Tag Archives: League of Cincinnati Theatre Awards

ETC’s THE WHIPPING MAN Earns Three LCT Awards

Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s Whipping Man
Earns Three League of Cincinnati Theatres Awards for Acting, Design

Ken Early & Jarred Baugh in ETC's THE WHIPPING MAN. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

(CINCINNATI, FEB. 1, 2012)– Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s (ETC) production of Matthew Lopez’s The Whipping Man has earned three awards from the League of Cincinnati Theatres for its design and acting ensemble. The Civil War-era drama, winner of a 2011 Outer Critics Circle Award, is making its regional premiere at ETC.

Set during Passover in 1865, at the end of the war, the play is the story of a wounded Confederate soldier who returns from battle to find his Virginia family home in ruins, abandoned except for the presence of two former slaves, who were raised as Jews in the home. The play’s twists and turns find the three men grappling with their complicated history and with long-buried family secrets.

The cast for the show, described as “pitch perfect” by one LCT panelist, includes Jarred Baugh, Ken Early and Mark St. Cyr. “The production was a true ensemble piece with each actor supporting the other.”

ETC’s resident designer Brian c. Mehring earned two awards for his scenic and lighting work. According to one panelist, “I absolutely believed I was looking into the ruins of a Southern mansion during the Civil War. The set was solid and functional, and it set the mood as soon as the audience entered the theatre.”

The Whipping Man continues through Feb. 12. [Please note, extended through Feb. 18 -Rob] Details and ticket information are available at www.cincyetc.com.

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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Covedale’s Production of CAINE MUTINY COURT-MARTIAL Receives Two League of Cincinnati Theatres Awards

Tom Durkin, Joe Jones, Patrick Phillips, Dave Woellert, Henry Farfsing, Jeff Tuttle, Mike Sherman, Rob Bucher, Mike Dennis, director Greg Procaccino, Brandon Wentz, Mackenzie Durham Smith, Bob Allen, Justin Baldwin, Brett Bowling, Jim Stump, Jeff Groh & Mike Nalley. Photo by Holly Yurchison.

(CINCINNATI, FEB. 1, 2012)– The League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) has awarded Covedale Center for the Performing Arts’ production of THE CAINE MUTINY COURT-MARTIALl with two performance awards. Jeff Groh was singled out for his role as Lt. Barry Greenwald, while the entire ensemble also was recognized for their contributions to the show.

Based on his own Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Herman Wouk’s CAINE MUTINY COURT-MARTIAL tells the story of a young World War II Naval lieutenant accused of mutiny. In the midst of a typhoon, he relieved his ship’s captain of command under the belief that the man’s erratic and paranoid behavior placed the crew in grave danger.

As the trial’s reluctant defense attorney, Groh earned his award as leading actor in a play. LCT panelists described his performance as outstanding. “His performance … rose to the top of the ensemble in its professionalism,” said one panelist.

The rest of the show’s ensemble similarly was recognized, described as being “particularly strong, as each person taking the stand brought something memorable.” The cast includes Brandon Wentz, Mackenzie Durham Smith, Justin Baldwin, Bob Allen, Brett Bowling, Patrick Phillips, Mike Sherman, Joe Jones, Mike Dennis, Jim Stump, Dave Woellert, Mike Nalley, Rob Bucher, Henry Farfsing, Tom Durkin and Jeff Tuttle.

The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial continues through Feb. 19. Ticket information is available at http://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

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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THE KING AND I Earns Three LCT Awards

Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center’s Production of THE KING AND I in Concert Earns Three League of Cincinnati Theatres Awards

Lee Merrill plays the role of Anna opposite of Broadway veteran Ronn K. Smith as The King in a concert staging of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical THE KING AND I. Photo by Matt Steffen.

(CINCINNATI, JAN. 25, 2012)– The League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) has recognized Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center’s production of The King and I in Concert, produced in collaboration with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, with three awards. Panelists praised cast members Ronn K. Smith, Lee Merrill and Teresa De Zarn for their performances.

Merrill portrays Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher hired by the King of Siam (Smith) to educate his children. As time passes, the two overcome their collision of cultures and traditions to develop a deep friendship and, ultimately, unspoken love. The original production of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, which features songs including “Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Shall We Dance” and “Getting to Know You,” earned five Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical.

Merrill and Smith received recognition, respectively, as leading actress and actor in a musical. According to one panelist, “Both performers were strong, believable and had wonderful chemistry with each other.”

De Zarn also was singled out with an award for featured actress in a musical for her portrayal of Lady Thiang. “Her song ‘Something Wonderful’ was truly something wonderful,” said one panelist. “She has an excellent and clear voice but she ‘acted’ the song to a level of poignancy that I rarely experience.”

The King and I in Concert continues weekends through Jan. 29. Details and ticket information can be found at http://www.thecarnegie.com.

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 http://www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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CSC’s LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST Lands Three LCT Awards

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST Lands Three League of Cincinnati Theatres Awards

Ian Bond, Maggie Lou Rader, Cary Davenport, Lindsay Jolin Polasek, Miranda McGee, William H. Chace, Kelly Mengelkoch and Darnell Pierre Benjamin.

(CINCINNATI, DEC. 7, 2011)– League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) panelists have recognized Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s (CSC) production of LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST with three awards for its direction, lead actor and ensemble. Panelists called the production “all around great Shakespeare.”

LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOSTt demonstrates Shakespeare’s gift for wordplay and wit. In the show, the King of Navarre and his men take an oath to devote their lives to study — without the company of women. However, they don’t count on a visit from the Princess of France and her ladies in waiting, who quickly test the strength of their oath and the men’s ability to withstand the allures of love.

Billy Chace was singled out by LCT panelists for an award for leading actor in a play for his portrayal of Berowne. A fifth-year ensemble member, his other recent roles at CSC include The Life and Death of King John and Dracula. Panelists described him as “a natural fit for this role,” saying that “his utter command of the nuances that bring his character to life is proof that Mr. Chace is at the top of his game.”

Sara Clark also received an award for her direction. A six-year member of CSC’s company, she marks her main stage directorial debut with LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST. According to LCT panelists, “Clark’s direction was subtle when it needed to be and equally broad when it needed to be.” One panelist praised Clark’s ability to make the show relevant, “a remarkable achievement which Sara did stunningly with her framing and overall conception.”

Finally, panelists recognized the entire cast with an ensemble award. In addition to Chace, the show features Darnell Pierre Benjamin, Ian Bond, Charlie Clark, Cary Davenport, Jeremy Dubin, Jim Hopkins, Miranda McGee, Kelly Mengelkoch, Jolin Polasek, Maggie Lou Rader, Brent Vimtrup and Teresa Wellman.

William Shakespeare’s clever comedy of rhetoric and romance runs through Dec. 31. Details and ticket information for LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST are available at www.cincyshakes.com.

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 http://www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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Dan Doerger Earns LCT Award for WHITE CHRISTMAS

Dan Doerger Receives League of Cincinnati Theatres Award
for Covedale’s WHITE CHRISTMAS

Dan Doerger as Phil Davis and Allison Evans as Judy Haynes.

(CINCINNATI, DEC. 7, 2011)– The League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) has awarded Dan Doerger an award for leading actor in a musical for his performance as Phil Davis in Covedale Center for the Performing Arts’ holiday production of WHITE CHRISTMAS. The show is adapted from the classic 1954 film of the same name, and Doerger takes on the role made famous on screen by Danny Kaye.

LCT panelists noted Doerger’s “marvelous chemistry” with fellow actor Rick Kramer, as well as his handling of the show’s comedic elements. Doerger’s other Covedale credits include productions of Singin’ in the Rain and Annie Get Your Gun. A local actor, director and arts educator, he has worked with groups including the Ohio Educational Theater Association, School for Creative and Performing Arts, Showboat Majestic, New Gate Celtic Theatre Company, Falcon Theatre, New Stage Collective and Cincinnati Fringe Festival.

WHITE CHRISTMAS is the story of a pair of singing and dancing veterans who follow a duo of singing sisters to a Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which coincidentally is run by their former army commander. The show features 17 classic Irving Berlin songs, including “Sisters,” “Snow” and “Blue Skies,” as well as the iconic title number.

WHITE CHRISTMAS continues through Dec. 23. Ticket information is available at http://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

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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