Tag Archives: Broadway in Cincinnati

WEST SIDE STORY Review

The First National Tour of West Side Story. Photo © Carol Rosegg 2011.

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

WEST SIDE STORY presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through March 11. You can read the show description here.

Note: This is the first touring production of the recent Broadway revival. Changes include: bi-lingual dialogue as some of the lines and lyrics have been changed to Spanish. The tone has been shifted a bit darker, as gang members are no longer “lovable thugs.” And the choreography has been updated, as explained by choreographer Joey McKneely, in a recent interview:

The Jets. The First National Tour of West Side Story. Photo © Carol Rosegg 2011.

“What happened with the choreography, and with WEST SIDE in general, is that it had become a museum piece. It became stuck in a time warp, and it started to feel dated. And the material is not dated. The subject matter is not dated. The social content speaks so vibrantly to today’s audiences. But the choreography was missing a youthful zest, it was missing passion. [Director] Arthur [Laurents] wanted to break free of that museum quality. And he felt, as did many people, that the show needed to be updated in terms of its appeal to an audience. That included making the choreography look edgier, harder. He wanted to get rid of the musical comedy aspects of the choreography, and take it to a more reality-based place. It was difficult, because it’s not my work, and I wanted to be true to the integrity of the choreography. But if my director wants something changed, I have to try to acquiesce to his needs. I kind of walked a tightrope. But in the end, I think the adjustments that were made to the choreography really were the right things to do for Arthur’s vision.” –courtesy of Broadway in Cincinnati.

Evy Ortiz as Maria and Ross Lekites as Tony in the First National Tour of WEST SIDE STORY. Photo © Carol Rosegg 2011.

Broadway in Cincinnati brings a strong production of WEST SIDE STORY to the Aronoff.

Changes to the choreography are evident immediately in the opening Prologue. The dancing is more athletic and contemporary, yet choreographer Joey McKneely has done an excellent job of keeping the feel and look of the original. The number “Gee, Officer Krupke” is the most visibly updated number with its more contemporary “body movements.” Solid dance execution by the entire cast.

A personal favorite for me in this cast is triple-threat Michelle Aravena as Anita. She has a engaging presence on stage and is equally strong in the musical numbers as well as her scene work, especially near the end of Act II.

Ross Lekites has a great voice for Tony, but on opening night his mic needed to be bumped up a notch or two. During the “Tonight” quintet, I couldn’t find his voice at all when all five parts were singing. Lekites does a good job with Tony, but I don’t see the hints at the Tony who co-formed and ran with the Jets. He comes off a bit too much like the boy next door. Even reformed bad boys are still a little bad.

Michelle Aravena as Anita & Evy Ortiz as Mari in the First National Tour of WEST SIDE STORY. Photo © Carol Rosegg 2011.

Evy Ortiz packs a powerful voice in a petite package. Her vocals sounded great and it was nice to see Maria played with an inner strength of a young woman as opposed to a naive girl.

The various set pieces work well throughout the show. My favorite being the fly for the rumble scene. It is very impressive to see the overpass lower into place and it looks great.

Overall, I think most of the updates work well. WEST SIDE STORY is an enjoyable revival that should please all but the most hardcore of purists.

Click here for a complete list of show times, articles and other reviews for WEST SIDE STORY.

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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THE ADDAMS FAMILY runs March 27-April 8

Patrick D. Kennedy (Pugsley), Pippa Pearthree (Grandma), Sara Gettelfinger (Morticia), Douglas Sills (Gomez), Tom Corbeil (Lurch), Cortney Wolfson (Wednesday) and Blake Hammond (Uncle Fester) in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

THE ADDAMS FAMILY
Presented by Broadway in Cincinnati
March 27-April 8
Downtown 

Reviews: CityBeat | Behind the Curtain | iSpyCincy | Talkin’ Broadway | Mommy Bits |

This is definitely not the same old song and dance.

It’s every parent’s nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what’s worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend, and for parents Gomez and Morticia, this shocking development will turn the Addams house downside up.

It’s a family portrait that’s completely off the wall.

  • Tue-Fri, March 27-30 at 8pm
  • Sat, March 31 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, April 1 at 1pm & 6:30pm
  • Tue-Fri, April 3-6 at 8pm
  • Sat, April 7 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, April 8 at 1pm & 6:30pm

Official page | Online ticketing | Official site | FaceBook event | Goldstar discount |

Local media coverage: Enquirer article |

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Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Announces 25th Anniversary 2012-2013 Season

SEASON PACKAGES ON SALE NOW! 

Cincinnati, OH (February 19, 2012) – Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati announces its 2012-2013 25th Anniversary Blockbuster season which includes some of the hottest shows fresh from Broadway including several brand new shows and a few family favorites.

2012-2013 SEASON SHOWS

BLUE MAN GROUP                             October 16 – 28, 2012
MEMPHIS                                               January 22 – February 3, 2013
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET        February 19 – March 3, 2013
WAR HORSE                                          March 26 – April 7, 2013
SISTER ACT                                           April 30 – May 12, 2013
JERSEY BOYS*                                     November 28 – December 9, 2012
Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN*           March 12 – 17, 2013

*Season Ticket Holders pick one for six-show season package.

Season tickets for the 2012-2013 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Season will go on sale Sunday, February 19 ONLINE. Beginning Monday, February 20 there will be three convenient ways to purchase season tickets:

  1. Select your seats in person at the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati Box Office in the Mercantile Center downtown at 120 East Fourth Street, Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
  2. Order online 7 days a week/24 hours a day at BroadwayinCincinnati.com.
  3. Call the Broadway Across America toll-free Cincinnati Season Ticket Hotline at 800.294.1816. The Hotline hours are Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 5:00pm

Prices for the six-show season ticket package range between $149.00 and $543.00 depending on seat location.

MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN Order before April 2 and make three easy monthly payments. This offer is only available using a credit card.

EXCLUSIVE SEASON TICKET HOLDER BENEFITS

  • Exclusive no-fee ticket exchange privileges.
  • Priority purchase opportunities for additional tickets to series shows and any season specials.
  • Lost ticket insurance and replacement service.
  • Purchasing privileges in any of our other Broadway Across America cities.
  • Same premium seat location for all two-week season shows.
  • Priority renewal for future seasons.
  • Discounts to community businesses.

SEASON PATRON CLUB
In addition to all of the regular season ticket holder benefits, special Patron Club season tickets (available with an annual membership fee of $105) guarantee seating in the front orchestra or first three rows of the loge and include extended benefits such as complimentary parking for season shows, name recognition in the PLAYBILL program and starting this year, a Broadway Concierge Line to assist patrons with purchasing tickets for shows on Broadway.

CLOUD CLUB
For theatre lovers on a budget, the “Cloud Club” offers our six-show package with COMPLETE subscription benefits for $149 for all performances.

THE JANET TAYLOR EDUCATION PROGRAM
Season ticket holders are encouraged to consider an optional $5.00 contribution to support the Janet Taylor Broadway in Cincinnati Education Program. The Education Program was founded in 1988. Its mission is to introduce students and teachers to the outstanding education value of quality touring Broadway shows. Students throughout the region — from public, private and parochial schools — have the opportunity to participate in this ticket subsidy program and interact with professional performers and technicians from the touring productions.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Broadway in Cincinnati shows typically run for two weeks at the Aronoff Center. Performance options are Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00 & 8:00pm and Sundays at 1:00 & 6:30pm.* (All times are subject to change.) An audio-described performance for the visually impaired and an American Sign Language interpreted performance for the deaf are available. Anyone requiring either of these services or accommodations for the physically challenged should request so when purchasing season tickets. *Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN will start at 7:30pm on Tuesday through Friday evenings, Saturdays at 2:00 & 8:00pm and Sundays at 1 & 6:30pm.

GROUP SALES AND SINGLE TICKETS
Group sales information is now available for all shows. Reservations may be made by calling Group Sales Manager Peggy Holthaus, at 513.369.4363 or email at Peggy.Holthaus@BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. For more information visit BroadwayinCincinnati.com.

Tickets for individual shows are not available at this time.

2012-2013 Season Show Descriptions:

Blue Man Group National Tour. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

BLUE MAN GROUP
Oct 16 – 28, 2012

Experience the Phenomenon. BLUE MAN GROUP is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music, and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The New York Times heralds the show as “One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged.” E! Entertainment News exclaims, “BLUE MAN GROUP is what every live performance aspires to be.” The Baltimore Sun raves, “BLUE MAN GROUP packs a wallop. It’s a big, loud, funny, silly, visually arresting production!” Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that BLUE MAN GROUP is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous show that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. With no spoken language, BLUE MAN GROUP is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures. BLUE MAN GROUP is now on the road for its first U.S. theatrical tour. This unique experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else; guaranteed to be an outing you will never forget.

Michael Lomenda, Joseph Leo Bwarie, Preston Truman Boyd & John Gardiner. Photo by Joan Marcus.

JERSEY BOYS
Nov 28 – Dec 9, 2012
More than 64,000 theatergoers cheered when JERSEY BOYS made its sell-out premiere in Cincinnati in 2008. Worldwide, more than 13 million people have seen JERSEY BOYS. And now, the show that made critics and audiences cheer is “Working Its Way Back” to Cincinnati!

JERSEY BOYS is the Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30! JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” “IT WILL RUN FOR CENTURIES!” proclaims Time Magazine.

MEMPHIS. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

MEMPHIS
January 22 – February 3, 2013

TURN UP THAT DIAL… From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves – filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, MEMPHIS, which played pre-Broadway at the La Jolla Playhouse, features a Tony®-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu), and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys). Get ready to experience Broadway’s most exciting new destination ¬¬- what AP calls “The very essence of what a Broadway musical should be.”

The National Tour of Million Dollar Quartet. Photo by Joan Marcus.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
February 19 – March 3, 2013
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock ‘n roll icons Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash for the first and only time.

On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more.

This thrilling musical brings audiences inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night.

Cathy Rigby in PETER PAN. Photo by Michael Lamont.

Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN
March 12 – 17, 2013
“Peter Pan sparkles with fairy dust! Rigby has mastered the boy who wouldn’t grow up.” – Washington Post

Tony Award® nominee Cathy Rigby takes flight in an all new production of PETER PAN! Discover the magic all over again of this two time Emmy award winning and two-time Tony Award® nominated production. The New York Times says “Rigby still carries off the flights, fights and acrobatics that make PETER PAN audiences mesmerized.” PETER PAN is filled with timeless magical moments and a captivating hook. The legend you thought you knew, is now the adventure you never dreamed possible… Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN!

http://www.cathyrigbyispeterpan.com

WAR HORSE. Photos Brinkhoff/Mogenburg 2011 London Cast.

WAR HORSE
March 26 – April 7, 2013
A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship.

England, 1914. As World War One begins, Joey, young Albert’s beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped from England to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness that is currently playing to packed houses in London and New York. At its heart are astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, that bring to life breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride.

Alena Waters, Rashidra Scott & Patina Miller. Original Broadway Production Photo. Credit: Joan Marcus.

SISTER ACT
April 30-May 12, 2013
SISTER ACT is Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash hit. The New York Post calls it “ridiculously fun,” and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), SISTER ACT tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look – a convent. Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, SISTER ACT is reason to rejoice.

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 11/12 Season. LOCAL 12 is the official television station of the Cincinnati Season.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (Producer), part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies which includes Broadway.com, is owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and entertainment industry veteran Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman). Broadway Across America presents first-class touring musicals and plays across 40 North American cities. Broadway.com is the premier theatre website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. Under the supervision of Beth Williams (CEO – Theater Division), Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse theatre. Current Broadway productions include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Nick Jonas and Beau Bridges, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Godspell, Memphis, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and the New York and US touring productions of Million Dollar Quartet. For more information, please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

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WEST SIDE STORY runs Feb. 28-March 11

WEST SIDE STORY
Presented by Broadway in Cincinnati
Feb. 28-March 11
Downtown

Revews: Enquirer | Cincinnati Examiner | iSpyCincy | Talkin’ Broadway | Behind the Curtain |

More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it’s back, and mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by David Saint, using Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction, West Side Story remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The new Broadway cast album of West Side Story recently won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”

  • Tue-Fri, Feb. 28-Marc 2 at 8pm
  • Sat, March 3 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, March 4 at 1pm & 6:30pm
  • Tue-Fri, March 6-9 at 8pm
  • Sat, March 10 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, March 11 at 1pm & 6:30pm

Official page | Online ticketing | FaceBook event |

Local media coverage: Enquirer article |

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BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL Review

Kylend Hetherington as Billy in BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL. Photo by Kyle Froman.

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL presented by Broadway in Cincinnati through Jan. 29. You can read the show description here.

If you are on the fence about whether or not to see BILLY ELLIOT during its two-week visit to Cincinnati, I’d recommend you take the plunge. If not, you may be missing one of the best productions of the season.

This was my first time seeing BILLY ELLIOT, and it was a bit overwhelming trying to take it all in. It is one of those productions where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and most of its parts are very good.

The Script
Based on the 2000 movie, from what I remember the book for the musical hits most of the major plot points. There are many themes running throughout the show: following your dreams; the importance of friendship, family and community; the heart of the working class, the importance of teachers and the arts; and a parents wish for a better life for their children to name a few. These themes did not feel forced or bog down the show.

Kylend Hetherington as Billy & Maximilien A. Baud as Older Billy. Photo by Kyle Froman.

The Staging/Choreography
I really enjoyed the unique staging in this production. Visually my favorite numbers include  “We’d Go Dancing, ” Billy’s “Angry Dance” and “Once We Were Kings.” For choreography, my favorites were “Solidarity” and Billy’s “dream ballet.” Both the director and the choreographer enjoyed playing with the idea of hard vs. soft throughout the production.

A couple of the scene changes did came off a bit “clunky,” but I attribute that to it being a demanding show to tour, on top of it being their first night in a new venue.

The Company. Photo by Kyle Froman.

The Cast
BILLY ELLIOT features a strong ensemble and great character work.

Opening night, Billy was played by Kylend Hetherington.  This is a hugely demanding role for any performer and young Kylend carried it well. The audience response to his solo performance of “Electricity” briefly halted the show.

I also enjoyed the emotionally strong performances of both Leah Hocking as dance teacher Mrs. Wilkinson and Kat Hennessey as Billy’s Mum.

Leah Hocking as Mrs. Wilkinson with The Ballet Girls. Photo by Kyle Froman.

Ben Cook does an outstanding job as Billy’s friend Michael. Both boys showcased their tapping skills (with a bit of help from the ensemble) in “Expressing Yourself.” Also a treat to watch was the comic antics of Morgan Martin as ballet girl Susan Parks (pictured at right in purple.)

My biggest complaint is that it was hard to understand some of the dialogue due to the heavy accents. In musical numbers, where groups of performers were singing different lyrics, it was difficult to make out what was being sung.

Kylend Hetherington as Billy & Rich Herbert as Dad. Photo by Kyle Froman.

The final number/curtain call, “Company Celebration,” is a very fun farewell from the entire cast.

For me, BILLY ELLIOT was a very enjoyable evening and definitely a show I would want to see again.

BTW here is the content advisory from the Broadway in Cincinnati website: A few mildly violent riot scenes and a 2+ hour running time may make the show unsuitable for your own youngsters, but the show’s message, content and story and content are a definite don’t-miss for ‘tweens and above.

Click here for a complete list of show times, articles and other reviews for BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL

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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