Category Archives: Press Releases

Mason Community Players Summer Production is GOD’S FAVORITE

MCP_Gods FavoriteThe Mason Community Players is the oldest continually operating community theater organization in Warren County, OH. The group operates and performs at the Mason Community Playhouse, located at 5529 Mason Rd. in Mason, OH. Since its creation in 1973, the Mason Community Players has brought more than 120 productions and 30 original musical reviews to audiences in Mason, Ohio. More importantly, the group has become a family for the community, involving people of all ages on stage, backstage, and as spectators. 

Director Lara Gonzalez and Producer Laureen Catlin invite you to join MCP in its summer production of Neil Simon’s God’s Favorite. Originally written in 1974 by one of the most successful playwrights in theater history, this rendition of the book of Job is sure to bring hilarity to trials and tribulations.  

A long-suffering wife, prodigal son, clueless twins, and a saucy staff are just the beginning. When an unexpected visitor arrives, all hell breaks loose; literally! Learn what happens when things can’t get any worse (or can they?) in this narration of contemporary morality. Come to the Mason Community Playhouse this June 21 – 29 and laugh with us while the jokes and tests of faith crash around you.  

This fall, the Mason Community Players will continue their season with the iconic Schoolhouse Rock LIVE in September. In November, they will end their 2024 season with a true classic, The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie. Tickets are now available for all shows in the 2024 season by leaving a message at 513-398-7804 or visiting the website, www.MasonPlayers.org. This year, we continue to bring theater to the community with each show.

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A Drag Queen Christmas 2024 – 10th Anniversary Tour | Thu., Nov. 14, 2024 | Aronoff Center

MURRAY & PETER PRESENT

CAA_A Drag Queen Christmas

A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS 2024
10th Anniversary Tour

November 14, 2024
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall 

Tickets on sale Friday, June 7

[Cincinnati, OH]  For the tenth consecutive year, Murray & Peter proudly present a holiday tradition, A Drag Queen Christmas, featuring contestants who appeared on the Emmy-Award winning television show RuPaul’s Drag Race on MTV. The tour will travel to thirty-nine US cities and fifteen Canadian cities, making a stop in Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 8:00 PM.

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 7 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For groups of ten or more, call (513) 977-4155. Applicable services fees may apply. Prices are subject to change.

Two VIP-level tickets are also available and include a meet-and-greet with the queens on the Procter & Gamble Hall stage before the show at 6:00 PM. VIP fans may take pics with the queens, score autographs, and receive official tour swag.

Hosted by Ohio’s own Nina West (US dates only), the tour includes performances by Sasha Colby, winner of Drag Race Season 15; Sapphira Cristal, runner-up Season 16; Roxxxy Andrews and Angeria Paris VanMichaels, both from the current All Stars 9 season on Paramount+; Plane JaneCrystal MethydPlasmaLady CamdenBrooke Lynn Hytes, and Jimbo The Drag Clown, winner of All Stars 8. Cast is subject to change.

The two-hour show includes a twenty-minute intermission during which fans can purchase merch of their favorite queens.

AGE RESTRICTION: 18+ only.

For more information and to see the cast performing in each local city, visit www.dragfans.com. Find Murray & Peter on social media: @mppresent.

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Cincinnati Opera Kicks Off Its 2024 Summer Festival with Opera in the Park, a Free Community Concert in OTR’s Washington Park, on Sunday June 9

The musical celebration features opera and musical theater favorites performed by stars from Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 season, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute

CO_Opera in the Park

Photo by Philip Groshong

CINCINNATI (May 31, 2024)—Cincinnati Opera celebrates the kickoff of its 2024 Summer Festival with a free community concert in the heart of Over-the-Rhine.

On Sunday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m., Cincinnati Opera presents Opera in the Park, a free concert in Washington Park featuring a selection of opera and musical theater favorites performed by star singers from Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 Summer Festival, the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute. Guests who arrive early can also enjoy a free preview performance by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute, beginning at 6 p.m.

Admission to Opera in the Park is free and open to the public. Visit cincinnatiopera.org for more information.


CALENDAR INFORMATION

What:
Cincinnati Opera presents Opera in the Park

When:
Sunday, June 9, 2024
6 p.m.: Preview concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute
7:30 p.m.: Opera in the Park

Where:
Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Description:
Cincinnati Opera presents Opera in the Park, a free concert of opera and musical theater favorites in Washington Park.

Featured singers include cast members from the company’s upcoming productions of Don Giovanni (June 13, 15), La Traviata (June 27, 28, 30), and Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio (July 18, 20, 21, 25, 27): sopranos Jessica Faselt, Erin Keesy, and Heidi Middendorf, mezzo-soprano Taylor-Alexis Dupont, tenors Santiago Ballerini, Aaron Blake, and Demetrious Sampson, Jr., baritones Anthony Clark Evans, Thomas Dreeze, Elliot Madore, and Joseph Parrish, and bass Patrick Guetti.

Also featured are the Cincinnati Opera Chorus, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra led by conductors Alex Amsel and Kevin Miller, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute. Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, will emcee.

Just before Opera in the Park, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute will perform in Washington Park beginning at 6 p.m. Top high school brass players from around the region will join professionals from around the country to present arrangements of Cincinnati Opera-inspired music.

Attendees are invited to bring friends, families, and dogs–plus blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics–to enjoy this evening of opera under the stars. Concessions and food trucks will be available in and around Washington Park throughout the evening.

Admission and Information:
Free. Guests are encouraged to register in advance for weather alerts and event updates. To register, visit cincinnatiopera.org/opera-in-the-park.

Inclement Weather:
In case of inclement weather, Opera in the Park will move indoors to Music Hall’s Springer Auditorium, and all pre-registered attendees will be guaranteed tickets for admittance. Attendees who have not pre-registered may obtain tickets online or at the door on a first-come, first-served basis, though admission is not guaranteed.


Looking ahead:

Cincinnati Opera
2024 Summer Festival

Don Giovanni
By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
June 13 and 15 at Music Hall

La Traviata
By Giuseppe Verdi
June 27, 28, and 30 at Music Hall

Studio Sessions
June 18, July 2, July 11 at Music Hall’s Wilks Studio
Featuring soprano Jacqueline Echols McCarley (June 18), baritone Elliot Madore (July 2), and soprano Jessica Rivera (July 11)

Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio
By Paul McCartney and Carl Davis
July 18, 20, 21, 25, and 27 at Music Hall

Visit cincinnatiopera.org for complete 2024 Summer Festival details.


About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The company also receives support from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Lead sponsor for Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio is Western & Southern Financial Group. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Additional support for Opera in the Park is provided by Modern Office Methods (MOM). Media partner is Classical 90.9 WGUC. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

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Stage Right Announces FOOTLOOSE Cast

SRMTC_FootlooseFOOTLOOSE dances its way to Grant County this summer!

Williamstown, KY – Stage Right Musical Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the cast and creative time for their professional summer production: “Footloose the Musical” running June 28 – July 14 at the Williamstown Performing Arts Center.

“Everybody cut FOOTLOOSE! Based on the original 1984 film, Footloose brings to life this classic story in an explosive new way! When rebellious teen Ren is forced to move to a small town where dancing is forbidden, it’s up to him and his classmates to defy the rules! This heartfelt story pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. Featuring a blend of new music and classic anthems like “Holding Out for a Hero” and “Let’s Hear it for the Boy”; “Footloose” is sure to leave you dancing out of your seat.”

“For 40 years Footloose has been a cultural phenomenon, making fans of the films and stage productions leap to their feet in dance. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring that to our stage this summer.” Artistic Director John Siedenberg II said about the upcoming show, “We have assembled an incredible group of actors, singers, designers, and artists to bring this story to life.”

After the record-setting success of Stage Right’s production of Annie this past January, the theater was thrilled to make Footloose the first show of their 2024-2025 Season.

“Footloose has everything you need for a fun summer musical comedy. The music is killer, the story is timeless, and the cast is everything you could want to see onstage. We can’t wait to explore the dance-forbidden town of Bomont this summer,” Siedenberg said.

The cast is lead by Jackson Greene and Chloe Esmeier as Ren and Ariel, with Jonathan Andrews as Reverend Shaw. Footloose also stars Jonathan Smithe, Field Oldham, Kanai Nakata, Zachary Simpson, James Lindeman, Mary Mills, Jenna Mays, Cassidy Perme, Joshua Van Nort, Michael Switzer, Heather Mizer, Lena Andrews, Mary Vosseberg, Karen Vosseberg, and Kayleigh Berenzy.

Footloose is directed by John Siedenberg II and stage-managed by Maxine Mason. Music Direction by David Dillespie, Choreography by Hannah Lutz-Reitz, Costume Design by Madisyn Kelley, Prop Design by Cory Charbeneau, and production design by John Siedenberg.

Footloose is presented by the Grant County Tourist & Convention Commission.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.StageRightMTC.org

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THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY | Oct. 11-12, 2024 | Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater 

CAA_The Improvised Shakespeare Company“Staggeringly Brilliant” and “Downright Hilarious!” – Time Out Chicago

October 11-12, 2024
Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

Tickets on sale Friday, May 31

[Cincinnati, OH] – One of the most critically acclaimed improv troupes in the world, The Improvised Shakespeare Company®, will make its Aronoff Center debut on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 8:00 PM and Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the intimate Jarson-Kaplan Theater. The show is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2024-25 Season.

Tickets start at $60.00 and go on sale Friday, May 31 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For groups of ten or more, call (513) 977-4155. Applicable services fees may apply. Prices are subject to change.

Based on one audience suggestion (a title of a show that has never been written), The Improvised Shakespeare Company® creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes. Prepare for an evening of spontaneous comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. Nothing has been planned out, rehearsed, or written. All of the dialogue is said for the first time, the characters are created as you watch, and if ever you’re wondering where the story is going… so are they! You’ve never seen the Bard like this before!

The Improvised Shakespeare Company® is one of the funniest and most critically acclaimed improv troupes in the world. The ISC was founded in Chicago in 2005 where it ran to sold-out audiences at the iO Theatre for over a decade. Now it performs regularly at Los Angeles’ Largo at the Coronet for audiences that the LA Times calls “Beatlemaniacal.” The ISC has sold out raucous shows at The Kennedy Center, Bonnaroo, San Francisco Sketchfest, the Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival, The Just For Laughs festival in Montreal, and Outside Lands in San Francisco. It is featured regularly in NYC at 92nd St. Y and Theatre 80 St. Marks where it “plays to packed theaters with an atmosphere more like a rock club than a repertory house” (The New York Times). In 2018, Sir Patrick Stewart presented The ISC at the Soho Theatre in London. In the 2019-2020 season, The ISC was featured in the Broadway Series at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts where it wowed audiences throughout its 178-show residency.

ISC guest performers have included Jason Alexander, Bradley Whitford, and Patrick Stewart. It has been named Chicago’s best improv group by both the Chicago Reader and the Chicago Examiner and has received numerous awards in LA (Best of LA – LA Weekly), New York (New York Nightlife Awards), and Chicago (The Chicago Improv Foundation). It has been called “Indisputably Great” (Centerstage Chicago), “Mad Genius” (LA Times), “Hilarious” (LA WeeklySeattle TimesChicago ReaderTimeOut ChicagoNaples Daily NewsCBC ManitobaWinnipeg Free Press), and TimeOut New York simply says, “Don’t Miss Them. Seriously.”

For more information, visit www.improvisedshakespeare.com.

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION SPONSORS

The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts.

SEASON SPONSORS:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), ARTSWAVEFIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Fairfield Inn & Suites Cincinnati Uptown/University Area, Harlan Graphics, Heidelberg Distributing, Kinley Cincinnati, Pepsi, Skyline Chili, TriHealth

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                The Improvised Shakespeare Company®

WHEN:                Friday, October 11, 2024 @ 8:00 PM

Saturday, October 12, 2024 @ 2:00 PM 

WHERE:              Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

PRICES:               Start at $60.00. 10%-off groups of ten or more. Additional service fees may apply. Prices subject to change.

INFO:                  Based on one audience suggestion (a title of a show that has never been written), The Improvised Shakespeare Company® creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece right before your eyes. Prepare for an evening of spontaneous comedy using the language and themes of William Shakespeare. Nothing has been planned out, rehearsed, or written. 

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale Friday, May 31 at 10:00 AM

  • www.CincinnatiArts.org  
  • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]
  • Aronoff Center Ticket Office
  • Group sales (10 or more): (513) 977-4155

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