Category Archives: Press Releases

March 16, 2012 · 1:21 pm

Know Theatre of Cincinnati presents BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON

History just got all sexypants

Design by Alexandra Kesman.

Know Theatre is pleased to announce the regional premiere of the Off-Broadway hit musical, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, with music and lyrics written by Michael Friedman, and a book by Alex Timbers. After a sold-out run at the Public Theatre, the show transferred briefly to Broadway. This rock musical will be making its regional premiere at Know Theatre March 31 – May 12, 2012. The production is being directed by Eric Vosmeier with musical direction by Michael Flohr, Scenic & Lighting Design by Andrew Hungerford, Costume Design by Noelle Wedig, and Sound Design/Mixing by Doug Borntrager.

An audacious mix of historical fact and invention (don’t come for a history lesson), BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON tells the story of America’s controversial seventh president using a raucous blend of outrageous comedy, anarchic theatricality and an infectious rock n’ roll soundtrack. BLOODY BLOODY examines the attraction and terrors of American populism through the story of the man who invented the Democratic Party, doubled the size of our nation, and signed the Indian Removal Act that started the Trail of Tears.

“BLOODY BLOODY was one of those shows I fell in love with right away,” says Eric Vosmeier, Producing Artistic Director. “Timber’s writing is sharp and funny, and Freidman’s emo-rock inspired score is a perfect accompaniment.”

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON will feature live music from Cincinnati’s own The Dukes Are Dead. Members include Luke Darling, Lucas Frazier, Randy Proctor, and Dave Reid. Luka Ashley Carter joins them on keys for this production. Vosmeier says, “I serendipitously met Randy at MOTR Pub one night on the patio. We started talking about the show and the theatre, and about his band. A couple of days later we sat down to talk about the possibility of The Dukes playing for the show and we hit it off so well, I hired them for the project. We’re very luck to have them on board.” The role of Andrew Jackson is played by Know Theatre’s Associate Company Member, Kellen York. Kellen was last seen at Know Theatre in Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party and is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). The Storyteller will be played by Torie Wiggins, Know Theatre’s accidental resident artist for the season. “We hired Torie for Abe to start with, but we liked working with her so much, I offered her the opportunity to stay in Cincinnati for the rest of the season, and she accepted,” says Vosmeier. In addition to Abraham Lincoln’s Big Gay Dance Party, Torie has also been seen in Collapse and The Afghan Women’s Writing Project this season. Torie is also a graduate of CCM and has also been seen at both the Cincinnati Fringe Festival and Ensemble Theatre in her one woman show Your Negro Tour Guide. Martin Van Buren will be portrayed by Chris Wesselman, recently seen at Know Theatre in A Wrinkle in Time, Adding Machine: A Musical, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, and Vigils and is the Associate Producer of the 2012 Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Annie Kalahurka (Female Soloist) has been seen at Know Theatre in The Dragon, A Wrinkle in Time, and Sideways Stories from Wayside School. Annie has also worked regularly at Madcap Puppets. Rachel Christianson (Female Soloist) appears at Know Theatre for the first time. Rachel has recently been touring with Madcap Puppets and prior to that was an acting intern at Ensemble Theatre. Datus Puryear (Black Fox) comes to Cincinnati from Ohio Northern University and makes his debut at Know Theatre. Chance Kilgour (Ensemble) a Cincinnati native and recent graduate of Webster University’s Conservatory Program in St. Louis, makes his debut at Know Theatre. Drew Bowen (John Adams, ensemble) hails from Cincinnati and is a current musical theatre major at Wright State University. Drew was recently seen as Moritz in Spring Awakening at Encore Theatre Company in Dayton, OH. Kathryn Boswell (Ensemble) is a current musical theatre major at CCM and was recently seen in Spring Awakening and Rent. Kelsey Crismon (Rachel) is also a current musical theatre major at CCM and was recently seen in Spring Awakening and Rent. Matt Hill (John Calhoun, Ensemble) is a current musical theatre major at CCM and was recently seen as Moritz in Spring Awakening. Last but not least, Darius Brown, a current student at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts, will play Andrew Jackson’s son Lyncoya. Director Eric Vosmeier and Scenic & Lighting Designer Andrew Hungerford have created a design for BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON that reflects a dilapidated Hall of Presidents. “When approaching the set for BLOODY BLOODY, we wanted to not just create scenery, but a full world for these characters and their band to inhabit,” says Andrew Hungerford. “It needed to reflect the sense of Americana and patriotism inherent the story. For the last three months Andrew Jackson, his entourage, and the band have been squatting here. And now you’ve been invited into the space to see their show.”

The Club of Jacksons
To support Know Theatre’s production of BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, we’ve created The Club of Jacksons, Cincinnati’s first ever community-sourced production sponsorship opportunity. With your help, we’ll raise 1120 Jacksons ($20 bills) between December 2011 and March 2012. If we are successful, we will have raised $22,400 which will become our community funded production sponsorship for BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON.

“We wanted to see what was possible if we collectively harnessed all of our supporters toward one goal – a production sponsorship for BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON,” says Vosmeier. “We wanted to create a giving plan that brought our community of supporters together, not just in purpose, but also in reality. The Club of Jacksons preview event was an amazing opportunity to see a large number of our supporters at the theatre at one time.”

BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON is an amazing opportunity for Know Theatre, but we need your help in making this production great. Please consider a fully tax deductible gift to Know Theatre of Cincinnati in support of this exciting production. Your support helps guarantee that Know Theatre will be able to continue creating some of the most contemporary works of theatre seen anywhere in the Cincinnati region.

So far, The Club of Jacksons has raised over 600 Jacksons towards the goal of 1120 Jacksons. Benefits for membership are as follows:

$20 You will be recognized with a customized $20 bill (with your picture if you’d like) on the wall at Know Theatre and your name will be listed on our website.

$60 All of the above, plus you’ll receive an autographed poster from the production.

$80 All of the above, plus you’ll receive a special invitation to a preview event on March 15, 2012 at 7pm. You’ll be joined by the cast, staff, and crew for a sneak peak of the show, some delicious food, and cash bar! Additionally you’ll be mentioned in a curtain speech during the run of the production as a production sponsor.

$160 or more All of the above, plus you’ll receive a special invitation to our season preview party in August of 2012 and two free drinks at the bar when you attend the production! BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON premiered in 2008 in Los Angeles. The show’s New York premiere took place in 2009 at The Public Theater in a concert version, followed by a fully-mounted production the following year, before transferring to Broadway. Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson was nominated for two Tony Awards in 2011 for Best Book of a Musical and Best Scenic Design of a Musical.

This season, tickets are $15 in advance and $18 the week of the performance (beginning Mondays at noon). Season subscription five-show flexible passes are available for $75 and guarantees the advance ticket price all season long. Tickets can be purchased by visiting knowtheatre.com or by calling the box office at 513.300.KNOW (5669)

Cast
Kathryn Boswell – Ensemble
Drew Bowen – John Adams
Darius Brown – Lyncoya
Rachel Christianson – Female Soloist
Kelsey Crismon – Rachel
Matt Hill – John Calhoun
Annie Kalahurka – Female Soloist
Chance Kilgour – Ensemble
Datus Puryear – Black Fox
Chris Wesselman – Martin Van Buren
Torie Wiggins – Storyteller Kellen York – Andrew Jackson

Please visit knowtheatre.com to read full bios for all members of the cast

Musicians
Luka Ashley Carter – Keyboard
Luke Darling – Guitar, member of The Dukes are Dead
Lucas Frazier – Guitar, member of The Dukes are Dead
Randy Proctor – Bass, member of The Dukes are Dead
Dave Reid – Drums, member of The Dukes are Dead

Production Team
Director – Eric Vosmeier
Musical Director – Michael Flohr
Scenic & Lighting Design – Andrew Hungerford
Costume Design – Noelle Wedig
Sound Design – Doug Borntrager
Scenic Painting – Gabriel Firestone & Sarah Beth Hall

Production Dates
8 pm: March 31, April 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and May 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 3 pm: April 15 & 21

Additional Information
Michael Friedman (Music & Lyrics, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) Composer/lyricist for Saved and the Civilians’ This Beautiful City, Gone Missing, [I Am] Nobody’s Lunch and Canard Canard Goose? as well as The Brand New Kid, In the Bubble, Hoover Comes Alive! Co-author: Paris Commune. He last worked in this theatre as the dramaturg on A Raisin in the Sun. He recently performed in Lincoln Center’s American Songbook in a concert of his songs. Barron Visiting Professor: Princeton University. Artistic associate: NYTW; founding associate artist: the Civilians; MacDowell Fellow; Hodder Fellow. Obie Award: Sustained Achievement.

Music Theatre International (Rights, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading dramatic licensing agencies, granting schools as well as amateur and professional theatres from around the world the rights to perform the largest selection of great musicals from Broadway and beyond. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these shows to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 60,000 theatrical organizations in the US and in over 60 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to the

idea of theatre as education and has created special collections for younger performers. The MTI Broadway Junior Collection® includes JR. titles, 60-minute musicals for performance by middle school children; and KIDS titles, 30-minute musicals for performance by elementary school children. MTI School Editions™ are musicals that have been annotated for performance by high school students, and the Theatre For Young Audiences (TYA) Collection are 70-minute musicals designed for adults to perform for children. MTI ShowSpace.com is the theatre world’s online community where practitioners and fans from around the world share advice, photos, videos, sets, props, costumes and more, to help bring their next productions to life.

Alex Timbers (Book, Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson) is Artistic Director of the downtown company Les Freres Corbusier. Recent directing: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (OCC and Drama Desk Awards, Public/CTG); The Pee-wee Herman Show; Gutenberg! The Musical! (Drama Desk nom., Best Director of a Musical); Hell House (Drama Desk nom., Unique Theatrical Experience); A Very Merry Unauthorized… (Obie Award and Garland Award, Best Director); Heddatron, Boozy, Dance Dance Revolution (all Les Freres, writer of latter two). Former president, Yale Dramat. Thanks to Oskar, Andy, Jeffrey, Jerry and Mike Ritchie.

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

March 16, 2012 · 12:43 pm

AN EVENING WITH YANNI | Wed., May 16, 2012 | Aronoff Center

CINCINNATI, OH – Yanni, music’s true world citizen and most popular contemporary composer, returns to Cincinnati in the first-leg of his all-new North American tour – An Evening with Yanni – on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 8:00 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall. The much-anticipated show is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2012 Winter/Spring Season.

Tickets are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.ORG, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], or the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.

On December 16th and 17th, Yanni will perform and film two shows at Castillo San Felipe Del Morro, a recognized UNESCO Heritage Site, in Puerto Rico. The show will air exclusively in the United States on PBS and debut March 3, 2012. The CD/DVD combo will be available exclusively through PBS pledge drives and a worldwide release in the Spring of 2012.

This year saw Yanni, one of the music industry’s most beloved artists, selling out major concert venues around the world including Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. With his world-class orchestra, he performed music from his latest album “Truth of Touch,” now platinum in the Middle East, as well as classic concert favorites.

In October, Yanni was embraced and honored by the country of China when the government invited Yanni to adopt a panda during his time in Chengdu. Traditionally such privilege is reserved for countries rather than personalities. He affectionately named her “Santorini” in honor of the word’s embedded Greek meaning, “Peace,” for Greece’s most beautiful island and after one of Yanni’s most well known compositions.

In addition to his television special in Puerto Rico, his string of U.S. dates will be followed by a South American tour in the fall of 2012, and a multi-city tour of China in 2013. As Yanni tours across the globe, his heartfelt and compelling music continues to touch both old and new fans.

In a separate announcement, Yanni has just debuted “Yanni-All Access” on the artist’s official website, http://www.yanni.com. It is an exclusive behind the scenes view with highlights from Yanni’s concert dates, cultural attractions, and the musician’s message for premium fan club members.

For further information and dates, stay tuned to: www.yanni.com.

CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT: An Evening with Yanni
WHEN: Wednesday, May 16, 2012 • 8:00 PM
WHERE: Aronoff Center for the Arts – Procter & Gamble Hall
PRICES: $99.50 (VIP / Gold Circle) • $79.50 • $69.50 • $54.50 • $39.50
INFO: His concerts are legendary. His live shows have amazed millions on every continent in the world. And now, after an extensive World Tour, Yanni returns to Cincinnati with an all new show, performing his instrumental hits from the concerts that have become famous around the world. His new show will feature music from Yanni’s new album “Truth of Touch” – the composer’s first album of original studio music in almost a decade. Come hear the music that touches the world!
TICKET INFORMATION – on sale now

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

March 15, 2012 · 10:48 am

CSC Presents the Powerful and Timely American Classic THE GRAPES OF WRATH

Brian Isaac Phillips directs Frank Galati’s Tony award-winning adaptation of John Steinbeck’s THE GRAPES OF WRATH

Top row: Brent Vimtrup, Nick Rose, Justin McCombs, Jim Hopkins, Drew Fracher, Bill Hartnett, Ian Bond. Second row: Cary Davenport, Maggie Lou Rader, Julianne Fox, Sherman Fracher, Ellie Shephard. Seated: Owen Cummings.

CINCINNATI, March 14, 2012 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its eighteenth season with John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” in an adaptation by Frank Galati. This production features CSC Ensemble Members Justin McCombs, Sherman Fracher and Drew Fracher and is directed by Brian Isaac Phillips. “The Grapes of Wrath” opens on March 30th and runs through April 29, 2012. The production design is generously sponsored by AAA.

Frank Galati’s Tony Award-winning adaptation of “The Grapes of Wrath” tells a tale of endurance and hope in a time of hardship. Having survived the drought of the 1930s only to see their home repossessed, the Joad family embarks on a harrowing journey from the Dust Bowl fields of Oklahoma to the fertile orchards of California. But the “promised land” is far from what they imagined and the Joads must attempt to overcome the injustices that plague a nation in crisis. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present this deeply moving story about the pursuit of the American Dream in the face of adversity at a time when many Americans are facing adversity of their own.

“The Grapes of Wrath” is a 1988 play adapted by Frank Galati from the classic John Steinbeck novel of the same name. The play debuted at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, followed by a May 1989 production at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego and a June 1989 production at the Royal National Theatre in London. The Broadway production opened the next year directed by Galati and starring Gary Sinise. “The Grapes of Wrath” won the Tony award for Best Play in 1990 and was nominated for 7 additional Tony Awards and 5 Drama Desk Awards. This award-winning adaption of “The Grapes of Wrath” continues to be performed most recently enjoying a successful run at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada.

This production is directed by Brian Isaac Phillips, CSC’s Producing Artistic Director, who has directed this season’s successful runs of “Henry VIII: All is True”, “Shakespeare’s Will”, “Macbeth”, “A Man for All Seasons” and “Bedroom Farce”. He also helmed last season’s productions of “Blithe Spirit”, “Dracula”, “The Life and Death of King John”, “The Handmaid’s Tale” (world premiere) and “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”. Brian says of “The Grapes of Wrath” that “this story is the definitive portrait of a family struggling to hold on to their dignity in the face of adversity. This novel has been dear to me for many years, as has the play. I am ecstatic that we have the opportunity to bring it to life now, especially when the journey of the Joad family has become so timely.”

Joining the company on stage for this production is Justin McCombs as Tom Joad. Mr. McCombs is currently CSC’s Resident Stage Manager. A sixth year member of the company, Justin has most recently been seen on stage in the wildly popular productions of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” and “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)”. Last season, he played Mr. Bingley in CSC’s sold-out run of Jane Austen’s “Pride & Prejudice” adapted by Jon Jory. He received his theatre degree from Western Illinois University in 2004. Some of his favorite roles at CSC also include Konstantin in “The Seagull”, Paul Bratter in “Barefoot in the Park” and Antipholus of Syracuse in “The Comedy of Errors”.

Ninth year CSC resident ensemble member, Sherman Fracher returns to play the powerful matriarch, Ma Joad. She was seen at CSC most recently as Mrs. Jennings in “Sense & Sensibility” and as Anne in the captivating one-woman show “Shakespeare’s Will” which ran this past winter. Some of her past favorite productions at CSC include “The Seagull”, “Othello”, “The Winter’s Tale”, “A Streetcar Named Desire”, “Chagrin Falls”, “The Beard of Avon”, “Arcadia” and “Twelfth Night”. She is an advocate for MS research, raising funds with performances of “Above the 37th Parallel”. Other theatres for which she has worked include Actor’s Express, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, Georgia Shakespeare, The Human Race Theatre Company, and American Stage. She is joined on stage by her real life husband, Drew Fracher as Pa Joad. He is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, The Society of American Fight Directors and has designed and choreographed fights for this production. A favorite director at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company for many years, CSC is pleased to feature Drew on our stage. Drew Fracher most recently directed CSC’s acclaimed production of “Sense and Sensibility” and CSC’s 2010 production of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” As a director he has worked at a wide variety of theatres in addition to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, including Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, the Human Race Theatre Co., Florida Stage, Playhouse on the Square, American Stage Theatre Co. and the Alabama, Kentucky and Georgia Shakespeare Festivals.

Music is an integral part of the telling of this story, and CSC has endeavored to help bring this element to the stage in the most authentic way possible. One of the more unique components included in the production design of “The Grapes of Wrath” is the incorporation of live music. A house band, comprised of CSC company members, Jeremy Dubin, Sara Clark, Cary Davenport, Kelly Mengelkoch, Ellen Beltramo and Miranda McGee, singing and playing string and percussion instruments, will serve as an essential part of the story as it unfolds on stage. The music has been arranged by Cary Davenport and Jeremy Dubin and is based on text found in the original novel by Steinbeck. Popular local performer, Jake Speed, will perform in CSC’s lobby on opening night March 30 to further immerse audience members into the world of the Joads.

“The Grapes of Wrath” calls for challenging design elements on stage to recreate the world and the journey through the 1930’s dust bowl. The production design team of “The Grapes of Wrath” has risen to the challenge of presenting this epic and vast tale on CSC’s intimate stage. The team includes costume designer Amy Rawe, an NKU graduate who recently designed this season’s production of “Macbeth”, Scenic and Lighting Designer Andrew Hungerford and Sound Designer Doug Brontrager to create the world of the Joad’s journey from Oklahoma to California. The production also features an important set piece, the Joad’s truck, entirely designed and constructed by CSC to be used on stage during the performance.

“The Grapes of Wrath” also marks the first production in which CSC will be fully utilizing their grand prize as the winners of the LED Source® LEDko Challenge on Jan. 31, 2012. CSC received a complete LED lighting makeover worth $20,000 after being chosen among dozens of staging, education, studio, installation, and theater professionals throughout North America who participated in the contest. Contestants each submitted a video of their lackluster lighting systems to be considered for a complete LED lighting upgrade. As the grand prize winner, CSC has had their aging, energy-draining stage lighting replaced with eight Reflection LEDko fixtures by Coemar, the sponsor of the contest.

Performances of “The Grapes of Wrath” are scheduled from March 30- April 29, 2012 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Preview performances are on March 28 & 29, and tickets are only $14. No performance on Sunday April 1st or 8th. The theater 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. Ticketing fees may apply. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. 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.

For additional information on “The Grapes of Wrath”, including photography, or for interviews with Mr. Phillips, Mr. McCombs, Ms.Fracher or any member of the company contact Jeanna Vella by email jeanna.vella@cincyshakes.com or by phone 513.381.2273 x. 3202 or visit www.cincyshakes.com.

About Season 18:
Season 18 is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council and is supported, in part, by the generosity of thousands of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave, formerly the Fine Arts Fund. The season design sponsor is Judge Mark Painter. Creative Services are provided by Possible Worldwide. Season 19 has been announced. All of the dates and info are available online at http://www.cincyshakes.com/season-19.html

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 eight main stage productions each season at its home on Race Street. CSC employs a resident company of actors and artists who live and work in Cincinnati year-round, and performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

CSC Presents the Powerful and Timely American Classic
“The Grapes of Wrath”

“Grapes of Wrath” Performance Schedule
Date & Time

  • 3/28/12 7:30 PM
  • 3/29/12 7:30 PM
  • 3/30/12 7:30 PM
  • 3/31/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/5/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/6/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/7/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/12/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/13/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/14/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/15/12 2:00 PM
  • 4/19/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/20/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/21/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/22/12 2:00 PM
  • 4/26/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/27/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/28/12 7:30 PM
  • 4/29/12 2:00 PM

Cast

  • Beltramo, Ellen Musician
  • Benjamin, Darnell Pierre Narrator, Agricultural Officer, Floyd Knowles, Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper
  • Bond, Ian Al
  • Chace, Billy Narrator, Gas Station Owner, Camp Proprietor, Mayor of Hooverville, Hooper Ranch Guard
  • Clark, Sara* Gas Station Attendant, Willy, Musician
  • Cummings, Owen Winfield
  • Davenport, Cary Connie, Musician
  • Dubin, Jeremy* Muley Graves, Man Going Back, Contractor, Weedpatch Camp Director, Mr. Wainwright, Musician
  • Fox, Julianne Ruthie
  • Fracher, Drew* Pa
  • Fracher, Sherman* Ma
  • Hartnett, Bill Grandpa
  • Hopkins, Jim* Uncle John
  • Lentini, Noah Son of Starving Man
  • McCombs, Justin* Tom
  • McGee, Miranda Camp Nurse, Musician
  • Mengelkoch, Kelly* Elizabeth Sandry, Mrs. Wainwright, Musician
  • Bertaux-Skeirik, Audrey Aggie Wainwright, Al’s Girl
  • Rader, Maggie Lou Rose of Sharon
  • Rose, Nick* Jim Casey
  • Shephard, Ellie Grandma
  • Vimtrup, Brent* Noah, Deputy Sherriff, Starving Man

Production
John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath”, adapted by Frank Galati
Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips* **
Stage Manager: Alice Flanders*
Costume Design: Amy Rawe
Lighting & Scenic Design: Andrew Hungerford
Sound Design: Doug Borntrager
*Member of Actor’s Equity Association, the professional union of actors and stage managers in the United States
**Member of the Stage Directors & Choreographers Society

Tickets & More Information
Thursday & Sunday: Adults: $28, Seniors: $24, Student: $22
Friday & Saturday: Adults: $32 Seniors: $28 Student: $26
Discounts available for ETA/START, AAA
Preview Tickets are $14. Student Rush tickets w/ ID 30 minutes prior to show time for $14 (if available).
Tickets may be purchased through the CSC Box Office: 513.381.2273 ext. 1 or online at www.cincyshakes.com.
Group discounts are available starting at 6 people. Go online or contact the box office.
Limited accessible seating is available for persons using wheelchairs. Please ask the box office for assistance.
Assisted Listening Devices are available during performances. Please ask the box office for assistance.
Sunday performances are followed by a Talk-Back with the cast on the stage.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

March 15, 2012 · 10:46 am

NET Closes Season with Neil LaBute’s REASONS TO BE PRETTY

Mindy Heithaus & Justin Baldwin. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

New Edgecliff Theatre closes its 2011-2012 season with a return to the work of Neil LaBute. “reasons to be pretty” is one of the “Beauty Trilogy” of plays he wrote over a ten year period concerning our culture’s fixation with vanity and physical attractiveness – the other two being “The Shape of Things” and “Fat Pig” (NET produced “Fat Pig” in 2007).

The trilogy is sometimes referred to as the “accidental” trilogy. According to LaBute, “‘reasons to be pretty’ was first imagined as a singular work and it was only as I began to think about it in earnest that I saw the potential in its themes to build upon what I had already examined in the two previous plays. Once the idea was in my head, however, the structure, number of characters and the central male figure were all dictated by the format I had employed in ‘The Shape Of Things’ and ‘Fat Pig’.” Because the plays were not originally intended as a trilogy, they each can stand alone. While the structures and themes are similar, there are no continuing characters, locations, etc.

Steve Early & Rachel Mock. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

In “reasons to be pretty”, blue-collar worker Greg’s life is thrown into turmoil when his girlfriend Steph hears of his offhand remarks favorably comparing a female coworker’s pretty face to her own, “regular” face. Things spin out of control from there as Greg’s shallow “best buddy”, Kent, and Kent’s wife, Carly, enter into the picture, and all four are confronted with issues of deceit, infidelity and betrayed trust. As their relationships begin to fray, they are brought face-to-face with the consequences of our “pretty” obsession.

In reviewing “reasons to be pretty”, Ben Brantley of the New York Times has said, “Mr. LaBute is writing some of the freshest and most illuminating American dialogue to be heard anywhere these days.”

Mark Seamon directs. The cast features Justin Baldwin, Steve Early, Mindy Heithaus, and Rachel Mock. Design team includes Brian Ruggaber, sets; Glen Goodwin, lights; Liz Galbraith, costumes; Grant Cambridge, sound; and Nicole Garrisi, props.

Also of note: “reasons to be pretty” marks a theatrical reunion of sorts, bringing together five alumni of the Miami University theatre program: Mark Seamon, Justin Baldwin, Steve Early, Managing Director Devon Campailla and Educational Director Jonn Baca.

Intended for mature audiences only.

reasons to be pretty
April 12-28, Thur-Sat at 7:30pm.
Columbia Performance Center, 3900 Eastern Avenue.
Near Terry’s Turf Club, Allyn’s, Bella Luna, Tostado’s, Eli’s BBQ and The Precinct.
Tickets: $23 adults, $18 seniors, and $15 students.
Special NET/Flex pricing is available for groups of 4 or more.
Purchase/reserve tickets: http://www.newedgecliff.com or call box office, 888.588.0137. p

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

March 13, 2012 · 12:49 pm

The Carnegie Puts On Its “Drinkin’ Shoes” and Serves Up Delicious Diner Eats with Production of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES

COVINGTON, KY- Jackson, L.M. and the boys have closed up the gas station, fired up the hot tub, broken out the guitars and drums and put on their best coveralls for a foot-stompin’ good time with the girls from the Double Cupp Diner.

The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center (The Carnegie) proudly presents the musical PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES (PUMP BOYS), playing weekends April 13 – 29, 2012 in the historic Otto M. Budig Theatre. Five rowdy filling station boys and sassy diner waitresses sing and play their own instruments in this hilarious and heartwarming country music revue. Directed by Jared Doren, with music direction by Steve Goers, PUMP BOYS is the final production of The Carnegie’s 2011-12 Theatre Series. Tickets are $19 – $26 and are available at The Carnegie Box Office, 859.957.1940, or www.thecarnegie.com.

Opening weekend (April 13 – 15) includes an authentic country diner experience by-the-bite in The Carnegie Galleries, served up by Jeff Thomas Catering. Admission is free with ticket purchase; food charged a la carte.

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES was conceived and written by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann.

The Carnegie’s 2011-12 Theatre Series is presented in honor of Otto M. Budig, Jr., whose leadership instilled the beauty, elegance and life that The Carnegie’s Theatre now enjoys during its fifth anniversary year.

PUMP BOYS Synopsis ­­­ – “Work won’t kill you, but worry will”
Though Uncle Bob’s Winnebago might still need some work, and Clyde Wood’s cow ate all thirty-six marijuana plants behind the garage, there’s still a party going at the gas station across from the Double Cupp Diner. A piece down Highway 57 from Frog Level, five rowdy pump boys and sassy diner waitresses sing and play their own instruments in a hilarious and heartwarming country music revue, with songs including “Farmer Tan” and “The Night Dolly Parton Was Almost Mine.”

“Worry is like a rocking chair,” says Jim, “gives you something to do but it don’t get you nowhere.” As sisters Rhetta and Prudie Cupp go through the grind of another day aching for tips and fantasizing about a beach vacation, the boys take their sweet time fixing automobiles, talkin’ ‘bout fishing, and extolling the undeniable sexual power of the farmer tan. When the day is done, everyone’s looking for a little slice of love and happiness, and they find both in the simple pleasures of life along the highway.

Opening Weekend Diner – “The boys can’t get enough of our pie”

The New York Times wrote that PUMP BOYS is “as refreshing as an ice cold beer after a bowl of five-alarm chili.” Jeff Thomas Catering serves up that simile with an opening weekend country-fried culinary experience, featuring classic roadside diner eats by-the-bite. Patrons will enjoy highway delicacies including meatloaf and mashed potatoes, heavenly hash, and (of course) banana cream and lemon meringue pies in a complete country road trip at The Carnegie.

Admission to the diner is free with purchase of PUMP BOYS ticket. Food is charged a la carte.

Opening weekend performances are Friday, April 13; Saturday, April 14; and Sunday, April 15. The diner will be open one hour prior to curtain (6:30pm on Friday and Saturday, 2:00pm on Sunday).

The Cast of PUMP BOYS
Years before recent Broadway productions of SWEENEY TODD and COMPANY brought into vogue the idea of actors playing their own instruments, PUMP BOYS charmed audiences with its unique cast of multi-talented singer/actor/instrumentalists. The Carnegie production stays true to this original concept, headlined by award-winning music director Steve Goers, who also plays piano and the role of L.M., the service station co-owner. Goers, a celebrated band leader of productions at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), Ensemble Theatre and The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, among others, is also a composer of internationally-produced musicals including WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE and HOW I BECAME A PIRATE, and plays in the lauded Beatles tribute band, “Savoy Truffle.” The role of Jim is played by fellow “Truffle” musician and CCM jazz alumnus Brad Myers, known locally as the lead guitarist for Ray’s Music Exchange, the Steely Dan Tribute Band “Aja,” and orchestra pits for productions at CCM, The Covedale and others. Rising actor and Miami University student Jon Kovach plays rhythm guitar and the role of Jackson, returning to The Carnegie following a string of notable performances at the Pioneer Playhouse (Danville, Kentucky), The Covedale and Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

Making their Carnegie debuts and filling out the “gentler” side of the cast as the Cupp sisters are Sara Mackie* (Rhetta Cupp) and Lisa DeRoberts (Prudie Cupp). Mackie is a critically acclaimed favorite of numerous productions at Ensemble Theatre (including as Betty Jean in the MARVELOUS WONDERETTES and Linoleum in THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL) and Dayton’s Human Race Theatre Company, and is an alumnus of Wright State University. DeRoberts, a Xavier University grad, is also an Ensemble Theatre veteran, having performed in recent productions of CINDERELLA and MELANCHOLY PLAY, among other credits at The Covedale and Showboat Majestic. Both women play myriad percussion instruments throughout the show.

*Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The Directors and Designers of PUMP BOYS
Making his directorial debut at The Carnegie is Jared Doren, whose staging credits include noteworthy productions of THE ELEPHANT MAN, THE BOYS NEXT DOOR and ART at Falcon Theatre. Also a veteran actor, Doren has been seen on-stage in many productions at Ensemble Theatre, including both THE FROG PRINCESS and SLEEPING BEAUTY with PUMP BOYS actress Sara Mackie. Doren collaborates for the first time with returning choreographer Patti James, an Acclaim Award MVP and CCM faculty member whose past Carnegie credits include DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and CAROUSEL. Steve Goers plays a multi-faceted role as music director, pianist and performer in the PUMP BOYS. Northern Kentucky University faculty member Ron Shaw returns to The Carnegie as production scenic designer, having last designed The Carnegie’s top-selling production of THE ODD COUPLE in 2011.

A cast and production team list, as well as selected bios, follow this release.

A Beloved Show for More Than Thirty Years
Debuting in 1981 and moving to Broadway in February of 1982, PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES received a Tony Award nomination for “Best Musical” (losing to the musical NINE), as well as four Drama Desk nominations, including “Outstanding Lyrics” and “Outstanding Music.” The show’s six writers (including John Schimmel as Eddie, the bass player) were the original cast for the Broadway run, which played 573 performances.

The Carnegie’s production of PUMP BOYS is the first professional staging of the show in Greater Cincinnati in more than a decade.

ASL Interpretation and Closed Captioning
Throughout the 2011-12 season, The Carnegie is proud to offer fully-accessible performances for the deaf and hard of hearing, featuring closed captioning and American Sign Language interpreters. PUMP BOYS performances including this accessibility are as follows:

  • Friday, April 13, 7:30pm
  • Friday, April 20, 7:30pm

Captioning has been offered for major theatrical performances at The Carnegie since 2006 thanks to the support of volunteers.

Interpretation and captioning will be offered free of charge to patrons who request these services with their tickets.

Ticketing
PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES will include nine performances:

  • Friday, April 13, 7:30pm†*
  • Saturday, April 14, 7:30pm*
  • Sunday, April 15, 3:00pm*
  • Friday, April 20, 7:30pm†
  • Saturday, April 21, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, April 22, 3:00pm
  • Friday, April 27, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, April 28, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, April 29, 3:00pm

† Denotes ASL-interpreted and closed-captioned performance
*Opening weekend performances to include an authentic country diner experience by-the-bite in The Carnegie Galleries, served up by Jeff Thomas Catering.

Pricing:

  • $26 Adults
  • $23 Carnegie Members, Enjoy The Arts Members, WVXU Perks Card Members
  • $21 Groups of 8 or more
  • $19 Students

Tickets may be purchased through The Carnegie Box Office at 859.957.1940 (open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5:00pm) or online at www.thecarnegie.com.

About The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center
THE CARNEGIE THEATRE SERIES produces professional, innovative stagings of an eclectic range of popular and rarely-performed works. Striving to unite the greater Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati theatre community through partnerships and collaborations, the series engages and nurtures both emerging and established talent, including working professionals, committed part-time theatre artists, university performing arts students, and younger students. Carnegie Theatre Series productions bring together these forces to provide quality theatre for Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati area.

The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center is a multidisciplinary arts venue serving the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. Over the course of the past ten years The Carnegie has “morphed” from a grassroots gallery with an education component into an all-inclusive arts organization offering professional theatre, art exhibitions showcasing the best of local and regional artists, and a comprehensive arts education program.

The Carnegie is home to The Carnegie Galleries, comprised of more than 6,000 square feet of gallery space where emerging and established artists exhibit in multiple shows throughout the year; the Eva G. Farris Education Center, which provides arts education to thousands of children, many of whom are at or below the poverty level; and the newly renovated 465-seat Otto M. Budig Theatre, which offers an affordable theatre space for local, up-and-coming and established production companies and is home to The Carnegie’s Theatre and Concert Series. The Carnegie is the largest arts venue in Northern Kentucky.

The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center receives ongoing operating support from ArtsWave, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, the Kentucky Arts Council and the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr. / US Bank Foundation.

For More Information
Contact Shannan Boyer, Communications Manager, at 859.957.1935 or sboyer@thecarnegie.com.

###

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES Biographies, Cast & Production Team

Jared D. Doren (Director) is thrilled to be making his directing debut at the Carnegie. Local directing credits include The Elephant Man, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged, The Boys Next Door and Art (Falcon Theater). Local performance credits include Snow White, Cinderella, The Frog Princess, Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, A Question of Mercy and Two Weeks with the Queen (Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati).

Patti James (Choreographer of PUMP BOYS & DINETTES) is happy to back with The Carnegie, where she worked on CAROUSEL in 2011 and on the 2009 productions of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS and OLIVER!. Before returning in 1992 to her hometown of Cincinnati, Patti performed in and choreographed shows in the U.S., as well as Canada and Australia. She has worked in musicals, theme parks, film, television and industrial shows. Tours in the U.S. included Chicago and Ballroom. Patti performed the role of Lottie in the musical Mack and Mabel (starring Gary Sandy) at the Ensemble Theatre in Cincinnati. More recently she choreographed The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Grey Gardens and Marvelous Wonderettes for Ensemble Theatre.

Patti is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at the CCM, teaching tap and jazz, as well as choreographing productions of Candide, Dancing at Lughnasa, Merrily We Roll Along, The Full Monty, Wonderful Town, Little Women, Good News (Acclaim Award 2009 and a CEA nomination 2009), Anything Goes (Cincinnati Entertainment Award 2010), and Evita. For her involvement in Cincinnati theatre, Patti received the Acclaim MVP Award in 2009-2010. She has taught dance at Walt Disney World, Sydney Australia’s School of Performing Arts, the Southern Ballet in Orlando and Northern Kentucky University.

For eight years, Patti directed and choreographed “Home For the Holidays,” featuring the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. For the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, she choreographed the 2004 Today’s Tonys and the 2007 “Red, White and Boom” at Riverbend. Patti has worked with The Northern Kentucky Symphony on Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Sound of Music and Oliver! She also choreographed the production of Mariel for the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Patti has worked with numerous theatre groups and high schools throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Patti lives with her husband of 31 years, Keith, and they have two grown daughters, Alexis (her husband Emmett) and Chloe.

Steve Goers (Music Director and Performer in PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES) is an Adjunct Instructor of Musical Theater at CCM, where he has music directed productions of Falsettos, Hair, Passion, BatBoy, Urinetown and GOOD NEWS. Since moving to Cincinnati from Chicago, he has been very active in the Cincinnati theatre community, and has worked with Ensemble Theatre, Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, the Covedale, the Showboat Majestic, Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre, Ovation, Clear Stage, Performance Gallery and NKU. He was recently honored with a 2009-2010 Season Acclaim MVP Award. Steve has composed numerous works for theater, industrial video, radio and film, including a collaboration with Chicago playwright/lyricist Alyn Cardarelli on twelve internationally-distributed musicals for children featuring world premiere adaptations of Where the Wild Things Are, Stellaluna, and How I Became a Pirate. Steve has toured the US and Africa with productions of Barnum and Bubbling Brown Sugar, and was featured as pianist and session producer on the album Ella Jenkins and a Union of Friends Pulling Together, which received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Children’s Album. Steve is a graduate of the DePaul University School of Music.

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES Cast

ROLE/ACTOR

  • Jackson (Rhythm Guitar)/Jon Kovach
  • L.M. (Piano, Accordion)/Steve Goers
  • Jim (Lead Guitar)/Brad Myers
  • Rhetta Cupp (Percussion)/Sara Mackie*
  • Prudie Cupp (Percussion)/Lisa DeRoberts

*Actor appears through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES Production Team

  • Director Jared Doren
  • Music Director Steve Goers
  • Choreographer Patti James
  • Technical Director Richard Sillen
  • Scenic Designer Ron Shaw
  • Lighting Designer David LaRose
  • Costumer Jim Stump
  • Sound Designer Zachary Ireson
  • Stage Manager Brittney Lanni
  • Assistant Stage Manager Jordan Loyd
  • Production Manager Bleu Pellman
  • Producer Joshua Steele

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as