Tag Archives: Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

A FEW GOOD MEN Review

CCPA_A Few Good Men3

Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

A FEW GOOD MEN presented by the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts through Oct. 7. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts kicks off their 2018-2019 season with a sound and satisfying production of Aaron Sorkin‘s military drama, A FEW GOOD MEN.

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A.J. Ford as Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

Director Ed Cohen has a knack for casting that is very evident here, having put together a solid acting ensemble from top to bottom. The action is well-paced and the director smartly found ways to keep the action dynamic and interesting during the understandably static court room scenes.

The set design by Brett Bowling works well for the production, opting for a backdrop of a fence line with a giant re-creation of the US Marine Corps logo dominating the stage. Taking advantage of the Covedale’s wide proscenium, the smaller scenes are staged in lit areas stage right, center, and left. This also limits the time needed for scene changes as tables and chairs are simply re-positioned throughout the performance.

It is evident that Costumer Caren Brady worked hard to bring authenticity to the various military uniforms worn throughout the production. The cast also handled multiple quick costume changes well with no delays in returning to the stage.

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Eric Minion as Lt. Jonathan James Kendrick, A.J. Ford as Lt. Col. Nathan Jessep, Phineas Clark as Lt. Col. Matthew A. Markinson, Nathan Tubbs as Lt. Sam Weinberg, Rory Sheridan as Lt. J.G. Daniel A Kaffee & Erin Carr as Lt. Cmdr. Joanne Galloway. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

Being such a solid production, the few complaints I have are nitpicky. At the end of Act I, Kaffee’s final line seemed to break the fourth wall which felt out of place. Using military cadences to cover the scene changes worked up to a point. It does get a bit repetitive, so if any can be eliminated on the shorter changes I’d recommend considering it. Also when the cadences are used, it is very apparent when they are not in sync. Lastly, for Markinson’s final scene you may want to consider putting the sound effect after the blackout and choosing one that doesn’t sound as muffled.

Overall, A FEW GOOD MEN is a solidly performed, engrossing court room drama which naturally builds to a satisfying conclusion.

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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Auditions Announced for THE GRADUATE, ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver, THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS and 42ND STREET

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions to hold auditions for two Marquee Season shows at the Covedale Center and two District Series shows at the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater including:

  • THE GRADUATE
  • ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver
  • THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
  • 42ND STREET

Open Audition dates/times:

  • Saturday, Oct 13th Noon to 5:00pm
  • Sunday, Oct 14th 6:00 to 9:00pm

Audition Location:

  • The Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre
    801 Matson Place, Cincinnati, OH 45204

Callback date for

  • Monday, Oct 15th (5:00pm to 7:30pm) THE GRADUATE
  • Monday, Oct 15th (7:40pm to 10:00 pm) ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver

Callback date for

  • Tuesday, Oct 16th (5pm to 7:30pm) for THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
  • Tuesday, Oct 16th (7:30pm to 10:00pm) for 42ND STREET

Please note: Everyone will not have to attend callbacks – you will be asked to attend (and expected to attend if asked). This is when you will read from the script. However, not being asked to callbacks doesn’t mean you won’t be cast.

If you’d like the audition forms sent to you in advance, email Jennifer Perrino at jenniferperrino@CLPShows.org 

Important Audition Information

  • You may audition for more than one show.
  • For THE GRADUATE prepare one 30-45 second monologue. Age Requirement: Mid 20s – 50s
  • You may be tested for Dance at the audition for THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS and 42ND STREET depending on role. Note: There will be additional dance at the callback too.
  • For any of the 3 musicals, prepare 16 to 32 bars of a song that best demonstrates your vocal ability. You will read from the script at callbacks.
  • For THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS you must be a minimum of 18 years of age to audition.
  • For 42ND STREET you must be a minimum of 17 years of age to audition.
  • ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver you must be a minimum of 16 years of age to audition.
  • ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver, playing any musical instrument is not required but is a plus, particularly guitar.
  • Adults MUST HAVE A RESUME listing theatrical experience in order to audition.
  • A headshot/picture is appreciated. Please bring a headshot and resume for each show you are auditioning for, e.g. 2 shows =2 headshots and resumes; 3 shows =3 headshots etc.

No more than 2 conflicts will be accepted during the rehearsal process for each of these productions.

All roles are paid positions. No Roles have been precast.

Cast members do not have to be the actual ages of the characters in any of the productions – But must be able to look age appropriate and act accordingly.

Marquee Season Shows at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts:

ALMOST HEAVEN: The Songs of John Denver
February 14 – March 10, 2019
Conceived by Harold Thau with orchestrations, vocal arrangements, and music supervision by Jeff Waxman
Almost Heaven weaves together the songs of John Denver to create a uniquely theatrical narrative that reflects upon the country during the years in which he wrote them. Twenty-nine of Denver’s songs – including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” “Annie’s Song,” “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Calypso” and more – are rediscovered and reinvented, performed against a backdrop of stunning visual images of America in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s,a time of political upheaval, yet great beauty and hope. Tim Perrino, Director; Greg Dastillung, Music Director

42ND STREET
April 4 – April 28, 2019
Music by HARRY WARREN; Lyrics by AL DUBIN; Book by MICHAEL STEWART & MARK BRAMBLE
Based on the Novel by BRADFORD ROPES Original Direction and Dances by GOWER CHAMPION Originally Produced on Broadway by DAVID MERRICK

The ultimate show-biz musical, 42ND STREET celebrates Broadway, Times Square, and the people who make the magic of musical theatre. Aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer comes to the big city from Allentown PA, and soon lands her first big job in the ensemble of a glitzy new Broadway show. But just before opening night, the leading lady breaks her ankle. Will Peggy be able to step in and become a star? The score is chock-full of Broadway standards, including “Dames,” “We’re In the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo” and “Forty-Second Street.” Maggie Perrino, Director/Choreographer; Stephen Variames , Music Director

District Series Shows at The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater

THE GRADUATE
January 24 – Feb. 10, 2019
A Play Adapted by Terry Johnson; Based on the Novel by Charles Webb And the Motion Picture Screenplay by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry By Special Arrangement with StudioCanal

Benjamin Braddock is a confused young man. Having spent four years crafting a brilliant scholastic record, he finds himself adrift upon graduation, uncertain about his future, disconnected from his purpose, and increasingly alienated from the upper-class, suburban, “plastic” world of his parents. Fighting panic and boredom, he is deeply conflicted but ultimately willing when Mrs. Robinson, the unhappily married, alcoholic, and dangerously charismatic wife of his father’s business partner, tempts him into an affair. Benjamin’s tenuous existence of lazy days and stolen nights falls apart when he falls in love — with Elaine, Mrs. Robinson’s upbeat, optimistic daughter. Terry Johnson’s stage adaptation of The Graduate, based on the novel and the iconic 1967 film, is a bitterly hilarious dark comedy, full of rapid fire dialogue between fascinating and horrifying characters. This play explores family dysfunction, parental expectations, crumbling marriages, and the naive, yet disillusioned, dichotomy of youth, against the backdrop of 1960’s America. Greg Procaccino, Director

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS
March 21 – April 7, 2019
Book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson
Music and Lyrics by Carol Hall Based on a story by Larry L. King

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS is a rollicking hootenanny of a musical based on the true story of a legendary Texas brothel, which operated from the 1840s to 1973. Protected by a friendly sheriff and frequented by politicians, football teams, and others, the “Chicken Ranch” thrived in the small town of Gilbert, Texas. Girls came from all over to work at the ranch and make a little extra cash. However, a crusading do-gooder Houston radio commentator and his conservative audience expose the Chicken Ranch, forcing it to shut its doors forever. Great songs include: Dolly Parton’s Hard Candy Christmas, The Aggie Song and Twenty Four Hours of Lovin’. The hit movie featured Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds! Jay Goodlett, Director/Choreographer; Damon Steven, Music Director

For more information on auditions, contact us at (513) 241 – 6550. Check us out on the web @ www.CLPShows.org

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A FEW GOOD MEN Runs Sept. 13-Oct. 7

CCPA_A Few Good Man logoA FEW GOOD MEN
Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
Sept. 3-Oct. 7
[West Price Hill]

Directed by Ed Cohen

Cast: Erin Carr as Lt. JoAnne Galloway, Rory Sheridan as Lt. Kaffee, A.J. Ford as Col. Jessup, Nathan Tubbs as Lt. Weinberg, Jeremiah Plessinger as Capt. Jack Ross, Gregory Bossler as Judge/Captain Julius Randolph, Phineas Clark as Capt. Mathew Markinson, Andy Donnelly as Pfc. William Santiago, Trent Marcum as Pvt. Lance Cpl. Harold Dawson, Tanner McDole as Pfc. Louden Downey, Jarod Garel as Dr. Walter Stone, Jim Waldfogle as Capt. Isaac Whitaker, Eric Minion as Lt. Jonathan Kendrick, Freer Mace as Cp. Jeffrey Howard & Zac Holman as Ensemble

The trial of two Marines for complicity in the death of a fellow Marine at Guantanamo Bay sizzles on stage. The Navy lawyer, a callow young man more interested in softball games than the case, expects a plea bargain and a cover-up of what really happened. Prodded by a female member of his defense team, the lawyer eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in so doing, puts the military mentality and the Marine code of honor on trial.

  • Thu, Sept. 13 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Sept. 14-15 at 8pm
  • Sun, Sept. 16 at 2pm
  • Thu, Sept. 20 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Sept. 21-22 at 8pm
  • Sun, Sept. 23 at 2pm
  • Thu, Sept. 27 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Sept. 28-29 at 8pm
  • Sun, Sept. 30 at 2pm
  • Thu, Oct. 4 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Oct. 5-6 at 8pm
  • Sun, Oct. 7 at 2pm

Official page |

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Auditions Announced for A CHRISTMAS STORY at the Covedale Center

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions to hold auditions for A CHRISTMAS STORY by Philip Grecian. Based on the movie A CHRISTMAS STORY, Written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark

  • Saturday, August 18th Noon to 5:00pm
  • Sunday, August 19th 6:00pm to 9:00pm
  • Monday, August 20th 6:00pm to 9:00pm

The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
4990 Glenway Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45238

If you’d like the audition forms sent to you in advance, email Jennifer Perrino at jenniferperrino@CLPShows.org

All auditionees will read from the script (this is a play).

ADULT ROLES include:

  • MOTHER – Ralphie’s Mom; age range: 35- 50
  • THE OLD MAN – Ralphie’s Dad, also plays SANTA CLAUS; age range: 35- 50
  • MISS SHIELDS – Ralphie’s teacher, also plays ELF and WICKED WITCH; age range: 20 – 40
  • RALPH– Adult, narrator, also plays COWBOY, TREE LOT SALESMAN, DELIVERY MAN, VOICE OF NEIGHBOR; age range: 25- 40

CHILDREN ROLES include:

  • RALPHIE PARKER – BB gun enthusiast (10 to 13 years of age)
  • FLICK – Ralphie’s friend and classmate, also plays DESPERADO ONE (10 to 13 years of age)
  • SCHWARTZ – Ralphie’s friend and classmate, also play DESPERADO TWO (10 to 13 years of age)
  • ESTER JANE – Ralphie’s female classmate, friend (10 to 13 years of age)
  • HELEN – Ralphie’s female classmate, friend (10 to 13 years of age)
  • RANDY – Ralphie’s little brother; (8 to 10 years old).
  • SCUT FARKAS – School bully, also plays BLACK BART; (11 to 14 years old).

All roles are paid positions. No Roles have been precast.

Cast members do not have to be the actual ages of the characters in any of the productions – But must be able to look age appropriate and act accordingly.

Marquee Season Shows at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts:

A CHRISTMAS STORY
November 29 – December 23, 2018
By Philip Grecian. Based on the movie A Christmas Story,
Written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark

“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!” Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in 1940’s Indiana, follows Ralphie Parker in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Ralphie pleads his case to his mother, his teacher and Santa Claus himself at Goldblatt’s Department Store. All the elements from the beloved movie are here – the family’s temperamental furnace, the school bully Scut Farkas, the boys’ bet concerning a wet tongue on an icy lamppost, the Little Orphan Annie decoder ring; and Ralphie’s father winning “a major award” – the lady’s leg lamp in a fishnet stocking! A Christmas Story has become a theatrical holiday classic!

For more information on auditions, contact us at 513.241.6550. Check us out on the web at www.CLPShows.org

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Part-Time Staff Member Sought by Cincinnati Landmark Productions

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions is seeking a part-time staff member for The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts and The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater

Part-Time Customer Service/House Staff Position

Job Requirements:
Must be at least 19 years of age, have high school diploma or equivalency, some college preferred. Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Must be able to work in an unsupervised environment at The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts AND The Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre. Must be a self-starter, dependable, and have excellent communication and customer service skills.

Job Description:
House management duties, Will Call, general customer service, work as parking assistant, assist in concessions/bar area and run a follow spot.

Hours for position vary. Mostly evenings during performances. Sunday performances are at 2pm. Must be available weekends too.

If interested, please send resume to: Denny Reed at dennyreed@clpshows.org. No phone calls please. Start Date: IMMEDIATE.

Please note: These positions are a good fit for NON PERFORMERS – staffers will work during performances. Start date immediate.

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