Category Archives: Press Releases

December 15, 2023 · 5:47 am

Mason High School Theater Presents AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD

MHS_And a Child Shall LeadOn January 19, 20, 26, & 27, Mason High School Theater will present AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD by Michael Slade.  Show time is 7 pm each day with an additional afternoon performance at 2pm on Saturday the 20th.  We invite senior citizens to attend our final dress rehearsal on January 18 @ 7pm free of charge. The play is produced by special agreement with Playscripts.com.

AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD by Michael Slade is the heroic and true story of children coming of age in Terezin, the “Jewish city” established by the Nazis near Prague as a way station before the death camps. In the face of unspeakable horror, these children use their determination and creativity to build lives filled with hope and beauty — playing, studying, making art, and writing an underground newspaper — all at the peril of being executed. Their actual poems and stories are woven into a fast-paced drama, evoking the universality of children caught in the insanity of war.  The show is rated PG-13 for some adult situations, language, and tragic moments.  It is best suited for theater goers middle school aged and up.  General Admission Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students, children, and seniors.  Reserved patron seats are also available for $15.  Purchase your tickets here.

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December 4, 2023 · 6:21 pm

Cincinnati Opera Announces 2024 Opera Raps Exploring Mozart, Verdi, The Beatles, and More

CO_OperaRaps 2022 logoGo behind the scenes of opera with this free series of conversations on topics inspired by Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 Summer Festival

CINCINNATI (December 1, 2023)— For every opera that makes its way to the stage, there are fascinating stories about the inspiration, creative process, and personalities behind it. Cincinnati Opera’s popular Opera Raps series, which returns January 25–April 17, 2024, aspires to pull back the curtain and reveal behind-the-scenes insights into the operas that make up the company’s 2024 Summer Festival.

The 2024 Opera Raps series kicks off in January with a mini-Mozart experience in anticipation of the company’s June 2024 production of his opera, Don Giovanni: “Hausmusik: Mozart and Friends at Home” (January 25), a recreation of a musical evening hosted at Mozart’s home, and “Mozart’s Women” (January 26), led by renowned conductor Dame Jane Glover.

In March, the series continues with two events inspired by the company’s July 2024 world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio: “The Beatles Phenomenon” (March 6), featuring Beatles expert Om Srivastava, and “Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio: Sneak Peek with the Creative Team” (March 28), offering a first look at Cincinnati Opera’s new production-in-progress.

The series concludes on April 17 with opera director Trevore Ross discussing “Violetta’s Chosen Family,” inspired by the heroine of Verdi’s La Traviata, which Cincinnati Opera will present in June 2024.

Opera Raps will take place at venues throughout the city, including Music Hall, Cincinnati Opera’s warehouse, Over-the-Rhine’s First Lutheran Church, and the Woodward Theater. Admission is free and open to the public, though tickets are required. Tickets will be available beginning December 1, 2023, at 12 p.m. (ET) at cincinnatiopera.org and by calling 513.241.2742. See below for complete series details.

Cincinnati Opera
2024 Opera Raps

January 25, 2024
Hausmusik: Mozart and Friends at Home
6:30 p.m. (ET)
Wilks Studio at Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

In anticipation of Cincinnati Opera’s June 2024 production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Don Giovanni, audiences are invited into this immersive exploration of the composer’s life and work. On countless evenings between 1784 and 1787, Mozart would invite friends to his Vienna home for food, wine, and music-making. Joseph Haydn was a frequent guest, as were many other celebrated musicians of the day. This event recreates a typical evening with the Mozarts featuring music for piano four hands, songs, and a string quartet dedicated to Haydn, along with excerpts from visitors’ memoirs, Mozart’s letters, and more.

January 26, 2024
Mozart’s Women
6:30 p.m. (ET)
Wilks Studio at Cincinnati Music Hall
1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

The celebrated conductor, scholar, and author Dame Jane Glover, who will conduct Cincinnati Opera’s Don Giovanni in June 2024, leads a discussion inspired by her book, Mozart’s Women: His Family, His Friends, His Music (Harper, 2006). Dame Jane will delve into Don Giovanni as well as the composer’s other glorious music for women, with performances by two members of the Don Giovanni cast: sopranos Jessica Rivera and Erin Keesy. The event precedes Dame Jane’s appearances that weekend with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, where she will conduct an all-Mozart program.

March 6, 2024
The Beatles Phenomenon
7:30 p.m. (ET)
Woodward Theater
1404 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Inspired by Cincinnati Opera’s July 2024 world stage premiere of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio, Beatles expert Om Srivastava will lead audience members on a journey into the creativity and worldwide impact of the Fab Four. With recordings, interviews, and photographs, Srivastava will trace the phenomenon of the Beatles from their early days in Liverpool and Hamburg to the epochal albums and worldwide tours (including two Cincinnati appearances!). A cash bar will be available.

March 28, 2024
Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio: Sneak Peek with the Creative Team
7:30 p.m. (ET)
Cincinnati Opera Warehouse
7712 Reinhold Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45237

Audiences are invited to this exclusive glimpse into the creation of Cincinnati Opera’s world stage premiere production of Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio. Director Caroline Clegg, designer Leslie Travers, and choreographer Michael Pappalardo will offer insights into their creative vision for this extraordinary new theatrical experience and share a guided first look at the production under construction.

April 17, 2024
Violetta’s Chosen Family
7:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
1208 Race Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

As a preview to Cincinnati Opera’s 2024 production of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, stage director Trevore Ross explores this beloved masterpiece as an ode to the outsider. When Verdi composed the opera in 1853, his life bore some similarities to that of his heroine, the Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry; he was something of a social outcast, living unmarried with his lover, the opera star Giuseppina Strepponi. Through this lens, Ross will examine Violetta’s world and the friends with whom she surrounded herself. Were they members of high society, fellow demimondaines, or both? The evening will include excerpts performed by soprano Dana Pundt and tenor Pedro Barbosa.

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. 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. 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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November 30, 2023 · 5:44 pm

Laugh Your Stockings Off This December with REINDEER SESSIONS at Human Race

HRTC_Reindeer SessionsThe Human Race Theatre Company’s tradition of alternative December entertainment gets a new addition with the world premiere of Eric Ulloa’s Reindeer Sessions. 

After a fight that left history’s most famous reindeer with a broken red nose, Blitzen finds himself assigned to anger management therapy with Dr. Arbor. Until now, Blitzen has been a model employee at Kringle Enterprises, so it’s up to Dr. Arbor to get to the bottom of his frustration.

“Eric has created a funny, imaginative twist on a story that many people know and love,” comments Emily N. Wells, The Human Race Theatre Company’s Artistic Director. “This story packs an emotional punch that is so satisfying in a holiday show and provides a few delightful surprises along the way.”

Igor Goldin (A Christmas Story, 26 Pebbles), a frequent collaborator of Ulloa’s, returns to Dayton after directing the recent Carnegie Hall concert of Austen’s Pride. The cast features Yellow Springs, Ohio resident Teri Clark Linden (A Christmas Story) as Dr. Arbor and Dayton native Rico Romalus Parker (Barbecue) as Blitzen.

Joining Goldin on the production team are: Jeff Heater, Scenic Design; John Rensel, Lighting Design; Ameera Ansari, Costume Design; Brando Triantafallou, Sound Design; Sarah Gomes, Props; Mark Tynan, Production Stage Manager.

Reindeer Sessions will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, December 13 – 23, 2023.  Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org   For press ticket requests, please contact Tiffany Countryman, Engagement and Learning Coordinator at tiffany@humanracetheatre.org

The Human Race Theatre Company continues its commitment to high quality theatre with access points for all with two ticket initiatives sponsored by Morris Furniture Company: two sections of $20 seats available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats available 90 minutes before any performance.

Special Nights at The Loft:  

Parent’s Day Out
Saturday, December 16 & 23, 2 pm – Kids Separate Activities (5-12yo)

The Human Race expresses gratitude for the public and private support which makes these productions possible:  Loft Season Sponsor: Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation; Production Sponsor: Matthew J. Scarr, CPA LLC; Sustainability sponsors:  Anne F. Johnson, Steve and Lou Mason, and Morris Furniture Company;  Additional Season support:  Emma R. Catterton Trust, Funds at The Dayton Foundation, Virginia F. Kettering Foundation, The Toulmin Fund, The Shubert Foundation;  Organizational support:  Culture Works, Montgomery County, Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Dayton Region Arts Renewal Grant. Media Sponsor: WDPR Discover Classical, WYSO, Key Ads. Pay What You Can Sponsor: Enterprise Holdings Foundation. Parent’s Day Out: Rabbit Hole Books/Dayton Book Fair

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November 27, 2023 · 6:14 pm

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER Dec. 1-10 at Village Players of Fort Thomas

VP_The Best Christmas Pageant EverNOVEMBER 27, 2023, Fort Thomas, KY— Village Players of Fort Thomas is excited to announce its holiday show, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, will be presented in seven performances December 1-3 and December 7-10. Written by Barbara Robinson, the play is presented courtesy of Concord Theatricals and is directed by Amy Waldfogle.

In this Christmas classic, a couple struggling to put on a church pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids—probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem—and the fun—when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!

“I love the themes of welcome and generosity in this play,” says director Amy Waldfogle. “There’s definitely a different energy when your cast includes 20 young people! And we have a bunch of people in their very first show.”

Please note evening shows of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever begin at 7:30pm; Sunday matinees are at 2:00pm.

Tickets are $20 and available online at villageplayers.org or by calling 859-240-7897.

Featuring:

  • Bob Bradley – CJ Bossart
  • Grace Bradley – Lauren Davidson
  • Beth Bradley – Clare Olliges
  • Charlie Bradley – Conrad Daniel
  • Ralph Herdman – Odell Brookbank
  • Imogene Herdman – Abby Turner
  • Leroy Herdman – Everett Robinson
  • Claude Herdman – Faith Hamzy
  • Ollie Herdman – Laila Bates
  • Gladys Herdman – Callie Carlson
  • Alice Wendleken – Lydia Bo
  • Maxine Charlie – Beth McDivitt
  • Beverly – Maddie Bossart
  • Doris – Adrienne Rademacher
  • Hobie – Johnny McDivitt
  • David – Eli Jacobsen
  • Baby Angel Shirley – Michaela Battson
  • Baby Angel Juanita – Elise Rademacher
  • Baby Angel Norah – Norah Holcomb
  • Baby Angel Theo – Theo Bossart
  • Baby Angel Teddy – Teddy McDivitt
  • Baby Angel Lorelai – Lorelai McDivitt
  • Mrs. Armstrong – Cheryl Eresman
  • Mrs. Slocum – Vickie Greco
  • Mrs. Clark – Amy McDivitt
  • Mrs. McCarthy – Jessie Faye
  • Rev. Hopkins – Doug Bruening
  • Fireman/Orderly – Elias Dean

Performance dates:

  • Friday, December 1, 7:30pm – sold out!
  • Saturday, December 2, 7:30pm
  • Sunday, December 3, 2:00pm – sold out!
  • Thursday, December 7, 7:30pm – sold out!
  • Friday, December 8, 7:30pm
  • Saturday, December 9, 7:30pm – selling fast!
  • Sunday – December 10, 2:00pm – sold out!

Village Players of Fort Thomas is a vibrant community theatre, continually producing plays and musicals for almost 60 years. Our productions range across a spectrum of periods and styles, presented in our intimate, three-quarter-thrust performance space in the heart of Fort Thomas, Kentucky. We stage innovative and of-the-moment works alongside beloved classic pieces while serving as an incubator for new talent, ideas, and writing. Each season features four mainstage shows, including a family-friendly winter production, as well as a summer production of original short plays produced by the New Works branch of the group.

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November 27, 2023 · 6:12 pm

OTRimprov and Arnold’s Team Up Again to Make Your Holidays One-Of-A-Kind with THE NAUGHTY LIST

OTRi_The Naughty ListAn improvised dinner show that wants to know if you’ve been bad or good

December  5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 @ Arnold’s Bar & Grill

It’s a little bit naughtya and a little bit nice — but always a whole lot of fun — and is the only ticket in town guaranteeing you’ll never see the same show twice. OTRimprov, transforms the patio at Arnold’s Bar & Grill into a magical world to celebrate everything you love, and love to hate, about the holidays.

OTRimprov’s improvisers transport you to magical lands and create scenes you’re unlikely to forget. Whether showing how Santa would handle unexpected gift requests or reimagining your favorite holiday stories in magical ways, The Naughty List will fill your holidays with side-splitting laughs. Bring your cheer or your humbug; either way, you’ll help craft the incomparable experience only OTRimprov can provide.

On the tradition of The Naughty List, director Paul Wilson comments,

“Seeing families and friends come back year after year, to have them talk about their favorite moments and what they love about the experience is incredibly satisfying. And the people who discover us each year tell us how glad they are they found us and how they can’t wait to come back. All that and having it happen at Arnold’s, an iconic and uniquely Cincinnati location …it makes for a holiday tradition we are grateful to be a part of.”

And to delight even more of your senses, host Arnold’s Bar & Grill provides a delectable a la carte menu of dinner, drinks, and dessert for you to enjoy before and during the show. Audience members can arrive up to 90 minutes prior to the 7:30pm start time to feast – but please note that you must arrive no later than 7:00pm to guarantee dinner service. Dinner and drinks are not included in the ticket price. All parties are welcome and encouraged to request a reservation time for dinner when they purchase tickets at OTRimprov.com.

Cast in Alphabetical Order

  • Kevin Bauer
  • BJ Casey
  • Eileen Earnest
  • Amanda Monyhan
  • Julie Locker
  • Alison Strickland Rampa
  • Alanna Turner-Palmer

Production Team

  • Director – Paul Kerford Wilson

About OTRimprov
OTRimprov (OTRi) began in 2010 as a collection of wayward improvisers looking for like-minded performers and a place to play in Cincinnati. After headlining shows for the Little Big Night at Know Theatre of Cincinnati, we formed our own partnership with Know Theatre’s Jackson Street Market, a resource sharing program for fledgling companies, and began producing shows independently.

We continue to explore a variety of styles and formats, while developing a strong improv community populated with smart, engaging people and doing work that is collaborative, curious, and sometimes a little bit daring. We foster new talent through training and a welcoming atmosphere, where all performers feel inspired to explore and take risks.

Calendar Listing

THE NAUGHTY LIST
7:30pm December 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21

Dinner service from Arnold’s Bar & Grill is available at every performance. Audience members can arrive for dinner as early as 6:00pm but must arrive no later than 7:00pm to guarantee service. Dinner and drinks are not included in the ticket price. All parties are welcome and encouraged to place reservation times when they purchase tickets

Arnold’s Bar & Grill – 210 E 8th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

Tickets:       $20

Dinner and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting otrimprov.com

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