Category Archives: Press Releases

June 5, 2012 · 12:03 pm

Encore! Encore! THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) is Back by Popular Demand!

Travis McElroy, Nick Rose & Billy Chace. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

The annual tradition featuring an audience favorite comedy
returns for a limited run, June 8-30, 2012

CINCINNATI, May 2, 2012 — Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to announce a new annual Cincinnati tradition of the popular production of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, the madcap comedy that condenses all thirty-eight of Shakespeare’s plays into just ninety-seven minutes. Featuring Billy Chace, Travis McElroy and Nick Rose, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” opens June 8, 2011 and runs through June 30, 2012.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” features three actors on a mission: to bring the entirety of Shakespeare’s canon to the stage in a single evening of theatre. Follow along as they careen wildly through all the comedies, histories and tragedies using a trunkful of props, wigs, and ridiculous costumes. Full of clever quips as well as silly slapstick, the script’s affectionate and irreverent treatment of Shakespeare’s plays has made it one of the most popular shows in America and England. Previous productions at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company have broken box office records and the title is one of the most requested by audience members. “I have never had so many requests to bring the production back so often. It is an absolute favorite!” says Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips.

Authors Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield formed The Reduced Shakespeare Company in Los Angeles in 1981 and debuted “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” in 1987 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. As they began touring the United States, the RSC and the play gained critical acclaim, praised by The Los Angeles Times as “wildly funny” and in the Montreal Gazette as “the funniest play you are likely to see in your lifetime.” In 1996, after years of touring the United States and abroad, The Reduced Shakespeare Company opened its extended run of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” and “The Complete History of America (Abridged)” at the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End. In 1997, the play was nominated for England’s prestigious Olivier Award for Best Comedy. The Reduced Shakespeare Company, refreshed often with new company members, continues to create fast, funny condensations of everything from the Bible, to Hollywood, to the Wide World of Sports from their home base in London.

“Whether you love Shakespeare or hate Shakespeare,” says Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips, “this script will leave you in stitches. Over the years, audiences of all ages have told us how much they love seeing three guys in sneakers do every play from “Romeo and Juliet” to “Titus Andronicus”. We have never done the show with this combination of actors, and we know their comedic timing is excellent! We plan to have a lot of fun.” CSC subscribers can purchase tickets for 15% off. Discounts are also available for students, as the show is highly-popular with teens, pre-teens and their families.

“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” features CSC Resident Ensemble Members Billy Chace and Nick Rose joined by Travis McElroy. Mr. Chace was in last year’s production of “Complete Works” as well as the ever wildly successful and highly comedic “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” this past holiday. Nick Rose is an audience favorite a 15 year veteran of the company. He joins the cast for the first time since the 2000 CSC production of “Complete Works”. A new cast member, Travis McElroy recently appeared at CSC in this season’s “Henry VIII: All is True”. He is part of the popular comedy podcast “My Brother, My Brother and Me”, which is a part of the “Maximum Fun” production organization and is available at maximumfun.org and on iTunes.

Performances of “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” are scheduled Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sunday afternoons at 2:00pm beginning June 8 and continuing through June 30, 2012. Previews are on June 6 & 7 at 7:30pm and tickets are $14. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single Ticket prices range from $22-$28 on Thursday nights and Sunday matinees and from $26-32 on Friday and Saturday nights. CSC Subscribers receive a 15% discount on single tickets. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Discounts are available for students and group discounts are available for any group with six people or more. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273), or visit us online at tickets.cincyshakes.com.

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June 5, 2012 · 10:50 am

Shakespeare Comes to Xenia

Josh Jatawick as Benedick and Juliet Howard-Welch as Beatrice. Photo by Lisa Bernheim.

X*ACT, Xenia Area Community Theater, is pleased to present William Shakespeare’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, June 15 through 24th at Kettering Health Network Theater in Xenia, Ohio. This production closes the 2011/ 2012 theatre season.

This production, directed by Lisa Howard-Welch, founder and former Artistic Director of W. Shakespeare & Co. Theatre Company, features a cast of seasoned actors from all over the Dayton and Springfield area. She has assembled an ensemble that brings a multitude of professional, regional and local experience, including Josh Katawick of Springfield as Benedick, Juliet Howard-Welch of Dayton as Beatrice, Elizabeth Dillard of Springfield, as Hero, Jared Mola of Beavercreek as Claudio and Anthony Copper of Xenia as Don Pedro. Katawick and Howard-Welch have been seen locally in numerous productions. Katawick has appeared in both HAMLET and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’s DREAM with Springfield StageWorks, amongst others, as well as spending last summer with Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. Howard-Welch is an Actor’s Equity Membership Candidate and has worked both locally and nationally, having stage managed for New Orleans Shakespeare Festival, Dayton Opera and Clark State. She also played the role of Stella in X*ACT’s fall production of A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE.

Josh Katawick as Benedick, Juliet Howard-Welch as Beatrice & Jared Mola as Claudio. Photo by Lisa Bernheim.

Elizabeth Dillard, a student in Illinois State University’s Acting Program, has also been seen in numerous local productions including HAMLET with Springfield StageWorks, EURIDYCE at Clark State and TWELFTH NIGHT with Playhouse South. Liz has also appeared most recently with Illinois State University’s production of JULIUS CAESAR. Jared Mola was most recently seen in the Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of WITTENBERG, but has also appeared in such shows as MOUSETRAP, LITTLE WOMEN and SEUSSICAL. Mola’s first original play, I LOVE YOU, LET’s LIGHT OURSELVES ON FIRE was produced at Millikin University as part of their studio theatre season. He is now a student at Wright State. Anthony Copper has appeared on the X*ACT stage for seven productions including THE CRUCIBLE, AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, and directed this season’s production of THE UNINVITED. Anthony spent 15 years at Magic Waters Theatre in Bainbridge, Ohio where he acted in, directed and wrote numerous plays.

Also featured is a strong company of performance and production team members from all over the Dayton and surrounding areas, including Adam Hardy, Hayley Justice, Quillin Stocker, Michelle Graham, Kathleen Day, and Mike Fazio of Springfield; Abby Reisinger of Urbana; John Fredland, Ofoname Eguaroje, Nathan Hudson, Cher Collins and Anthony Chiles of Dayton; John Bukowski of Centerville; Kelly Bennington and Jon Hung of Beavercreek; Katie Paeg of Trotwood; Jon Dowler, Lisa Bernheim, Patrick Taylor and Austin Smith of Kettering; and Jacinda Bridger of Vandalia.

This production marks Howard-Welch’s third directing contract during the 2011/2012 theatrical season, having just finished A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’s DREAM for Springfield StageWorks. She also directed A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE for X*ACT in September, which marked her return to directing following a 9 year break from theatre. During her career, which has spanned 27 years in both the United States and the United Kingdom, she has directed more than 100 regional, pre-professional and professional projects and appeared in over 75 productions. She will soon be preparing her next directorial season, which includes WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE for Clark State’s Theatre Arts Program’s 2012/2013 Season. Lisa is currently the Artistic Director of The Shakespeare Project, and works as a theatre educator and actor’s coach.

General and Production Information
X*ACT – Xenia Community Theatre presents MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, June 15th, 16th, 22nd & 23rd at 7:30pm and June 17th, 23rd and 24th at 3:00pm at The Kettering Health Network Theater, in Xenia. The venue is located at 45 East Second Street, near the intersection of US 68 and Second Street. Regular information on the production process can be obtained by following the Director’s Blog at http://astardancedmaan.blogspot.com/. Tickets are are $15.00 for general admission seats and $12 for Seniors and Students. Tickets are available at the door, online at www.XeniaAct.org, or by calling the theater at (937) 372-0516. Very limited seating is available, so reservations or pre-purchase is strongly advised. This production contains violence, mature themes and situations and is not suitable for children or those sensitive to this subject matter.

For further information, please contact X*ACT by calling (937) 372-0516. If you would like to contact the director for more specific information, you may call her at (937)238-3938 or e-mail at Lisalhw@att.net. General performance information can be obtained by contacting the theater at (937) 372-0516.

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June 5, 2012 · 10:11 am

BCT Closes Season with CHICAGO

Beavercreek Community Theatre closeS out it’s 2011-2012 season with CHICAGO

The musical, set in Prohibition-era Chicago during the roaring twenties, will be presented from June 15 – June 24 with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday performances and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees.

This is an Edge of the Creek production, which means that it is for adult audiences.

The satire on criminal justice corruption and the concept of the celebrity criminal features Roxie Hart, a chorus girl played by Katie Perry of Kettering, who murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband Amos, portrayed by Michael Shannon of West Carrollton, to take the rap. He turns on her when he finds out he’s been duped.

On death row, Roxie vies for the spotlight and headlines with another convicted murderess, Velma Kelly, played by Tina de Alderete of Miamisburg. Velma is a vaudevillian who murdered both her husband and her sister when she found them in bed together.

Ultimately they join forces in search of the “American Dream” of fame, fortune and acquittal.

Their cell block is presided over by the corrupt Matron “Mama” Morton, portrayed by Monique Hobbs of Centerville. The two murderesses vie for the services of lawyer Billy Flynn, played by Dean Swann of Dayton.

Billy takes Roxie’s case and re-arranges her story for use by sympathetic tabloid columnist Mary Sunshine, portrayed by Bobby Mitchum of Dayton.

The cast includes Adrianne Krauss of Columbus, Arizona Craycraft of Springboro along with Dayton residents Malcolm Walker, Michael Stockstill and Jordan Tyler Duvall of Dayton and Beavercreek residents Odette Gutierrez, Mary Stoughton, Matt Owens, RJ Steck and Sandra Hyde.

The director is Chris Harmon of Beavercreek, who is also the set designer.

Annette Looper of Centerville is the choreographer and Ben Spencer of Riverside as the music director.

The Stage manager is Steve Strawser of Kettering and the assistant director is Kristi Lickliter of Riverside.

Linda Sellers of Beavercreek is the costumer designer, John Falkenbach of Dayton is the lighting designer and Tony Fende of Dayton is the sound designer.

The co-producers are Dana Kragick of Vandalia and Rachel Jakubiak of Dayton.

Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students, BCT members and seniors, ages 55 and older. A group discount of $1 per ticket is available to groups of 10 or more when the tickets are purchased at the same time for the same performance.

Tickets can be reserved by calling 429-4737 and leaving a message or by emailing boxoffice@bctheatre.org. For more information, visit the theater’s Web site at http://www.bctheatre.org, where the tickets can be purchased online with a credit card.

Beavercreek Community Theatre is located within the Lofino Adult Enrichment and Cultural Arts Center at 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek.

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June 4, 2012 · 10:51 am

Miami University Performing Arts Series Announces 2012-2013 Season

UNDER THE STREETLAMP. Photo provided by Insight Management.

OXFORD, Ohio – The Miami University Performing Arts Series announces its 2012-13 season. Highlights include political satirists The Capitol Steps performing “Take the Money and Run for President” 10 days before the big election, recent cast members of the Jersey Boys singing their own magic of Doo-Wop in “Under the Streetlamp,” and back by popular demand, piano sensation The 5 Browns and the African Children’s Choir.

See below for the complete listing of events, visit us at www.muohio.edu/PerformingArtsSeries or find us on Facebook. For tickets or more information, call the Miami University Box Office in Shriver Center at (513) 529-3200 or visit us online.

Cinderella
Missoula Children’s Theatre Drama Camp & Performance
Hall Auditorium
Camp: Aug. 6-10
Performance: 7:00 p.m., Friday, Aug. 10All tickets $5
Sponsored by Talawanda-Miami Partnership

Up to 60 local kids will work with the Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals doing fun workshops, crafts and rehearsing a full-scale musical. Don’t wait to register—spots fill up fast!
Registration begins 8:00 a.m., June 11. Details and form online: http://arts.muohio.edu/performing-arts-series/Missoula

Recent Cast Members of Jersey Boys!
Under the Streetlamp
7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 21, Hall Auditorium
$17 Students/Youth, $34 Seniors, $35 Adults
Earl Reeder Visiting Artists Fund

Their tight harmony, slick moves and snappy set list leads you on a rockin’ trip down memory lane. The drop-dead gorgeous guys from the smash hit, Jersey Boys, perform Beatles, Beach Boys, Motown and more!

Featuring Miami alum Michael Ingersoll, Under the Streetlamp is enjoying a high profile with a hit PBS special. The four magnetic vocalists exude the irresistible rapport of a modern day Rat Pack with their unique blend of tight harmonies and slick dance moves.
http://arts.muohio.edu/performing-arts-series/events/under-the-streetlamp-1021

Take the Money and Run… for President
Capitol Steps
2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28, Hall Auditorium
Miami Family Weekend, Each performance 90 min., no intermission
$14 Students/Youth, $34 Seniors, $35 Adults
Sponsored by the Baymont Inn & Suites and Kona Bistro
Media Partner: 88.5 WMUB, 90.9 WGUC, 91.7 WVXU

Make 2012 an election year worth laughing about, with DC’s funniest political satirists! For 30 years, the Capitol Steps have put the mock in democracy, skewering both sides of the aisle with fresh, up-to-the-minute musical parodies that leave everyone laughing. The troupe returns to the Series for a third time armed with new material to bring down the house…and Senate!
http://arts.muohio.edu/performing-arts-series/events/the-capitol-steps-1028

Modern Day Houdinis
Spencer’s Theatre of Illusion
7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 14, Hall Auditorium
$9 Students/Youth, $17 Seniors, $18 Adults

Get your tickets before they disappear! The Spencer’s Theatre of Illusion is a spectacular production combining drama, comedy, romance and suspense with elaborate stage illusions. The whole family will love the breath-taking magic. The Spencers were recently named International Magicians of the Year, joining the ranks of David Copperfield, Criss Angel, and Penn & Teller.
http://arts.muohio.edu/performing-arts-series/events/spencers-theatre-illusion-1114

Back by Popular Demand!
African Children’s Choir
7:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7, Hall Auditorium
$9 Students/Youth, $17 Seniors, $18 Adults

This amazing ensemble from Uganda has been changing the lives of Africa’s neediest children for over 25 years. Come experience their musical message of hope.
http://arts.muohio.edu/performing-arts-series/events/african-childrens-choir-27

A Poetic Vision of Earth from Space
Bella Gaia, Beautiful Earth
Performed by the Kenji Williams Ensemble
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12, Talawanda High School, 5301 University Park Blvd., Oxford
$8 Students/Youth, $16 Seniors, $17 Adults
Sponsored by the Talawanda-Miami Partnership

Gripping NASA scientific visualizations, mesmerizing live music and hypnotic dance, Bella Gaia is a multi-media, multi-sensory journey exploring the connections between civilization and our ecosystem. Created by award-winning director and classically trained violinist Kenji Williams in collaboration with NASA, this ‘living atlas’ features Williams and his world music band and dancer performing live against a large-screen backdrop of Earth filmed from space.

“Bella Gaia is just beautiful. It really felt like I was back in space.” —Piers Sellers, NASA Astronaut, Spacewalker
http://arts.muohio.edu/performing-arts-series/events/bella-gaia-beautiful-earth-212

You Suggest the Song, They Make the Musical
Broadway’s Next Hit Musical
7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, Hall Auditorium
$8 Students/Youth, $16 Seniors, $17 Adults

Straight from New York City, Broadway’s Next Hit Musical abandons the same old song and dance to create a spontaneous evening of music, humor and laughter. The audience votes for their favorite song and watches as the cast turns it into a full-blown improvised musical- complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and plot twists galore. You’ll love it! After all, you created it. “Hilarious” – The New York Times
http://arts.muohio.edu/performing-arts-series/events/broadways-next-hit-musical-223

Sparks will fly!
Bowfire
7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 5, Hall Auditorium
$13 Students/Youth, $27 Seniors, $28 Adults
Sponsored by The Knolls of Oxford and Kona Bistro

From Celtic to classical with some bluegrass, jazz and rock mixed in, Bowfire sets the stage ablaze with their hot band fronted by virtuoso violins, dazzling dancing and amazing vocals. Fun for the whole family!
http://arts.muohio.edu/performing-arts-series/events/bowfire-35

The 5 Browns. Photo provided by IMG Artists. Credit: Andrew Southam.

Sensational Siblings!
The 5 Browns
7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 11, Millett Hall
$8 Students/Youth, $16 Seniors, $17 Adults
Sponsored by the Baymont Inn & Suites and Kona Bistro
Media Partner: 88.5 WMUB, 90.9 WGUC, 91.7 WVXU

“One family, five pianos and 50 fingers add up to the biggest classical music sensation in years…When these kids do Rachmaninoff, they’ll make you forget about Marshall amps.” ––New York Post

Whether performing individually or together in various combinations from duo to complex five-piano arrangements, The 5 Browns reveal a deep connection to the intent of their material while bringing a fresh energy and dynamic character to the color and tonal spectrum of their sound. The five piano playing siblings continue to sell out concert halls around the world.
http://arts.muohio.edu/performing-arts-series/events/the-5-browns-411

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May 25, 2012 · 4:19 pm

2012 Cincinnati Fringe Festival begins Tuesday, May 29th

CityBeat Kick-Off Party begins Tuesday at 7 pm

Know Theatre of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Fringe Festival are proud to announce the 2012 Cincinnati Fringe Festival. The 9th annual festival is scheduled to kick-off Tuesday, May 29th with CityBeat’s official Fringe Kick-off Party. The festival will continue through June 9 with 35 productions and special events including the second year of the high school centered program, FringeNext.

Festivities begin with the official CityBeat Fringe Kick-Off Party on May 29 at 7 pm. Guests will enjoy musical entertainment from The Dukes Are Dead and watch the launch of the 2012 Channel Fringe Hard-Hitting Action News Update. Food for the party will be provided by Venice on Vine, Madisono’s Gelato, Skirtz & Johnston, and Washington Platform and there will also be Christian Moerlein drink specials all night long. It’s a great way to meet the Fringe artists, staff, volunteers, and other audience members! A suggested donation of $5 will get you into the event.

All individual tickets to Fringe Festival shows will continue to be $12 this year. Full Frontal Fringe passes get you all access to every event in the festival for $200. Flexible Voyeur six-show passes are on sale for $60 or the price equivalent of five tickets. One night stand passes are $25 and get you two tickets and one drink at Know Theatre’s Bar.

For more information about the performances or to purchase passes, check out www.cincyfringe.com or call 513.300.KNOW (5669). During the festival, tickets to all performances can be purchased online 24 hours a day, over the phone from 10am to 10pm, or in person at the headquarters box office at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson Street, or at individual venues thirty minutes prior to show times.

After the shows each day, artists, audience members, staff, and volunteers all gather together at Know Theatre’s Underground for the Fringe Bar Series featuring the Channel Fringe Hard Hitting Action News Update. Each evening features different activities such as the Fringe previews, Fringe Olympics, Fringe-e-Oke, Fringe Prom, and the 22.5 hour play project. Food will be provided on select nights during the bar series. Please check cincyfringe.com for bar series schedule as updates will continue to be added as the festival draws closer.

Our mission is to create evocative and explosive live entertainment.

Our vision is a world awakened to its collective possibility.We value a playful artistic community where artists can collaborate and grow.

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