Category Archives: Press Releases

May 28, 2014 · 11:48 am

CCPA’s HELLO DOLLY Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Lesley Hitch as Dolly Gallagher Levi & Mike Hall as Horace Vandergelder.

Lesley Hitch as Dolly Gallagher Levi & Mike Hall as Horace Vandergelder.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts’ production of “Hello Dolly!” with a 4 Star Rating.

HELLO, DOLLY! is an ebullient and irresistible story of the joy of living, glittering with happy songs, shining with loving scenes, alive with the personality of one of the most fabulous characters on the musical stage…Dolly Gallagher Levi.

Panelists called the show “a pure delight!”  About the ensemble, they said, “We, the audience, cannot help but cheer them all on.” Lesley Hitch was recognized for her work as Dolly, and Justin Glaser (“Cornelius Hackl”) and and Kalie Kaimann (“Minnie”) were both praised for their work as well.

HELLO DOLLY! continues through June 1st. Tickets can be purchased at www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

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May 27, 2014 · 7:50 pm

Sinclair Theatre Presents THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW May 28-29

ST_Rocky HorrorSinclair Theatre will present the cult classic, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, by Richard O’Brien, May 28-29, in the Black Box Theatre, located on the fourth floor of building 2 of the Sinclair Community College downtown Dayton campus.

Directed by Sinclair student Jesse MaGill, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is the first student-run production in the new MAC Student Series. Watch Brad and Janet as they meet a group of Transylvanians on a not-so-typical night out. Join us and do the Time Warp again.

Cast includes: Kory Copeland, Kevin Manley, Jennifer Smith, David Brandt, Samantha Creech, Maegan Lopez, Skyler McNeely, David Thomas, Andy Blackburn, Aeriel Aniballi, Rachel Brandt, Heather Johnson, and Kira Miller

Performances are Wednesday, May 28 and Thursday, May 29 at 7pm. The box office will open at 6pm.

Limited General Admission tickets are available at the door for $5. Only cash will be accepted. Vocal and costume participation is encouraged. No props will be allowed (i.e. toast, “rain”, cards, rice).

Parking will be available:

  • At City of Dayton meters along Fourth Street after 6 p.m. and on weekend
  • In Sinclair’s Guest Lot (as available) at the Corner of Fourth and Perry across from Building 12, every day until 10 p.m.
  • $2 cash parking Lot A garage on Fifth Street ($1 with Tartan Card).

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May 27, 2014 · 7:14 pm

BOOTY! A REVOLUTIONARY PIRATE TALE at Fringe

Musical Takes Play Goers on a Hip and Happening Adventure
The cast of BOOTY!

The cast of BOOTY!

Actress and musician Serenity Fisher and her band The Cardboard Hearts will soon bring the original score of a romping pirate tale to Cincinnati’s 11th annual Fringe Festival. Serenity takes the stage for the Cincinnati Fringe Festival for the fourth time.  Fisher and co-founder of Tangled Leaves Theatre Collective, Robin O’Neal Kissel, are at it again, this time bringing a musical based on actual historical stories of American female pirates in “Booty! A Revolutionary Pirate Tale.”

“Booty! A Revolutionary Pirate Tale” takes place in Boston, MA, 1976, just before the celebration of the American bicentennial.  Here we meet 17 year old Ramona Schmidt as she unexpectedly releases three “girl pirate ghosts” from “pirate purgatory.”  All of the pirate ghost characters are based on real pirates who plundered the Eastern American seaboard in the 17th & 18th centuries. Once released, the girl pirates are on a mission to steer Ramona on course and earn their freedom from purgatory. Each ghost visits Ramona in the form of a musical vision. Their nemesis, the evil “Pirate Hicksey” is equally determined to capture Ramona and send the girl ghosts back to purgatory. Meanwhile, in 1976, Ramona rebels against authority, explores activism and seeks to find freedom and love.

Tangled Leaves Theatre Collective has produced three Fringe pieces in the past, “Sophie’s Dream” in 2010, “Opal Opus: Journey to Alakazoo,” in 2011 and “Vortex of the Great Unknown” in 2013. All three shows won the “Audience Pick-of-the-Fringe” Awards. They are back for their fourth Fringe show in 2014, with live music provided by Serenity’s band, The Cardboard Hearts, featuring piano and guitar by well-known local musician, Bobby Fisher and cello by the very talented Michael Gilbert Ronstadt.

All of the actors in “Booty!” play multiple roles, with all 6 male roles played by the one and only Jared Joplin. The production also features artistic pole dancing, as the pirates become a ship’s mast and are hung by nooses and shackled in chains.

“Booty! A Revolutionary Pirate Tale” opens at the Art Academy of Cincinnati Commons on Wednesday, May 28 9:00 PM.  Additional dates and times are Sunday, June 1 7:00 PM, Monday, June 2 8:45 PM, Wednesday, June 4 8:45 PM and  the final show is Saturday, June 7 4:15 PM. For more information visit http://www.cincyfringe.com/performance/booty-a-revolutionary-pirate-tale/

Avast Ye Mateys! We want to announce that thanks to the wonderful Jeffrey Johnson, Booty! will have two performances with ASL interpreters: Sunday, June 1 at 7pm and Monday June 2 at 8:45 pm.

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May 27, 2014 · 6:46 pm

CPT Brings Kevin Crowley’s SARGE to Fringe Festival

Christine Dye as Jerry Sandusky's wife, Dottie, in Kevin Crowley's SARGE.

Christine Dye as Jerry Sandusky’s wife, Dottie, in Kevin Crowley’s SARGE.

Can a person be so close to evil it leaves them blind?  This question and others are examined in the new play “SARGE” premiering at the 2014 Cincinnati Film Festival   The play and its title character were inspired by the recent headlines surrounding football coach Jerry Sandusky.

Jerry Sandusky’s wife, Dottie is re-imagined in monologues.  In the Jerry Sandusky scandal, one figure remains the most enigmatic to the public, his wife, Dottie, or Sarge, as she was known. People tend to dismiss her as complicit, a liar, naive or delusional. “Sarge”, imagines her in three settings over the course of a year as the Sandusky scandal plays out.  The play is the work of actor/writer and director Kevin Crowley, who when not acting on the silver screen, calls the Clifton Performance Theatre home.  Crowley explains how he was drawn to the subject as soon as it hit the headlines, “I was very interested in this case from the beginning. I became particularly drawn to Jerry Sandusky’s wife as she continues, to this day, to defend him and deride anyone who believes his guilt. It hardly seemed possible that 40 plus accusers could be wrong therefore denial must become it’s own form of reality. I read as much as I could find out about the actual couple and then created, or reimagined, a fictional version of Dorothy in three different settings.”
Crowley has created a script that leaves one grasping at every word from the title character, looking for a moment to lay blame. Crowley says he does not want the story to provide answers, “I never wanted to make anyone love or hate her. I really just wanted to know, for my own edification, what was it like to be in that situation as the wheels came off their life together. But as I wrote, I grew incredibly empathetic towards her and believe you need to separate her from her husbands actions.” The words are carefully crafted and presented with great precision by actress Christine Dye. Dye’s turn as the tough den mother to wayward boys takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions.  Dye explains, “I suppose some people will feel sorry for her, while others may think she’s a fool for not realizing what is happening under her roof, under her very nose. One cannot help but feel empathy for someone whose whole life implodes by the actions of another, yet in that same vein, the audience may question why she didn’t take action to prevent it. Kevin has written a wonderful and deeply moving play about a woman whose inability to recognize the signs of disaster, ultimately leads to her own destruction.”  Is she villain, victim or both?  Find out for yourself when the play opens at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival May 29. http://www.cincyfringe.com/performance/sarge/
Venue Art Academy Auditorium
  • Thur, May 29 @ 7:00 pm
  • Sat, May 31 @ 5:00 pm
  • Mon, June 2 @ 7:15 pm
  • Wed, June 4 @ 7:15 pm
  • Fri, June 6 @ 7:00 pm

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May 27, 2014 · 12:36 pm

Finalists for LCT Awards Celebration Announced

Finalists for LCT Awards Celebration Announced

LCT_VThe League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) is pleased to announce the finalists for the annual LCT Awards Celebration, which honors the best of Cincinnati professional theatre. Finalists were chosen from the nominations made by trusted panelists who saw the shows during the year. One winner from each category will be announced at the Awards Party, Monday, June 16, at Arnold’s Bar and Grill, 210 E 8th St, in Cincinnati. This party theme was chosen to reconnect all participants in the industry and celebrate the 2013-2014 theatre season in a casual, relaxed format in one of the many beloved Cincinnati venues that actively supports theatre, theatre artists, and audiences.
 
“This will be a great party,” says LCT president pro tem, Liz Eichler. “It is designed as an extended happy hour, and will include hourly award announcements, some entertainment, some speeches, but it is all about connecting as an industry after a great season.”
 
“We are very excited about these Finalists,” says Panel Co-Chair, Dr. Sheldon Polonsky. “Winnowing these down to the best of the best is tough, so we rely on a numeric rating system.  The Outstanding Play category is just one example when there were just so many great productions, and far above average scores, that we could have had 10 Finalists. Cincinnati has more and more great theatre every year, and LCT is happy tospread the word.”
 
Information about tickets can be found on the LCT website atwww.leagueofcincytheatres.info  A limited number of tickets are available for $15 and include appetizers and festivities.
 
Outstanding Play
The Irish Curse, Clifton Players
The Mountaintop, Ensemble Theatre
Seven Spots on the Sun, Playhouse in the Park
Tribes, Ensemble Theatre
The Whale, Clifton Players
 
Outstanding Musical 
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, UC’s College Conservatory of Music
Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
Les Miserables, CCM
Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
Spamalot, Northern Kentucky University
 
Director of a Play
Michael Evan Haney, Tribes, Ensemble Theatre
Ricardo Khan, Fly, Playhouse in the Park
D. Lynn Meyers, The Mountaintop, Ensemble Theatre
Brian Isaac Phillips, Henry IV, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
KJ Sanchez, Seven Spots on the Sun, Playhouse in the Park
 
Director of a Musical
Aubrey Berg, Les Miserables, CCM
Ed Cohen, Dee Ann Bryll, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
Vince DeGeorge, 20th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, CCM
Diane Lala, Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
Ken Jones, Spamalot, NKU
 
Music Direction
Steve Goers, Les Miserables, CCM
Ryan Sigurdson, Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
Damon Stevens, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
Jamie Strawn, Spamalot, NKU
 
Choreography
David Baum, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
Marcia Milagrom Dodge, Cabaret, Playhouse in the Park
Roderick Justice, Spamalot, NKU
Diane Lala/Patti James, Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
 
Costume Design
Kathie Brookfield, Annie, Jr., Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Ronnie Chamberlain, As You Like It, NKU
Ronnie Chamberlain, Spamalot, NKU
Reba Senske, Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
Dean Walz, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
Angela Wendt, Cabaret, Playhouse in the Park
 
Lighting Design
Andrew Hungerford, Henry IV, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Andrew Hungerford, Two Noble Kinsmen, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Brian C. Mehring, The Mountaintop, Ensemble Theatre
Terry Powell, Spamalot, NKU
Wes Richter, Metamorphoses, CCM
Denny Thomas, The Story of My Life, Mad Anthony Theatre
 
Scenic Design
David O. Centers, Annie Jr., Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
David O. Centers, Pinkalicious the Musical, Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Tony Cisek, Clybourne Park, Playhouse in the Park
Dana Hall, Metamorphoses, CCM
Mark Halpin, Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
Brian C. Mehring, Tribes, ETC
Brian C. Mehring, The Mountaintop, ETC
 
Sound Design
Doug Borntrager, Henry IV, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
David Levy, Bibi, Diogenes Theatre
Fitz Patton, Tribes, Ensemble Theatre
Matthew Tibbs, The Mountaintop, Ensemble Theatre
Zach Williamson, Seven Spots on the Sun, Playhouse in the Park
 
Fight Direction
Drew Fracher, Fight Choreography, Henry IV, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
K. Jenny jones/Andrew Dylan Ray, Fight Choreography, Living Dead in Denmark, CCM
Melissa Bennett Murphy, Fight Choreography, Dracula, Covedale
 
Special Contribution Awards
Clint Allen, Projection Design, Fly, Playhouse in the Park
Omar Edwards, Tap Improvographer, Fly, Playhouse in the Park
Kelly Yurko, Prosthetic Design, The Whale, Clifton Players
 
Ensemble in a Play
Clybourne Park, Playhouse in the Park
Fly, Playhouse in the Park
The Irish Curse, Clifton Players
Seminar, Falcon Theatre
Seven Spots on the Sun, Playhouse in the Park
The Whale, Clifton Players
 
Ensemble in a Musical
Les Miserables, CCM
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, CCM
Spamalot, NKU
Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
Cabaret, Playhouse in the Park
 
Small Group Performance in a Play
Billy Chace/Justin McCombs, The 39 Steps, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Matt Dentino/David Bogenschutz, Duck Hunter Shoots Angel, Falcon
 
Lead Actor in a Play
Daniel Britt, Light Sensitive, Mad Anthony
Jim Hopkins, Of Mice and Men, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Ryan Knapper, Gruesome Playground Injuries, Miami University
Justin McCombs, Henry IV, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Brent Vimtrup, The Crucible, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company/Xavier
Reggie Willis, The Whale, Clifton Players
 
Lead Actor in a Musical
Robert Breslin, Bat Boy The Musical, Falcon Theatre
Dan Doerger, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
Matt Hill, Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
Jared Joplin, The Sound of Music, Carnegie Theatre
Colin Kessler, Les Miserables, CCM
Blain Krauss, Les Miserables, CCM
 
Lead Actress in a Play
Dale Hodges, Krisit, Clifton Players
Becka Eaton, Light Sensitive, Mad Anthony
Kelly Mengelkoch, Tribes, Ensemble Theatre
Rosemary Prinz, 4000 Miles, Playhouse in the Park
Greta Wohlrabe, Venus in Fur, Playhouse in the Park
Torie Wiggins, The Mountaintop, ETC
 
Lead Actress in a Musical
Brianna Barnes, Gypsy, Covedale
Leslie Goddard, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
Allison Edwards, Annie Jr., Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Hannah Freeman, Carrie, CCM
Kimber Elayne Sprawl, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
 
Featured Actor in a Play
Bob Allen, Bus Stop, New Edgecliff Theatre
John Feltch, Pride and Prejudice, Playhouse in the Park
Mike King, Other People’s Money, New Edgecliff Theatre
Burt McCollum, Light Sensitive, Mad Anthony
Patrick Phillips, The Crucible, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company/Xavier
 
Featured Actor in a Musical
Michael Bath, Around the World in Eighty Days, Ensemble Theatre
Bradley Goren, Spamalot, NKU
Hunter Henrickson, Spamalot, NKU
Matthew Paul Hill, Les Miserables, CCM
 
Featured Actress in a Play
Merritt Beischel, Seminar, Falcon Theatre
Deonna Bouye, Clybourne Park, Playhouse in the Park
Christine Dye, Bus Stop, New Edgecliff Theatre
Dale Hodges, Other Desert Cities, Ensemble Theatre
Miranda McGee, Two Noble Kinsmen, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
 
Featured Actress in a Musical
Sara Bishop, Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
Jenny Hickman, Carrie, CCM
Mary Gordon Murray, Cabaret, Playhouse in the Park
 
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 and audiences 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 http://www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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