Tag Archives: Cincinnati Landmark Productions

November 7, 2014 · 10:59 am

FOREVER PLAID – PLAID TIDINGS Runs Dec. 4-21

John Battagliese as Francis, Charlie Meredith as Sparky, Thomas Knapp as Smudge & Tyler Huckstep as Jinx.

John Battagliese as Francis, Charlie Meredith as Sparky, Thomas Knapp as Smudge & Tyler Huckstep as Jinx.

FOREVER PLAID – PLAID TIDINGS
Presented by the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 4-21
West Price Hill

Direction and music direction by Steve Goers
Choreographed by Patti James

Cast: John Battagliese as Francis, Charlie Meredith as Sparky, Thomas Knapp as Smudge & Tyler Huckstep as Jinx.

FOREVER PLAID – PLAID TIDINGS offers the best of FOREVER PLAID tied-up in a nifty package with a big Christmas bow on top! Filled with Christmas standards that have all been “Plaid-erized,” our boys are back to do their Christmas Special.  At first Francis, Jinx, Smudge, and Sparky aren’t sure why they’ve returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they’re needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites like their riotous three minute and eleven second version of “The Ed Sullivan Show” – this time featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir, and a Plaid Caribbean Christmas which puts the “Day-O” in Excelsis!  This truly “heaven-sent” holiday treat will lift audiences’ spirits and remind youngsters that not all good music has to be auto-tuned.

  • Thu, Dec. 4 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Dec. 5-6 at 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 7 at 2pm
  • Wed-Thu, Dec. 10-11 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Dec. 12-13 at 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 14 at 2pm
  • Tue-Thu, Dec. 16-18 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 19 at 8pm
  • Sat, Dec. 20 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 21 at 2pm

Official page |

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October 29, 2014 · 6:31 pm

INTO THE WOODS Review

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

Leslie Turner as Cinderella's Stepmother, Grace Eichler as Florinda, Erin Nicole Donahue as Cinderella & Jeni Bayer Schwiers as Lucinda. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Leslie Turner as Cinderella’s Stepmother, Grace Eichler as Florinda, Erin Nicole Donahue as Cinderella & Jeni Bayer Schwiers as Lucinda. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

INTO THE WOODS presented by Covedale Center for the Performing Arts through Nov. 16. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening Sunday performance.

Stephen Sondheim’s INTO THE WOODS is a personal favorite of mine, so it’s always fun to catch a new, local production. The Covedale Center does an excellent job of bringing this musical fairy-tale mash-up to life.

The musical opens with inter-woven scenes taking place in three houses. One belonging to Cinderella, one to the Baker and his wife, and the third home to Jack (of beanstalk fame) and his mother. Even though space is very tight, director Matthew Wilson does a great job of blocking which keeps the focus where it needs to be, without it looking like the cast is struggling in the space. And then the curtain opens revealing the woods.

Rodger Pille as The Baker & Michelle Wells as The Witch. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Rodger Pille as The Baker & Michelle Wells as The Witch. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Every production I have ever seen of INTO THE WOODS has been staged as a load-in/load-out set. This is the first time I have seen the woods built in a dedicated theater. Set designer Brett Bowling and his crew have created an elaborate set that is impressive to say the least. Multiple levels and exits, a long bridge, a stump and an angled fallen tree that can be walked on…so many options that Wilson takes complete advantage of in his staging.

INTO THE WOODS offers several unique design challenges and it is always interesting to see how each production handles them. Bowling has made many, smart decisions to meet the challenge. For the cow, Milky White, a puppet is used and given life by puppeteer Elizabeth Molloy to great effect. The Witch’s magic staff, the delivery of Cinderella’s dress, the freeing of Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother, the goose, and the growing beanstalk at the end of act one were great.

Erin Nicole Donahue as Cinderella, Allison Muennich as The Baker's Wife & Elizabeth Molloy as Milky White. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Erin Nicole Donahue as Cinderella, Allison Muennich as The Baker’s Wife & Elizabeth Molloy as Milky White. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The show boasts an excellent cast that can handle the vocal demands of the show.The five person orchestra, under the direction of Michael Kennedy sounded great, and best of all, the sound design by Denny Reed and the sound execution allows audience members to hear it all. The only exception was the difficult “You’re Fault” which seemed a bit off in the timing, causing it to sound a bit “mumbly.” Also, the Witch’s transformation could have used a sound effect or music queue to enhance the moment.

Performances are solid across the cast. My personal favorites include Erin Nicole Donahue as Cinderella, Allison Muennich as The Baker’s Wife, Megan Ainsley Callahan as Little Red Riding Hood, Michelle Wells as the Witch and the Tylers…Tyler Kuhlman as Rapunzel’s Prince and Tyler Alessi as Cinderella’s Prince. A sure sign that the show is hitting the right emotional notes is me getting a little misty-eyed during the final “No One is Alone.”

The special make-up for the Witch and the Wolf by Randy Fabert looked great.

The cast. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The cast. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Excellent work by costumer Caren Young. The costumes are colorful, well-fitting and detailed. Personal favorites include Cinderella’s ball gown, her Stepmother and step-sisters gawdy dresses, both Witch’s costumes (especially the green dress and purple-lined cloak that created a great silhouette when it moved), Little Red Riding Hood and both princes. I would have liked to have seen something under the Wolf’s vest, as the bare chest and arms looked too human.

As a whole, one of the best productions I have seen at the Covedale. Congratulations and I hope to see the momentum continue.

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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October 28, 2014 · 1:12 pm

CYPT Announces Auditions for HAIRSPRAY

Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre (CYPT) Announces Audition Dates and Times
For its 34th Annual Summer Musical

CYPT_logoHAIRSPRAY
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters

Tim Perrino, Director; Steve Goers, Music Director; Maggie Perrino, Choreographer

AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD: Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 4990 Glenway Avenue
Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 Cincinnati, OH 45238
Monday, May 4th, 2015 (513) 241-6550

Auditions are by appointment only and can be set up as early as Monday, March 9, 2015.

To set up your audition appointment (and request a particular time slot) email Jennifer Perrino, Producer at jenniferperrino@covedalecenter.com OR call the box office at 513.241.6550 Monday – Friday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

(See scheduled audition time slots below – item #3. Read further for information about tech positions)

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Must be 13 – 19 years of age at the time of the audition
  2. All auditionees MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO AUDITION by:
    1. Email Jennifer Perrino at jenniferperrino@covedalecenter.com OR
    2. Call the box office @ 513 241 6550 – Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
      Please note: You must provide your age, a good phone number and an email address when setting up your audition.
      You may request a specific time slot as listed in #3 below:
  3. Audition times include:
    Saturday, May 2nd @ 10:00, 11:00 am, 1:00 and 2:00 pm
    Sunday, May 3rd @ 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 pm
    Monday, May 4th @ 5:00 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 pm
  4. It is important you arrive 15-20 minutes BEFORE your scheduled audition time to fill out paperwork.
  5. Please prepare an 50’s style pop song that best represents your singing voice (please bring sheet music for our accompanist). Please note: Do not expect to sing a cappella or with pre-recorded music.
  6. Dress appropriately as you will be required to complete a dance audition.
  7. You will be asked to read from the script as well.

All auditionees must complete all three parts of the audition process (singing, reading script, dancing). If all areas are not completed, then he/she will not be considered for a role in the show.

Participation Fee: All participants (on stage and off) are required to pay a participation fee for this summer program. Fee will be due at the first rehearsal: $150 for performers (includes costume and show t-shirt); $50 for Techies (includes show t-shirt).

Attention Techies: Interviews will be set up for those interested in working tech for this production. Set up your audition by calling the box office at 513.241.6550 Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Or email Jennifer Perrino, Producer at jennifeperrino@covedalecenter.com to request a particular time slot.

Interviews slots include:
Saturday, May 3th @ 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Sunday, May 4th @ 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Monday, May 5th @ 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm

Please Note: A limited amount of funds are in place to assist with the participation fee. Funds are distributed on a confidential basis. Everyone is encouraged to audition, regardless of ability to pay! Choosing the cast of the show is based upon talent, enthusiasm and availability only. Ability to pay the participation fee is never a factor in casting decisions.

The Show: It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire — to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her ‘do!

What is CYPT? Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre (CYPT) provides a summer of great experience for performers and techies alike. Many of our members are now professional actors, singers, dancers, technicians and musicians. Others are Drama, Opera, Music Theatre, Voice, Music and Broadcasting majors at colleges all over the country. To date, over 2,200 teens have been a part of CYPT!

CYPT has produced 33 years of exciting shows, including: West Side Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Footloose, 42nd Street, Children of Eden, Hello Dolly, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Anything Goes, The Pajama Game, Godspell, Les Miserables, Crazy For You, The Wedding Singer, Grease, Footloose and many more!

CYPT is the recipient of the Post-Corbett Award for Outstanding Arts Organization, plus, the National Recreation and Parks Arts and Humanities Award, and the Ohio State Award for Best Student Program.

CYPT brings together 100 teens each summer, on stage and off. In 2014, participants came from 40 different schools, from all over the Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana region.

CYPT is for you! The teenage performer/techie interested in three things: 1) Theatrical Experience; 2) A Summer project with a difference; 3) A lot of new friends with the same interests.

Hairspray Complete Performance Dates:

July 22nd 7:30 pm July 29th 7:30 pm
July 23rd 7:30 pm July 30th 7:30 pm
July 24th 8:00 pm July 31st 8:00 pm
July 25th 8:00 pm August 1st 8:00 pm
July 26th 2:00 & 7:30 pm August 2nd 2:00 & 7:30 pm

Tickets go on sale Monday, April 20, 2015! Adult $16; Senior $14; College Students $14.00; High school $12.00. Tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 513 241 6550 OR via the web at www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com

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October 26, 2014 · 1:27 pm

Covedale’s INTO THE WOODS Awarded a 4 Star Recommendation

Rodger Pille as The Baker & Megan Ainsley Callahan as Little Red Ridinghood. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Rodger Pille as The Baker & Megan Ainsley Callahan as Little Red Ridinghood. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have awarded Covedale Theatre’s production of INTO THE WOODS with a 4 star recommendation. Into the Woods is the award winning Broadway musical by Stephen Sondheim which takes favorite storybook characters and brings them together for a timeless musical and modern classic.

Panelists called the show “a visual treat…one of the best productions I have seen at the Covedale.” Panelists were thrilled with Brett Bowling’s scenic design: “When the curtains opened during the Prologue to reveal the set I was elated to see such a beautiful set full of many levels and smartly utilizing the entire stage to create this world of enchantment.” Music director Michael Kennedy was also praised: “the ensemble sounded superb under his direction…a treat for the ears.” Finally, Elizabeth Chinn Molloy was singled out for her puppetryas the cow, Milky White: “the cow puppet showed emotion and feeling…Elizabeth was able to bring her to life.”

INTO THE WOODS continues through November 16th. Tickets can be obtained online at www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.

Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT party in the summer.

The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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September 24, 2014 · 7:53 pm

CLP Seeks Set Builder/Painter

CLP_setCincinnati Landmark Productions, the parent theatrical organization for The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts and the new Warsaw Federal Incline Theater is seeking a part-time set builder/painter.

Requirements:

  • Able to utilize technical equipment.
  • Able to utilize tools for set work.
  • Able and willing to follow instructions with good time management and problem solvings skills.
  • Carpentry skills.
  • Ability to lift 50+ lbs.
  • Able to read and write and communicate effectively.
  • Thinks creatively.
  • Scenic artist experience a plus!

Other Requirements:

  • Must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
  • Candidate must be able to work in an unsupervised environment.
  • Is a self-starter, dependable, and have excellent communications skills.
  • Able to work early mornings, afternoons and some weekends (based on our production schedule).
  • Able to drive a stick shift.
  • Even tempered and have a good sense of humor and be willing to work in a unique, collaborative and fun environment!

Pay rate: $10.00 an hour.

If interested, please email Jennifer Perrino, Business Manager at jenniferperrio@covedalecenter.com (NO PHONE CALLS or WALK-INS PLEASE). When applying, please include a cover letter and resume.

Deadline for submissions: Friday, October 3, 2014

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