Category Archives: Press Releases

July 17, 2023 · 8:18 pm

Peer into the MURDER ROOM July 28-Aug. 13 at The Drama Workshop

TDW_The Murder Room

Alicia Friedman as Mavis. Christie Bishop as Edgar. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

“Murder Room” is a zany, farcical whodunit featuring newlyweds Edgar and Mavis. Two days after their wedding, Edgar discovers Mavis is worse than unfaithful. After her first attempt to kill him by poisoning his cocoa fails, Mavis resorts to shooting him and then returning to her lover. Chaos and complications reign when it transpires that the shots were blanks and Edgar’s body has vanished!

Fans of slapstick, mystery spoofs and witty dialogue will love this (the play, not Mavis!)

Written by Jack Sharkey and directed by Darren Lee, the play has been performed around the world.

Cast: 

  • Edgar/Abel – Christie Bishop
  • Mavis – Alicia Friedman
  • James – John Dorney
  • Susan – Kaitlin Schiltz
  • Barry – Ben Lacy
  • Lottie – Susan Smith

Show dates and times:

  • Friday, July 28, 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, July 29, 8:00 PM
  • Sunday, July 30, 2:00 PM
  • Friday, August 4, 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, August 5, 8:00 PM
  • Sunday, August 6, 2:00 PM
  • Thursday, August 10, 7:30 PM
  • Friday, August 11, 8:00 PM
  • Saturday, August 12, 8:00 PM
  • Sunday, August 13, 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.

Produced through a special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.  

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The Drama Workshop (TDW) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education and promotion of the theatrical arts. Founded in 1954, TDW is widely recognized as one of greater Cincinnati’s most accomplished community theater organizations, garnering dozens of awards annually from the Association of Community Theatres (ACT) of Greater Cincinnati. It has been recognized by the Cincinnati Preservation Association for its efforts to rehabilitate the former Glenmore Bowl into The Glenmore Playhouse.

Prospective members, and individuals or businesses interested in becoming involved or in helping advance TDW’s mission are encouraged to contact the group through our website at www.thedramaworkshop.org, or by phone at 513-598-8303.

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July 16, 2023 · 7:47 pm

LORE LIVE | Sun., Oct. 29, 2023 | Music Hall

CAA_Lore LoveLore Live
   Because sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.

October 29, 2023
Music Hall – Springer Auditorium
Tickets on sale Friday, July 14

CALENDAR INFORMATION

WHAT:                Lore Live

WHEN:                Sunday, October 29, 2023 – 7:30 PM

WHERE:              Music Hall – Springer Auditorium

PRICE:                 $60.00 | $50.00 | $45.00 | $40.00. Additional service fees may apply.

INFO:                  Join Lore creator Aaron Mahnke and composer Chad Lawson for an unforgettable night of thrillingly dark storytelling when they bring their acclaimed podcast Lore to Music Hall LIVE – just in time for Halloween. Lore is the award-winning, critically acclaimed podcast all about true life scary stories. Each episode exposes the darker side of history by exploring the creatures, people, and places of our wildest nightmares.

TICKET INFORMATION – on sale Friday, July 14 at 10:00 AM

[Cincinnati, OH] – Join Lore creator Aaron Mahnke and composer Chad Lawson for an unforgettable night of thrillingly dark storytelling when they bring their acclaimed podcast Lore to Music Hall on Sunday, October 29 at 7:30 PM – just in time for Halloween. The event is part of the Cincinnati Arts Association’s 2023-24 Season.

Tickets go on sale Friday, July 14 at 10:00 AM at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.

Lore is the award-winning, critically acclaimed podcast all about true life scary stories. Each episode exposes the darker side of history by exploring the creatures, people, and places of our wildest nightmares. Experience the show that inspired a television adaptation and book series!

Because sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.

Lore is the winner of iTunes’ “Best of 2015” and “Best of 2016,” and the Academy of Podcasters’ “Best History Podcast 2016.” Each episode examines a new dark historical tale in a modern campfire experience. With more than 40,000 5-star reviews on Apple Podcasts, and a half-billion listens, that’s clearly a good thing. New episodes are released every other Monday.

For me information, visit www.lorepodcast.com.

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

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July 10, 2023 · 8:07 pm

MJ Individual Tickets on Sale July 14

BIC_MJ 1287

Myles Frost and Cast. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

THE FOUR-TIME TONY AWARD®-WINNING NEW MUSICAL
IS STARTIN’ SOMETHIN’ IN CINCINNATI 

SEPTEMBER 5-17 AT ARONOFF CENTER 

“MJ IS A RUNAWAY HIT!”
Peter Marks, The Washington Post

“A GORGEOUSLY EXECUTED, BRILLIANTLY CHOREOGRAPHED CELEBRATION.”
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune 

CINCINNATI – Producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, John McClain and Broadway in Cincinnati are thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the smash-hit musical, MJ, will go on sale starting July 14 at 10 am. As part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati 23/24 series presented by TriHealth, MJ makes its Ohio premiere at the Aronoff Center September 5 – 17. Tickets will be available online at CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513.621.ARTS or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office, downtown.

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Cincinnati as MJ, the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.

Roman Banks (Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”) will play the title role of ‘MJ’. Joining him in the First National Tour cast will be Jamaal Fields-Green (MJ – Alternate), Brandon Lee Harris (Michael), Josiah Benson (Little Michael), Ethan Joseph (Little Michael), Devin Bowles (Joseph Jackson/Rob), Mary Kate Moore (Rachel), J. Daughtry (Berry Gordy/Nick), Josh A. Dawson (Tito Jackson/Quincy Jones), Jaylen Lyndon Hunter (Little Marlon), Matt Loehr (Dave), Da’Von Moody (Alejandro) and Anastasia Talley (Katherine Jackson/Kate).

The ensemble includes JoJo Carmichael (Swing/ Assistant Dance Captain), Croix DiIenno (Ensemble), Kellie Drobnick (Ensemble), Kyle Dupree (Swing/Dance Captain), Zuri Noelle Ford (Swing), Jahir L. Hipps (Swing), Bryson Jacobi Jackson (Jermaine Jackson/Ensemble), Rajané Katurah (Swing), Jordan Markus (MJ/Michael understudy),  Matteo Marretta (Ensemble), Janayé McAlpine (Ensemble), Jay McKenzie (Jackie Jackson/Ensemble), Kendrick Mitchell (Swing), Chelsea Mitchell-Bonsu (Ensemble),  Zion Pradier (Swing), Ayla Stackhouse (Swing), Brion Marquis Watson (Marlon Jackson/Ensemble), Charles P. Way (Swing) and Malcolm Miles Young (Randy Jackson/Ensemble).

The MJ creative team features Scenic Design by two-time Tony and Emmy Award winner Derek McLane, Lighting Design by seven-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, Costume Design by Tony and Emmy Award winner Paul Tazewell, Sound Design by Tony Award winner Gareth Owen, Projection Design by two-time Tony Award nominee Peter Nigrini, Hair & Wig Design by two-time Emmy Award nominee Charles LaPointe and Makeup Design by Emmy nominee Joe Dulude II. The creative team also features Musical Supervision by Tony Award nominee David Holcenberg, Orchestrations and Arrangements by David Holcenberg and Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb, and Music Direction by Victor Simonson.  Casting by The Telsey Office / Rachel Hoffman, CSA, Lindsay Levine, CSA.

The MJ First National Tour is general managed by Bespoke Theatricals.  The stage management team is led by Production Stage Manager Shawn Pennington, Stage Manager Geoff Maus and Assistant Stage Managers Maya Bhatnagar and Nia J. Blizzard. The company management team is led by Company Manager Justin T. Scholl and Assistant Company Manager Tameka Sadler.

MJ is produced on Broadway and tour by Lia Vollack, John Branca and John McClain.

MJ  will play the Aronoff Center from September 5 – 17, 2023: 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 $43 and can be found 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.

For more information worldwide, visit:  www.mjthemusical.com  ● Facebook ● Twitter ● Instagram.

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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 and Group Sales Box Office.  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, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. Current and past productions include Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge! and To Kill A Mockingbird. 

The John Gore Organization is the leading developer, producer, distributor and marketer of Broadway theatre 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, and Group Sales Box Office. 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.

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July 10, 2023 · 7:58 pm

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Announces Winner of Fifth Annual PLAY/WRITE: The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwriting Competition

ETC_logo(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is pleased to announce the winner of the fifth annual PLAY/write: The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwriting Competition. The annual collegiate competition nurtures local aspiring dramatists who are helping to shape the future of American theatre and provides a $2,500 juried cash award to support the early work and career of each winner along with staged professional readings of their scripts.

The winner of this year’s prize is Joyce Evelyn Deaton (Northern Kentucky University) for her play Both Hands, which will receive a full-length staged professional reading on August 6, 2023, at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.

An earlier draft of Both Hands was submitted and received honorable mention in the 2022 competition. The panel of judges were very impressed that the playwright took the time to revisit, rework, and refine her play and submit an updated, more streamlined draft of the piece.

About the Competition
The competition commemorates the life and work of writer, critic, and theatre enthusiast Jackie Demaline. A passionate arts advocate, Ms. Demaline served as an important catalyst for change in the theater community and was an entertainment writer and editor for numerous publications. Her legacy lives on through this competition, providing professional development for emerging writers, amplifying new voices and perspectives, and kick-starting arts careers. 

About the Play

Both Hands by Joyce Evelyn Deaton
Jackie and Niamh, childhood best friends turned strangers, reconnect after ending up at the same university, in the same math class, hours away from home and desperately in search of a carpool. Through road trip conversation over the course of the 1993­–1994 school year, the girls explore the meaning of home, religion, sexuality, love, friendship, and survival. 

About the Playwright
Joyce Evelyn Deaton graduated from Northern Kentucky University with her BA in theatre with an interest in directing, playwriting, and dramaturgy. She is the president and lead producer of the student theatre organization The Henry Konstantinow Studio Theatre, which produces a season of entirely student-run, directed, designed, and produced black box theatre. In her time as president, the organization has doubled in size, funds, and allocated amounts for student productions. She also spearheaded the creation of The Henry Konstantinow Arts Accessibility grant, which assists student directors who may not otherwise have the means to produce and fund their own shows. Other credits include Mr. Burns, a post-electric play (director), NKU’s Twelfth Night (assistant director), NKU/The Carnegie’s Keeper of the Realm (assistant director), and NKU’s Peter and the Starcatcher (dramaturg).

Performance Information
The reading will take place at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Registration is required for this free event and can be reserved online at www.ensemblecincinnati.org or by calling (513) 421-3555.

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2023-2024 Season Presenting Sponsor is the LKC Foundation.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.

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July 7, 2023 · 8:09 pm

A Powerful Portrait of Jazz Legend Billie Holiday Opens at The Carnegie in Covington, KY.  

TC_Lady DayThe biomusical, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL runs July 15–August 20. 

COVINGTON, Ky. (July 4, 2023) – This summer, The Carnegie is inviting audiences back in time to 1959 with the biomusical, LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL. This gripping theatrical experience will take audiences on an unforgettable journey into the life and artistry of the legendary Billie Holiday, who is to be portrayed by decorated local actress Brandi La’Sherrill. Performances for LADY DAY… run July 15 through August 20, 2023. 

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL is a riveting portrait of Billie Holiday and the songs that made her famous. In a captivating evening of story and song, audiences will be transported to the gritty Philadelphia bar where the legendary jazz singer gave one of her final public performances in 1959. The hard-hitting musical chronicles the singer’s life story and celebrates the music she gave the world including “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Strange Fruit,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do.” 

LADY DAY… will be brought to life by Director Darnell Pierre Benjamin, who recently received acclaim for the sold-out run of SWEAT at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Benjamin is returning to The Carnegie after choreographing its 2018 production of DREAMGIRLS. Also joining the creative team is Music Director Jason Alexander Holmes, the Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Boychoir. Holmes is making his Carnegie homecoming as well: in 2021 he music directed their outdoor production of The Wonderful Music of Oz. Additionally, Holmes is known for working with local organizations like The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Opera.  

With her magnetic stage presence and soulful vocal prowess, Brandi La’Sherrill is set to mesmerize audiences as Billie Holiday. La’Sherrill is a Resident Artist at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati and a five-time BroadwayWorld Cincinnati Award Winner. 

“We are thrilled to have Brandi La’Sherrill bring her immense talent to the stage as she takes on the iconic role of Billie Holiday,” said Director of Theatre, Tyler Gabbard. “Brandi will undoubtedly deliver a gripping performance that showcases both Holiday’s extraordinary talent and turbulent personal life.” 

La’Sherrill will be supported on piano by local musician and Northern Kentucky University graduate Devon Moore, also known as Dev Marvelous. 

Tickets to LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting thecarnegie.com.  

The Carnegie season continues this summer with KINKY BOOTS and GUYS AND DOLLS: 

KINKY BOOTS, the winner of six Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, is a huge-hearted, high-heeled hit featuring music and lyrics by pop legend Cyndi Lauper. Factory owner Charlie is struggling to save his business when he meets Lola, a drag queen with a wildly exciting idea that just might save the day. Inspired by true events, KINKY BOOTS tells the story of a mismatched pair of friends who together learn that sometimes, the best way to fit in… is to stand out! 

KINKY BOOTS runs June 30 – August 19, 2023. Tickets may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting thecarnegie.com.   

GUYS AND DOLLS, A Musical Fable of Broadway is musical theatre at its show-stopping best! Hailed by many as the perfect musical comedy, this colorful classic follows a rowdy bunch of gamblers and showgirls in a wild game of chance and love. Set in bustling 1950s Manhattan, GUYS AND DOLLS features some of the most memorable showtunes of all time, including “Luck Be a Lady,” “I’ve Never Been in Love Before,” and the irrepressible anthem “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” 

GUYS AND DOLLS runs July 29 – August 18, 2023. Tickets may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting thecarnegie.com.    

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About The Carnegie 

The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center. More information about The Carnegie is available at www.thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.  

The Carnegie is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from the Kentucky Arts Council, City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati International Wine Festival. 

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