click here for tickets 

January 6, 2015 7:15 PM at Mimi’s Cafe at the Greene (additional food purchase required)
Click here for tickets

March of the FALSETTOS (Special Event)
Book, Music and Lyrics by William Finn
January 9 and 10, 2015
Watch for Ticket Information

The Songs of HAIR in Concert
Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni and James Rado, Music by Galt MacDermot
March 13 and 14, 2015
Watch for Ticket Information

ASSASSINS
Book by John Weidman, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Based on an idea by Charles Gilbert Jr.
July 17, 18, 24 and 25, 2015
Watch for Ticket Information

INTO THE WOODS
Book by James Lapine, Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
September 5 and 6
Watch for Ticket Information

GODSPELL
Book by John Michael Tebelak, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz- Based on The Gospel According to Matthew
October 9, 10, 13, 16 & 17
Watch for Ticket Information

March of the Falsettos are presented through special arrangement with Samuel French.
Hair is presented through special arrangement with Tams-Witmark.
Assassins, Godspell, The Last Five Years and Into the Woods are presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International

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December 5, 2014 · 7:56 am

A SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY on Dec. 19 & 20

A SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY: BIG BAND CHORAL SPECTACULAR,
CINCINNATI’S NEWEST MUSICAL OFFERING, BRINGS BACK THE
ELEGANCE AND GLAMOUR OF OLD HOLLYWOOD

Photo by Ricardo Trevino, Miami University Communications & Marketing.

Photo by Ricardo Trevino, Miami University Communications & Marketing.

CINCINNATI, OH-December 2, 2014-A beautiful and talented cast of 24 vocalists are joined by seventeen of the finest jazz musicians and world-renowned guest artists to provide a memorable evening of song and dance for the whole family. Your favorite holiday classics are presented with fresh new arrangements in this 1940s Hollywood Style Revue! The show includes a variety of vocal performances, band features from the Holiday All-Star Big Band and Dr. Tedrin Lindsay on Piano, Choreography by Jay Goodlett, formerly of Cincinnati Ballet, and even a visit from Santa himself!

A SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY: BIG BAND CHORAL SPECTACULAR runs December 19th and 20th at 8pm at the Walnut Hills Theatre. Tickets are $12 for students (17 and under) and $25-$35 for adults and can be purchased at swinginholiday.info or through the Miami University Box Office at (513) 529-3200 or at MiamiOH.edu/ boxoffice. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Walnut Hills High School Music Program.

A SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY: BIG BAND CHORAL SPECTACULAR premiered to rave reviews at Miami University on November 21st and 22nd. A MU Faculty member described it as “A stunning show that transported us back to the golden age of entertainment.” Exit interviews captured audience reactions such as, “Finally, something fresh and different for the holidays,” and “Such spellbinding harmonies from the chorus and the band was phenomenal!”

Show director and conductor Ben Smolder is Associate Professor of Voice and Opera at Miami University and Director of the National Schmidt Youth Vocal Competition. He has conducted two productions at Miami University that have received awards for Best Collegiate Production from the National Opera Association. Co-producers Alex and Tiffany Lusht are partners of Cincinnati based Mind Ignition Studios. Mind Ignition specializes in corporate and entertainment event production, servicing clients worldwide.

A SWINGIN’ HOLIDAY: BIG BAND CHORAL SPECTACULAR will be presented at the beautifully renovated Walnut Hills Theatre. The Walnut Hills High School Marching Blue and Gold have been selected to perform in the Paris New Years Day Parade 2016 by Youth Music of the World. This recognition is based on past achievements and excellence in music education at Walnut Hills High School. The students will represent the city of Cincinnati, state of Ohio and United States of America as ambassadors of music. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a historic program. The Walnut Hills High School Marching Blue and Gold are one of 16 bands in the state of Ohio to qualify and achieve a perfect score at the Ohio Music Education Association state finals in 2014.

Proceeds will help these talented kids make it to Paris!

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