Category Archives: Press Releases

May 22, 2024 · 5:19 pm

Come Together, Cincy / Get Paul to Music Hall

co_logoThe region joins forces to invite music icon Paul McCartney to Cincinnati in celebration of his world stage premiere by Cincinnati Opera

CINCINNATI (May 22, 2024)—Today at Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval and Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney joined leaders from Cincinnati Opera and partners from across the region to kick off a community-wide campaign around the Opera’s upcoming world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio.

The summer-long initiative—“Come Together, Cincy! Get Paul to Music Hall!”—highlights why Sir Paul said “Yes!” to Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati and why he should say “Yes!” to the community’s invitation to celebrate his world stage premiere here this July.

Cincinnati Opera brings McCartney’s hit classical piece, Liverpool Oratorio, a musical tribute to his hometown co-written with celebrated composer Carl Davis, to the opera stage for the first time July 18–27 at Music Hall. McCartney endorsed this new production in a letter to the company, saying, “I am writing to express my wholehearted support for this project. I believe that the Cincinnati Opera is uniquely positioned to bring this work to life in a new way, and I have no doubt that your production will be an inspiring experience for all who see it.”

So, will he come?

Organizations across Greater Cincinnati are partnering in a region-wide, collaborative effort to show him why he should.

Throughout the summer, opera and McCartney will be everywhere—from Metro buses, CVG airport, and Reds and FC Cincinnati games, to Washington Park, Fountain Square, the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, and Hard Rock Casino. It all kicks off this weekend with one of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s biggest festivals, Taste of Cincinnati.

Partners have developed exciting events and activities for every level of McCartney, Beatles, or opera fan to join in the celebration and to shine a bright spotlight on all that makes the region so special. Visit GetPaulToMusicHall.org to learn about the participating partners and view a full calendar of “Come Together, Cincy! Get Paul to Music Hall!” events. The calendar will be updated weekly.

Residents of the Tristate are also invited to get in on the act by recording a video tribute to Sir Paul and posting it on social media using the hashtag #GetPaulToMusicHall. Tagged videos will be amplified by Cincinnati Opera and “Come Together, Cincy!” partners and shared with McCartney’s team.

Share this video from our partners (and special guests) to get the celebration started!

“We’re looking forward to launching the ‘Come Together, Cincy!’ campaign this weekend at Taste of Cincinnati, courtesy of our partners at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Attendees can stop by the Opera booth and record their video tribute to Sir Paul by sharing a favorite memory or singing a snippet of a McCartney tune,” said Chris Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO of Cincinnati Opera. “Our region has so much to offer when it comes to unique attractions and experiences, and we’re tremendously grateful to Mayor Pureval, Vice Mayor Kearney, and our partners for embracing this moment with such an enthusiastic and collaborative spirit. Let’s get Paul to Music Hall!”

Tickets are still available to Cincinnati Opera’s production of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio at Music Hall this July and the official opening night after-party, “To Sir, With Love.” Due to popular demand, Cincinnati Opera will offer an additional performance of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio during its July run. Tickets and information are available at cincinnatiopera.org.

About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The company also receives support from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. Lead sponsor for Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio is Western & Southern Financial Group. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

Come Together, Cincy! / Get Paul to Music Hall! partners include 3CDC, ArtsWave, Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, the City of Cincinnati, CVG, FC Cincinnati, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, SORTA/Metro, and Visit Cincy.

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May 16, 2024 · 5:18 pm

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Closes the 2023-2024 Season with the Musical HANDS ON A HARDOBDY, June 8-30

ETC_Hands on a Hardbody(Cincinnati, OH) Start. Your. Engines. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) closes its 2023-2024 Season with the regional musical revival of the fan favorite Hands on a Hardbody. Based on the 1997 documentary film of the same name, this show garnered three Tony Award nominations and features a brilliant score from Amanda Green and Trey Anastasio (front man for the band Phish), along with a masterful story by Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright
(I Am My Own Wife, Grey Gardens). The show, which features a full-size Nissan hardbody truck on stage alongside its cast of fifteen, plays June 8–30, 2024 and is directed by D. Lynn Meyers. Premiere Sponsors are Daniel Brown and Mark Haggard. Truck Sponsors are Rich Postler and Manuel Hernandez. Music Sponsors are Damon, Holly, and Deej Ragusa. Artist Sponsor is Messer Construction Co.

For 10 hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor, and ambition, they’ll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it. Inspired by true events and infused with a “fresh roots-rock vibe,” this is the hilarious, hard-fought contest where only one winner can drive away with the American dream. Featuring a catchy combination of blues, rock and roll, and country songs, this musical is a peek into the lives of everyday, ordinary Americans struggling to survive against the backdrop of a broken and beaten working middle class.

“In today’s world, if we can unify over something or someone we love, we can learn a lot from each other,” explains ETC Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “That’s what happens in Hands on a Hardbody. The music is hauntingly beautiful and terrifically catchy. We chose to do this play again and right now because of the economic state of theatre in this country. It’s an enormous undertaking, but it was time to invest in the people that make theatre possible, and hiring fifteen actors to do this amazing Tony-nominated play is the right thing for Ensemble to do to stay true to who we are.”

Cast includes Michael G. Bath (Frank Nugent), Denise Devlin (Heather Stovall), Phil Fiorini (JD Drew), Annie Fitzpatrick (Cindy Barnes), Deb G. Girdler (Janis Curtis), Jim Hopkins (Don Curtis/Dr. Stokes), Jared Joplin (Benny Perkins), Andrew Maloney (Greg Wilhote), Deondra Kamau Means (Ronald McCowan), Patrick Earl Phillips (Chris Alvaro), Brooke Steele (Kelli Mangrum), and Kate Wilford (Virginia Drew).

Additionally, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati welcomes the following performers in their ETC debuts: Jamie Cordes (Mike Ferris), Franco Valerga (Jesus Peña), and Aleah Vassell (Norma Valverde).

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Steve Goers (Music Director), Chaz Wolcott (Choreographer), Cat Schmeal-Swope (Costume Designer), Matt Callahan (Sound Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), Jacob Dowell (Technical Director), and Chris Lipstreu (Associate Production Manager). Production Stage Manager is Michele A. Kay. Assistant Stage Manager is Lexi Muller. 

Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 pm; Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org. 

Ticket Prices
Tickets for adults start at $35 with ETC’s 30 for $35 discount; student tickets are $28; and children are $24. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person. 30 for $35: For every mainstage performance, thirty tickets will be available for $35 each with the promo code 30F35. These are first come, first serve, and the promo code will not apply the discount if all tickets have already been claimed. $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only.

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2023-2024 Season Presenting Sponsor is the LKC Foundation.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.

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May 15, 2024 · 10:32 am

2024-2025 Season Announced by Fairfield Footlighters

fflBLITHE SPIRIT
September 27-29, 2024
Directed by Kate Brauer-Bell

A smash comedy hit on London and Broadway stages, this much-revived classic from the playwright of “Private Lives” offers wit, conflict and big laughs as a fussy, cantankerous novelist finds himself haunted by the ghost of his late first wife.

THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE
November 15-17, 2024
Directed by Cameron DeVille

Cut off from the outside world by its remote location and shunned by all who know its forbidding and sinister reputation, Hill House has remained empty and silent except for the daily visits of its grumbling caretaker, Mrs. Dudley. Its isolation is broken by the arrival of Dr. Montague, an investigator of supernatural phenomena who has been granted a short lease by the present owner. His mission is to delve into the morbid history of the house and to come to grips with the occult forces that have made it uninhabitable for many years. Visitors too are absorbed by the supernatural, but their approach is via direct communication with the departed spirits—a type of psychic research which is regarded fearfully by Dr. Montague and which, as subsequent events bear out, brings on a crisis in which the evil forces of Hill House are goaded to a new and, for one of those present, fatal fury.

GODSPELL
February 21-23, 2025
Directed by Anna Schindler Brown

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life. A masterful retelling of the original sensation, injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements is sure to entertain audiences.

ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID
May 23-25, 2025
Directed by Ginny Johnson

ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID is the rollicking tale of four loyal and determined women who definitively answer the question, “Just how far are you willing to go to keep a promise to a friend?” If you’ve ever elbowed a stranger out of the way to catch a bride’s bouquet, seriously questioned the mental stability of the duo saying “I do”, or been forced to wear the world’s ugliest bridesmaid dress, this deliriously funny JONES HOPE WOOTEN COMEDY is definitely for you…and your dearly beloved!

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May 15, 2024 · 10:30 am

Please Help Us Keep the Proscenium Lights on at Memorial Hall

MEMO_Lights OnIn a recent visit to Memorial Hall’s beloved Anderson Theater, you may have noticed that the light bulbs on the proscenium (the plaster arches over the stage) have been increasingly going dark. It’s complicated! And we need your help!

Please consider a gift to help keep the proscenium Lights On at Memorial Hall! Even a small gift will go a long way to ensuring that our treasured venue looks as fantastic as the day it opened nearly 120 years ago.

Learn more about the plastering, electrical work and theatrical technology needed to update the 116-year-old wiring in the proscenium.

Donate today to help keep the proscenium lights on!

To make a contribution:

  • Online: CLICK HERE and make a donation via credit card.
  • Phone: call the Memorial Hall Box Office at 513.977.8838 (Tu – Fr, 1pm – 6pm)
  • Mail: Mail a check payable to the “Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society” to 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Please include ‘lighting’ in the memo line.

A collaboration of the Cincinnati Memorial Hall Society, 3CDC, and Hamilton County. © Memorial Hall OTR

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May 15, 2024 · 10:28 am

Cincinnati Opera Presents CREATORS FORUM, a Discussion on the Development of New Opera

On June 18, the company hosts a conversation with the creative teams behind two inspiring new works, Lalovavi and Good Trouble: The Boy from Troy, both of which will receive their world premieres at Cincinnati Opera

CINCINNATI (May 14, 2024)—On June 18, 2024, Cincinnati Opera will host Creators Forum, a rare and insightful conversation with the creative teams behind two operas that the company has commissioned as part of its groundbreaking artistic initiative, The Black Opera Project. The first program of its kind, The Black Opera Project seeks to illuminate the resilient spirit and vibrant heritage of the Black American experience through the development of three new operas by Black artists.

The featured works to be discussed at the Creators Forum include the previously announced Lalovavi, an Afrofuturist opera that will receive its world premiere at Cincinnati Opera in June 2025, and Good Trouble: The Boy from Troy, inspired by the life of American civil rights leader and politician John Lewis, premiering at Cincinnati Opera in 2026.

Participating artists from Lalovavi include composer Kevin Day, librettist Tifara Brown, stage director and dramaturg Kimille Howard, and conductor Kevin Miller, and from Good Trouble: The Boy from Troy, composer Maria Thompson Corley, librettist Diana Solomon-Glover, and stage director and dramaturg Timothy Douglas. Evans Mirageas, the company’s Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, will moderate.

Creators Forum takes place at 5 p.m. in Music Hall’s Corbett Tower (1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202). Admission is free, though reservations are required. To reserve, visit cincinnatiopera.org or call 513-241-2742.

CO_Creators Forum

About Cincinnati Opera
Cincinnati Opera’s mission is to enrich and connect our community through diverse opera experiences. Founded in 1920 and the second-oldest opera company in the nation, Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling season of grand opera every summer and engaging programs throughout the year. The company’s repertoire includes beloved classics and contemporary masterworks brought to life by some of the world’s most dynamic performers and creative artists.

Cincinnati Opera is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The company also receives support from the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Black Opera Project receives generous funding from the Mellon Foundation. Lead funder for Lalovavi is the David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation. Cincinnati Opera also receives general season support from The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Patricia A. Corbett Estate and Trust, and the Harry T. Wilks Family Foundation, along with general season and project support from many other generous individuals, corporations, and foundations. Cincinnati Opera is a proud member of OPERA America. Learn more at cincinnatiopera.org.

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