Tag Archives: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

Jukebox Musical Memoir Coming to Cincinnati on Jan. 18

CINCINNATI – Everyday, it’s a getting; closer to Jan. 18, when BUDDY HOLLY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY begins previews at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. The original jukebox musical featuring 20 of Holly’s timeless hits runs through Feb. 16. The official opening night is Jan. 23.

Written by Alan Janes, BUDDY HOLLY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY chronicles Holly’s meteoric 18-month journey to fame as one of the pioneers of rock and roll, who influenced The Beatles, Brice Springsteen, Elton John and countless others. The energetic cast portrays Holly in all of his stages: from his country roots in Texas to his songwriting in the 1950s, and his final concert before the plane ride that took his life, “the day the music died.”

Seven musician-actors will perform Holly’s own hits to help tell the story, with live performances of familiar tunes like “It’s So Easy to Fall in Love,” “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Not Fade Away,” “Oh Boy!” and “Everyday,” as well as Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba” and The Big Bopper’s “Chantilly Lace.” The result is an experience that’s half-theatre, half-electrifying rock concert. In the words of the Chicago Tribune, the show “sends people out of the theatre on an unstoppable high.”

Tony Award-nominated director Marcia Milgrom Dodge will bring her prior direction of BUDDY HOLLY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY and will build on that experience in the Playhouse production.

“We are referencing the original recordings as much as possible,” says Dodge. “Andy Christopher, who plays Buddy and also serves as our Music Director, and I are devoted to making the show sound as authentic as possible.”

Dodge plans to keep the focus of the musical on Holly’s incredible story and legendary songs. She explains, “I wanted to get to the music quickly, so we are always living in Buddy’s artistry.”

CAST 
Andy Christopher (Buddy Holly/Guitar); Joe Cosmo Cogen (Jerry Allison/Drums); Jayson Elliott (Hipockets Duncan/The Big Bopper and others/Guitar/Harmonica/Bass); Ryan Jagru (Tommy Allsop/Ritchie Valens and others/Guitar); Shayna Nicole Small (Apollo Headliner/Maria Elena Santiago and others/Keyboard): Byron St. Cyr (Apollo Headliner and others/Saxaphone and Guiro); Spiff Wiegand (Joe B. Maudlin/Bass and Brass);

PRODUCTION
Alan Janes (Playwright); Marcia Milgrom Dodge (Director); Andy Christopher (Music Director); Christian Boy (Set Designer); Tracy Christensen (Costume Designer); Rob Denton (Lighting Designer); Matt Kraus (Sound Designer); Stephanie Klapper, CSA (Casting Director); Andrea Shell (Stage Manager); Jenifer Morrow (Second Stage Manager)

TICKETS
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deafblind or speech disabled dial 711 to connect to our Box Office via Ohio Relay services.
Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, at 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Individual tickets start at $35, depending on seat location and performance day. Tickets to all 7 p.m. Sunday performances are priced at just $10 for college students with a valid school ID. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show for all other performances. Discounted ticket prices for children and teens are available for all productions and are $30 to $50, depending on show and seat location.

CONTENT ADVISORY
BUDDY HOLLY: THE BUDDY HOLLY story is recommended for ages 12 and up. Buddy’s thick-framed glasses may seem nerdy and innocent today, but his songs about teenage romance, lust and heartbreak were edgy for their time period. Lyrics contain mild sexual innuendo, and there are other mature themes.

EVENTS
BUDDY BOURBON TASTING
Fridays, Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, and Feb. 14 | 6:30 p.m. at the Playhouse | Cost: $42 per person
Join us before Friday evening performances of BUDDY HOLLY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY for a special bourbon tasting and a three-course meal. Catered by The Littlefield, dinner will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $42 per person and does not include a ticket to the show. Reservations are required by the Monday before the tasting.

FLASHBACK FRIDAYS!
Fridays, Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, and Feb. 14
Every Friday during the run of BUDDY HOLLY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY, we invite audiences to dress up in their favorite retro ensemble inspired by the iconic rocker and his contemporaries. Channel your inner 1950s music fan and don a chiffon party dress, leather jacket and blue jeans, poodle skirt or sport coat!

SPONSORS
Sponsored by U.S. Bank. Design Sponsor is Bahl and Gaynor, and Artist Sponsors are The Utility Group and BHDP. Season Sponsor is Schueler Group. Season Sponsor of New Work is The Rosenthal Family Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

ACCESS
The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs, and complete wheelchair access are available.

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Matthew McGloin as Richard as & Jefferson McDonald as Ted. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Give the gift of experiences this year with the award-winning musical comedy

CINCINNATI–Due to popular demand, 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS, staged in the round at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, has been extended to Jan. 12, 2020. Tickets to the added performances are on sale now. The additional shows are Friday, Jan. 10, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 11, 4 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 12, 2 p.m. More shows could be added as needed.

“Audiences love the entertaining combination of comedy and music,” Artistic Director Blake Robison explained. “Add to that a truly relatable story and the incredible talent of our two actor/musicians Matthew McGloin and Jefferson McDonald, and you can see why tickets have been selling quickly.”

The show, which has been called “tears-streaming-down-your-face-funny” by the Ottawa Sun, tells the story of playwrights and performers Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, who shared a childhood dream of growing up to be superstar concert pianists. In the two-person show, we meet semi-autobiographical characters Ted and Richard. In a series of short, rapid-fire scenes, Ted and Richard transform into parents, teachers, coaches and even themselves at various ages. Memories of their music careers come to life onstage, from touching arguments with Richard’s father (who once fancied himself a bit of a pianist as well) to side-splitting glimpses of the characters that helped instruct Ted and Richard at the piano.

At the heart of this production is two men with comedic chemistry telling the story of all our childhood dreams of being a movie star, astronaut, or NFL-quarterback. The musicians bring relatable nostalgia to life as they work to master everything from Bach and Beethoven to Billy Joel.

“Part of what makes 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS so enduring is that in addition to being incredibly entertaining, audiences see themselves in it whether or not they ever wanted to play the piano,” says Tom Frey, who serves as both director and music director for Playhouse’s production.

2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS has been produced on five continents in over 4,000 productions during its 24-year history. The production inspires audiences to think about their passions and reminds us all not to give up on our dreams.

“As a director, I love to watch the audience take in a play and see what seems to resonate with them,” says Frey. “2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS delivers more moments of connection than almost any play I’ve worked on.”

For more information on 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS, visit cincyplay.com.

CAST
Matthew McGloin (Richard); Jefferson McDonald (Ted)

PRODUCTION
Tom Frey (Director and Music Director); Steve Lucas (Scenic Designer); James Sale (Lighting Designer); Dale Brown (Casting Director); Brooke Redler (Stage Manager)

TICKETS
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Call 513-345-2248 for Telecommunications Device for the Deaf accessibility.

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, at 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Individual tickets start at just $35. Tickets to all 7 p.m. Sunday performances are priced at just $10 for college students with a valid school ID. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show for all other performances. Discounted ticket prices for children and teens are available for all productions and are $30 to $50, depending on show and seat location. 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS is suitable for ages 12 and up.

SPONSORS
Production Sponsors are The Carol Ann and Ralph Haile, Jr./ U.S. Bank Foundation. The Steinway Piano Sponsor is the Willis Music Company. The design sponsor is Bartlett Wealth Management. Artist sponsor is provided by BHDP. The Daley Family Foundation is an honorary producer. Season Sponsor is Heidelberg Distributing Company. Season Sponsor of New Work is the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

ACCESS
The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs, and complete wheelchair access are available.

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Britney Nicole Simpson as Ghost of Christmas Past and Bruce Cromer as Ebenezer Scrooge. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

(CINCINNATI) — The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s joyous, time-honored celebration of the true meaning of the holidays returns for its 29th season as First Financial Bank presents Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The beloved, iconic story will be performed Nov. 27 through Dec. 29 in the Playhouse’s Robert S. Marx Theatre. (Opening night is Nov. 29.)

More than 630,000 people have enjoyed the timeless classic at the Playhouse over the past 28 years. An immediate hit when Dickens wrote it in 1843, A CHRISTMAS CAROL is often credited for revitalizing the celebration of Christmas as we know it today.

“Thousands of families return each year to the Playhouse to make A CHRISTMAS CAROL a part of their holiday traditions,” explains Blake Robison, artistic director. “The enduring message of A CHRISTMAS CAROL helps to make it one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each season and a perfect way to introduce children to the joys of live theatre.”

Adapted by Howard Dallin, Dickens’ narrative comes to vivid life with spectacular effects and hundreds of costumes that illuminate Ebenezer Scrooge’s time-traversing pilgrimage with the spirits one magical Christmas Eve. From his kind-hearted sister Fan and first love Belle to his generous employer Fezziwig and humble clerk Bob Cratchit, Scrooge is repeatedly shown the saving grace of love and concern for humanity.

Bruce Cromer returns to fill Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly shoes this season for the 15th time, the longest run among the four actors who have played the role, and his son, Charlie, returns for a second season to portray Scrooge as a young adult. Michael Evan Haney is the director of the production.

All show times for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are at 2 p.m. for matinees and 7 p.m. for evening performances to accommodate families with children. Please note the earlier curtain time. There will be no performances on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and selected weeknights in early December.

TICKETS
Prices for A CHRISTMAS CAROL start at $35 for the Nov. 27 preview performance and at $40 for all other performances depending on seat location. Tickets for children and teens are $50, $45 or $30 depending on seat location. Prices are subject to change. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show. In addition to calling the Box Office at 513-421-3888, tickets can also be purchased by visiting the Playhouse website at www.cincyplay.com.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL is suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL will be audio described for those with visual impairments at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, and signed for persons with hearing impairments at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. There is a sensory-friendly performance on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.

CAST
(in speaking order)

Bruce Cromer (Ebenezer Scrooge); Nick Rose (Mr. Cupp/Percy/Rich Man at Fezziwig’s);
Taha Mandviwala (Mr. Sosser/Topper/Man with Shoe Shine/Guest at Fezziwig’s); Ryan Wesley Gilreath (Bob Cratchit/Schoolmaster Oxlip); Daniel Petzold (Fred); Greg Procaccino (Jacob Marley/Old Joe); Britney Nicole Simpson (Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Peake); Benjamin Sheffer (Boy Scrooge/Boy at Fezziwig’s/Bootblack/Streets); Ari Elizabeth Johnson (Fan/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Douglas Rees (Mr. Fezziwig/Ghost of Christmas Present); Annie Fitzpatrick (Mrs. Fezziwig/Patience/Streets); Nicolás Acosta (Dick Wilkins/Streets); Jo Garcia-Reger (Mary [Scrubwoman at Fezziwig’s]/Caroler/Streets); Charlie Cromer (Young and Mature Scrooge/Ghost of Christmas Future); Sara Masterson (Belle/Catherine Margaret); Joshua Carandang (Constable at Fezziwig’s/Man with Pipe/Caroler/Streets); Kelly Mengelkoch (Mrs. Cratchit/Laundress/Streets); Teancom Thacker (Peter Cratchit/Gregory/Apprentice at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Ashlynn Isabel Hezlep (Belinda Cratchit/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Mia Goodlett (Martha Cratchit/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Roshan Chitnis (Tiny Tim); Julia Gomez (Rose/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Caroler/Streets; Stephen Tait (Ignorance/Matthew/Apprentice at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Teagan Farmer (Want/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Shonita Joshi (Mrs. Dilber/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Ethan Graham Roeder (Undertaker/Caroler/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Sabian Swan (George/Charles/Rich Son at Fezziwig’s/Streets); Deja Elliott (Poulteress/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Streets)

PRODUCTION
Michael Evan Haney (Director); James Leonard Joy (Set Designer); David Murin (Costume Designer); Kirk Bookman (Lighting Designer); David B. Smith (Sound Designer/Composer); Steve O’Shea (Lighting Contractor); Cindy Witherspoon (Costume Coordinator); Rebecca N. Childs (Music Director); Dee Anne Bryll (Choreographer); Stephanie Klapper, CSA (Casting Director); Andrea L. Shell (Stage Manager); Jenifer Morrow (Second Stage Manager)

SPONSORS
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented by First Financial Bank. The design sponsor and artist sponsor/Ghosts is Ohio National Financial Services. Artist sponsor/Ebenezer Scrooge is AAA/Provident Travel. Artist sponsor/Tiny Tim is Bahl & Gaynor.  Additional support is provided by The Stona Fitch Family.

The Robert S. Marx Theatre Season is presented by Schueler Group. Season Sponsor of New Work is The Rosenthal Family Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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EVENTS

HOXWORTH BLOOD DRIVE
Saturday, Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join the Playhouse and Hoxworth Blood Center for our 24th annual blood drive! Donors will receive a voucher for half-price tickets for select performances of A Christmas Carol and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story. You’ll also leave knowing that you provided life-giving support to those in need, saving up to three lives with your single donation.
For an appointment, visit www.hoxworth.org/groups/playhouse. Appointment times are limited, so you are strongly encouraged to reserve your spot in advance.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m.
This performance is specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum or with other disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. The Playhouse removes sensory challenges and provides various accommodations to address needs by making technical adjustments to the production (such as sound modifications and removing fog, haze and certain kinds of lighting). Offstage accommodations are also available.

Recommended for first-grade and older students and adults. Tickets cost $15 per person. Companion seats can also be purchased. To reserve tickets for this special performance, please contact Valerie Perez at 513-977-2028, or valerie.perez@cincyplay.com. To read about accommodations, modifications and our philosophy surrounding the event, visit our blog.

CRATCHIT FAMILY FOOD DRIVE
Help a neighbor in need by participating in the Playhouse’s annual Cratchit Family Food Drive to support the Freestore Foodbank. To donate, simply bring a nonperishable food or personal care item to the Playhouse when you come for a performance in November or December and place it in one of the barrels located near the Box Office. Food items that are always in demand include canned meat products; canned vegetables; fruits and soups; peanut butter; and macaroni and cheese. Personal care items include soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products and disposable diapers. Please, no glass items.