Category Archives: Press Releases

November 14, 2023 · 6:34 pm

2024-2025 Season Announced by Beavercreek Community Theatre

bctBeavercreek Community Theatre is absolutely thrilled to announce our 2024-2025 Season Make sure to follow us for audition and event information, and visit us at www.bctheatre.org.

A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE
Book by Terrance McNally, Music by Stephen Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Directed by Matthew Smith
Production : 08/23/24 – 09/1/24
Auditions: July 1 & 2, 2024

THE SUGAR WITCH
By Nathan Sanders
Directed by Doug Lloyd
Production: 10/25/24 – 11/3/24
Auditions: September 9 & 10 2024

DIE MOMMIE DIE
By Charles Bausch
Directed by Chris Harmon
Production: 1/17/25 – 1/26/25
Auditions: November 4 & 5, 2024

ANGEL STREET
By Patrick Hamilton
Directed by David Shough
Production : 3/7/25 – 3/16/25
Auditions : January 27 & 28, 2025

REEFER MADNESS
Book by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney, Music by Dan Studney, Lyrics by Kevin Murphy
Directed by Matt Owens
Production: 4/25/25 – 5/4/25
Auditions: March 3 & 4, 2025

THE UNDERSTUDY
By Theresa Rebeck
Directed by Debra Kent
Production: 6/20/25 – 6/29/25
Auditions: May 5 & 6, 2025

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November 13, 2023 · 11:39 am

Cincinnati Opera and CCM to Workshop Two New Operas–TWO CORNERS and BULRUSHER— Through Opera Fusion: New Works Partnership This Winter

 Both workshops culminate in free, public performances of excerpts on December 17 (TWO CORNERS) and January 24 (BULRUSHER)

CINCINNATI (November 13, 2023)—Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) have announced the next two operas to be workshopped through their joint program, Opera Fusion: New Works.

Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) is co-directed by Robin Guarino, professor of opera at CCM, and Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera, and provides composers and librettists the opportunity to collaborate with singers and creative personnel to refine their operas-in-progress.

TWO CORNERS Creative Team

CO_Two Corners Team

In December 2023, OF:NW will host a workshop for Two Corners, with music by B.E. Boykin and libretto by Jarrod Lee. Commissioned by Finger Lakes Opera and slated for a 2024 world premiere, Two Corners explores the evolving friendship of a Black woman, Florine, and a white woman, Sarah, during the unrest of the Civil Rights movement. Told through a series of flashbacks, Florine and Sarah reflect on their different perspectives of race, friendship, and the status quo.

A public performance of excerpts from Two Corners will take place on December 17, 2023, at 4 p.m. (ET) at Cincinnati Music Hall’s Wilks Studio (1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202).

BULRUSHER Creative Team

CO_Bulrusher Team

In January 2024, OF:NW will mount a second stage workshop for the new opera, Bulrusher, featuring music by Nathaniel Stookey and a libretto by Stookey and Eisa Davis, based on Davis’s play of the same name, which was shortlisted for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize. The work was commissioned by West Edge Opera and received an initial OF:NW workshop in 2021. The opera is a coming-of-age story about an African American girl growing up in Northern California’s remote Anderson Valley in 1955. Found in a basket by the river, she is raised by the local schoolteacher and has never seen anyone who looks like her until a young Black woman from Alabama comes to town. Meeting someone like herself provokes her political, sexual, and identity awakening.

A public performance of excerpts from Bulrusher will take place on January 24, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. (ET) at Cincinnati Music Hall’s Wilks Studio (1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202).

Admission to the public performances is free, though seating is limited and reservations are required. Reservations are available beginning Monday, November 13, 2023, at 12 noon (ET) by calling 513-241-2742 or visiting cincinnatiopera.org.

Opera Fusion: New Works is generously funded by the Mellon Foundation.

About Opera Fusion: New Works

Funded through a generous gift from the Mellon Foundation, Opera Fusion: New Works (OF:NW) is a partnership between Cincinnati Opera and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) dedicated to fostering the development of new American operas. This collaboration is jointly led by Robin Guarino, professor of opera at CCM, and Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director of Cincinnati Opera. OF:NW offers composers or composer/librettist teams the opportunity to workshop an opera during a residency in Cincinnati. Residencies utilize the facilities, personnel, and talent of both Cincinnati Opera and CCM. The workshops are cast with a combination of CCM students and professional artists, and each workshop concludes with a free public presentation of excerpts followed by an audience Q&A session. For more information, visit ofnw.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. 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.

About CCM
Nationally ranked and internationally renowned, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is a preeminent institution for the performing and media arts. The school’s educational roots date back to 1867, and a solid, visionary instruction has been at its core since that time. CCM offers nine degree types (BA, BM, BFA, MFA, MM, MA, AD, DMA, PhD) in nearly 120 possible majors, along with a wide variety of pre-collegiate and post-graduate programs.

Declared a top college vocal program by Backstage Magazine and described as “one of the continent’s major music schools,” by the Toronto Star, CCM’s Departments of Opera and Voice provide one of the most comprehensive training programs for opera singers, coaches, and directors in the United States. CCM offers an international faculty of dedicated educators who are also celebrated professionals in their own right, widely and currently active in their respective fields. Several national opera companies hold auditions at the conservatory, and CCM students frequently advance to the final rounds of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. CCM graduates have performed on the stages of the world’s greatest opera companies, including Cincinnati Opera, the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Royal Opera (London), La Scala (Italy), and more. To learn more, visit ccm.uc.edu.

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November 13, 2023 · 10:46 am

WINTER WONDERETTES Opens Dec. 1

TDW_Winter Wonderettes1The all-female vocal group, The Wonderettes, is entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware holiday party in 1968. When Santa turns up missing, the women use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party.

Featuring great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is a feel-good holiday romp.

This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!

Written by Roger Bean, directed by Linda Abbott and produced by Dennis Murphy, this holiday show is a sequel to “ The Marvelous Wonderettes ,” which played off-Broadway, across the U.S. and in the United Kingdom.

Show dates and times:

Friday, December 1, 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 2, 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 3, 2:00 PM

Friday, December 8, 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 9, 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 10, 2:00 PM

Thursday, December 14, 7:30 PM
Friday, December 15, 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 16, 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 17, 2:00 PM

All performances are at The Glenmore Playhouse, 3716 Glenmore Ave. Cheviot.

Cast:

  • Betty Jean – Clare Hingsbergen
  • Cindy Lou – Virginia Venegas
  • Missy – Kelley Flaugher
  • Suzy – Mary Ann Sprague

Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. Tickets may be purchased by calling the TDW ticket line at 513-598-8303 or by ordering online at www.thedramaworkshop.org.

Cast and crew are vaccinated against Covid-19. Patrons and volunteers are not required to wear a mask while inside the Glenmore Playhouse.

Produced by special arrangement with Stage Rights (www.stagerights.com)

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November 9, 2023 · 6:24 pm

Holy Play of Obligation: One-Nun Show LATE NITE CATECHISM Extended to Dec. 23

PIP_Late Nite Catechism1

Photo of Beth Ward as Sister. Photo by Mikki Schaffner

CINCINNATI (Nov. 9, 2023) – LATE NITE CATECHISM, one of the longest-running shows in Chicago and U.S. theater history, will extend its run at Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre through Dec. 23. The production features Beth Ward as Sister and is presented by Entertainment Events, Inc.

More than 10 million people worldwide (in 410 cities and 6 countries) have experienced the phenomenon of LATE NITE CATECHISM, and now Cincinnati audiences will have seven additional opportunities to see the show that The Hollywood Reporter called “a laugh-filled evening for all cultures, classes and religions.”

In this playful and compassionate send-up of Catholic culture, audience members are students in Sister’s catechism class, where she is subbing in for Father Murphy. Sister rules with an iron fist and teaches the class however she wants. Sister weaves stories into a hilarious tapestry that laughs at the quirks of the church while simultaneously embracing them. Meanwhile, she’s not afraid to stop class to call out her misbehaving students.

“A strong nun is a strong teacher,” Vicki Quade, who co-wrote the play with Maripat Donovan told Loyola Press. “Women will say that by example, nuns showed them how to be a strong woman, how to be in charge, that it’s not a man’s world. You can do whatever you want to do in life. Many women saw nuns as positive influences in their life.”

The performance blends quick-witted stand-up comedy and improvisational crowd work, ensuring that every show is a unique experience. The Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre’s intimate seating arrangement further enhances the feeling of immersion into Sister’s world.

LATE NITE CATECHISM boasts an impressive 30 years of performances, surpassing the longevity of The Lion King in New York City. It was originally conceived and produced at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan. The show has spawned 8 sequels, including holiday specials for Christmas, Easter and Halloween.

CAST/PRODUCTION

  • Beth Ward – Sister
  • Maripat Donovan – Playwright
  • Vicki Quade – Playwright
  • Marc Silvia – Director
  • Jennifer Rhodus – Set Designer
  • Marly Wooster – Lighting Designer
  • Andrea L. Shell – Stage Manager
  • Entertainment Events, Inc. – Producer

TICKETS

Tickets begin at $35.00. Child and teen tickets begin at $33.50. Prices vary depending on performance. Opening night is Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. 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 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. 9 at 7:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT!)
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights with a lively post-show cast party.

ART TALKS (Formerly Meet the Artists)

  • Sun, Nov.12 at 2 p.m.
  • Sun, Nov.19 at 2 p.m.
  • Wed, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thu, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.

ADVISORY
LATE NITE CATECHISM is appropriate for audiences 12 and up and contains no strong language. It does include some audience interaction and promises lots of fun.

SPONSORS
Artist Sponsor is 1919 Investment Counsel. Honorary Producer is Charles and Joann Mead. Season Sponsor is The Vontz Family.

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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ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS, INC. (Producer) is based in New York City.  EEI has made its mark on the theatrical touring industry by offering a variety of new and exciting plays and musicals to an ever growing list of professional presenting organizations throughout the country. In addition EEI has performed over 1500 fundraising events for schools, church groups, and private parties. EEI brings all aspects of producing under one roof: sales, production, casting, creative and technical. EEI productions have been produced and presented in all 50 states as well as in Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. Since 1999 EEI has produced; Late Nite Catechism: The Series, Maybe Baby, It’s You, The Yiddish Are Coming, The Yiddish Are Coming!, Shout! The Mod Musical, Tony N Tina’s Wedding, Defending the Caveman, We’re Still Hot! The Musical and are former producers of Jeanie Linders’ Menopause The Musical. EEI is now proud to present Girls Night: The Musical, ‘Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical, Dishing With the Divas, Help! My Husband Has Gone Missing: My Daughter is Getting Married & I Am Having Hot Flashes!, Panties In A Twist, Cuff Me: The Fifty Shades of Grey Musical Parody, Late Nite Catechism, Sister Strikes Again!: Late Nite Catechism 2, ’Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3, Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold, Sister’s Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?, Late Nite Catechism Las Vegas: Sister Rolls the Dice!, Sister’s Summer School Catechism: God Never Takes a Vacation!, Sister’s Back to School Catechism: The Holy Ghost and Other Terrifying Tales!

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November 8, 2023 · 6:00 pm

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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STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH ALL THINGS BROADWAY IN CINCINNATI:
Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @BroadwayCincy

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 King, Wicked, 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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