Tag Archives: Broadway in Cincinnati

THE BAND’S VISIT presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through July 24. I attended the opening night performance. 

Janet Dacal and Sasson Gabay. Photo by Evan Zimmerman, MurphyMade.

The 2018 Tony Award Winner for Best Musical makes a one week visit to the Aronoff Center this week. This intimate story of connection has several funny and warm moments in the 90-minute intermission-less production.

The set design is clever. The use of turn tables keeps the action moving from scene to scene.

The pacing of the show is a little off. Too many pregnant pauses worked against the building of any kind of momentum.

Sound issues at the Aronoff on opening night is not anything new, and they are usually corrected quickly. Unfortunately, that was not the case this opening night. I struggled the entire show to understand what was being said due to the character’s heavy accents and the woefully under-amplified microphones. I overheard this complaint from multiple people in the exiting audience and have seen it online from people who attended opening night. I do expect this problem to be addressed for their remaining performances.

Overall, a frustrating experience.

My rating: 4.0 out of 5.

Click here for more information on the production.

RUSH JUST ANNOUNCED: Students, seniors, members of the military, teachers, and first responders with valid IDs can purchase up to two (2) tickets for all performances of The Band’s Visit running now through July 24 at 50% off current pricing. Available in-person while supplies last at the Aronoff Ticket Office only, 2 hours prior to the performance.

HAIRSPRAY presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through July 3. I attended the opening night performance.

“Welcome to the 60s” – Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad, Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West) as Edna Turnblad and company. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Originally scheduled for a January visit, (stoopid Covid), HAIRSPRAY returns to the Aronoff for a one-week engagement and blows the doors off the place.

This production boasts big voices and strong performances across the board and Tuesday night’s audience was as happy to be there as the performers were to be back on stage.

Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West) is hilarious as Edna Turnblad and when partnered with Christopher Swan as husband Wilbur, the pair could not be any more adorable. Also turning in some hysterical character work is Emanuaelle Zeesman as Prudy Pingleton, the Gym Teacher, and the Matron.

Overall, a near perfect production that touches the heart and tickles the funny bone.

My rating: 5 out of 5.

Click here for more information on the production.

RUSH TICKET INFORMATION

WHAT: Two (2) tickets per valid ID, 50% off day-of-show pricing

WHO: Students, seniors, teachers, current/former members of the military, first responders with ID or SNAP card holders.

WHEN: Valid for all performances; 2 hours prior to show

WHERE: In person at the Aronoff Center Ticket Office

Questions? Call 513.621.ARTS