Category Archives: Press Releases

April 17, 2014 · 4:32 pm

CSC Presents THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN to Complete the Canon

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Presents
“The Two Noble Kinsmen”
as the Final Play to Complete the Canon!

On May 2, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will open “The Two Noble Kinsmen” and become one of the first five theatres in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by Shakespeare.

 

Matt Lytle as Palamon, Sara Clark as Emilia & Zach Schute as Arcite.

Matt Lytle as Palamon, Sara Clark as Emilia & Zach Schute as Arcite.

CINCINNATI, April 15, 2014— This May, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is 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. The final play needed to “Complete the Canon” is William Shakespeare’s “The Two Noble Kinsmen”, which CSC will open on May 2, 2014. This production is generously sponsored by Charles Parsons and Bill McKim and the Canon Club. The design sponsor is PNC Bank.

Captured and imprisoned during war, two friends become impassioned rivals as they fall in love with the beautiful princess Emilia (Sara Clark). Deceit and fighting arise in this romance, as Palamon (Matt Lytle) and Arcite (Zach Shute) both vie for the princess’ love. Originally derived from Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales”, this rarely produced work will give Cincinnati audiences a rare opportunity to experience a hidden Shakespeare gem! This production is so rarely done, in fact, that CSC is pleased to welcome “Shakespeare Tourists” from as far away as Washington, California and Vancouver, Canada! Kjersten Hayes of Bellingham, Washington says “I have a life goal of seeing every Shakespeare play in either play or movie form. “The Two Noble Kinsmen” is the only one I have left to see. Every 6 months or so for the last several years I’ve googled the title to see if it will be playing. This year when I saw it was playing in Cincinnati, I decided to just take the plunge and make a trip of it. It will be the last Shakespeare play in the canon that I haven’t seen and my first time to Cincinnati!” David and Amy Secord are traveling from Vancouver, Canada with friends from Seattle, Washington to Cincinnati for the first time in order to see “The Two Noble Kinsmen”. They said “we have been searching for this title across the United States for the past 2 years. We even set up a news alert to tell us if it is being done!” Rob Camm of Santa Rosa, California is “a Shakespeare enthusiast. One of my life goals is to see all of Shakespeare plays performed live. ‘Kinsmen’ is one of the 4 plays I have never seen performed live… I noticed (Cincinnati Shakespeare) was doing Kinsmen… and decided to make the trip.”

CSC’s Producing Artistic Director Mr. Phillips says: “it is quite a feat to be able to say that CSC is ‘Completing the Canon’, meaning that from the company’s inception in 1993 through today, we will have produced all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. The entire body of Shakespeare’s work has been available to Cincinnati audiences over the last 20 years, which includes audience favorites like ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to obscure titles like ‘The Life and Death of King John’ and ‘Timon of Athens’.”

The following wish CSC congratulations on Completing the Canon with “The Two Noble Kinsmen”:

Otto M. Budig, 20TH Anniversary Season Sponsor: “Completing the Canon” is an expression rarely used in the arts world but during the past 20 years, our Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has produced all 38 plays in Shakespeare’s Canon. What an extraordinary achievement and all due to a Greater Cincinnati audience that knows in our arts community we are providing the best of the best. Congratulations.”

Patrick Flick, Executive Director of The Shakespeare Theatre Association (STA): “STA is so very excited to welcome member company, Cincinnati Shakespeare to the small but determined band of Shakespeare theatres who have successfully completed the canon of Shakespeare’s works. Given the financial pressures on Shakespeare theatres to only produce the Bard’s more well-known plays (especially comedies), it is indeed not only a reflection of Cincinnati Shakespeare’s commitment to the words, wisdom and works of Shakespeare, but also a testament to an all-around well run organization. Cheers to Cincy Shakes! Play on!”

Patrick Spottiswoode, Director Globe Education, Shakespeare’s Globe: “Shakespeare is more than the play that is taught in high school. He is more than Julius Caesar, Hamlet or Macbeth. Not many theatre companies in the world can boast of having staged the complete Shakespeare canon for their audiences. How fortunate is Cincinnati to have a company in its community, committed to putting on The Two Noble Kinsmen as well as Twelfth Night, King John as well as King Lear, Measure for Measure as well as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Troilus and Cressida as well as Romeo and Juliet. Warmest congratulations to CSC for making Cincinnati a Shakespeare city.”

Mary McCullough- Hudson, CEO of ArtsWave: “My quote is from “Two Noble Kinsmen” Act I sc. 4 — “To thee no star be dark!” Congratulations to one of the brightest stars in the Queen City Art’s firmament on completion of the Canon (& in the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth).”

Councilwomen Yvette Simpson: “Congratulations to the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company as it approaches a milestone that few other theaters in the country have reached. It takes deliberate work and dedication over many years to “Complete the Canon,” particularly because of the many – well-known and obscure – works of William Shakespeare. This is a true testament to the Arts in Cincinnati, and we are so very proud of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company as we, together, continually raise the bar for arts in our community.”

Roxanne Qualls: “This is quite an achievement for the Company! The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is one of the jewels in the Queen City’s crown of great and wonderful arts organizations. It brings a special freshness and energy to all its productions while making the “classics” available and accessible to the audience. Congratulations on completing the Canon-what an achievement!”

Don Tecklenburg, CSC Board President: “It is an amazing accomplishment for the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to be only the 5th U.S. Company to complete the 38-play canon, and doing so in their 20th year. It means the company has done all of the more obscure and infrequently performed Shakespearean plays. But it has also sent audiences away from plays like “Richard II” last season saying, ‘How come this play isn’t done more often.’”

Performances of “The Two Noble Kinsmen” are scheduled from May 2-25, 2014 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Preview performances are on Wednesday April 30 and Thursday May 1 at 7:30pm and tickets are $20. The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$31 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$35 on Fridays and Saturdays. If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased 30 minutes before a show with a valid student ID. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as Enjoy the Arts and 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.

About the 20th Anniversary Season:
The 20th Anniversary 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. The season design sponsor is Mark & Sue Ann Painter. Production dates and information on the 20th Anniversary are available online at www.cincyshakes.com. 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.

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. This season, CSC is proud to become one of only 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!

Performance Schedule:

  • Wednesday April 30th at 7:30 pm
  • Thursday May 1st at 7:30 pm
  • Friday May 2nd at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday May 3rd at 7:30 pm
  • Thursday May 8th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday May 9th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday May 10th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday May 11th at 2:00 pm
  • Thursday May 15th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday May 16th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday May 17th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday May 18th at 2:00 pm
  • Thursday May 22nd at 7:30 pm
  • Friday May 23rd at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday May 24th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday May 25th at 2:00 pm

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April 17, 2014 · 2:44 pm

Children’s Theatre Production of THE POISONED APPLE at BCT

Cambree Bernkopf as Domino, Allison Minnick as Queen Drunella & Lily Cutler as Snow White.

Cambree Bernkopf as Domino, Allison Minnick as Queen Drunella & Lily Cutler as Snow White.

Beavercreek—The Children’s Theatre production of THE POISONED APPLE by Dave Barton, will explore good and evil and the classic Brothers Grimm tale of a magic mirror, a queen, a princess, a prince, dwarves and more.

The play will be presented at the Beavercreek Community Theatre on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m.; and Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 4, at 3 p.m. For ticket information, call the box office at 429-4737.

Directed by Kaleigh-Brooke Dillingham, “The Poisoned Apple,” is a telling of Snow White, but not the Disney version.

“The main character is Queen Drunella—it’s more about her than anyone else,” Dillingham said. “With the mirror character, it’s not so much about showing how evil the Queen is, it’s that the mirror is the evil one and who is manipulative and in charge.”

With ages ranging from seven to 15, Dillingham said there is a lot of energy in the cast and the show is for all ages.

“We get to explore good and evil. People in the show can be representative of people in our lives. We’re trying to bring it to a relatable level. The play is not set in medieval time—it’s happening now,” Dillingham said noting that the costumes are more contemporary, too.

The cast includes (by order of appearance):

  • Sachi Wilson as Dumpling
  • Gabriella Stauffer as Pudding
  • Lily Cutler as Snow White
  • Cambree Bernkopf as Domino
  • Lexi Sullivan as Lady Lavender
  • Megan Schmidt as Lady Rosette
  • Allison Minnick as Queen Drunella
  • Sydney Hardern as Lady Bauske
  • Emily Merritt as Magic Mirror
  • Enoch Graham as Lord Mariner
  • Racheal Tingley as Lady Tussing
  • Simon Atkinson as Lord Iris
  • Emily Ray as Bundy
  • Jake Wilkinson as Roenel
  • Grace Delaney as Lady Doyle
  • Rowan Karrick as Lady Barrett
  • Gwen Broderick as Lady Violet
  • Madillyn Henderson as Lady Azalea
  • Emma O’Keefe as Henry
  • Cora Hardern as Harry
  • Caroline Delaney as Hector
  • Kayla Bennett as Herman
  • Sierra Smith as Hiram
  • Alexis Rivera as Horace
  • Ruchi Wilson as Horatio
  • Alexa Storar as Queen Greenfield
  • Isadore Karrick as Duchess

The crew includes: Kaleigh-Brooke Dillingham, Director; Aaron Brewer, Stage Manager; John Falkenbach, Lighting Designer; and Chris Harmon, Set Designer.

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April 17, 2014 · 2:34 pm

CMT Presents PETER PAN, May 9-17

Joshua Steele as Peter Pan.

Joshua Steele as Peter Pan.

CINCINNATI, OH – Cincinnati Music Theatre (CMT) invites you to join them “where dreams are born” as they proudly present Joshua Steele as PETER PAN in the high-flying musical version of the play by Sir James M. Barrie May 9-17, 2014 at the Aronoff Center’s intimate Jarson-Kaplan Theater (see full performance schedule below).

Joining Mr. Steele in bringing this magical tale to life will be Wayne Wright as Peter’s arch nemesis , Captain Hook, Laura Wacksman as Wendy, Johnathan Kutcher and Leo Long as her brothers, John and Michael, Kim Long as their mother Mrs. Darling, Bill Geraghty as Smee, Hook’s devoted first mate, Aubrey Wilson as Indian princess Tiger Lily, Tara Williams as Wendy Grown-Up and Anna Verderber as Jane.

The rest of the colorful Neverland inhabitants, including pirates, Indians and exotic creatures will be played by Wesstin Bin, Karl Bolinger, Olaf Eide, Brandon Fox, Christina Gabrielle, Trinity Gibson, Josh Galloway, Yenny Ho, Matt Kroger, Lizzie Lotterer, Nathan Maue, Logan McGill, Elijah John Montgomery, Lindsey Morgan, Tom Morris, Conor Mullin, Elijah Prather, Eric Rakestraw, Wesley Schmidt, Jillian Schwab, John Sloan, Caitlyn Thiel, Ethan Vanderber, Richard Lee Waldeck, Robert Warfel, Will Warfel and Daniel P. Wilson.

This timeless Broadway musical that taught generations “to believe” will delight children of all ages once again when the boy who never grows up flies high above the Jarson-Kaplan stage. Join Wendy, Michael and John as they fly away with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell to Neverland, where they befriend the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily and her tribe and together, do battle with the sinister Captain Hook and his pirate crew.

PETER PAN is being produced by Kathy Beiting, by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. and directed by Skip Fenker. It features choreography by Mike Fielder, fight choreography by Jonn Baca and musical direction by Kendra Struthers. Flying effects provided by ZFX,Inc.

PETER PAN, a musical version of the play by Sir James M. Barrie features a score with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, music by Moose Charlap and additional music by Jule Styne and additional lyrics by Betty Comden & Adolph Green .

Tickets are $24.00 for adults and $20.00 for students, seniors, and military, and may be purchased online at www.Cincinnatimusictheatre.org or www.CincinnatiArts.org, the Aronoff Center Ticket Office, or (513) 621-ARTS [2787].

For more information about Cincinnati Music Theatre, visit www.cincinnatimusictheatre.org, LIKE us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cincinnatimusictheatre, and follow us on Twitter @CinMusicTheatre.

PETER PAN Performance Schedule

  • Friday, May 9, 2014 – 7:30pm
  • Saturday, May 10, 2014 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday, May 11, 2014 – 2:00pm
  • Wednesday, May 14, 2014 – 7:30pm
  • Thursday, May 15, 2014 – 7:30pm
  • Friday, May 16, 2014 – 7:30pm
  • Saturday, May 17, 2014 – 2:00pm & 7:30pm

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April 17, 2014 · 2:03 pm

Schulte & Bradshaw New DANCING FOR THE STARS Champs

Neal Schulte
and Dance Pro Leigh Bradshaw
Crowned New Dancing for the Stars Champs 

Schulte also named ‘Fundraising Champion’

CAA_Dancing For the StarsCINCINNATI, OH – Neal Schulte (Founder & President, Schulte Financial Group, LLC) and his dance pro Leigh Bradshaw (Cincinnati Ballroom Company) received a near-perfect score of 28 (out of 30), taking first place at the Cincinnati Arts Association’s eighth-annual Dancing for the Stars on Saturday, April 12, at the Music Hall Ballroom. Schulte also took home the ‘Fundraising Champion’ Award, as the celebrity who raised the most money for the event through ticket sales and donations.

With an audience of more than 800 guests (a new attendance record), the sold-out event raised a record amount in support of CAA’s acclaimed arts education programs, including the Overture Awards – the nation’s largest locally-run high school arts scholarship competition.

Keith Wilson, MD, FACS (Chief of Staff, UC Health) and Desiree Mainous (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Cincinnati) took second place; and Britney Ruby Miller (Director of Operations, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment) and J. Patrick Clements (Step-n-Out Studio) placed third.

The remaining four dance pairs included:

  • Linda Bessey (Faux Painter) and Jeremy Mainous (Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Cincinnati)
  • Rick Pawlak (Managing Director, Ultimate Air Shuttle) and Grace de Guia (Dare to Dance)
  • Kay Smith-Yount (Philanthropist; Wife of The Cincinnati Herald Editor-in-Chief, Dan Yount) and Jozsef Parragh (Independent Dance Instructor)
  • Christianna Stephens (Philanthropist; CEO, A Lice in Wonderland) and Brian McNamee (Cincinnati Ballroom Company)

Inspired by the hit ABC-TV show Dancing with the Stars, Dancing for the Stars 2014 featured seven Cincinnati celebrities paired with some of the area’s finest professional dancers in a competition program, at which the audience vote propelled the winners to victory. The competitive dance for the evening was Swing, and each dance pair had 90 seconds to woo the crowd and the judges.

Event emcees were Chris O’Brien & Janeen Coyle (“Married With Microphones,” 103.5 WGRR-FM).

The three competition judges were Douglas Beal (independent dance instructor), Doreen Beatrice (Step-n-Out Studio; Dancing for the Stars 2013 champion), and Dr. Michael Leadbetter (cosmetic surgeon, Plastic Surgery Group; Dancing for the Stars 2012 celebrity alum and Fundraising Champion)

The Dancing for the Stars 2014 Committee: Dr. Tracey Skale (chair, Dancing for the Stars 2011 champ), Phil Schworer, Christina Bolden, Terry Foster, Sue Gilkey, Jim Howland, Ginger Loftin, and Rosemary Schlachter.

Dancing for the Stars 2014 Presenting Sponsor: UC Health

Dancing for the Stars 2014 Event Sponsors: Stock Yards Bank & Trust, Arthur Murray – Cincinnati, Bonita Brockert, Carey Digital, Cincinnati Ballroom Company, Dare to Dance, Heidelberg Distributing, Jozsef Parragh, Pebble Creek Group, and Step-n-Out Studio.

Currently in its eighth year, Dancing for the Stars has become one of the most-anticipated fundraising events of the season. Since the event’s debut in 2007, 57 local celebs have ‘danced for a cause’, and the impressive list of past champions includes: 2007 – Dr. O’dell Owens (President, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College; former Hamilton County Coroner); 2008 – Jenell Walton (Reporter, The List; former WCPO-TV9 Anchor and Reporter); 2009 – Phil Schworer (President – Cincinnati Bar Association / Environmental Lawyer); 2010 – Donna Speigel (Owner, The Snooty Fox); 2011 – Dr. Tracey Skale, M.D. (Chief Medical Officer, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services), 2012 – Regina Russo (Director of Marketing and Communications, Cincinnati Art Museum), and 2013 – Chris Seelbach (Cincinnati City Councilman).

In addition, Dancing for the Stars 2014 featured:

  • Dinner-by-the-bite provided by A Catered Affair, Brio Tuscan Grille, Carlo & Johnny, City Barbeque, Eddie Merlot’s, Funky’s Catering, Jeff Thomas Catering, Kroger, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Palomino Restaurant & Bar, Prime 47, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Skyline Chili, The Bliss Factor, Tres Belles Cakes, Valet Coffee, Vonderhaar’s Catering, Inc., and Whole Foods Market.
  • Silent auction
  • The swinging sounds of Sound Body Jazz Orchestra
  • Popular DJ and 103.5 WGRR personality Rockin’ Ron Schumacher
  • Pre-event wine tasting and meet-and-greet with the stars
  • Open dancing before and after the competition

Event highlights included:

  • Financial guru and body-builder Neal Schulte scored the night’s only perfect 10 with a dance routine to Great Balls of Fire, complete with a bright-red jacket, a set of push-ups, and impressive choreography with his dance pro Leigh Bradshaw.
  • A West Coast swing tribute to Michael Jackson, featuring a moon walk and a flash mob of more than a dozen dancers, from second-place finishers Dr. Keith Wilson & Desiree Mainous.
  • Third-place winner Britney Ruby Miller showed off her splits and spins in a sailor-attired, spirited swing with partner J. Patrick Clements.
  • This season’s senior celeb, Kay Smith-Yount, graced the dance floor with her inimitable style, elegance, and charm, winning the heart of her dance partner, Jozsef Parragh.
  • Rick Pawlak paid tribute to The Great Gatsby by dancing with not one, but two, lovely ladies, including his dance pro Grace de Guia.
  • Christianna Stephens wowed the audience with her stunning, beaded, form-fitting dress with a fringed skirt and her equally impressive dance moves with pro Brian McNamee.
  • Linda Bessey played hard to get with Jeremy Mainous in a country-themed swing to Toby Keith’s “I Like Girls That Drink Beer.”
  • An encore dance by last season’s champions, Chris Seelbach and Doreen Beatrice, to Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
  • Creatively-choreographed and expertly-executed exhibition dances by the Dancing for the Stars pros, including a department-store-mannequin themed cha cha / hip hop routine danced by Grace de Guia & Terri Ann Atkinson.
  • Broadway razzle-dazzle in the showcase performance by 2014 Overture Award dance winner, Lauren Slouffman, who danced to “All That Jazz” from the hit-musical Chicago.
  • Humorous, astute, and supportive comments from the Dancing for the Stars panel of judges.
  • The sold-out event had an exceptionally responsive, raucous, and energetic audience, which included large cheering sections holding signs with various messages.
  • After the competition, the dance floor at the Music Hall Ballroom filled with the evening’s guests who danced the night away to music by DJ Rockin’ Ron from 103.5 WGRR.
  • Emcees Chris & Janeen kept the crowd entertained between the stars’ dance routines.

CAA’s OVERTURE AWARDS AND ARTS EDUCTION PROGRAMS
The Overture Awards Scholarship Competition is the largest locally-run arts scholarship competition in the country. The program annually provides a $3,500 scholarship to six area high school students for education and training, with 18 finalists each winning a $750 scholarship. Each year, more than 450 students are nominated by their schools to compete in one of six artistic disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual Art or Vocal Music. There are three levels of competition: Regional, Semi-Final, and Final.

The Overture Awards was developed to recognize, encourage, and reward excellence in the arts among Tri-state students in grades 9-12. It also provides students an opportunity to share their talents and interests among their peers in a supportive environment outside of their individual schools. Now in its 18th year, The Overture Awards was launched in 1996 by the Cinergy Foundation and Leadership Cincinnati (a Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce program).

Since its inception in 1995, the Cincinnati Arts Association’s (CAA) Education and Community Programs have reached more than 1.3 million Tri-state students and have promoted learning through the arts by developing opportunities that are diverse, multi-disciplinary, and accessible to all ages and cultural groups. Through projects with artists, arts organizations and cultural institutions, CAA promotes the arts as an integral part of our community. For more information, visit http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/education-community.

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1992, the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the programming and management of the Tri-state’s finest performing arts venues – the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall – and is dedicated to supporting performing and visual arts. Each year, CAA presents a diverse schedule of events; serves more than 600,000 people in its venues; features the work of talented local, regional, and national artists in the Weston Art Gallery (located in the Aronoff Center); and supports the work of more than one dozen resident companies.

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April 17, 2014 · 12:52 pm

CCM ANNOUNCES 2014-2015 Mainstage Series

CCM ANNOUNCES 2014-15 MAINSTAGE SERIES OF
OPERA, MUSICAL THEATRE AND DRAMA

CCM presents the masterworks of William Shakespeare, J.M. Barrie, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and more as part of an unforgettable 2014-15 season. 

CCM_logoCINCINNATI, OH—The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is pleased to announce initial details for the 2014-15 Mainstage Series of opera, musical theatre and drama productions.

The 2014-15 Mainstage Series features a dazzling collection of both classic and contemporary masterworks, including a gender-bending new production of Shakespeare’s gripping tragedy Macbeth, an extended run of the high-energy romantic-comedy Legally Blonde – The Musical and a magical production of the opera Hänsel and Gretel.

In early 2015, CCM’s student and faculty artists will also present Wendy Wasserstein’s Pulitzer Prize-winning and zeitgeist-dominating The Heidi Chronicles and a soaring musical production of Peter Pan. Mozart’s Così fan tutte will close out the series, with a new production directed by Robin Guarino, who recently staged this masterpiece at the Metropolitan Opera.

This year’s must-see Mainstage Series features six fully staged works guaranteed to fill audiences with delight, with performances scheduled from Oct. 1, 2014, through April 12, 2015. All performances take place in the Corbett Center for the Performing Arts on the University of Cincinnati campus.

Production and ticketing details are below. Priority subscription packages go on sale May 2014. Single tickets become available in August, but subscribing is the only way to guarantee your seats for these must-see shows!

Visit ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice/subscribe.html to register for CCM’s mailing list, and the Box Office will provide you with additional information on this year’s subscription options.

Additional Information

Titles and dates are subject to change—rights pending. To order subscriptions, contact the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183. For additional information, visit ccm.uc.edu, email boxoff@uc.edu or call the Box Office.

____________________

CCM 2014-15 MAINSTAGE SERIES
Opera, Musical Theatre, Drama

Macbeth
Written by William Shakespeare
Brant Russell, director

11th century Scotland – a world of brutality, wickedness and armor. In this dark and twisted landscape, Macbeth will go to any means necessary to prove that he’s a man (even if this Macbeth is played by a woman). With the help of his wife, and pushed by a trio of gnarly creatures (witches who were women once), Macbeth schemes to take the throne and eliminate anyone standing in his way.

Performance Dates: Oct. 1 (preview), Oct. 2–5, 2014
Location: Patricia Corbett Theater

_____

Legally Blonde – The Musical
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin
Book by Heather Hach
Diane Lala, director and choreographer
Craig Dalton, musical director

Harvard’s beloved blonde takes the stage by pink storm in this fun, upbeat musical that is ridiculously enjoyable from start to finish. Based on the adored feature film of the same name, this musical about self-discovery stays true to form with a peppy score and playful book. Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2011, this all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy is about knowing who you are and showing what you’ve got!

Performance Dates: Oct. 23–Nov. 2, 2014
Location: Patricia Corbett Theater

_____

Hänsel and Gretel
Music by Engelbert Humperdinck
Libretto by Adelheid Wette
English signing translation by David Pountney
Conductor TBA
Robin Guarino, director

A mischievous brother and sister search for food in a mysterious forest when their quest turns treacherous. Based on the German fairy tale published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812, this contemporary production tells of the resilience of children cast out, lost and hungry “in the woods.” This magical production also features the Cincinnati Children’s Choir, ensemble-in-residence at CCM. Sung in English with supertitles.

Performance Dates: Nov. 20–23, 2014
Location: Corbett Auditorium

_____

The Heidi Chronicles
Written by Wendy Wasserstein
Richard E. Hess, director

Wendy Wasserstein’s groundbreaking and moving examination of feminism and its evolution from the 1960s through the 1990s, The Heidi Chronicles is the winner of the 1989 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play. Sexuality, feminism, education, gender equality, marriage, women’s rights; there’s no hot-button issue the play doesn’t touch. This penetrating comedy asks: “Will our ideals stand the test of time, and what do they cost us?”

Performance Dates: Feb. 11 (preview), Feb. 12–15, 2015
Location: Patricia Corbett Theater

_____

Peter Pan
Based on the play by James M. Barrie
Music by Morris Charlap
Lyrics by Carolyn Leigh
Director TBA
Roger Grodsky, musical director

“Second star to the right, and straight on ‘till morning!” Based on the famous story by James Barrie, Peter Pan tells the tale of the mischievous boy who can fly, who never ages and who spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the spellbinding isles of Neverland as the playful leader of the Lost Boys. Featuring high-flying spectacle and timeless music, CCM Musical Theatre’s production of Peter Pan will thrill and delight audiences of all ages!

Performance Dates: March 5–8, 2015
Location: Corbett Auditorium

_____

Così fan tutte
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte
Conductor TBA
Robin Guarino, director 

Così fan tutte is in many ways Mozart’s most celebrated opera score, and Da Ponte’s most inspired script. It is a comedy of innocence and experience, at times hilarious and other times bewildering, but always filled with heart and satire. Director Robin Guarino, who staged this masterpiece at the Metropolitan Opera last year, has a special love for this opera, with all its whimsy and ingenuity, and because of the passion that only Mozart can express through music. Sung in Italian with English supertitles.

Performance Dates: April 9-12, 2015
Location: Patricia Corbett Theater

____________________

Mainstage Series Subscriptions
The 2014-15 CCM Mainstage Series of opera, musical theatre and drama productions includes subscription packages for six-show, four-show and three-show combinations.

Priority subscription packages go on sale in May 2014. Subscription renewal information will be sent to current subscribers during the month of May.

Visit ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice/subscribe.html to register for CCM’s mailing list, and the Box Office will provide you with additional information on this year’s subscription options.

New subscriptions will become available this summer. CCM’s customizable subscription packages range in price from $84 – $180.

Concert Series Options
CCM also offers dozens of chamber music, choral, dance, jazz, orchestra and guest-artist concerts each year. CCM’s Mainstage subscribers receive priority access to Ariel Quartet subscription packages, CCM Concert Series flex ticket packages, prepaid parking and other exclusive perks.

Full programming and package details for CCM’s 2014-15 Concert Series will be announced in May. Visit ccm.uc.edu for more information.

Additional Information
Titles and dates subject to change—rights pending. To order subscriptions, contact the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183. Priority subscription packages go on sale in May 2014. For additional information, visit ccm.uc.edu or call the Box Office.

CCM Season Presenting Sponsor and Musical Theatre Program Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation 

CCM Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy’s 

Community Partner: ArtsWave

2014 – 15 Subscription Prices:

  • 6-show subscription packages start at $158.
  • 4-show subscription packages start at $110.
  • 3-show subscription packages start at $84.

2014 – 15 Single Ticket Prices:

  • Opera and Musical Theatre tickets range from $31 – $35 for adults, $20 – $24 for students and $18 – $22 for UC students with valid ID.
  • Drama tickets range from $27 – $31 for adults, $17 – $20 for students and $15 – $18 for UC students with valid ID.

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