Tag Archives: League of Cincinnati Theatre Awards

Playhouse’s SEVEN SPOTS ON THE SUN Earns 5 Star LCT Rating

Gabi Mayorga as Monica & Arturo Soria as Luis. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Gabi Mayorga as Monica & Arturo Soria as Luis. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s SEVEN SPOTS ON THE SUN with a 5 Star Rating.

The Playhouse described SEVEN SPOTS ON THE SUN as “A world premiere fable of revenge and redemption. The citizens of a Latin American village, still reeling from the effects of a brutal civil war, find themselves facing an even more devastating foe: a plague that threatens the most vulnerable among them. A reclusive doctor discovers he has a magical capacity for healing, but it’s his own soul he must mend when he’s faced with a life or death decision.”

Panelists said of Seven Spots on the Sun: “This hauntingly beautiful play by rising young playwright Martin Zimmerman was utterly captivating. Told by an excellent cast comprised of a mini-Greek chorus and main characters, the play ponders the personal stakes of putting one’s body on the line to heal those wounded by war.” Director KJ Sanchez was highly praised; “Her direction brought poignancy to this poetic play…She smartly directed her actors within the space. I felt she gave her actors such a sense of urgency. The stakes were so high that by the end I was I was speechless.” Sound designer Zach Williamson was also singled out for contribution to the production.

Panelists applauded the entire ensemble, who “worked so well together and were so believable.” Gerardo Rodriguez portrayal of Moises was “powerful, restrained, controlled, hinting at the vast reserves of emotion beneath the surface.” Gabi Mayorga was “beautiful” in her role as Monica: “I was stunned by the raw emotion she was capable of in such a small, intimate space.” Finally, Arturo Sorio, as Luis, was commended for his “moving” performance which showed “tremendous range.”

Seven Spots on the Sun continues through October 27th. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.cincyplay.com.

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

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CCM’s THE CRUCIBLE Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Laura McCarthy as Abigail Williams & Joe Markesbery as John Proctor. Photo by Mark Lyons.

Laura McCarthy as Abigail Williams & Joe Markesbery as John Proctor. Photo by Mark Lyons.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized the College Conservatory of Music Drama Department’s THE CRUCIBLE with a 4 Star Rating.

Written in 1953 as a parable for McCarthyism by American playwright Arthur Miller, The Crucible tells a story of hysteria and witchcraft in colonial Salem.

Panelists praised The Crucible as “a skillful, intense, heartfelt, and nearly perfect production of The Crucible. I truly watched in wonder as the story unfolded.” “The ensemble acting was terrific…this cast was admirable in its portrayal of a wide range of ages, young to middle-age to elderly.” As one panelist noted: “I would recommend the production because it is a classic play that still resonates today.”

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

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NET’s BUS STOP Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Tyler Alessi & Mindy Heithaus. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Tyler Alessi & Mindy Heithaus. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized Cincinnati New Edgecliff’s Bus Stop with a 4 Star Rating.

In Bus Stop, five weary travelers are stranded at a roadside diner when a winter snowstorm halts their bus. Friendships and romances ensue.

Panelists praised Bus Stop as “a solid opening production by New Edgecliff of a wonderful Inge classic. Nicely directed and designed with a talented cast of local actors”; “a really good show with relatable characters, a strong cast that made me laugh out loud, and think.” Christine Dye’s portrayal of Grace was singled out; she was “a hoot! Her timing and delivery was on point and she was so natural and at ease with her character.” Robert Allen was also applauded for his role as Dr. Lyman: “As a basically unlikeable character, he could have been almost a caricature, but in Bob Allen’s capable hands, he showed remorse and a self-awareness that made him almost sympathetic.”

Bus Stop continues through September 28th. Tickets can be purchased at www.newedgecliff.com.

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

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.com.

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Showboat Majestic’s Final Show Applauded by LCT

The cast of Showboat Follies.

The cast of Showboat Follies.

After 23 years, Cincinnati Landmark Productions will no longer be operating the Showboat Majestic, the last original floating theater in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Their final production, SHOWBOAT FOLLIES, opened this weekend and panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) wanted to take the opportunity to recognize this tribute to Showboat as well as the many years of entertainment and music that it has provided.

As Landmark’s website describes it, SHOWBOAT FOLLIES is “a musical revue, featuring great songs from dozens of past shows, comic sketches, specialty dance numbers and a few surprises – in and out of the audience.”

Panelists recommended the show as “a fond farewell to the historic Showboat’s run…filled with melodrama, sketch comedy, and a parody of musicals,” as well as a historical review of the Showboat with audience participation. It was “a fun way to end the season for the showboat…The performers are all familiar favorites to ‘showboaters’ and it is obvious this is a love letter from their hearts to the boat and the ever loyal subscribers.” As one panelist put it, “I felt I was witnessing an important moment in the history of Cincinnati theatre…I heartily recommend the production as a chance to experience this theatre icon for what may be the last time and a chance to say goodbye.”

SHOWBOAT FOLLIES runs through September 29th. Tickets may be obtained on-line at http://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/sbm.

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

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.com.

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Playhouse’s FLY Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

The cast of FLY arrives for flight training. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

The cast of FLY arrives for flight training. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s FLY with a 4 Star Rating.

According to the Playhouse, FLY is “the inspiring and powerful story of World War II’s famed Tuskegee Airmen, coming to life in this fast-paced and highly theatrical event. Fly inventively combines live action and video projections with an emotionally-charged tap dancer, who offers insight into the hopes, fears and triumphs faced by the airmen.”

Panelists said of FLY: “The opening night audience–which included members of the Tuskegee unit–was electrified by this moving, tight-knit ensemble performance about the Tuskegee airmen…I didn’t want the play to end…a very enjoyable night of theatre.” The entire ensemble was highly complimented: “i was totally enthralled by each and every character on the stage..The entire cast giving equally impressive performances.” Ricardo Khan (who is also a co-author) was specifically recognized for his direction: “Ensembles like this, no matter how talented each individual is, never occur without the sure guidance of a good director…Under [his] direction, the production soars.”

Omar Edwards, who performed as the tap “improvographer” and griot (storyteller), was unanimously praised by the panelists for his unique contribution: “He danced, narrated, and pantomimed the piece and creatively captured the unspoken emotions of the characters, weaving the scenes together that made the show’s pace seem almost timeless.” The screen projections designed by Clint Allen were also highly commended: “The projections of the sky made me feel like I was right there with them and helped me to be even more engaged.” Finally, they recognized Beowulf Borrit for his set design, which “conveyed the emotional intensity of these moments.”

FLY continues through October 5th. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.cincyplay.com.

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

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.com.

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