Category Archives: Press Releases

November 24, 2014 · 7:13 pm

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING Regional Premiere Part of Cincy One Act Festival

THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING by Joan  Didion
Regional premiere as part of The Cincy One Act Festival  at College Hill Town Hall  

COAF_Year of Magical ThinkingThe Cincy One Act Festival, in residence at College Hill Town Hall/Contemporary Dance Theater Studio announces the regional premiere of THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING by Joan Didion, running weekends: Fri, Sat. at  8pm and Sun. at  7pm Dec. 5–28 (no  performance  on   Friday, Dec.12). Tickets are $20. Note: 2 for 1 pricing for opening weekend only. To obtain tickets: www.Cincyticket.com or call 1.888.428.7311. For info: www.CincyOneAct.com.

Based on her best-selling memoir of the same name, THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING tells the story of the year in Ms. Didion’s life following the sudden death of her husband of 40 years, writer John Gregory Dunne, and the subsequent hospitalization of her only daughter Quintana Roo. The play premiered on Broadway in 2007 starring Vanessa Redgrave.

The Cincinnati production stars Cate White, and is directed by Lyle  Benjamin, with lighting design by Chris Carter and projection design by Doug Borntrager.

Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Joan Didion is a best­‐selling author known for her novels and essays.

Active since the early sixties, she has received tremendous recognition throughout her career, including the National Book Award for Non­‐Fiction and the National Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. She also received the Evelyn  F. Burkey Award from the Writers Guild of America, the National Medal of Arts and Humanities from President Barack Obama and honorary doctorates from Harvard and Yale Universities.

Some of her most notable works include: Play It As It Lays, The Book of Common Prayer, The White Album, and The Year of Magical Thinking.

Her Screenplays, co­‐written with her husband John Gregory Dunne, include: The Panic in Needle Park, A Star is Born, True Confessions, and Up Close and Personal.

The film, The Book of Common Prayer, based on Didion’s book, is currently in pre-­‐production and stars Allison Janney and Christina Hendricks and is directed by Campbell Scott. Didion’s writing is representative of the School of New Journalism, in which the writer seeks to communicate facts through narrative story­‐telling and literary techniques. This style can help evoke truth and reality through the writer’s eyes.

When the memoir THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING was published in 2006 it was an instant best-seller. Ms. Didion wrote it in 88 days. When approached, she was reluctant to adapt it for the stage. The adapted stage play has garnered significant critical acclaim and enjoyed numerous productions throughout the U.S.A  “A haunting portrait of a four decade long  marriage” -NY Times. “A play that is as intensely intimate as it is universal” -Daily  News. “Poignant and wry…..beautifully written play, the emotions are so deep we can’t help but be deeply affected” –Newsweek.  

Cate White performs this one‐woman show. A NYC native, Ms. White studied at HB Studio with Michael Beckett. She is a founding member of the sketch comedy group Legal Action. Locally she has been seen as Bunny in The House of Blue Leaves at Middletown Lyric Theater and as Patty in Walter Cronkite Is Dead with Women in Theatre.

This production is helmed by veteran director Lyle Benjamin. In Cincinnati Mr. Benjamin has worked with Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, The Know Theatre, Queen City Off Broadway, and others. He has directed close to 30 plays in Cincinnati since 2001.

Rounding out the technical staff is frequent Know Theatre and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company technician Doug Borntragger and NKU and UC/CCM standout Chris Carter.

The Cincy One Act Festival marks a return of theatrical productions to College Hill Town Hall/Contemporary Dance Theater Studio. Theatrical productions have not occurred there since Tri-County Players left the venue several years ago.

Contemporary Dance Theater Artistic Director Jefferson James thinks the addition of a theatrical production company is a great fit for the studio and looks forward to a full slate of productions throughout  2015.

Founded in 1972, the Contemporary Dance Theatre has been the heart and soul of modern dance in the greater Cincinnati area for forty-one years. From their roots as a repertory company in the 70’s and 80’s they have grown to become a premiere presenter of diverse internationally acclaimed contemporary dance, using the intimate Jarson Kaplan Theater  at the Aronoff Center for the Performing Arts for their performances. For the past 17 years College Hill Town Hall (built in 1885) has served as their office and studio space. They are grateful for the funding and support they receive from the National Endowment for the Arts, National Performance Network, Otto  M. Budig Family Foundation, Artswave and the Ohio Arts Council.

The Cincy One Act Festival’s mission is simple: to provide great plays by great playwrights in 90 minutes or less. They will produce two more regional premieres (rights pending) in the winter and spring of 2015 at College Hill Town Hall.

www.CincyOneAct.com
513.223.6246
cincy1act@gmail.com

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November 24, 2014 · 6:20 pm

Carnegie Names Maggie Perrino Theater Director

Maggie Perrino.

Maggie Perrino.

(COVINGTON, KY) November 24, 2014– The Carnegie is pleased to announce that Maggie Perrino has been named Theater Director of The Carnegie’s Otto M. Budig Theatre.

Perrino, who currently works as the Theatre Program head at Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, will assume the role of Theater Director in early January—just in time for The Carnegie’s production of WEST SIDE STORY.

“Maggie’s multifaceted background, in both theatre and in education, made her the perfect candidate for our Theatre Director position,” said Carnegie Executive Director, Katie Brass. “Maggie has great ideas for building upon The Carnegie’s already strong theatre programming and we can’t wait to have her as part of The Carnegie family.”

An actor, director, choreographer and educator, Perrino draws from a diverse theater background that includes acting credits at the Covedale Center for Performing Arts and Cincinnati Music Theatre and production credits at Notre Dame Academy and New Edgecliff Theatre. Prior to her position at Notre Dame Academy, Perrino served as the Educational Events Coordinator at The Educational Theatre Association in Cincinnati.

Perrino’s educational credentials include an undergraduate degree from Miami University and a Master of Arts in Teaching with a certification in theatre from Thomas More College in 2013. In addition to her extensive experience on and off stage, Perrino has more than 20 years of training in dance, including jazz, tap, ballet and hip hop.

When asked about her new role with the Carnegie, Perrino shared, “I’ve always admired the work being done at The Carnegie. I see theatre as a transformative experience – a way to engage and connect communities, and that overlays perfectly with the mission of The Carnegie—which is to inspire creativity for all. I look forward to building upon the fantastic work that was carried out by my predecessor, Joshua Steele.”

While she is already preparing for her new role, and for WEST SIDE STORY, Perrino’s first official day at The Carnegie will be Monday, January 5, 2015, allowing time for her to assist with the transition of her replacement at Notre Dame Academy.

# # #

About The Carnegie
The Carnegie is a multidisciplinary arts venue serving the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. It offers professional theatre, art exhibitions showcasing the best of local and regional artists, and a comprehensive arts education program.

The largest arts venue in Northern Kentucky, The Carnegie is home to the Carnegie Galleries, comprised of more than 6,000 square feet of gallery space; the Eva G. Farris Education Center, which provides arts education to thousands of children; and the 447-seat Otto M. Budig Theatre, which is home to The Carnegie’s Theatre and Concert Series.

The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from ArtsWave, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, The Cincinnati Wine Festival, The Kentucky Arts Council and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. / US Bank Foundation. For more information, visit www.thecarnegie.com or call (859) 491-2030.

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November 22, 2014 · 9:39 am

MU’s COMMUNICATING DOORS Recognized by LCT

MU_Communicating Doors_logoPanelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized Gion DeFrancesco for his scenic design in Miami University’s production of COMMUNICATING DOORS.

Set in a London hotel, this comic, murder-suspense thriller turns the world upside down as the doors between adjoining hotel rooms sends the actors back and forth in time in an attempt to rewrite their history. Panelists praised DeFrancesco’s “striking and realistic” set design as “a visual treat”.

Miami’s Communicating Doors runs through November 23rd. Tickets can be purchased at http://blogs.miamioh.edu/home/box-office/.

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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November 21, 2014 · 2:36 pm

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s THE SNOW QUEEN Dec. 5-7 & 13

TCT_The Snow Queen

McKynleigh Abraham as The Snow Queen. Photo by Phil Groshong.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati continues its 90th MainStage Season celebration with THE SNOW QUEEN, directed by Jay Goodlett. Music by Steve Goers, book and lyrics by Alyn Cardarelli.

Embrace the season with this chilling show, based on the original frozen fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson. In this wintry tale, a prince and princess find themselves torn apart by an ill-advised wish that the Snow Queen must grant during the Winter Solstice. Come see Prince Kai, Princess Gerda and her comrades as they enter a world of the unknown to reunite with each other once again.

The story has been adapted by Chicago playwright Alyn Cardarelli, along with his Cincinnati writing partner Steve Goers. Their collaborations on musicals for children include world premiere adaptations of Where the Wild Things Are, Stellaluna, and How I Became a Pirate. Productions of THE SNOW QUEEN were featured twice in the history of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati — once in 1965 performed at the Emery Theatre and once in 1975 performed at the Taft Theatre. THE SNOW QUEEN is ideal for family with children ages 4+.

THE SNOW QUEEN, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, through December 13. 7:30 p.m. Friday December 5; Saturday December 6 and December 13, 2 PM and 5 PM; Sunday, December 7, 2 PM; Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets $7-$25. 1-800-745-3000 and www.ticketmaster.com.

Q102 and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati are proud to collect items for St. Joseph Orphanage at all performances of THE SNOW QUEEN. Children and adults are encouraged to bring any new or unwrapped item and we’ll collect them in the Taft Theatre lobby. Visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com for details.

And don’t miss Brunch with Santa on Saturday, December 13 at 11:30 AM. Tickets for this event are $35 for brunch only, show tickets must be purchased separately. Join The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati in the Taft Theatre Ballroom for a festive holiday brunch, music, crafts, a visit from Santa and his friends and memories to last a lifetime. Seating is limited. Call 513-569-8080 ext. 14 for reservations.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of THE SNOW QUEEN is made possible by the generous support of Macy’s. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign. The Children’s Theatre’s Season Sponsors are the Charles H. Dater Foundation and the Marge and Charles J. Schott Foundation. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Media sponsors are Cincinnati Enquirer, LOCAL 12 and Q102. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Kids Club is presented by Grace Kerr Orthodontics and Time Timer.

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November 20, 2014 · 4:06 pm

Xavier University Theatre Presents BLACK FLY SPRING Dec. 4-7

XAVIER UNIVERSITY THEATRE PRESENTS BLACK FLY SPRING DEC. 4-7

Mac Blais, Tatum Hunter, Annelise Moloney & Alex Roberts.

Mac Blais, Tatum Hunter, Annelise Moloney & Alex Roberts.

(CINCINNATI, Nov. 17, 2014) — Xavier University Theatre continues its 2014-15 mainstage season with BLACK FLY SPRING, the first university production of a daring new play that explores how we move forward in times of grief. Performances will take place Dec. 4 to 7, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. in Xavier’s Gallagher Student Center Theater.

A year after her sister is killed while working as a war photographer, a young woman is set to present those photographs at a memorial. When she and her fiancé retreat to a lakeside mountain town to reflect and prepare, they find themselves at odds over their secrets, desires and their place in the world. BLACK FLY SPRING was a semi-finalist for the Premiere Stages Play Festival and was selected for a reading by The Claque at The Tank in New York City and was featured in Capital Stages’ Playwrights’ Revolution Series in Sacramento. The show contains adult language and situations.

In a special collaboration with the university, BLACK FLY SPRING playwright Nick Gandiello will visit Xavier’s campus Dec. 3 to 6. He’ll conduct playwriting and theatre business workshops for Xavier students and will participate in audience talkbacks following the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances of the show. Mr. Gandiello is a playwright, screenwriter and teaching artist based in New York City.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Nick to campus,” said Stephen Skiles, director of Xavier University Theatre. “Giving students the chance to work on new plays is a focus of our program, and I know this timely material will challenge them in rewarding and exciting ways.”

Twice a finalist for the Page 73 Playwriting Fellowship, Mr. Gandiello is a member of the 2014 I-73 Writers Group. He was a member of the 2012-13 Play Group at Ars Nova. His other full-length plays include Oceanside (Merrimack Repertory Theatre), Sunrise Highway (Ojai Playwrights Conference) and Off the Realness (The New School for Drama’s New Voices Festival). Other New York credits include At the Finish (Published in Smith and Kraus’ Best Ten Minute Plays of 2014), Teeming Shore (Smith and Kraus’ Best Ten Minute Plays of 2015) and Screen (Samuel French OOB Play Festival). Mr. Gandiello is the literary manager of Young Playwrights Inc., through which he has led playwriting workshops in New York City, Virginia and Miami. He holds an MFA in playwriting from The New School for Drama.

The cast for BLACK FLY SPRING includes Tatum Hunter (Lana), a junior theatre major from Lebanon, Ohio; Mac Blais (George), a sophomore theatre major from Lancaster, Ohio; Annelise Moloney (Kip), a freshman public relations major from St. Louis, Missouri; and Alex Roberts, a sophomore theatre education major from West Chester, Ohio.

Regina Pugh, a Cincinnati actress and director for more than 25 years, will make her Xavier University Theatre directing debut with BLACK FLY SPRING. She performed on the Xavier stage last year as Rebecca Nurse in the university’s co-production of The Crucible with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Her other directing credits include Earhart, Melancholy Play, Vigil, Why We Have a Body and The Skriker (all for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati); In Flame (Women’s Theatre Initiative); Gilgamesh (Performance Gallery); and Elegy (Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative). She also has worked locally in educational theatre with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and The School for Creative and Performing Arts. Ms. Pugh is a founding member of the local theatre collaborative Performance Gallery, which has presented a new work during each of the 11 years of the Cincinnati Fringe Festival.

Other members of the creative team for BLACK FLY SPRING include Dave Zlatic (set and lighting design); Kathleen Rossmann (costume design); Kathleen Licht (props design); Griff Bludworth (dramaturg) and Brian Griffin (sound design). The stage manager is Nicole Santiago.

Tickets for BLACK FLY SPRING are available now through the Xavier University Theatre Box Office. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for students, as well as Xavier faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, visit www.xavier.edu/theatre or call 513-745-3939.

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