Category Archives: Press Releases

January 26, 2012 · 2:28 pm

THE KING AND I Earns Three LCT Awards

Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center’s Production of THE KING AND I in Concert Earns Three League of Cincinnati Theatres Awards

Lee Merrill plays the role of Anna opposite of Broadway veteran Ronn K. Smith as The King in a concert staging of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical THE KING AND I. Photo by Matt Steffen.

(CINCINNATI, JAN. 25, 2012)– The League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) has recognized Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center’s production of The King and I in Concert, produced in collaboration with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, with three awards. Panelists praised cast members Ronn K. Smith, Lee Merrill and Teresa De Zarn for their performances.

Merrill portrays Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher hired by the King of Siam (Smith) to educate his children. As time passes, the two overcome their collision of cultures and traditions to develop a deep friendship and, ultimately, unspoken love. The original production of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, which features songs including “Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Shall We Dance” and “Getting to Know You,” earned five Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical.

Merrill and Smith received recognition, respectively, as leading actress and actor in a musical. According to one panelist, “Both performers were strong, believable and had wonderful chemistry with each other.”

De Zarn also was singled out with an award for featured actress in a musical for her portrayal of Lady Thiang. “Her song ‘Something Wonderful’ was truly something wonderful,” said one panelist. “She has an excellent and clear voice but she ‘acted’ the song to a level of poignancy that I rarely experience.”

The King and I in Concert continues weekends through Jan. 29. Details and ticket information can be found at http://www.thecarnegie.com.

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 http://www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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January 26, 2012 · 11:14 am

L.A. Theatre Works presents THE RIVALRY at Miami University on Feb. 7

Robert Parsons as Abraham Lincoln. Photo by Matt Petit.

Just in time for the 2012 election campaign, L.A. Theatre Works returns to the Miami University Performing Arts Series with its acclaimed radio-theater production of The Rivalry, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7th at Hall Auditorium, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Shannon Cochran directs Robert Parsons and Josh Clark as Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, heated rivals for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois. Rebecca Mozo co-stars as Adele, the young wife of Senator Douglas through whose lens we witness the proceedings.

The Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858 tackled the day’s most passionate issue – slavery. Taken directly from the transcripts, The Rivalry recreates the face off between Abraham Lincoln, rising Illinois legislator and abolitionist candidate of the newly formed Republican party, and Senator Stephen A. Douglas, the Democratic incumbent and champion of states’ rights. The series of seven debates that took place in seven Congressional districts were conducted in a fever of partisanship as the nation listened. Brass bands played, and the press vilified or glorified theopponents, depending on which side they took.

“What is so heartbreakingly different from today’s political scene is how principled they both were, putting the nation before their own hopes,” notes L.A. Theatre Works Producing Artistic Director Susan Loewenberg.

Although Douglas was re-elected Senator from Illinois, the debates brought Lincoln into the national consciousness and helped send him on to the presidency.

For three decades, L.A. Theatre Works has been the leading radio theater company in the UnitedStates, committed to using innovative technologies to preserve and promote significant works of dramatic literature and bringing live theater into the homes of millions. The company’s public radio series, featuring stage plays performed by America’s top actors augmented by interviews with the artists and others, can be heard in over 100 markets nationwide and can also be streamed on demand at http://www.latw.org. Over 9,000 libraries carry LATW’s plays on audio, and recordings and teaching materials are used by over 2,000 middle and high schools across the country.

L.A. Theatre Works’ The Rivalry is presented by the Miami University Performing Arts Series and sponsored by Kona Bistro and the Western College Alumnae Association, with media partners 88.5 WMUB and 91.7 WVXU. Tickets are $20 for adults, $19 for senior citizens, and $9 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, order online at http://www.muohio.edu/PerformingArtsSeries or call the Miami Box Office at (513) 529-3200.

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January 26, 2012 · 11:06 am

New Edgecliff Offers Regional Premiere of ST. NICHOLAS

Vampires take center stage in powerful one-man show 

Michael Shooner. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

New Edgecliff Theatre today announced an exciting addition to NET’s performance line up with the regional premiere of Conor McPherson’s “St. Nicholas”. This chilling one-man show features NET Executive Director Michael Shooner and is directed by Brian Robertson. “St. Nicholas” will run in NET’s newly-created major production slot, Feb. 23-March 10.

In “St. Nicholas”, a burned-out, cynical theatre critic becomes infatuated with a young actress. Leaving his wife and children in Dublin to pursue his obsession, things become complicated in London when he finds himself in the employ of a coven of vampires! Already a metaphorical vampire himself, his confrontation with very real ones forces him to face his own demons and earn some measure of redemption. The New York Times says, “The narrative swings through so many forms of storytelling — from self-serving lies born of drunkenness to a proper Brothers Grimm-like fable…McPherson’s ear for detail is devastating.”

“St. Nicholas” was written by Dublin playwright Conor McPherson. His plays include “The Seafarer” (premiered on Broadway in 2007), “Poor Beast in the Rain”, “Port Authority”, “Dublin Carol” (premiered on Broadway in 2002), “The Weir” (premiered on Broadway in 1999), and “This Lime Tree Bower”. He was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play in 2006 for “Shining City”, which premiered on Broadway in 2006; nominated for the 2002 South Bank Show Award for Best Play for “Port Authority”; received the 1999 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Play, the Evening Standard Most Promising Playwright, the Critics Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright and was a finalist for the Lloyds Bank Playwright of the Year Award for “The Weir”; and was the joint winner of 1997 George Devine Award and the winner of the Meyer Whitworth Award for “St. Nicholas”.

New Edgecliff founder Michael Shooner returns to the NET stage for the first time since his CEA-nominated turn as Dysart in 2009’s “Equus”. Other roles at NET have included Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman”, Roma in “Glengarry Glen Ross”, Teach in “American Buffalo” and Cliff in “The Woolgatherer”. His first one-man show was also NET’s inaugural production, Eric Bogosian’s “Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll”, in 1998. He was seen in the Cincinnati Playhouse production of “The Hostage” and has also performed at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in “The Weir”, “Romeo & Juliet” and “All My Sons”.

Originally from Los Angeles, Brian Robertson has spent much of his time working in film and television in the area of cinematography, as well as working as a director and stage manager in Theatre and Opera. He received his MFA in Directing from CCM. Locally, Brian has been teaching in the NKU Theatre and Dance department since 1998, as well as functioning as a guest director and instructor at CCM. He has worked for Cincinnati Opera, Sarasota Opera, Bay View Music Festival, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, Opera North, and Des Moines Metro Opera among others.

“St. Nicholas” runs from February 23 – March 10, 2012, Thursday through Saturday evenings at 7:30pm. The Columbia Performance Center is located at 3900 Eastern Avenue, near Terry’s Turf Club, Allyn’s, Bella Luna, Tostado’s and The Precinct. Single ticket prices range from $15-$23. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as Enjoy the Arts members. To purchase tickets or for more information call the NET Box Office at 888.588.0137, or go online at http://www.newedgecliff.com.

For mature audiences only.

NET is a grateful recipient of the League of Cincinnati Theatres’ Local Guest Equity Support.

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January 24, 2012 · 5:19 pm

William Shatner’s One Man Show To Beam into Aronoff Center on April 13

Los Angeles, CA – January 24, 2012: Television and movie legend William Shatner will bring his one man show SHATNER’S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT (www.shatnersworld.com) to cities across the U.S. in 2012. Tickets for all cities go on-sale the weekend of February 3rd. The tour follows a three week run at Broadway’s Music Box Theatre from February 14 – March 4.

The two-hour show will take audiences on a voyage through Shatner’s life and career, from Shakespearean stage actor to internationally known icon and raconteur. The star is known as much for his unique persona as for his expansive body of work on television and film.

“I’m looking forward to taking this show on the road and playing for audiences across the country,” says William Shatner. “It’s taken me 80 years to get this show right!”

SHATNER’S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT is produced by Innovation Arts & Entertainment; Larry A Thompson Organization; Adam Troy Epstein; Larry A Thompson; Seth Keyes; and Josh Sherman. The show is directed by Scott Faris. Other creative team members include: Edward Pierce, Scenic Design; Ken Billington, Lighting Design; and Peter Fitzgerald, Sound Design.

William Shatner is an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist, philanthropist, and horseman. In 1966, he originated the role of Captain James T. Kirk in the TV series Star Trek, which spawned a film franchise where he returned as Kirk in seven of the movies, one of which he directed. He played the title role in the hit series T.J. Hooker before hosting TV’s first reality-based series, Rescue 911. He won Emmys and his first Golden Globe for his portrayal of Denny Crane on The Practice and Boston Legal, and received four more Emmy nominations as well as Golden Globe and SAG Award nods. His interview series, Shatner’s Raw Nerve, aired on Bio, and he recorded the critically-acclaimed album Has Been. The Milwaukee Ballet performed “Common People,” which was set to songs from the record; the event is featured in the documentary Gonzo Ballet. Seeking Major Tom, featuring a number of heavy metal covers and songs by U2, Frank Sinatra, Queen and Pink Floyd, was released last year. Shatner has authored nearly 30 best-sellers.

His autobiography, Up Till Now, was a New York Times best-seller, and Shatner Rules was released in 2011. His comic book series,William Shatner Presents, is based on his novels Tek War, Man O’ War, and Quest for Tomorrow, along with a new title: Chimera. He has also been successful in another area – horse breeding. A dedicated breeder of American Quarter horses, he has had enormous success with the American Saddlebred, developing and riding world champions and has won numerous world championships in several events. He united his passions for horses and philanthropy with the Hollywood Charity Horse Show, benefitting L.A.-based children’s charities. He appeared on Broadway in A Shot in the Dark, The World of Suzie Wong, andTamburlaine the Great. And no, there is nothing this man does not do.

For tour updates follow @WilliamShatner or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ShatnersWorld

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January 24, 2012 · 11:08 am

MASTERS OF ILLUSION – LIVE! on Feb. 24 at the Aronoff Center

 Spectacular Night of Magic Comes to the Aronoff Center 

CINCINNATI, OH – Whether in Las Vegas or on television, magic has never been hotter! There are more television specials and series involving magic than ever before and they are always ratings winners. Now the hit MY-TV show, Masters of Illusion: Impossible Magic, breaks out of the box and into the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall as Masters of Illusion – Live! on Friday, February 24 at 8:00 PM. The show is part of Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2012 Winter/Spring Season.

Produced by Associated Television International as one of the greatest magical touring shows in history, Masters of Illusion – Live! brings the art of stage illusion to magic fans all over the country. Audience members will marvel at the show’s awe-inspiring magic and become part of the act as they are called onstage to assist with the illusions.

The spectacular Las Vegas-style production features exotic animals, beautiful dancers, escapologists, comedy magic, quick change artists, sleight of hand…everything you could possibly imagine and more than you’d ever dream possible! And it’s all LIVE! No camera tricks, no computer graphics – just amazing illusions in real time in front of a live audience.

PERFORMER BIOS (performers subject to change)

Ayala & Tanya
Joaquin Ayala & Tanya have been awarded “The Mandrake D’Or Award” (Mandrake of Gold), France’s highest magical honor. The Academy of Magical Arts of Hollywood awarded Ayala “Magician of the Year”; The International Magician’s Society awarded him “Entertainer of the Year” and “Best Performer on Stage”; The World Magic Awards awarded him “Stage Magician of the Year”; and The Latin American Performers Association awarded him “Magician of the Decade.” But his most important achievement: He met Tanya Garofalo in October 1999.

Amazing Jonathan invited this magical pair to be part of his new show at the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas, and they were also invited to be part of the production show called V at the Venetian Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

Farrell Dillon
Farrell Dillon is quickly becoming one of the most sought after magical entertainers in the world. Over the past decade, Farrell has performed for hundreds of thousands of people. He has been seen performing for clients such as The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Pepsi, Coca Cola, Harrah’s Entertainment Properties, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, just to name a few. You may also have seen him on the hit TV show Masters of Illusion or in guest appearances in music videos on MTV.

Farrell is a rare honors graduate of the Chavez Studio of Magic, the most prestigious magic school in the world. Through this course Farrell was taught the methods and techniques of the world’s master magicians. Farrell has a unique style that creates a perfect blend of magic, comedy, skill, and illusion.

Kalin & Jinger
Mark Kalin and Jinger Leigh are an award-winning couple known for large-scale stage shows and for appearances on many network television specials. In 1998, Kalin & Jinger were voted “Magicians of the Year” by the prestigious Academy of Magical Arts. At the 2000 World Magic Awards, they received the “Best Magic Review” Award for Carnival of Wonders. Jinger is both an on-stage assistant and business partner to husband Kalin. Kalin & Jinger created Majikal Productions, and their first venture under the new company name was Illusionarium at the Reno Hilton. Making the Boeing 747 jet airliner disappear is the evening’s grand illusion and an awe-inspiring finale. Their current projects include Magic Underground – a dedicated magic venue in Reno.

Aaron Radatz
Aaron Radatz is the newest star to hit the magic entertainment scene. He has studied with many of the masters of magic, including Harry Blackstone (Jr.). To date, Radatz and his cast have toured 37 U.S. states, 27 countries, and 6 continents; bringing wonder to a quarter-of-a-million people in 2006 alone.

Aaron is also the only magician who has been commissioned by the U.S. Pentagon for a command performance for the U.S. military. In 2009, Aaron Radatz was one of the magicians featured on the new series Masters of Illusion, airing on Fox’s MyNetworkTV. In 2011, Aaron Radatz completed his first six-month run headlining a casino on the Las Vegas strip.

Darren Romeo
Inspired to learn magic soon after he saw his first live magic performance the touring show of Harry Blackstone, Jr. – Darren has worked to carry on the Blackstone legacy, at one point working with the family on a show to be called Blackstone Presents…, featuring the famed magician’s classic illusions.

Darren is the recipient of multiple awards, including the Milbourne Christopher Award for Notable Contributions to the Art of Magic, the World Magic Award for Best Up & Coming Magician, “Magician of the Year” from the Magic Castle, “Show of the Year” (2 years in a row!) from the Branson Critic Association, and “Entertainer of the Year” from the International Magician’s Society.

Darren has performed across the country and around the world, with notable shows off-Broadway, at Hollywood’s famed Magic Castle, and in Las Vegas – the $47-million Caesars Magic Empire at Ceasars Palace, the Flamingo Hilton, and “Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, the Voice of Magic.” After only a 9 week run in Branson during the summer of 2004, Darren was offered a Multi-Million dollar deal to return for the seasons of 2005- 2007.

For more information, visit Masters of Illusion – Live! at www.mastersofillusionlive.com.

CAA applauds its generous Sponsors

Season Sponsors: THE UNION CENTRAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (Founding Season Sponsor), The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, CADILLAC, LOCAL12 WKRC, FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner)

MASTERS OF ILLUSION – LIVE! PRESENTING SPONSOR: Coldwell Banker West Shell, Wells Fargo Insurance Services USA, Inc.

“CAA PRESENTS” SPONSORS: Heidelberg Distributing, Ultimate Air Shuttle

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS: CityBeat, Cincinnati Herald, Furniture Fair, Millennium Hotel,

MASTERS OF ILLUSION – LIVE! MEDIA PARTNER: WARM98-FM

 

CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT: Masters of Illusion – Live!
WHEN: Friday, February 24, 2012 • 8:00 PM
WHERE: Aronoff Center for the Arts – Procter & Gamble Hall
PRICES: $47.50 • $42.50 • $32
INFO: Whether in Las Vegas or on television, magic has never been hotter! Based on the hit TV show, Masters of Illusion: Impossible Magic, Masters of Illusion – Live! stars fan favorites Ayala & Tanya, Farrell Dillon, Kalin & Jinger, Aaron Radatz, and Darren Romeo. This spectacular show features exotic animals, beautiful dancers, escapologists, comedy magic, quick change artists, sleight of hand…everything you could possibly imagine, and more than you’d ever dream possible. No camera tricks, no computer graphics – just amazing illusions in real time – LIVE!

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale now

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