Category Archives: Press Releases

November 3, 2013 · 12:22 pm

CSC Presents Shakespeare’s Classic Comedy Gender-Bender, TWELFTH NIGHT

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents this popular Shakespeare comedy, set in a lavish and traditional Elizabethan style, to kick off the holiday season!

Brent Vimtrup as Orsino, Maggie Lou Rader as Viola & Corinne Mohlenhoff as Olivia. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

Brent Vimtrup as Orsino, Maggie Lou Rader as Viola & Corinne Mohlenhoff as Olivia. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

CINCINNATI, November 1, 2013 — Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati’s stage for the classics, continues their 20th Anniversary Season with William Shakespeare’s comedy TWELFTH NIGHT, playing November 22- December 15, 2013. This production is directed by CSC Artistic Associate, Sara Clark and features CSC Resident Ensemble members Brent Vimtrup, Corinne Mohlenhoff and Maggie Lou Rader. The production is generously sponsored by Rippe & Kingston and the production design is sponsored by Matson Money and Towne Properties.

In the wake of a shipwreck, Lady Viola (Maggie Lou Rader) washes up on the shores of Ilyria, penniless and alone. Disguising herself as a boy, she procures employment delivering love letters from the amorous Duke Orsino (Brent Vimtrup) to the object of his infatuation, the aloof Lady Olivia (Corinne Mohlenhoff). Things get sticky when Viola herself falls for the lovesick Duke, then stickier still when Lady Olivia falls for the disguised Viola. Add into the mix a drunken uncle, a prudish steward and a wise-cracking fool, and you’ve got a knot only time can untangle. Audiences will enjoy a traditional Elizabethan staging of this classic Shakespearean gender-bender, TWELFTH NIGHT.

TWELFTH NIGHT will be directed by CSC Artistic Associate Sara Clark who directed last season’s smash hit “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Sara says that “TWELFTH NIGHT is a lay of interweaving rhythms, moods, and tones; a showcase of high verbal wit, low drunken antics, and everything in between—sitcom scenarios shot through with moments of true poignancy, elements of high farce contrasted with dark humor and a little tinge of melancholy. It’s one of the best ensemble pieces in the canon, making it a great fit for this company of performers.” She continues saying that “we’ve chosen to set the production as close to its original premiere as possible: during the Twelfth Night festivities at the Inns of Court around 1602. I look forward to embracing both the youth, vigor, and daring of the Elizabethan Age as well as the atmosphere of carnivalesque revelry characteristic of the Twelfth Night festival season in which rational hierarchy is turned topsy-turvy and nothing is quite what it seems.”

Performances of TWELFTH NIGHT are scheduled from November 22- December 15, 2013 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Preview performances are on Wednesday Nov. 20 and Thursday Nov. 21 at 7:30pm and tickets are $20. No performance on Sunday Nov. 24 or Thursday Nov. 28. 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.

Performance Schedule:

  • Wednesday November 20th at 7:30 pm (Preview)
  • Thursday November 21st at 7:30 pm (Preview)
  • Friday November 22nd at 7:30 pm (Opening)
  • Saturday November 23rd at 7:30 pm
  • Friday November 29th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday November 30th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday December 1st at 2:00 pm
  • Thursday December 5th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday December 6th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday December 7th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday December 8th at 2:00 pm
  • Thursday December 12th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday December 13th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday December 14th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday December 15th at 2:00 pm (Closing)

TWELFTH NIGHT
By William Shakespeare

Directed by Sara Clark
Stage Manager: Alice Flanders*
Sound Designer: Doug Borntrager
Scenic & Lighting Designer: Andrew J. Hungerford
Costume Designer: Heidi Jo Schiemer

Cast List (in alphabetical order):

  • Billy Chace* as Antonio
  • Charlie Cromer as Sebastian
  • Jeremy Dubin* as Feste
  • Jim Hopkins* as Sir Toby
  • Justin King as Fabian
  • Matt Lytle as Captain/Priest
  • Justin McCombs* as Sir Andrew Aguecheek
  • Miranda McGee as Maria
  • Caitlin McWethy as Valentine
  • Corinne Mohlenhoff* as Olivia
  • Maggie Lou Rader as Viola
  • Paul Riopelle* as Malvolio
  • Zach Schute as Curio/Officer
  • Brent Vimtrup* as Orsino
    *Member of AEA

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

November 3, 2013 · 10:55 am

CCM’s SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN Showered by LCT Panelists with a 4.5 Star Rating

Senior Musical Theatre major Max Clayton is Don Lockwood

Max Clayton as Don Lockwood.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized the College Conservatory of Music’s production of the classic movie musical SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN with a 4.5 Star Rating.

Panelists praised the production as “Joyful, happy, shining and memorable…An uplifting story and a treat for the eyes.” Diane Lala was commended both for her direction (“a standout production all-around with many delightful and excellent elements that really lived up to the silver screen standard of the film”) and for her contribution to the choreography, along with co-choreographer Patty James: “Covering multiple styles and always challenging the students, the choreography was truly the star of this show, and it was executed brilliantly by the talented performers.” Ryan Sigurdson’s music direction was also recognized as “solid and impressive”. Scenic Designer Mark Halpin delivered a wonderful set—“layered in a complex, but very functional way that delivered the many silver-screen settings”–and technical director Steve Miller was also given a nod for his contribution to the “fantastic and well-executed” rain effects in the iconic title number. Reba’s Senske’s costume design was described as “numerous, timely, lush, complimentary to character, and a delight to look at.” Finally, from a technical aspect, CCM Electronic Media students were recognized for the “hilarious” and “seamlessly executed” videos they created for many of the scenes.

From a performance standpoint, the entire ensemble was applauded for outstanding dancing and singing.” Matt Hill, as Cosmo Brown, and Sarah Bishop, as Lina Lamont, were particularly singled out as “dead-on portraying their characters and handling the timing and humor effectively.”

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.

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.com.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as ,

October 30, 2013 · 9:51 pm

LSC Presents I REMEMBER MAMA

LSC_I Remember MamaLoveland Stage Company, winners of 13 Orchid Awards for Excellence in 2013 from The Association of Community Theaters, welcomes you to their fall production of I REMEMBER MAMA by John Van Druten. I REMEMBER MAMA has been described as “One of the most heartwarming studies of American family life yet to reach the stage.”

I REMEMBER MAMA tells the story of how Mama, with the help of her husband and Uncle Chris, brings up the children in their modest San Francisco home during the early years of the century. Mama, a sweet and capable manager, sees her children through childhood, manages to educate them and to see one of her daughters begin her career as a writer. Mama’s sisters and uncle furnish a rich background for a great deal of comedy and a little incidental tragedy, while the doings of the children manage to keep everyone in pleasant turmoil.

Join Loveland Stage Company for this lightly comic, heartwarming portrayal of American family life, filled with rich characterizations. Performance dates are November 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24. Show times are Friday – Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. All performances are at the Loveland Stage Company’s theater at 111 S. Second St. Loveland, OH 45140.

To find out more about Loveland Stage Company and their award winning productions, or to order tickets on-line, visit www.lovelandstagecompany.org. Follow LSC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LovelandStageCompany. To order tickets by phone, contact 513-697-6769. All tickets for this production (Adults, Seniors and Students) are $15.00.

ABOUT LOVELAND STAGE COMPANY: The Loveland Stage Company is dedicated to bringing quality theater to the Loveland community. LSC selects plays and musicals which are both instructive to their members and entertaining to their audiences. LSC is an entirely volunteer organization which strives to provide the best amateur theater available. The Loveland Stage Company has been performing in its own dedicated theater since October 2002. Each year, the Company’s excellence is acknowledged with multiple awards at the ACT (Association of Community Theatres) Convention, which celebrates the rich artistic heritage and talent Cincinnati has to offer theatre-goers. LSC earned 13 Orchid Awards for performances over the 2012-2013 season.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

October 29, 2013 · 4:08 pm

DRAGGIN’ OUT – GHCT Fundraiser on Nov. 2

GHCT_ Draggin OutIt’s back by popular demand!! The ladies, members and friends of GHCT had so much fun last year spending the evening with Cincinnati-area drag queens getting “painted,” choosing their hair, finding a costume and then putting on one spectacular drag show, that we just had to do it again!!

On November 2, 2013 we will host Draggin’ Out at the Palace. The event is open to all women who want to spend the evening having fun and helping raise funds for the arts! Beginning at 7 pm, ladies will be directed to a station to pick their “sickening costume,” have their hair “jacked up,” or be “painted for filth.” During this time, we will provide beer, wine and appetizers.

At 10 pm, we will put on a show for neighbors, family and friends. Not a singer? Not to worry! Drag queens always lip-synch, so all you have to do is strut your stuff! All of the tips raised in the drag show will benefit The Palace.

A new twist this year is that the queen who raises the most money will become the Queen of our Palace! She will be Miss GHCT and will get her very own drag queen crown!

Space at the makeup table is limited. Be sure to make your reservations today by calling 513-737-PLAY or by emailing ghctplay@gmail.com. The cost of the event is $40, and remember, it’s tax deductable. You can be the Bio Diva you were meant to be while helping support the arts in your community! Get those fans to come and support the show, and you could be the very first Miss GHCT!!

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as ,

October 29, 2013 · 3:20 pm

Playhouse’s CABARET Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Mary Gordon Murray as Fraulein Schneider & Liz Pearce as Sally Bowles. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Mary Gordon Murray as Fraulein Schneider & Liz Pearce as Sally Bowles. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Panelists said of CABARET: “An excellently produced and performed production…Fantastic.” Panelists were particularly impressed with featured actress Mary Gordon Murray as Fraulein Schneider, “a standout, who was powerful and believable” and gave “a moving performance”. The chorus members were also praised for their outstanding dance and movement, aided by Marcia Milgrom Dodge’s often “inspired” and “amazing” choreography. Finally, Angela Wendt was commended for her “striking” costumes: “Pearls, fringe, sequins and endless details made the costumes in this production simply stunning.”

CABARET, the renowned Kander and Ebb musical set in the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy pre-war nightclub in Berlin, chronicles the growing prejudice in Germany through the eyes of a visiting American writer.

CABARET continues through November 16th. Tickets can be purchased at www.cincyplay.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. www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as ,