Category Archives: Press Releases

March 10, 2026 · 5:12 pm

Full Cast and Creative Team Announced for Noel Coward’s HAY FEVER at HRTC

The Human Race Theatre Company turns up the heat with this spring’s production of HAY FEVER. Too many guests and bad hosts turn a quiet weekend at the Bliss family’s country retreat into delicious, theatrical chaos.

Judith Bliss (Teri Clark Linden), a retired actress, and her husband David Bliss (James Walker), head to the country for a relaxing weekend, joined by their children Simon (Char Adams) and Sorel (Skye Hodgkin).  Unbeknownst to each other, every family member also invites an unsuspecting guest for the weekend (Jared Joplin, Kieran Cronin, and Evelyn Vordriede), stretching the limited abilities of dresser-turned-housekeeper Clara (Jennifer Joplin). The Bliss family does not intend to be rude. They’re just too busy performing for themselves. And that sharp witted rudeness elevates to an art form.
“Although Coward’s play premiered over 100 years ago, this razor-sharp comedy feels surprisingly modern,” notes Artistic Director Emily N. Wells. “In the same tone of Dan Levy’s hit series SCHITT’s CREEK, Coward finds humor and edge in the disappearance of courtesy and etiquette.”
Returning to The Human Race to direct, founding artist Robert Hetherington gathers a dynamic creative team with Joseph Tilford, scenic design; Kelsey Gallagher, lighting design; Erin Eva Butcher, costume design; Annabell Mallard, sound design; emily c. porter, sound advisor; Sarah Gomes, props design; Isabella Myers, stage manager, and Phoenix Perry, assistant stage manager.
HAY FEVER will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, April 8-19, 2026.  Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org
The Human Race Theatre Company continues its commitment to high quality theatre with access points for all with two special ticket initiatives: two sections of $20 seats available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats available 60 minutes before any performance.
Special Nights at The Loft:  
  • Pay What You Can          Tuesday, April 7, 2026 7:30pm – Final Dress Rehearsal to support Brunner Literacy Center
  • Inside Track               Thursday, April 9, 2026 6:45 pm – Pre-show Discussion
  • While We’re On The Subject      Sunday, April 12, 2026 2 pm – Post Show Discussion
  • $10/Sawbuck Sunday       Sunday, April 12, 2026 7:30 pm – $10 tix starting at 6:00 pm
  • Parent’s Day Out            Sunday, April 19, 2026 2 pm – Kids Activities (5-12yo)
  • While We’re On The Subject      Sunday, April 19, 2026 2 pm – Post Show Discussion

The Human Race Theatre Company expresses gratitude for the public and private support which makes these productions possible:  Loft Season Sponsor: Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation. Sustainability Sponsors:   Steve and Lou Mason, The Toulmin Fund at The Dayton Foundation.  Additional Season support:  Erma R. Catterton Trust, Funds at The Dayton Foundation, Virginia F. Kettering Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Charles D. Berry Foundation, Sam Levin Foundation, and Pizza Factory.  Organizational support:  Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council. Media Sponsor: WDPR Discover Classical. Pay What You Can Sponsor: Enterprise Holdings Foundation.  Capital Support: The Schiewetz Foundation, The Dayton Foundation, The Toulmin Fund at The Dayton Foundation, Oakwood Rotary.

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March 10, 2026 · 5:11 pm

Create a Theatre Program at Your School with TCT

JumpStart Theatre Program Applications Now Open for K-12 Schools 

Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is currently accepting applications for the 2026-2027 season of the school initiative, JumpStart Theatre.

The Educational Theatre Foundation (ETF), in collaboration with New York City-based companies iTheatrics and Music Theatre International (MTI), created JumpStart Theatre, a three-year scalable program designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs in underserved schools that previously had none.

All Cincinnati tri-state area schools may apply to participate in JumpStart Theatre. Applications can be completed and submitted online now through April 1, 2026. Selected schools will be announced later this spring and will begin implementing the program in their school in the fall of 2026.

Participant schools are chosen through the online application which is now available at: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/26-27-jumpstart-theatre-application/

Training & Ongoing Mentoring:
Each school will receive services and materials valued at $12,000 in the form of training, mentoring, and production support for a full-scale show for their community. Students will be involved in every aspect of the production, and TCT with ETF will also host the annual JumpStart Theatre showcase, bringing all the participants together to share their work.

The selected schools make a three-year commitment, and teams of three or more teachers from each school will participate in professional development “boot camps” in a variety of areas led by a master teacher in the fall, winter and spring. These workshops will provide training in all areas of musical theatre production, with the goal of empowering the teacher teams to guide the programs independently.

Local JumpStart Schools Include:
Spencer Center for Gifted and Exceptional Students, Mt. Washington School, Batavia Middle School, Shroder High School, Covedale Elementary, Holmes Middle School, Finneytown Middle School, and Gamble Montessori High School.

About the Educational Theatre Foundation:
The Educational Theatre Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Educational Theatre Association, whose shared vision is to build a global community of creative problem solvers, effective collaborators, and empathetic individuals through theatre. ETF advances the field of educational theatre by broadening representation and increasing access for all. Learn how at foundation.schooltheatre.org.

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March 8, 2026 · 7:50 pm

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY | Wed., April 1, 2026 | Aronoff Center

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY
April 1, 2026
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

[Cincinnati, OH] – Relive the magic of the legendary folk-rock duo! The internationally acclaimed hit, The Simon & Garfunkel Story, returns to the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 7:30 PM for one show only. The immersive concert-style tribute show, complete with nostalgia-inducing, unforgettable hits, will recreate the magic and authenticity of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel live on stage and chronicles the amazing journey of the iconic, Grammy Award-winning act. The event is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2025-26 Season.

Tickets are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-2787 [ARTS], or the Aronoff Center Ticket Office. For group sales (10 or more), call (513) 977-4155. Prices include all applicable fees and taxes and are subject to change.

Fans aren’t the only ones blown away by The Simon & Garfunkel Story. Earlier this year, immediately following a performance in Long Island, Art Garfunkel himself rushed the stage, grabbed the microphone, and declared, “What a great f—— show!” before leaving the audience in awe once again. If the legend himself is a fan, you know this is a tour you won’t want to miss.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story covers the duo’s humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s, as well as their dramatic split in 1970. The Simon & Garfunkel Story culminates with the pair’s famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 which had more than half a million fans in attendance. The show features a set list of nearly thirty songs and uses state-of-the-art video projection, photos, and original film footage. A full live band will perform all the hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound,” and many more, complete with the unmistakably perfect harmonies that will transport audiences down memory lane.

With more than 100 million album sales since 1965, Simon & Garfunkel’s unforgettable songs and poetic lyrics poignantly captured the times and made them one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. Over the years, they won ten Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1977, the Brit Awards honored their “Bridge Over Troubled Water” album with Best International Album. In 2003, Simon & Garfunkel were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the following year saw their “The Sound of Silence” awarded a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

For tour dates, tickets and more information about The Simon & Garfunkel Story, visit www.thesimonandgarfunkelstory.com.

ABOUT RUCKUS ENTERTAINMENT (Producers)
Ruckus Entertainment, based in Los Angeles and formed in 2022, brings together veteran entertainment producers Alison Spiriti, Justin Sudds, Dean Elliott, and Ralph Schmidtke who are collectively responsible for producing over 100 touring productions seen by millions around the world. Their burgeoning production company brings audiences world-class concerts and live events and is focused on celebrating the history and music behind iconic, globally recognized musical artists. Current productions include The Simon & Garfunkel Story, The Life and Music of George Michael, and The British Invasion.

Cincinnati Arts Association SPONSORS

The Cincinnati Arts Association is supported [in part] by an investment of public funds from the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

Season Sponsors:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), MIAMI UNIVERSITY, ARTSWAVE, LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, TRIHEALTH

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, altafiber, Bahl & Gaynor, Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Fairfield Inn & Suites Cincinnati Uptown/University Area, Harlan Graphics, Heidelberg Distributing, Kinley Cincinnati, Pepsi, Summerfair Cincinnati

media ParTNer:  103.5 wgrr-FM

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:             The Simon & Garfunkel Story

WHEN:            Wednesday, April 1, 2026 – 7:30 PM

WHERE:             Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

PRICE:                Ticket prices start at $52.50, inclusive of all fees.

INFO:               This immersive, concert-style theater show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half-a-million fans in attendance.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale now

  • www.CincinnatiArts.org
  • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]
  • Aronoff Center Ticket Office
  • Group sales (10 or more): (513) 977-4155

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March 5, 2026 · 3:06 pm

Overture Awards Finals Competition and Awards Ceremony | Sat., March 14 | Aronoff Center

TOMORROW’S STARS

FINALS COMPETITION and AWARDS CEREMONY
March 14, 2026
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

Tickets on sale now

[CINCINNATI, OH] – The Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is proud to present the 2026 Overture Awards Finals Competition. The Overture Awards provides $4,000 to six area high school students for education and training expenses, with eighteen finalists each winning $1,500. The program also includes an Arts Educator Award for Excellence in Arts Instruction totaling $2,000.

The Overture Awards Finals Competition and Awards Ceremony will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater. Winners will be announced immediately following the competition. The Visual Art Finalists Exhibition will be showcased in the Aronoff Center’s Center Stage Room (adjacent to the Weston Art Gallery on 7th Street) from Tuesday, March 10 – Sunday, March 29, 2026.

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

This year, 189 students applied to compete in one of six artistic disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual Art, and Vocal Music. The Overture Awards was developed to recognize, encourage, and reward excellence in the arts among Tri-state students in grades 9-12. It also provides students an opportunity to share their talents and interests among their peers in a supportive environment outside of their individual schools. There are three levels of competition: Regional, Semi-Final, and Final.

The Overture Awards Regional Competitions were held virtually in January 2026. The top twenty to thirty percent of competitors in each discipline advanced to the Semi-Finals, which were held at the Aronoff Center from February 5-12. Twenty-four finalists will compete in the Finals Competition at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater on March 14.

Now in its 30th year, The Overture Awards was launched in 1996 by the Cinergy Foundation (now Duke Energy) and Leadership Cincinnati (a program of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber). The Overture Awards is funded and administered by the Cincinnati Arts Association, which operates and manages the Aronoff Center and Music Hall. The Overture Awards also relies on hundreds of volunteers from the community who help raise funds, adjudicate, manage the competitions, and nurture the program. 

The Overture Awards are endowed by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

THANK YOU to the following generous supporters of the Overture Awards and Dancing for the Stars (CAA’s annual fundraiser which benefits the Awards):

Accent on Cincinnati, Ryan Anderson, Arthur Murray-Cincinnati, Arthur Murray -West Chester, Baru, Douglas Beal, Doreen Beatrice, Karla Boldery,  James Branham, Bonita Brockert, Carri Chandler, Bill Chappie, Dance Manor, DelightMore, eat well celebrations & feasts, Maura Garuccio, Heidelberg Distributing Company, KungFood AmerAsia, Lasting Impressions Event Rentals, Desiree Mainous, Erin Mignano, Moerlein Lager House, Dylan Morton, Jozsef Parragh, The Party Source, Pepsi, Prime Cincinnati, Punky’s Pixel’s,  Stacy Sims, Sebastian Bakehouse, Street City Pub, Skyline, Josh Tilford, Alyenendrov Tsorokean, Vintage on Race, Willow Run Custom Bourbons

Chris O’Brien and Janeen Coyle (former hosts of “Married with Microphones,” 103.5 WGRR-FM), JD Hughes (popular DJ and 103.5 WGRR-FM personality)

Overture Scholarship Sponsors: The Eleanora C.U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee; Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.; Otto M. Budig Family Foundation; Summerfair Cincinnati; TriHealth

Printing Sponsor:  Harlan Graphics 

2026 Overture Awards Finalists 

CREATIVE WRITING

  • Lauren Ashelman, grade 12, Springboro High School
  • Devi Kool, grade 11, Wyoming High School
  • Olivia Landry, grade 11, Villa Madonna Academy
  • Angela Tang, grade 11, William Mason High School

DANCE

  • Brinkli Cox, grade 10, Homeschool/Studies with Hairston School of Dance
  • Nora Doyle, grade 11, School for Creative and Performing Arts/Studies with Just Off Broadway
  • Easton Gliebe, grade 11, Ohio Virtual Academy/Studies with Just Off Broadway
  • Riley Neugebauer, grade 12, Turpin High School/Studies with Just Off Broadway 

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

  • Autumn Rinaldi, grade 11, Cincinnati Country Day School/Studies with Dr. Sarah Kim
  • Sophia Suwiryo, grade 11, Summit Country Day School/Studies with Professor Alvin Chow
  • Mario Agustín Ynga Orellana, grade 10, Walnut Hills High School/Studies with Dr. Laura Sabo
  • Grace Yu, grade 12, Indian Hill High School/Studies with Joyce Grabell

THEATER

  • Maeve Bachman, grade 12, Sycamore High School/Studies with Andrea Davies
  • Avery Fox, grade 12, Homeschool/Northern Kentucky University/Studies with Xan Jeffery
  • Elliot Martin, grade 11, Highlands High School
  • Jai’Den Pritchett, grade 11, Sycamore High School/Studies with Musical Arts Center 

VISUAL ART

  • Edie Anderson, grade 12, School for Creative and Performing Arts
  • Jinming Gu, grade 11, Indian Hill High School/Studies with Yinyan Studio
  • Riley Judd, grade 12, School for Creative and Performing Arts
  • Ronan Wolfer, grade 12, Loveland High School

VOCAL MUSIC  

  • Genevieve Howard, grade 12, Newport Central Catholic High School/Studies with Talia Zoll Studio of Music
  • Ray Muenzer, grade 12, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy/Studies with Musical Arts Center
  • Sahana Siddharth, grade 10, Seven Hills School/Studies with Allison Highland
  • William Wittekind, grade 12, Saint Xavier High School/Studies with Musical Arts Center

Founded in 1992, the Cincinnati Arts Association (CAA) is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the programming and management of two of the Tri-state’s finest performing arts venues – the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall – and is dedicated to supporting performing and visual arts. Each year, CAA presents a diverse schedule of events; serves upwards of 700,000 people in its venues; features the work of talented local, regional, and national artists in the Weston Art Gallery (located in the Aronoff Center); and supports the work of more than one dozen resident companies. Since the inception of its acclaimed arts education programs in 1995, CAA has reached more than two million students and adults.

CAA is proud to be a member of Association of Performing Arts Presenters, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, Greater Cincinnati Alliance for Arts Education, Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau, Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce.

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CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:          2026 Overture Awards – Finals Competition and Awards Ceremony

WHERE:        Aronoff Center – Jarson-Kaplan Theater

WHEN:          Saturday, March 14, 2026 – 1:00 PM

TICKETS:       $15 • $10

INFO:            The 2026 Overture Awards Competition provides $4,000 to six area high school students for education and training expenses with eighteen finalists each winning $1,500. Students compete in one of six artistic disciplines: Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater, Visual Art, and Vocal Music. The program also includes Arts Educator Awards for Excellence in Arts Instruction totaling $2,000. The Overture Awards was developed to recognize, encourage, and reward excellence in the arts among Tri-state students in grades 9-12.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale now

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March 4, 2026 · 5:31 pm

Cincy Shakes Presents the Infamous Tragedy of OTHELLO

Jealousy, betrayal, and passion collide in this classic Elizabethan staging of Shakespeare’s timeless tale 

Billy Chace as Iago & Sylvester Little Jr. as Othello. Photo by Mikki Schaffner

Cincinnati, March 4, 2026 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present Othello playing March 6 – 29, 2026 and directed by Associate Artistic Director Candice Handy and featuring Slyvester Little Jr. as Othello and Billy Chace at Iago. This production is generously sponsored by Season Shakespeare Sponsor, The Linnemann Family Foundation, Production Sponsor Monteverdi, and Design Sponsor PNC.

When the esteemed General Othello succumbs to the cunning Iago’s deceptions, suspicion and heartbreak tear apart the bonds of love and loyalty. Featuring some of the most dramatic and iconic moments in all of Shakespeare, Othello is a searing exploration of trust, love, and the devastating consequences of doubt. “I hope the audience will leave this production of Othello with a desire to discover truth that comes from facts and facts that come from unmasked sources,” said Director, Candice Handy.

Bringing this classic to life is an ensemble cast of 10 talented actors. Taking on the title role of Othello is Sylvester Little Jr. and Billy Chace plays the conniving Iago weaving his demise. Tess Talbot takes the role of Desdemona, Othello’s wife, and Cary Davenport plays Cassio, falsely accused of an affair with Desdemona. Filling out the rest of the ensemble is Montez Jenkins Copeland as Montano, Courtney Lucien as Bianca, Sara Mackie as Brabantio, Kelly Mengelkoch as Emilia, Grant Niezgodski as Duke and Lodovico, and Patrick Earl Phillips as Roderigo.

Director Candice Handy leads the creative team in building a traditional setting for this Shakespearean tragedy. Performed in the round, scenic designer Charlie Calvert, alongside assistant scenic designer Gabby Trice, has created a striking environment that brings the audience into the action. Rainy Edwards’ costume designs and Kayla Cieslinski’s wig designs evoke the traditional Elizabethan aesthetic, firmly placing the story in its period. Lighting by Andrew Hungerford and sound design by Derek A. Graham shape the production’s atmosphere. Fight Director Gina Cerimele-Mechley brings the action with engaging swordfights. Dramaturgy is provided by Isaiah Reaves, and intimacy direction is provided by Torie Wiggins. This production of Othello is stage managed by Cole Cammack-Sweasy with assistant stage manager Danitza Piper.

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Othello runs from March 6 – 29, 2026. Performances of Othello are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with three Sunday Matinees on March 15, 22, and 29 at 2:00 PM. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. Live Audio Descriptions are available on March 6, and there is a Sign Language Interpreted performance on March 29 at 2:00 PM.

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Tickets are on sale now. Preview performances are on Wednesday, March 4, and Thursday, March 5, with half price tickets. Discounts are available for students, seniors, local residents, and community partners. Each performance night has a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets.  These can be purchased in advance by going online or calling the Box Office.  And starting 1 hour before each performance, any unreserved tickets may be available as a discounted Rush Ticket to anyone, not just students. These tickets are only $12 and could be located anywhere in the house, depending on that evening’s availability. These cannot be reserved more than 1 hour before a show and must be purchased in person in the Box Office. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees apply. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at http://www.cincyshakes.com.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park.  Many parking spaces are available on the street and in nearby lots and garages- for more information, visit online here.

CSC has coordinated a prepaid self-parking option right next door to the theater for a hassle‐free, guaranteed spot. A limited number of reserved spaces are available starting 1.5 hours before performances and lasting through the end of the show. The 3CDC parking attendant will have your name on the list with advance purchase, guaranteeing your spot and price. Visit www.cincyshakes.com/parking to reserve self-parking.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2025-2026 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Linnemann Family Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers and hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions. In 2015, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the Classics!

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