Category Archives: Press Releases

September 28, 2023 · 6:50 pm

Sinclair Theatre Presents LOVE/SICK

SCCT_LoveSick

Sinclair Theatre will present LOVE/SICK, Oct. 6-14 in Sinclair’s Black Box Theatre on the fourth floor of Building 2 on the downtown Dayton campus.  A darker cousin to Almost, Maine, John Cariani’s LOVE/SICK is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this one-act romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, LOVE/SICK is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone, according to Dramatist Play Service. (Adult themes).

Directed by Kimberly Borst, the ensemble includes:  Shae Trauthwein, Deangelo Powell, Tracie Puckett-Knight, Kofi Gunter, Ethan Harris, Josiah Callinan, Anna Senyk, Shaun Diggs, and Courtney Collinsworth.

Evening performances are at 7 p.m. with one Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on Oct. 8th. ASL interpreted performances are Oct. 8th and 12th. General admission seating at $10 per ticket. Tuesday Student Madness seats are $5 for students from any school. For more information visit the ticketing site at www.sinclair.edu/tickets. FREE parking in the Sinclair Visitor’s lot or student garage. Seating begins 30 minutes before curtain and early arrival is suggested.

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September 28, 2023 · 6:44 pm

Cincinnati Ballet Announces Departure of President and CEO Scott Altman

CB_Debbie BrantBoard of Trustees names Deborah S. Brant Interim President and CEO

Cincinnati, OH (September 28, 2023) – Cincinnati Ballet’s Board of Trustees announced today that President and CEO Scott Altman will depart the organization. Mr. Altman, who joined Cincinnati Ballet in August 2016, will assume the role of President and CEO of Los Angeles Master Chorale effective January 2024. Mr. Altman will remain as Cincinnati Ballet’s President and CEO through the end of the calendar year to ensure a smooth transition. The Board also announced the
appointment of Deborah S. Brant as Interim President and CEO effective January 1, 2024, as the Board searches for a permanent replacement. Ms. Brant is the current Chair of The Cincinnati Ballet Foundation, former Chair of the Cincinnati Ballet Board of Trustees, and led the capital campaign committee that secured funding to construct the new Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance in Walnut Hills.

“We thank Scott for his incredible leadership during a period of monumental growth and transformation at Cincinnati Ballet,” said Board of Trustees Chair Joel Stone. “From the construction of an iconic new home to the implementation of record-setting operating budgets, Scott had led Cincinnati Ballet to unprecedented new heights. We wish him well in the future and look forward to collaborating with our colleague Debbie Brant as Interim President and CEO. For many years, Debbie has fostered a deep and meaningful relationship with Cincinnati Ballet and has been one of the organization’s biggest supporters. This is a natural step for Debbie and the organization.”

“After seven and a half years as leader of this remarkable Company, I feel confident in the stability of Cincinnati Ballet,” said Mr. Altman. “This is a good point to hand over leadership and move into the next phase of my own journey. I want to thank the amazing Cincinnati Ballet team for their dedication, innovation, and creativity. I applaud the Board for choosing Debbie as my interim successor. Debbie is a thoughtful and capable leader with a passion for the art form, who is already deeply committed to the success of Cincinnati Ballet. I will be working closely with Debbie and the Board of Trustees over the next three months to ensure a seamless transition.” “I am honored that the Board has chosen me to steward Cincinnati Ballet as Interim President and CEO,” said Ms. Brant. “I will be working side-by-side with Scott, the Board, and the talented administrative and artistic teams over the next three months to learn how I can best support this incredible Company.”

CINCINNATI BALLET BY THE NUMBERS:

  • FY2024-2025 Approved Budget – $13.1 Million
  • Endowment Balance – $14.997 Million
  • Main Company Dancers – 29; Second Company CB2 Dancers – 10

MORE ABOUT SCOTT ALTMAN: Scott Altman assumed the role of President and CEO if Cincinnati Ballet in 2016. Cincinnati Ballet has reached many noteworthy milestones, among them, the construction of the 62,000 square foot, $32 million Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance; more than tripling asset growth to $75 million; implementation of record-breaking operating budgets exceeding $13 million; a dynamic new logo and brand identity; record-breaking ticket sales; the launch of a highly successful annual Family Series; and as expanded Academy and community and education programs. During his tenure, Altman was honored for three consecutive years by Cincinnati Magazine in its Cincinnati 300— a compilation of the city’s top three hundred executives. He has served as Trustee on the Board of DanceUSA and as its Executive Managers’ Council Chair, Trustee on the Board of Creative Ohio, and member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Altman has been
featured guest speaker for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Americans for the Arts and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

MORE ABOUT DEBORAH S. BRANT: Deborah S. Brant is the current Chair of The Cincinnati Ballet Foundation, former chair of the Cincinnati Ballet Board of Trustees, and led the capital campaign committee that secured funding to construct the 62,000 square foot, $32 million Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance in Walnut Hills. Ballet has been an important part of Debbie’s life since her childhood in Akron, Ohio. She started ballet lessons at age nine, beginning a life-long love of the artform. Debbie graduated from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts where she studied American Studies and Art History. She went on to create a successful fundraising career that included work in Washington, D.C. and New York City as a fundraiser and grants writer for The Kennedy Center | National Symphony Orchestra, as well as a fundraising consultant for New York City Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Jacob’s
Pillow, among others. Debbie moved to Cincinnati in 1998 where she continued as a fundraising consultant for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Prospect House, and the Art Academy of Cincinnati. In addition to her tireless philanthropic work for Cincinnati Ballet, Debbie is also a former Board Chair of the Mayerson JCC, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati, and board member for Most Valuable Kids of Cincinnati, Inc. (MVK). Brant is a past recipient of The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Women of the Year Award, the 2021 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Cincinnati Chapter, And Volunteer of the Year Award from the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.

About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community engagement in local to global communities, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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September 26, 2023 · 6:34 pm

CELTIC WOMAN: 20th Anniversary Tour | Fri., April 19 | Aronoff Center

CAA_Celtic Woman 20

Photo by Kip Carroll.

Grammy-Nominated Music Sensation
Celtic Woman Brings 20th Anniversary Tour to the
Aronoff Center on April 19, 2024

Soprano Mairéad Carlin to Return
PBS to Air “20th ANNIVERSARY” Special in More than 60 Markets Later this Year 

[CINCINNATI, OH] – On the heels of the successful “Postcards From Ireland,” Celtic Woman will carry on its legacy of uplifting performances packed with breath-taking harmonies and instrumental virtuosity. The group today announced it will bring an all-new live show to celebrate its 20th anniversary to the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 7:30 PM. The Celtic Woman 20th Anniversary Tour will be delighting audiences with its fresh blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music that echoes Ireland’s rich musical and cultural heritage, while reflecting the vibrant spirit of modern Ireland.

Tickets go on sale Friday, September 29 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For groups of ten or more, call (513) 977-4157. Applicable services fees may apply. Prices are subject to change.

In the 20 years since the global musical sensation’s debut, Celtic Woman has emerged as both a formidable musical presence and a genuine cultural phenomenon. The group’s albums and DVD releases have been consistent multi-platinum best-sellers and its concert tours continue to touch the hearts of a devoted audience that spans the globe. Both an accomplished recording ensemble and a world-class performing collective, Celtic Woman introduces some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians to the world stage.

The group’s repertoire encompasses Irish classics, contemporary songs, classical favorites, and stirring originals. The lineup of performers has evolved in the years since the group’s inception, but the signature sound of Celtic Woman has remained consistent, showcasing the members’ individual and collaborative talents.

Celtic Woman is comprised of four young Irish women whose performing skills bring centuries of musical and cultural tradition to life. In concert, their angelic voices and instrumental virtuosity are accompanied by a robust ensemble that includes Irish dancers, bagpipers, and a full band playing an array of traditional Celtic instruments, including bodhrán, tin whistle, bouzouki, and Uilleann pipes.

Returning to the group is soprano Mairéad Carlin, a former member who joins the show for this very special anniversary tour. Joining her are fellow soprano Muirgen O’Mahony, fiddle and Irish harp maestro Tara McNeill, as well as the newest member of the group, the multi-talented Emma Warren, who has toured with Riverdance and Heartbeat of Home, and most recently performed in Les Misérables, London. 

Later this year, PBS will air the accompanying “20th ANNIVERSARY” TV special in North America across 60+ local PBS stations. Filmed in The Helix Theatre in Dublin, Ireland, it takes fans on a journey back to where it all began 20 years ago (and in the very same theater). The TV special features appearances from four very special guests, including original members Lisa Kelly, Máiréad Nesbitt, Méav Ní Mhaolchatha, and Chloë Agnew — who join Celtic Woman for this wonderful TV special packed with emotional and heart stirring performances.

Following the PBS broadcasts, the “20th ANNIVERSARY” album and DVD will be released in January 2024 and feature brand-new compositions and arrangements plus some fan favorites.

Since 2005, Celtic Woman has sold over ten million CDs and DVDs, and amassed more than three billion streams, making it the only all-female act to achieve multi-platinum success in the classical crossover and world music genres during the past decade. Named Billboard’s #1 World Music Artist of the Year six times, twelve of the studio CDs have debuted at #1 on Billboard’s World Album chart. Celtic Woman has also scored two Top 10 debuts on Billboard’s influential album chart and five Top Five DVDs on Billboard’s Top Video chart, as well as achieving platinum-level sales in nine countries. Their 2016 album release, Destiny, was nominated for a Grammy award in the category of Best World Music Album, marking the group’s first-ever Grammy nomination.

For the complete tour schedule, tickets and more information, visit www.celticwoman.com/tour-dates. Sign up for Celtic Woman’s newsletters at www.celticwoman.com to learn about new tour dates, album releases and special offers.

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September 24, 2023 · 7:06 pm

Local Favorite Paul Strickland Will Be Featured at The National Storytelling Festival

MISC_Paul StricklandOct. 5-8, 2023

(Covington, KY) Cincinnati’s favorite storyteller, Paul Strickland, has been invited to tell his tales at the prestigious National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee, this October. He is one of twenty national and international professional storytellers who have been selected to perform at the largest and oldest storytelling festival in America. The popular three-day event draws thousands of visitors from all over the globe.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL STORYTELLING FESTIVAL
Every October since 1973, thousands of travelers have visited Tennessee’s oldest town. They come for one purpose–to hear stories and to tell them at the National Storytelling Festival. This celebration of America’s rich and varied storytelling tradition, the oldest and most respected gathering anywhere in America devoted to storytelling, has in turn spawned a national revival of this venerable art.

National Storytelling Festival website: https://www.storytellingcenter.net/festival/main/

ABOUT PAUL STRICKLAND
Cincinnati audiences know and love Paul Strickland for his award-winning performances at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival, including Ain’t True & Uncle False (2013 All-Access Pick-of-the-Fringe Award winner) and Balls of Yarns (2017 Critics’ Pick-of-the-Fringe Award winner).

Paul is also one of the co-founders of the Cincinnati Storytelling Festival which has brought nationally-recognized storytellers including Bil Lepp, Lyn Ford, Sheila Arnold, and Adam Booth to Cincinnati audiences. The Cincinnati Storytelling Festival will be returning for a third year in the Westwood neighborhood of Cincinnati this October 19-21, featuring national storytellers Antonio Rocha and Megan Hicks.

Paul Strickland’s website: https://www.ainttrue.com/

Cincinnati Storytelling Festival website: https://www.cincystoryfest.com/

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September 24, 2023 · 6:45 pm

SWEET CHARITY Musical Rom-Com Runs Sept. 28-30 at CCM

CCM_Sweet CharityThe musical follows a happy-go-lucky dancer who is looking for love in ’60s New York

CINCINNATI, OH — UC College-Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) Musical Theatre program opens its 2023-24 season with SWEET CHARITY, a zany romp through the ups-and-downs of the life of a dance hall hostess in New York City. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1966 and was later adapted into a movie starring Shirley MacLaine, runs September 28-30, 2023, in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

Charity Hope Valentine’s name gives it all away: she’s a kind-hearted, optimistic dance-partner for-hire, and despite a string of bad luck in love, she never gives up hope that she’ll find her special someone. While her fellow dancers have a more jaded outlook, Charity never loses her chipper demeanor as she sings and dances her way through the highlife and lowlife of 1960s New York. After a series of bad boyfriends and glamorous dates, a chance encounter with a neurotic accountant named Oscar could just be her ticket to happy ever after.

The original production was directed by the legendary Bob Fosse, and starred his wife and muse, Gwen Verdon. Beloved for its music by Cy Coleman, the show also features lyrics by Dorothy Fields and a clever book by famed playwright Neil Simon. Iconic song and dance numbers like “Big Spender” and “If My Friends Could See Me Now” earned the production nine Tony nominations and a win for Fosse’s choreography.

“I love the music and the style of the show,” says director Diane Lala. The set, designed by alumni guest artist Joshua Gallagher (MFA Stage Design, ’21), “is reminiscent of 1960s variety shows,” she continues. “It is very colorful.”

The musical, full of laughs and show-stopping dance numbers, is brought to life on stage with performances and designs by CCM’s students, faculty and staff. “Our cast is amazing,” remarks Lala. “As always, our students are positive, hard-working and full of energy.”

View our digital program to learn more about the cast and creative team for CCM’s production.

CCM Musical Theatre presents Sweet Charity on Sept. 28-30, 2023, at Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

Event Details:

SWEET CHARITY
Book by Neil Simon
Music by Cy Coleman
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini.
Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano
Based on an original screenplay by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano
Produced for the Broadway stage by Fryer, Carr and Harris
Conceived, Staged and Choreographed by Bob Fosse

SWEET CHARITY is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of TamsWitmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28
  • 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29
  • 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30
  • Estimated run time: 2 hours and 30 minutes, plus a 15-minute intermission

Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Tickets: $36 adult, $20 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student;
group discounts available.

Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:

CCM’s Box Office hours are Tue-Fri from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu.

Learn about additional ticket options for current UC students.

Directions and Parking
CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC’s CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations will become cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC’s CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

A preeminent institution for the performing and media arts, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the largest single source of performing arts presentations in the state of Ohio. All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit us online at https://ccm.uc.edu.

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