Category Archives: Press Releases

September 18, 2023 · 7:48 pm

Joey Votto Makes a Splash!

TCTC_Joey Votto

Cincinnati Reds First Baseman provides narration in The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition this October

Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is thrilled to announce that Cincinnati Reds First Baseman Joey Votto will lend his voice to their upcoming production of THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION.

Votto will be heard as the “French Narrator” in the show, introducing the audience to the world of Bikini Bottom. This marks the first time a Cincinnati Reds player has been featured in a The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati production.

Votto is the National League’s 2010 Most Valuable Player and Hank Aaron Award winner, a 6-time NL All-Star, and a Sporting News NL All-Star. He is the only Reds first baseman ever to win a Rawlings Gold Glove Award (2011) and Major League Baseball’s 2017 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award winner for exemplary contributions to his community. Votto received Most Valuable Player Award votes 8 times in the last 13 seasons and was voted 6 times by the Cincinnati chapter of the BBWAA the Ernie Lombardi Award as the Reds’ MVP. Joey Votto was born in Toronto, Ontario, and grew up in the city of Etobicoke. He is fluent in French.

“We are so thankful to Joey Votto and his team for being a part of the 23-24 TCT Season,” says TCT Managing Director and CEO Kim Kern. “Our audiences will enjoy hearing a Cincinnati icon bring this character to life.”

Please note: Joey Votto will not appear live at the Taft Theatre. Only his voice recording is being used.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 23-24 MainStage Season opens with THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION at the Taft Theatre October 14-23, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/the-spongebob-musical/.

“TCT is making a splash with our season opener THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION! With songs from Cyndi Lauper to T.I. to Lady A, this musical brings to life the characters of Bikini Bottom. This show will have the whole family singing and dancing out of the theatre!” says Artistic Director, Roderick Justice.

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION is a 60-minute musical adaptation based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg. Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up. The power of optimism really can save the world!

Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg. Book by Kyle Jarrow. Musical Production Conceived by Tina Landau. Original Songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants, T.I. And Songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley. Additional Lyrics by Jonathan Coulton / Additional Music by Tom Kitt. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.

Stage Direction and Co-Choreography by Maddie Jones. Roderick Justice, Artistic Director and Co-Choreographer. Dani Lobello, Director of Production. Scenic Design by Nate Bertone. Sets and Props provided by Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. Lighting Design by Benjamin Gantose. Costume Design by Jeff Shearer. Music Direction by Jacob Priddy. Sound Production by Don Moore. Technical Direction by Ben Adams and Maggie Foley. Resident Stage Manager, Jadi Davis.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs 60 minutes without an intermission.

Showtimes for THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION include:

  • Saturday, October 14 at 2PM (ASL interpretation will be offered at this performance.)
  • Saturday, October 14 at 5PM
  • Sunday, October 15 at 2PM
  • Friday, October 20 at 7PM
  • Saturday, October 21 at 11AM
  • Saturday, October 21 at 2PM
  • Sunday, October 22 at 2PM

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION is made possible by Dress Run Sponsor TriHealth, Production Sponsor The Summit Hotel, and Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation. 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. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION, 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
  • CHRISTIAN ARIAS…Ensemble
  • BRAXTON BELL…. Electric Skate/Ensemble
  • RHYS BOATWRIGHT……. Live Foley Artist
  • EMMARIE BREWER…. Ensemble
  • *BRINLEY CULVER…. Ensemble
  • KRISTEN DAS …. Pearl Krabs
  • IAN TIMOTHY FORSGREN…. Electric Skate/Ensemble
  • JOSH GALLOWAY…. SpongeBob SquarePants
  • ANNA LEIGH GORTNER…. Ensemble
  • ALEC HARRISON……Perch Perkins
  • TOMMI LEA HARSCH……Sandy Cheeks
  • BOB HERZOG…. Sheldon J. Plankton
  • EMILY HILBRECHT…Ensemble
  • HENRY HOWLAND…. Squidward Tentacles
  • BRANDI LA’SHERRILL…. Mayor of Bikini Bottom
  • *ELLI MADDOCK…. Ensemble
  • AARON MARSHALL…. Patrick Star
  • BOBBY MONTANIZ…. Mr. Krabs
  • *KIP RICHARDSON…. Ensemble Swing
  • MAKENZIE RUFF…. Karen
  • ELEXIS SELMON…. Ensemble
  • KATE STARK…. Ensemble
  • COLLIN BROGAN STINNETT…. Ensemble
  • *KEYA VADIVELU…Ensemble
  • JORDAN WARD…. Ensemble

Understudies
For Perch and Plankton: Jude Abella; for Patrick and Mr. Krabs: Braxton Bell; for SpongeBob: Ian Timothy Forsgren; for Mayor: Emily Hilbrecht; for Sandy: Elli Maddock; for Pearl Krabs and Karen: Elexis Selmon; for Squidward: Collin Brogan Stinnett 

*Denotes TCT’s Young Artists Company

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: YOUTH EDITION is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com 

-end-

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

September 18, 2023 · 7:39 pm

The Drama Workshop Presents THE TIN WOMAN Sept. 29-Oct. 15

TDW_The Tin WomanInstead of relishing life after her heart transplant, Joy enters a downward spiral, unsure whether she truly deserves a second chance. Meanwhile, Alice and Hank mourn the loss of their son, Jack, whose heart was used to save Joy.

At a friend’s urging, Joy tracks down Jack’s family to find closure. But are Alice, Hank, and their daughter Sammy ready to accept Jack’s death? Based on a true story, “The Tin Woman” uses humor and pathos to explore loss, family, and what it means to be given new life.

Written by Sean Grennan and directed by Jerry Wiesenhahn , the play has been performed across the U.S. and around the world.

Cast:

  • JOY – Kendra Dunahugh
  • HANK – Christie Bishop
  • JACK – Dan Maloney
  • ALICE – Rose Vanden Eynden
  • SAMMY – Jessie Faye
  • NURSE/DARLA – Rachel Brown

“We all say things to loved ones in “the heat of the moment” and sometimes we don’t get the chance to apologize or make amends and that is what drew me to this play and the character of Hank,” said Bishop.

Show dates and times:

Friday, September 29, 8:00 PM
Saturday, September 30, 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 1, 2:00 PM

Friday, October 6, 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 7, 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 8, 2:00 PM

Thursday, October 12, 7:30 PM
Friday, October 13, 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 14, 8:00 PM
Sunday, October 15, 2:00 PM

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

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.

Are you registered as an organ donor? Find out more here: https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up. You can provide lifesaving organs to as many as eight people.

Produced through a special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

September 18, 2023 · 7:25 pm

RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles | Sat., April 20, 2024 | Aronoff Center

TAKE A JOURNEY THROUGH THE ERAS WITH
RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

CAA_Rain

THIS MIND-BLOWING PERFORMANCE TRANSPORTS YOU BACK TO THE ICONIC ERAS OF SGT. PEPPER AND MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR, ALONG WITH ALL YOUR FAVORITE HITS

April 20, 2024
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall
Tickets on sale Friday, September 22

CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:  RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles
                             Featuring Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour

WHEN: Saturday, April 20, 2024 – 8:00 PM

WHERE: Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

PRICE: $80.00 | $70.00 | $60.00 | $50.00 | $40.00. 10%-off groups of ten or more.
            Additional service fees may apply. Prices subject to change.

INFO: RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles is excited to take you on an electrifying journey through the eras with Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour as well as all of your other Beatle’s favorites! This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!” (Associated Press).

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale Friday, September 22 at 10:00 AM

  • www.CincinnatiArts.org
  • (513) 621-ARTS [2787]
  • Aronoff Center Ticket Office
  • Group sales (10 or more): (513) 977-4157

[Cincinnati, OH] – RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles is excited to take you on an electrifying journey through the eras with Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour as well as all of your other Beatle’s favorites! The popular theatrical concert comes to the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 8:00 PM as part of Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2023-24 Season. This is the tenth time that CAA has presented RAIN in Cincinnati.

Tickets go on sale Friday, September 22 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.

This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!” (Associated Press). RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles is an electrifying concert experience celebrating the timeless music of the legendary fab four. With note-for-note precision, this mind-blowing performance transports you back to the iconic eras of Sgt. Pepper and Magical Mystery Tour, along with all your favorite hits. From energetic classics to reflective favorites, the band delivers an unforgettable performance that appeals to fans old and new. With vibrant costumes and psychedelic visuals, RAIN creates a stunning concert full of nostalgia and good vibes.

Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture, and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-note performance that’s as infectious as it is transporting. Let RAIN take you back with all of the greatest hits along with all of your other Beatles favorites! RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles promises an extraordinary journey through the eras that captivates hearts and inspires all generations.

Like The Beatles, the onstage members of RAIN are not only supreme musicians, but electrifying performers in their own right!

For more information on tour dates, visit: http://www.raintribute.com.

JOIN the conversation with RAIN on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RainTribute, Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/raintribute/, and YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/RainTribute

# # #

CINCINNATI ARTS ASSOCIATION SPONSORS 

SEASON SPONSORS:  AMERITAS (Founding Season Sponsor), FIFTH THIRD BANK (Lifetime Endowment Partner), LOCAL 12 WKRC-TV, The P&G FUND of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, TRI-STATE CHEVY DEALERS 

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSORS:  21C Museum Hotel, Cincinnati Herald, CityBeat, Fairfield Inn & Suites Cincinnati Uptown/University Area, Harlan Graphics, Heidelberg Distributing, Kinley Cincinnati, Pepsi, Skyline Chili, TriHealth

#  #  #

Leave a comment

Filed under Events, Press Releases

Tagged as

September 12, 2023 · 6:12 am

MORE ROOM TO PLAY, Kaplan New Works Opens Friday at the Aronoff

CB_More Room to Play60th Anniversary Season kicks off with ‘New Works,’ Sept. 15-24

Cincinnati, OH (September 11, 2023) –Cincinnati Ballet opens its Diamond 60th Anniversary season with MORE ROOM TO PLAY, Kaplan New Works, at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, Jarson-Kaplan Theater, September 15–24. MORE ROOM TO PLAY features three world premieres from choreographers Tiler Peck, Houston Thomas and David Morse. The program also features an evocative piece from San Francisco-based choreographer Amy Seiwert and completing the program is a work from Cincinnati Ballet artistic collaborator Jennifer Archibald. Here is a breakdown of each of the five featured contemporary ballets.

WORLD PREMIERE | Choreographer Tiler Peck | Balederrama
Superstar New York City Ballet principal dancer and emerging choreographer Tiler Peck created her new work, “Balderamma” for Cincinnati Ballet. “The power of music to bring people together is ultimately my inspiration for this piece,” Peck explained. “The song ‘Balderrama’ is a tribute to a traditional folk music club located in the city of Salta, Argentina, called Lo de Balderrama. The first stanza sets the scene at a canal, where at dawn the night comes to an end with the sound of singing coming from Lo de Balderrama. This is a place where the music is played and everyone dances and feels the rhythm deep in their bones.”

WORLD PREMIERE | Choreographer Houston Thomas | In The Smoke
Houston Thomas, Dresden, Germany-based choreographer and second soloist with the Dresden Semperoper Ballett draws from his own experience with love and loss to create a hauntingly beautiful study on passion and grief.

WORLD PREMIERE | Choreographer David Morse | MORE ROOM TO PLAY
Choreographer David Morse is the vision behind Kaplan New Works title piece, MORE ROOM TO PLAY. Originally conceived as a dance film during the pandemic, Morse has expanded it into a colorful, propulsive work sure to leave you smiling.

Choreographer Amy Seiwert | It’s Not a Cry
California-based choreographer Amy Seiwert, who is also the Associate Artistic Director for renowned contemporary ballet company, Smuin, creates a gorgeous pas de deux to a rendition of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’ by popular musician Jeff Buckley.

Choreographer Jennifer Archibald | Quem Viver, Verá, (“He Who Lives Shall See”)
Longtime Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Collaborator Jennifer Archibald is back with Quem Viver, Verá, (“He Who Lives Shall See”) a dance for five men. The piece is sensual and hypnotic. “Muscular and forceful, the men pass phrases from one sliver of light to the next. But most memorable is just how raw the movement feels.” David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2018

The annual program has gained a cult following with Cincinnati audiences who are first to experience groundbreaking world premieres by some of the world’s most sought-after choreographers in an intimate theater setting that accommodates only three hundred patrons.

Tickets for The Kaplan New Works Series are on sale now, with seating limited to some performances. For more information visit http://www.cballet.org.

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet

WHAT: MORE ROOM TO PLAY, Kaplan New Works

WHEN:

  • Friday, September 14 at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, September 15 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, September 16 at 1 pm
  • Thursday, September 21 at 7:30 pm
  • Friday, September 22 at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, September 23 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, September 24 at 1 pm

WHERE:

Aronoff Center for the Arts, Jarson-Kaplan Theater
650 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, Ohio

TICKETS: Call 513.621.5282 or visit cballet.org

Cincinnati Ballet 2023-2024 Season Sponsors:

PNC, Margaret and Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, H.B., E.W. & F.R. Luther Foundation, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

September 12, 2023 · 6:08 am

DOUBLEWIDE, TEXAS Opens Village Players Season Friday, Sept. 29

VP_Doublewide TexasVillage Players of Fort Thomas is excited to announce their season will open with the comedy DOUBLEWIDE, TEXAS by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. Directed by Fred Murrell and produced by Betsy Bossart, Doublewide, Texas, will be presented in six performances over two weeks Friday, September 29 through Saturday, October 7, 2023. at the Village Players Theater, 8 N Fort Thomas Ave., Fort Thomas, KY 41075. Performances will commence at 8 pm, except for Sunday, October 1st, which starts at 2 pm.

Doublewide, Texas features the work of playwrights Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten and the acting talents of Ryan Britton, Tim Carney, Cat Cook, Jimmy Jackson, Helen Merritt, Kathryn Muck, Megan Schultheis, Susan Smith, and Suzanne Stymiest. The stage manager is Stephanie Garvey.

Doublewide, Texas is a fast-paced comedy where the inhabitants of the smallest trailer park in Texas suddenly realize the town of Tugaloo is determined to annex them. Rollicking mayhem ensues as residents attempt to secede from Texas! Grab your Stetson and come on over to Doublewide, Texas, where life is double the fun, double the joy, and where you’ll double over with laughter!

Tickets are $20 and available online at villageplayers.org.

  • FRI, SEP 29th at 8 pm
  • SAT, SEP 30th at 8 pm
  • SUN, OCT 1st at 2 pm
  • THUR, OCT 5th at 8 pm
  • FRI, OCT 6th at 8 pm
  • SAT, OCT 7th at 8 pm. 

“This is a very funny show,” said director Fred Murrell. “The cast is working hard to keep a straight face on stage.” Producer Betsy Bossart adds, “At the first readthrough, this cast had hilarious timing and camaraderie, and they haven’t let up since. Don’t miss this hilarious ride!”

Featuring:

  • Big Ethel Satterwhite – Suzanne Stymiest
  • Georgia Dean Rudd– Cat Cook
  • Lark Barken – Helen Merritt
  • Norwayne “Baby” Crumpler – Jimmy Jackson
  • Haywood Sloggett – Tim Carney
  • Joveeta Crumpler – Megan Schultheis
  • Caprice Crumpler – Susan Smith
  • Lomax Tanner – Ryan Britton
  • Starla Pudney – Kathryn Muck

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as