Tag Archives: Broadway in Cincinnati

September 17, 2015 · 5:14 pm

Irvin Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS On Sale Sept. 18 at 9am

BIC_Whtie Christmas logo

STOP DREAMING,
CINCINNATI IS GUARANTEED A WHITE CHRISTMAS!

”This cozy trip down memory lane should be put on your wish list.” – The New York Times

“A holiday juggernaut. One well-loved Berlin tune after another.” – Los Angeles Times

“An instant classic!” – The Boston Herald

The Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS 2014 National Tour Company, Photo by Kevin White

The Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS 2014 National Tour Company, Photo by Kevin White

September 17, Cincinnati – IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, the stage adaptation of the beloved classic film is coming to the Aronoff Center this holiday season as part of the 2015-2016 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Season presented by TriHealth and tickets will go on sale Friday, September 17 at 9am. Tickets will be available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. Bring your loved ones for a heart-warming celebration of Americana from November 24 – December 6 at the Aronoff Center!

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn, and finding their perfect mates in the bargain.  Full of dancing, romance, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holiday,” “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the unforgettable title song, IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS promises to be a merry and bright experience for the entire family!

The New York Times exclaims “this cozy trip down memory lane should be put on your wish list.”  And, the New York Daily News hailed IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS as “a holiday card come to life.”

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS features Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin with Book by David Ives and Paul Blake and is based upon the Paramount Pictures film written for the screen by Norman Krasna, Norman Panama and Melvin Frank.

This brand new production of IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is produced by Work Light Productions. The creative team includes direction and choreography by Randy Skinner, scenic design by Anna Louizos, scenic supervision and adaptation by Kenneth Foy, lighting design by Ken Billington, and sound design by Peter Fitzgerald and Erich Bechtel.  The tour is produced by agreement with R&H Theatricals, an Imagem Company.

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS will play the Aronoff Center from November 24 – December 6, 2015 and the performance schedule is below. Tickets for IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS start at $29. They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. 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 www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

Thanksgiving Week 11/24 – 29 Schedule 

  • Tuesday 7:30PM
  • Wednesday 7:30PM
  • Thursday Thanksgiving Day, no performance
  • Friday 1:00PM and 8:00PM
  • Saturday 2:00PM and 8:00PM
  • Sunday 1:00PM and 6:30PM

Week of 11/30 – 12/6

  • Tuesday 7:30PM
  • Wednesday 7:30PM
  • Thursday 7:30PM
  • Friday 8:00PM
  • Saturday 2:00PM and 8:00PM
  • Sunday 1:00PM and 6:30 PM

For more information on IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, visit www.whitechristmathemusical.com. 

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 the past twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center, and joins in celebrating the Aronoff’s landmark 20th Anniversary this year.  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 15/16 Season and the season is presented by TriHealth. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the 15/16 Cincinnati Season.   

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Finding Neverland, It Shoulda Been You, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray and The Producers. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Broadway.com

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September 15, 2015 · 8:32 am

PIPPIN Runs Oct. 13-18

Brian Flores as Pippin & Gabrielle McClinton as Leading Player. Photo Credit Joan Marcus.

Brian Flores as Pippin & Gabrielle McClinton as Leading Player. Photo Credit Joan Marcus.

PIPPIN
Broadway in Cincinnati
Oct. 13-18
Aronoff Center [Downtown]

Official cast list |

Broadway’s high-flying, death-defying hit musical! Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked, PIPPIN will lift you up and leave you smiling. This unforgettable new production is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. Hailed as “an eye-popping, jaw-dropping extravaganza” (NY1), it’s unlike anything Broadway has ever seen! Come experience PIPPIN, one young man’s journey to be extraordinary.

  • Tue-Thu, Oct. 13-15 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Oct. 16 at 8pm
  • Sat, Oct. 17 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Oct. 19 at 1pm

Official page with online ticketing |

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September 11, 2015 · 3:08 pm

Open Call Auditions in Cincinati for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL on Sept. 16

MOTOWN THE MUSICALTO HOLD OPEN CALL AUDITIONS IN CINCINNATI

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
AT THE ARONOFF CENTER

CINCINNATI, September 11, 2015 — Producers Kevin McCollum, Doug Morris and Berry Gordy are pleased to announce an open call casting search for African-American singers for both the Broadway production of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and the national tour, with an opportunity to audition at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday, September 16.   

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is seeking African-American men and women, ages 20s-40s, with exceptional voices.  Also seeking an African-American boy, age 8 to 13, to play young Michael Jackson / Berry Gordy / Stevie Wonder.  No prior theatre experience is necessary.

All candidates must have amazing soulful voices to play different performers from Motown history.  All vocal parts are encouraged to attend.

CINCINNATI OPEN CALL

  • Date: Wednesday, September 16
  • Time: 9:00 AM ET – 12:00 PM ET (sign-in begins at 8:30 AM ET)
  • Location: Fifth Third Bank Theatre at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati. Entrance located at the SW corner of 7th and Main Streets downtown

What to Bring

  1. Bring sheet music for a song of choice from the Motown songbook that best features vocal range.
  2. Bring a picture and resume including contact information (cell phone, email) stapled together.  A recent snapshot is sufficient in the absence of a formal headshot. An accompanist will be provided.

For more information on the open call auditions visit: http://www.motownthemusical.com/casting.

For details about what to bring and what to prepare, email casting@motownthemusical.com.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is playing the Aronoff Center, through September 20, 2015 as part of the 2015-2016 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Season presented by TriHealth. Group orders of ten or more may be placed by calling 513.369.4363.

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more.

Featuring more than 40 classic hits such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is produced by Tony Award® winning producer Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q), who was recently named Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of music, where he is an alumnus.   MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is also produced by Chairman and CEO of SONY Music Entertainment Doug Morris and Motown founder Berry Gordy. 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL features choreography by Patricia Wilcox (A Night with Janis Joplin) and Warren Adams (Toy Story), scenic design byDavid Korins (Bring It On: The Musical, Annie), costume design by Tony Award® nominee ESosa (The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, “Project Runway”), lighting design by Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (Once, Sister Act), sound design by Tony Award® nominee Peter Hylenski (Rock of Ages, The Scottsboro Boys), projection design by Daniel Brodie (Jekyll and Hyde), hair and wig design by Charles LaPointe (Memphis) and casting by Telsey + Company.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL’s arrangements and orchestrations are by Grammy and Tony Award® nominee Ethan Popp (Rock of Ages), who also serves as music supervisor in reproducing the classic “Sound of Young America,” with co-orchestrations and additional arrangements by Tony Award® nominee Bryan Crook (“Smash”) and dance arrangements by Zane Mark (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). 

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is produced by Tony Award® winning producer Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q), Chairman and CEO of SONY Music Entertainment Doug Morris and Motown founder Berry Gordy.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is playing the Aronoff Center through September 20: Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM, Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM and Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM. Tickets for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL start at $29. They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. 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 www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

For more information, visit www.MotownTheMusical.com.

###

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 the past twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center, and joins in celebrating the Aronoff’s landmark 20th Anniversary this year.  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 amember 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 15/16 Season and the season is presented by TriHealth. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the 15/16 Cincinnati Season.    

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Finding Neverland, It Shoulda Been You, Million Dollar Quartet,Hairspray and The Producers. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Broadway.com

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September 11, 2015 · 2:23 pm

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the any page. Blog postings, links and  more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Patrice Covington as Martha Reeves (center) & Cast. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

Patrice Covington as Martha Reeves (center) & Cast. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Sept. 20. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

The touring production of MOTOWN, currently at the Aronoff Center, doesn’t do anything small. It’s a large cast with big voices, performing more than 50 songs that defined the record label Berry Gordy built. Biggest of all? The incredible array of costumes capturing the looks of the Motown musical icons.

Reed L Shannon as Michael Jackson (center) with the Jackson 5. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

Reed L Shannon as Michael Jackson (center) with the Jackson 5. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

The ensemble is solid and polished. They make this physically demanding show look easy. I’m fairly certain that if an actor is not on stage they are changing costumes to come right back on. Audience favorites included Josh Tower as Berry Gordy, Ashley Tamar Davis as Diana Ross, Jesse Nager as Smokey Robinson, Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye, Elijah Ahmad Lewis as Stevie Wonder and Leon Outlaw Jr. as a young Michael Jackson.

Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye & Cast. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye & Cast. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

As with many jukebox musicals, the book for MOTOWN is not the show’s strongest element. It does have a have some great comic bits peppered throughout. For me, the second act seems to lose its momentum in several places. I also felt like the chemistry between Berry Gordy (Tower) and Diana Ross (Davis) was lacking, as I never bought them as a couple.

The Temptations. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

The Temptations. MoTOWN THE MUSICAL First National Tour 14. Joan Marcus, 2014.

Opening night, my major complaint with the show (echoed by other opening night attendees) was the sound. For the bulk of the performance, the vocals were overpowered by the orchestra. Hopefully this problem was addressed for the second performance.

Overall a fun, energetic and rockin’ trip through the songs of Motown, featuring a strong cast of vocally-powerful performers

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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August 17, 2015 · 9:30 am

PIPPIN On Sale Friday, August 21 at 9AM

FOUR-TIME TONY® AWARD WINNER

IS COMING TO CINCINNATI FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT!
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 9AM

 Cincinnati, OH –Experience the thrilling 2013 Tony Award®-winning musical PIPPIN – described as “An eye-popping, jaw-dropping, VISUALLY STUNNING extravaganza. THE THRILL OF THE SEASON!” by NY1.

PIPPIN will play the Aronoff Center, October 13-18, 2015 as part of the 2015-2016 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Season presented by TriHealth. Tickets will be on sale Friday, August 21 at 9AM at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. Group orders of ten or more may be placed by calling 513.369.4363.

PIPPIN is back for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago… With a beloved score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), PIPPIN tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory? This captivating new production is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus (Hair and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess). It features sizzling choreography by Tony Award nominee Chet Walker in the style of Bob Fosse and circus creation of breathtaking acrobatics by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based circus company Les 7 Doigts de la Main (also known as 7 Fingers) the creative force behind the nationwide sensation Traces.  PIPPIN is noted for many Broadway standards including “Corner of the Sky,” “Magic To Do,” “Glory,” “No Time at All,” “Morning Glow,” and “Love Song.”

PIPPIN, the most nominated Broadway show of 2013, won four 2013 Tony® Awards including Best Revival of a Musical, four Drama Desk Awards, seven Outer Critic Circle Awards,  and the Drama League Award.

With a book by Roger O. Hirson and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, PIPPIN features music supervision and arrangements by Nadia DiGiallonardo, orchestrations by Tony Award-winner Larry Hochman, scenic design by Tony Award winner Scott Pask, costume design by Dominique Lemieux, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner, sound design by Jonathan Deans and Garth Helm.

Barry & Fran Weissler and Howard & Janet Kagan present the American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) production of PIPPIN with Lisa Matlin, Kyodo Tokyo, Stephen E. McManus, A&A Gordon, Tom Smedes/Peter Stern, Broadway Across America, Independent Presenters Network, Norton Herrick, Allen Spivak,Rebecca Gold, David Robbins/Bryan S. Weingarten, Philip Hagemann/Murray Rosenthal, Hugh Hayes/Jonathan Reinis/Jamie Cesa, Jim Kierstead/Carlos Arana/Myla Lerner, Ben Feldman, Just For Laughs Theatricals, Square 1 Theatrics, Sharon A. Carr/Patricia R. Klausner, Wendy Federman/Carl Moellenberg,  Infinity Theatre Company/Michael Rubenstein, and Michael A. Alden/Dale Badway/Ken Mahoney.

Join us… for this magical, unforgettable production the New York Times declared “Astonishing!  A PIPPIN for the 21st Century.”

PIPPIN will play the Aronoff Center from October 13 – 18: Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM, Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM and Sunday at 1:00PM. Tickets for PIPPIN start at $29. They will be available Friday, August 21 at 9AM at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS. 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 www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

www.PippinTheMusical.com

Become a fan of PIPPIN on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/PippinTheMusical and follow PIPPIN on Twitter @pippinthemusical

#             #             # 

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 the past twenty years, Broadway in Cincinnati has presented all shows at the Aronoff Center, and joins in celebrating the Aronoff’s landmark 20th Anniversary this year.  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 15/16 Season and the season is presented by TriHealth. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the 15/16 Cincinnati Season.  

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO).  BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Finding Neverland, It Shoulda Been You, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray and The Producers. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Broadway.com

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