Category Archives: Press Releases

FLASHDANCE Tickets On Sale Friday at 9AM

US National Tour Makes Its Cincinnati premiere at THE ARONOFF CENTER, OCTOBER 29 – NOVEMBER 10, 2013 

Tickets on Sale FRIDAY, September 6 AT 9AM

Joining the ensemble will be Cincinnati native
and SCPA Graduate, Shane Ohmer

Jillian Mueller as Alex Owens. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Jillian Mueller as Alex Owens. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation, will perform at the Aronoff Center, October 29 – November 10, 2013 as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati 13/14 Season. Tickets will go on sale Friday, September 6 at 9AM. Ticket prices start at $28 and will be available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. Group orders of ten or more may be placed by calling 513.369.4363.

With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

Joining Jillian Mueller as Alex and Corey Mach as Nick are Alison Ewing as Tess, Kelly Felthous as Gloria, DeQuina Moore as Kiki, Jo Ann Cunningham as Hannah, David R. Gordon as Jimmy, Matthew Henerson as Harry and Christian Whelan in the role of C.C.

Also joining the company are Carleigh Bettiol, Derek Carley, Ryan Carlson, Lynorris Evans, Haley Hannah, Charlene Hoffman, Jarvis McKinley, Doreen Montavlo, Ariela Morgenstern, Shane Ohmer, Austin Owen, Kristin Piro, Katelyn Prominski, Angelo Soriano, Dani Spieler, Lawrence E. Street, and Kamille Upshaw.

Cincinnati native Shane Ohmer plays the role of a ballet dancer in FLASHDANCE and is a member of the ensemble. He is a graduate of Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts and has performed as the Lead in Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet for two years around the world, Les Grand Ballet Canadiens, River North Chicago Dance Company, Pacific Northwest Ballet. He has also been a guest artist/teacher for companies around the world.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the original Paramount Pictures film was a worldwide smash hit that became a pop culture phenomenon, grossing over $150 million and featuring a Grammy Award-winning soundtrack. FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL features a score including the hit songs from the movie, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world including the Academy Award-winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” “I Love Rock & Roll.” In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the stage with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth.

Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, The Addams Family), FLASHDANCE features a book by Robert Cary and Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas),

In addition to the US touring company, a second company will be assembled for the creatively reworked production of FLASHDANCE on Broadway for an open-ended engagement. Flashdance – The Musical will play the Aronoff Center from October 29 – November 10, 2013: Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM, Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM and Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM. Tickets for Flashdance – The Musical start at $28. They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com or www.flashdancethemusical.com.

Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 12/13 Season. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the 12/13 Cincinnati Season.

Broadway Across America
A leading Broadway producer and the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America. BAA operates in 40 cities, bringing first-class touring musicals and plays to audiences across the US and Canada in markets such as Costa Mesa, Fort Lauderdale, Tempe, Boston, Minneapolis and New Orleans. As a producer, current and upcoming productions include Million Dollar Quartet, Pippin, Big Fish, Betrayal, Bullets Over Broadway, Little Miss Sunshine and Bull Durham. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com

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Creative Conversation: stART-ups on Oct. 21

CAA_ELNThe Cincy Emerging Arts Leaders is an extension of the Emerging Leaders Network of the Americans for the Arts and administered by the Cincinnati Arts Association. It supports the professional development needs of arts professionals in the Greater Cincinnati area. The group first met in October 2006 as part of the Creative Conversations series that Americans for the Arts sponsors annually.

UPCOMING EVENT

Creative Conversation: stART-ups
Tips & tricks for creating and growing a new arts organization

Monday, October 21, 2013, 5:00-7:00 PM
Music Hall, Cincinnati Opera offices*

Join Cincy Emerging Arts Leaders for Creative Conversations: “stART-up: Tips & Tricks for Creating & Growing a New Arts Organization.” This will be an interactive panel discussion on what is involved with not only founding, but growing an arts organization in our post-recession society. Why did they start it? What makes them different in the arts landscape? What were/are their challenges? What are their plans for the future? What would you like to know?Attendees will learn tips from leaders in a variety of visual and performing arts disciplines.

Panelists: TBA

This event is free and open to the public, however pre-registration is requested. Click here to register.

*The entrance to the Cincinnati Opera offices is on the north end of Music Hall by 14th Street. Click here for Directions/Parking information.

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PIP Opens Off the Hill Series With FAKE FLOWERS DON’T DIE

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK OPENS OFF THE HILL SEASON WITH MACY’S NEW PLAY PRIZE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES WINNER,
FAKE FLOWERS DON’T DIE

PIP_Fake Flowers Don't Die(CINCINNATI) – FAKE FLOWERS DON’T DIE, winner of this year’s Macy’s New Play Prize For Young Audiences, opens the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s 2013-14 Off the Hill season with performances at more than a dozen Tristate community centers from Sept. 28 through Nov. 2. The script, by nationally acclaimed playwright John Yearley, is the 12th recipient of the Macy’s New Play Prize, for which national playwrights are chosen by the Playhouse to create new work specifically for younger audiences. The play is made possible through a grant from the Macy’s Foundation.

Yearley’s comedy Leap received its world premiere on the Thompson Shelterhouse stage during the Playhouse’s 2004-05 season. “I’m delighted and honored that FAKE FLOWERS DON’T DIE is the recipient of this year’s Macy’s New Play Prize,” Yearley said. “I am a huge fan of the work that the recipients of the prize have produced thus far and only hope to keep up the standard of excellence that they, in conjunction with Playhouse Education Director Mark Lutwak, have established. My previous history with the Playhouse makes my return to Mt. Adams that much sweeter.”

FAKE FLOWERS DON’T DIE is the story of four children who discover a magic lamp that may or may not grant three wishes. Their initial excitement over the discovery is tempered when it is measured against the needs of real-life wishes and the tensions of friendship.

The world premiere play is geared to children ages 7 and up. “It’s a great play for those beginning their transition to adulthood, those in the midst of that transition and those who have been there before,” Lutwak said. “The circumstances are humorous, quirky and ultimately believable.”

Jon Kovach (JJ), Meggy Hai Trang (Barky), Justin Weaks (Eugene) and Britian Seibert (Anna) from the Playhouse’s Bruce E. Coyle Intern Company will appear in FAKE FLOWERS DON’T DIE. Education Director Mark Lutwak will direct the production and serve as the sound designer. Other production team members include Veronica Bishop (Technical Director), John Ford (Set Designer), Jonathan Waters (Costume Designer), Anna Goller (Props Designer) and Tracy Hoida (Stage Manager).

For more information about the Playhouse’s education and outreach programs, contact the Education Department at 513-345-2242 or visit www.cincyplay.com.

Off the Hill is made possible by The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation.

COMMUNITY CENTER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

  • Saturday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m., The Tall Institute (Oakley)
  • Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 p.m., Lebanon Theatre Company
  • Saturday, Oct. 5, 3 p.m., Circus Mojo (Ludlow, Ky.)
  • Sunday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m., Woman’s Art Club Cultural Center (Mariemont)
  • Saturday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m., Sharonville Fine Arts Council
  • Friday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m., Oxford Community Arts Center
  • Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m., Sunset Players at Dunham Recreation Center (Price Hill)
  • Friday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Blue Ash Recreation Center
  • Saturday, Oct. 26, 3 p.m., The Drama Workshop (Cheviot)
  • Saturday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m., Baker Hunt Art and Culture Center (Covington, Ky.)
  • Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m., Mayerson JCC (Amberley Village)
  • Friday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m., Grove Banquet Hall (Springfield Township)
  • Saturday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m., District A at Bi-Okoto Cultural Institute (Pleasant Ridge) 

Note: Details vary by location. Contact the sites for tickets and prices.

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ON CUE: OCTA Conference 2013 Part I

OCTA_logoON CUE
The electronic newsletter of the Association of Community Theatres of Greater Cincinnati

OCTA Conference 2013, Part I
Linda Roll, editor
llroll69@hotmail.com

This part of the Newsletter will concentrate on the activities over the Labor Day Weekend. This is for all of you who did not make it to Dayton and were curious as to how our theatres did.

Southwest had a great showing at the conference. Our three shows won numerous accolades from the judges and the audience members. Here are the results from Mondays award presentations:

For Eleemosynary

  • Merit in Acting as Dorothea Westbrook Anne Wrider
  • Outstanding in Acting as Echo Kaleigh Howland

For Spring Awakening

  • Merit in Acting as Ilse Carrie Makin
  • Excellence in Musical Directing Alan Masters
  • Excellence in Acting as Wendla Emily Rowekamp
  • Outstanding in Acting as Melchior Steffen Whorton
  • Outstanding in Acting as Moritz Kevin Rutkowski
  • Outstanding Dramatic Moment
  • as the Father Brian Berendts
  • Outstanding in Ensemble The Cast
  • Outstanding in Musical Performance The Orchestra
  • Outstanding in Sound Execution Eric Bardes
  • Outstanding in Choreography Jules Shumate
  • Outstanding in Directing Jen McGuire
  • Outstanding in Directing Jered Ryan

For The Great American Trailer Park Musical

  • Merit in Set Design Scott Baker
  • Merit in Costuming Linda Roll
  • Merit in Acting as Pippi Aubrey Wilson
  • Merit in Choreography Jules Shumate
  • Excellence in Ensemble as Trailer Park Gossips Amy Grace Curtis
  • Excellence in Ensemble as Trailer Park Gossips Kendra Struthers
  • Excellence in Ensemble as
  • Trailer Park Gossips Pam Blessing
  • Outstanding in Acting as Jeannie Emily Carroll 

Congratulations to all of the winners and to the wonderful casts of all three shows.

Other awards presented over the weekend:

Technical Awards

  • Outstanding in Light Design to Eric Bardes for Tuesdays With Morrie
  • Excellence in Light Design to Steve Simon for The Passion of Dracula
  • Excellence in Sound Design to Paul Simon for The Passion of Dracula
  • Outstanding in Special Effects to Thomas Bergquist for The Passion of Dracula

There were no entries from our region in the Set Design or Costume Awards. There were only 2 entries for the season brochure competition which meant the board cancelled this competition. There were also no awards given out to any of our groups in the Newsletter Competition.

As your theatres begin your seasons, please look at these annual awards and see what is needed to enter them. These awards are for those people who do all of the technical work that supports each of our theatres. PLEASE make an effort to enter. The information usually does not change over the years, so go to the OCTA website and look over the rules to enter. www.ohiocommunitytheatre.org. 

Peggy Kenney received the Dick Beal Outstanding Regional Rep Award. 

In the costume contest at the banquet, the following were winners:

  • Original Couple Pam Blessing& Peggy Kenney as Over The Rainbow
  • Creative Single Ruth& Sean Shuster as The Twister
  • Original Single Luka Ashley Carter as The Wicked Bitch of the Southwest 

No SW OCTAfeud team made it to the final round of OCTAfeud despite a valiant effort from all of the groups who entered. There is always next year.

There will be more information on the OCTA conference as well as ACT news coming in a few days.

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MPI Announces BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

Mariemont Players Announces BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

Joe Hooker as Paul Bratter & Samantha Isler as Corie Bratter. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Joe Hooker as Paul Bratter & Samantha Isler as Corie Bratter. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Mariemont Players presents Neil Simon’s romantic comedy BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, at the Walton Creek Theater, 4101 Walton Creek Road (just East of Mariemont), September 13th through September 29th, 2013.

Newlyweds Paul, a buttoned-down lawyer, and Corie, his free-spirited wife, have a passionate relationship. But dealing with their tiny fifth floor walk-up, a nosy neighbor who lives in the attic, a loopy mother and bad plumbing, leads to loads of laughs and learning to live and love.

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK is directed by Roberto Henriquez, produced by Jo Anne Bessette, and features Joe Hooker, Samantha Isler, Art Kibby, Sandy Schlueter, Arny Stoller and Robert Warfel.

Performances will be at 8:00pm on September 13th, September 14th, September 20th, September 21st, and September 27th; at 2:00pm on September 15th and September 29th; at 7:30pm on September 19th and September 26th; 2:00pm & 7:00pm on September 22nd; and at 3:00pm & 8:00pm on September 28th.

For more information or to order tickets for BAREFOOT IN THE PARK, call Betsy at 513-684-1236. All seats are reserved and cost $18 each.

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