Category Archives: Press Releases

Newly-Imagined National Tour of PETER PAN On Sale Friday

TICKETS FOR THE
NEWLY-IMAGINED NATIONAL TOUR OF
PETER PAN

BIC_Peter PanWILL GO ON SALE NOVEMBER 10 AT 10:00 AM

THE ALL-NEW PRODUCTION DIRECTED BY LONNY PRICE, WITH ADDITIONAL BOOK BY LARISSA FASTHORSE AND CHOREOGRAPHY BY LORIN LATARRO

PREMIERES IN CINCINNATI AT THE ARONOFF CENTER MARCH 12 – 24

CINCINNATI – Tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway classic, PETER PAN will go on sale November 10 at 10:00 AM for its premiere Cincinnati engagement at the Aronoff Center March 12 – 24 as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati series presented by TriHealth. Tickets will be available online at CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office, downtown.

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) with additional book by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse (The Thanksgiving Play, What Would Crazy Horse Do?) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress, The Who’s Tommy).

PETER PAN is one of the great treasures of the American Musical Theatre,” said Lonny Price. “The show nurtures and inspires the imagination of its audience and reminds us to keep alive the child within us all.”

“I am thrilled to be part of bringing PETER PAN to life for a new generation,” said Larissa FastHorse. “If you loved this musical before, you will still see the show that enchanted you, while discovering a PETER PAN that everyone can enjoy, without harm, for many years to come.”

Seventeen-year-old Nolan Almeida will play the iconic role of ‘Peter Pan’. An Orange County, California native, Nolan was most recently seen as ‘Crutchie’ in Newsies at 5-Star Theatricals and was featured in “Christmas on Repeat” on Hulu. Joining him will be Cody Garcia as ‘Captain Hook’ who most recently starred as ‘Willy Wonka’ in the national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and as ‘Buddy’ in Elf; Emerson College graduate Hawa Kamara as ‘Wendy’ and acclaimed recording artist Raye Zaragoza as ‘Tiger Lily’.

The full cast is completed by Shefali Deshpande as ‘Mrs. Darling,’ Kurt Perry as ‘Smee,’ William Foon and Micah Turner Lee alternate as ‘John,’ Reed Epley and Jayden Guarneri alternate as ‘Michael.’ The ensemble includes Charles Antenen, Jonah Barricklo, Eric Allen Boyd, Christina Hélène Braa, Brandon Gille, Ryan Perry Marks, Michael Marrero, Kenny Ramos, Hannah Schmidt, Kiara Williams. The swings are Tony Collins, Bailey Frankenberg, Leo Gallegos and Cheyenne Omani.

Director Lonny Price is thrilled to introduce Nolan Almeida as the high-flying Peter Pan. “Nolan embodies all the beautiful contradictions of Peter. He’s an extraordinarily gifted young actor, a wonderful singer and nothing short of magical. Cody Garcia as Captain Hook is utterly modern, surprising and one of the most engaging actors I’ve ever worked with.”

“I also want to celebrate Hawa Kamara, making her professional debut as Wendy! A wildly charismatic young actress, who’s as talented as she is beautiful. And rounding out this sensational group is Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily – brilliant multi-faceted recording artist and actress. This company is simply going to blow people away and I cannot wait for audiences across the country to fall in love with each of them.”

Based on Sir James M. Barrie’s classic tale and originally directed, choreographed and adapted by Broadway legend Jerome Robbins, PETER PAN features an iconic and unforgettable score by Morris (Moose) Charlap, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, and additional music by Jule Styne.

PETER PAN is directed by Lonny Price, with additional book by Larissa FastHorse, choreography by Lorin Latarro and flight choreography by Paul Rubin, with music supervision and additional arrangements by Andy Einhorn and dance arrangements by David Dabbon. The national tour has scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Kai Harada, projections by David Bengali, hair & make-up design by J. Jared Janas, fight direction by Rick Sordelet & Christian Kelly-Sordelet and “Tinker Bell” design by Paul Kieve. The Associate Director is Matt Cowart and the Associate Choreographer is Travis Waldschmidt, with casting by ARC/Duncan Stewart, CSA and additional casting by Michael Donovan Casting. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International. The tour is produced by NETworks Presentations.

The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous fairy sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of pixie dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including “I’m Flying”, “I Gotta Crow”, “I Won’t Grow Up” and “Neverland”. PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning – your entire family will be Hooked!

PETER PAN will play the Aronoff Center from March 12 – 24, 2024: Tuesday – Thursdays at 7:30PM, Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 2:00PM and 8:00PM, Sundays at 1:00PM and 6:30PM. Tickets start at $36.25 and will be online at CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

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Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by TriHealth is committed to bringing the very best of Broadway to the Tri-State, presenting touring Broadway plays and musicals in Cincinnati since 1987. For over twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center. The Broadway in Cincinnati series brings more than 185,000 people downtown to the Aronoff Center each year and contributes an average of $30 million to the local economy each season. Broadway in Cincinnati is a member of the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce and The Broadway League. Fifth Third Bank is the sponsor of the Cincinnati 23/24 Season, and the season is presented by TriHealth. 

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands.  Led by 20-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion KingWicked, The Book of Mormon, and Hamilton. Current productions include &Juliet, Hadestown, Hamilton, Kimberly Akimbo, MJ: The Musical and Moulin Rouge! The Musical. 

The John Gore Organization is the leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theater worldwide. Under the leadership of 20-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. The company presents shows in 48 cities across North America as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, Japan, and China. It has won Tony Awards in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier Awards.  The John Gore Organization is committed to supporting theater access and education programs that introduce Broadway to the next generation of audiences and theater professionals.

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The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Production of NARNIA The Musical At the Taft Theatre this December

TCTC_Narnia the MusicalCincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 23-24 MainStage Season continues with NARNIA THE MUSICAL at the Taft Theatre December 9 – 18, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/narnia-the-musical/.

Based on the beloved book by C.S. Lewis The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, NARNIA THE MUSICAL comes to life on the Taft Theatre stage for the holidays. Four siblings stumble upon a wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia, held in the power of the White Witch. Her evil spell has frozen the land so that it is “always winter – and never Christmas.”

Book by Jules Tasca. Music by Thomas Tierney. Lyrics by Ted Drachman. Musical Tracks Arranged, Orchestrated, and Recorded by David Christensen and Luke Holloway. Aslan and animal headdresses originally designed and built by Magda Guichard for Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.

Stage Direction by Roderick Justice. Choreography by Maddie Jones. Dani Lobello, Director of Production. Scenic Concept Design by Tao Wang. Scenic Design by Nate Bertone and Josh Warner. Lighting Design by Shara Abvabi. Costume Design by Noelle Wedig-Johnston. Music Direction by Mark Femia. Technical Direction by Ben Adams and Maggie Foley. Resident Stage Manager, Jadi Davis. Jake Monaco-Lizott, Orchestration Assistant. Fight Choreography by Benjamin Adams.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs 65 minutes without an intermission.

Showtimes for NARNIA THE MUSICAL include:

  • Saturday, December 9 at 2PM (ASL interpretation will be offered at this performance.)
  • Saturday, December 9 at 5PM
  • Sunday, December 10 at 2PM
  • Friday, December 15 at 7PM
  • Saturday, December 16 at 11AM
  • Saturday, December 16 at 2PM
  • Sunday, December 17 at 2PM

NARNIA THE MUSICAL is made possible by Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth, Production Sponsors The Summit Hotel and The Sutphin Family Foundation, and Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation, with special thanks to Media Sponsor Local 12.  Additional funding for MainStage Ticket Subsidies is provided by PNC Foundation. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. This project was supported in part by the Ohio Arts Council, which receives support from the State of Ohio and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including NARNIA THE MUSICAL, are performed in the historic Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets.

CAST (In Alphabetical Order)

  • JUDE ABELLA…….……………. Ensemble
  • BRIAN ANDERSON……….……. Professor
  • LUCY ARGUETA.………………. Ensemble
  • CHRISTIAN ARIAS………….…. Ensemble
  • HAILEY CHANG…………….…. Ensemble
  • CODY COMBS……….….…..…. Peter
  • *CELIA JOY D’ASCENZO.………Ensemble
  • *STELLA ELLEN D’ASCENZO…Lucy
  • ANTWNAZIA FANT……….……Ensemble
  • *BENJAMIN ABES FELDMAN…. Ensemble
  • ALEC HARRISON………………Mr.Tumnus
  • HENRY HOWLAND……………. Mr. Beaver/BBC Announcer
  • *DEZ FLYNN HUTCHENS…….. Edmund
  • BETHANY XAN KERR…………The White Witch
  • ETHAN KUTCHA…………………Ryweth/Ferris
  • JOHN A. LANGLEY……………. Aslan
  • MATT LOVELL…………………. Father Christmas/Ensemble
  • *ELLI MADDOCK…………………Susan
  • ELLIET MALATESTA………. Mrs. Beaver
  • AARON MARSHALL….…………. Ensemble
  • AUSTIN MILLS……………………Ensemble
  • BOBBY MONTANIZ………………Ensemble
  • ASHLEY MORTON……………….Mrs.McReady/Ensemble
  • GABRIEL KANAI NAKATA………. Ensemble
  • DYLAN PEREZ………………….…Dwarf
  • CHELSEA RUSSELL………………Ensemble
  • COLIN BROGAN STINNETT……. Ensemble
  • MIA ZINK…………………………Ensemble

Understudies
For Lucy: Lucy Argueta; for Edmund: Benjamin Abes Feldman; for The White Witch: Elliet Malatesta; for Aslan and Professor: Aaron Marshall; for Father Christmas, Mr. Beaver, and Father: Bobby Montaniz; for Mother and Mrs. Beaver: Ashley Morton; for Peter, Ryweth, and Fenris: Austin Mills; for Mr. Tumnus: Gabriel Kanai Nakata; for McReady: Chelsea Russell; for Susan: Mia Zink

*Denotes TCT’s Young Artists Company

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois. 

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CINCY BLACK WINE FEST | Sat., Feb. 17 | Music Hall Ballroom

CAA_Black Wine FestSecond Annual Cincy Black Wine Fest
to Celebrate Wine and Culture

Saturday, February 17, 2024
Cincinnati Music Hall Ballroom

[Cincinnati, OH]  Lush Life Brands is excited to announce the highly anticipated return of the Cincy Black Wine Fest on February 17, 2024, at the historic Cincinnati Music Hall Ballroom. Following the success of its inaugural event in 2023, the festival promises to be even more exceptional in year two, offering an elevated experience for wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Cincy Black Wine Fest 2024 will bring together more than thirty-five exceptional wine brands from across the country, celebrating the rich diversity and artistry of Black winemakers. The festival will be a journey through wine, featuring pairings provided by festival partners Lucius Q, Murray’s Cheese, GFI, Sweet Petite’s, and more.

During the festival, guests will be transported to the idyllic landscapes of Napa Valley through immersive activations and experiences that are designed to make this event truly unforgettable. To further enhance the experience, the 2024 festival will introduce two premium liquor brands, offering a diverse range of spirits for attendees to savor. Guests will also have the opportunity to indulge in a cigar lounge, adding an extra layer of sophistication to the event.

Cincy Black Wine Fest 2024 will feature two sessions to accommodate all attendees:

  • DAY SESSION: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
  • NIGHT SESSION: 6:30 – 9:30 PM

Tickets are currently on sale at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. Applicable services fees may apply.

There are two ticket options:

  • VIP: $125 – This exclusive ticket provides access to two private festival lounges, one sponsored by Uncle Nearest in addition to The Lush Lounge sponsored by Yelp. VIP guests will have the opportunity to explore elevated wine and cuisine, conversational lounge seating, additional Uncle Nearest cocktails and tastings, and more sponsored activities.
  • GENERAL ADMISSION: $85 – General admission tickets will grant access to one of the two fantastic sessions, unlimited tasting samples, access to multiple activations, and additional festival activities.

For businesses and organizations looking to support this year’s event, sponsorship opportunities are still available and offer a unique chance to align their brand with a diverse audience. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or the Cincy Black Wine Fest, visit www.lushlifebrands.net.

About Lush Life Brands
Lush Life Brands is a company dedicated to celebrating diversity and culture through the world of wine and spirits. The Cincy Black Wine Fest is just one of the ways in which Lush Life Brands strives to create memorable experiences that bring people together through a shared love of fine libations and delicious cuisine. www.lushlifebrands.net

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL Returns to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park with New Adaptation for the Rouse Theatre Beginning Nov. 24

PIP_A Christmas CarolCINCINNATI (Nov. 1, 2023) – The Christmas classic and Cincinnati family tradition of A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens returns to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park with a new adaptation specifically for Moe and Jack’s Place  — The Rouse Theatre.  Audiences can experience the dazzling new set, costume and lighting designs beginning Nov. 24. The new production, presented by First Financial Bank, runs through Dec. 30. Opening night is Nov. 30.

“I love A Christmas Carol,” says Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director, who wrote a new adaptation specifically for the Rouse Theatre and directs the production. “I love seeing so many families of multiple generations come to the theatre together. You have grandparents, parents and kids all attending. I think it centers us as a community. It reminds us of what’s important in life.”

In addition to Robison’s new adaptation, which features additional scenes from Dickens’ classic novella, A CHRISTMAS CAROL includes theatrical staging made possible with the technology in the new theatre that was not possible in the old facility. And Andrew May, who audiences will remember as Hercule Poirot from last season’s Murder on the Orient Express, plays Ebeneezer Scrooge in the new production.

Robison began work on the new adaptation more than a year ago, beginning with a fresh read of the original work by Dickens. His script remains faithful to the story that continues to be part of audiences’ holiday traditions.

“It’s about redemption, and the joy of the season, and finding peace and purpose in the service of others,” Robison explained. “It’s this wonderful parable about a person who is at odds with all the humanity around him. He has carved out a life of loneliness and defensiveness. He’s put his walls around himself. Then, he has a chance to make amends and reconnect with the world. A timeless message, to be sure, but perhaps an especially timely message in our current social environment. It’s a reminder of the better parts of the human soul and spirit and appreciation for the things that make us human.”

CAST

Andrew May – Ebenezer Scrooge
Burgess Byrd – Mrs. Fezziwig
R. Ward Duffy – Topper and Others
Kenneth Early – Mr. Fezziwig, Ghost of Christmas Present
Annie Fitzpatrick – Charwoman and Others
Ryan Wesley Gilreath – Bob Cratchit
Shonita Joshi – Belle, Mrs. Dilber
Zane Kramer – Tiny Tim
Taha Mandviwala – Fred
Grace Manning – Martha Cratchit and Others
Justin McCombs – Solicitor and Others
Kelly Mengelkoch – Mrs. Cratchit and Others
Dina Monk – Fezziwig Guest, Fred Guest
Maggie Lou Rader – Ghost of Christmas Past, Debtor Wife
Jefferson A. Russell* – Jacob Marley and Others
Aaron Schilling – Dick Wilkins and Others
Rory Sheridan – Debtor Husband and Others
Sierra King – Fan and Others
Zach Stone – Young Scrooge, Undertaker
Oscar Syroney – Peter Cratchit and Others
Tess Talbot – Rose and Others
Claire VanderMolen – Belinda Cratchit and Others
Robert Zahniser – Boy Scrooge and Others
Jared Earland – Understudy
Kent Sokolis – Understudy
Lila Rogers – Understudy
Sean P. Mette – Understudy
Yodeet Nymberg – Understudy

PRODUCTION

Playwright/Director – Blake Robison
Set Designer – Wilson Chin
Costume Designer – Bill Black
Lighting Designer – Jaymi Lee Smith
Sound Designer/Composer – Matthew M. Nielson
Puppetry Director – Betsy Rosen
Puppet Design and Fabrication – Daniel Tristan Cupp
Choreographer/Intimacy Coordinator – Casey Sams
Music Director – Steve Goers
Assistant Director – Bridget Leak
Stage Manager – Brooke Redler
Second Stage Manager – Brandon T. Holmes
Second Stage Manager – Andrea L. Shell
Assistant Stage Manager – Shelby Scaffidi

TICKETS

Tickets begin at $35.00. Child and teen tickets begin at $33.50. Preview performances take place Nov. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. Prices vary depending on performance. Opening night is Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on Dec. 20, 22 and 26 at 2 p.m. No performances on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit http://www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.

EVENTS
Opening Night:
Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights with a lively post-show cast party.

ADVISORY
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted.

SPONSORS

Presented by First Financial Bank. Additional support provided by the Harold C. Schott Foundation. Design Sponsor is Skidmore Sales & Distributing. Artist Sponsors are Bahl & Gaynor and Frost, Brown Todd. Honorary Producer is Barbara M. Weyand. Media sponsors are WCPO and WARM-98.5. Moe and Jack’s Place — The Rouse Theatre Season is presented by the Schueler Group. Season Design Sponsor is Kerry Automotive.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative Announces EARTHFEST 2024 Play selections

CPI_logoLocal playwriting group selects scripts to support Miami Group Sierra Club

Cincinnati—November 1, 2023– At its October board meeting, the Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative (CPI) Board of Directors announced the play selections for its Earthfest 2024 ten-minute play festival and fundraiser which will showcase the environmental efforts of the Miami Group Sierra Club.

The following 8 CPI members will have their plays performed as staged readings at the
Aronoff in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

  • Eric Brose: In And Out
  • Liz Coley: End of the Line
  • Roger Collins: Think!
  • Doug Decatur: Earthworks
  • Susan Medure Decatur: It’s the Ecology, Stupid
  • Alan Jozwiak: The Earth Day Play (No Pageant)
  • Rick Schoeff: Express Your Love
  • Rose Vanden Eynden: C.C.N.A. (Concerned Cryptids of North America)

Tickets for Earthfest 2024 are on sale now for $15 and can be purchased online at the
following link: https://www.cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/cpi-new-voices-april-16 or in person at the box office or by calling 513-621-2787.

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