Tag Archives: League of Cincinnati Theatre Awards

August 11, 2014 · 2:18 pm

LCT Recommends SWEENEY TODD as a 4.5 Star Production

Helen Anneliesa Raymond-Goers as Mrs. Lovett & Justin Glaser as Sweeney Todd.

Helen Anneliesa Raymond-Goers as Mrs. Lovett & Justin Glaser as Sweeney Todd.

“Vocal performances are top-notch” stated one panelist as he extolled the musical direction of Jamey Strawn. Panelists also praised Justin Glaser as Sweeney (“outstanding, rich vocals”), Helen Raymond-Goers as Mrs. Lovett (“much needed comic relief and a stellar singing ability”), and Mathys Herbert as Tobias (“fully-embodied, vulnerable, and innocent”).

Another panelist states, “the Carnegie has hit it out of the ballpark again. This is a terrific rendition of a very dark, twisted and melodramatic show. The singing throughout is excellent, especially considering the difficulty of Sondheim’s score. Justin Glaser plays Sweeney with a demonic intensity focused on revenge. Helen Raymond-Goers portrays the manipulative Mrs. Lovett with saucy… The character of Tobias Ragg is pivotal in the show and Mathys Herbert transitions well from street con man to a realization of the horror of the baking room.”

Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” tells the tale of an English barber innocently sentenced to Australia for 15 years, so the unscrupulous Judge could usurp his beautiful wife and child. After 15 years the barber returns, seeking revenge and to be reunited with the wife and daughter.

Tickets to Sweeney Todd” can be purchased at the Carnegie websitewww.thecarnegie.com.

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August 11, 2014 · 2:07 pm

KTC’s HARRY AND THE THIEF Earns 3.5 Stars from LCT

Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

Photo by Deogracias Lerma.

“Harry and the Thief” playing now through August 30, 2014, at the Know Theatre has earned 3.5 stars from the League of Cincinnati Theatres. Panelists agreed that is “off-the-wall” and a “fun ride,” reminiscent of a Mel Brooks film.

One panelist expounds, “The movie-like feel of the film allows the actors to cross boundaries of the theatre and create a new world between theatre and film. With montage scenes, trailers and credits, it was fast-paced and entertaining for the full two hours.”

Jon Kovach had a standout performance as Overseer Jones. A panelist detailed,” While the character is ‘white trash’, sexist and racist, Kovach brings humanity to the character by fighting for the child he has created with slave girl Vivian (Sola Thompson). He also, without fail, kept the audience laughing through the whole show. The story of Overseer Jones is a difficult and silly role and Kovach shows both sides to this character that the whole audience can enjoy.”

A panelist explains the plot: “Jeremy (Rico Reid) has invented a time machine and sends Mimi (Torrie Wiggins) back to Harriet Tubman times to deliver guns for a grand effort to free all the slaves. But neither plot nor history really matter for this show, that is a mash-up of satire, farce, caricature, and sketch comedy.”

Tickets for “Harry and the Thief” can be purchased athttp://knowtheatre.com/tickets/ or by calling the Know Theatre at 513-300-KNOW(5669).

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July 29, 2014 · 9:20 am

CSC’s THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) Earns 4 Stars from LCT

CSC_Complete Works2

Justin McCombs, Jeremy Dubin, & Nick Rose. Photo by Cal Harris.

The League of Cincinnati Theatres awards 4 Stars to the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), playing now through August 16.

“This is a hilarious sendup of Shakespeare plays and the mystique of Shakespeare. It’s fun to watch the Shakespeare Company spoof its own product,“ says an LCT panelist. “This is clearly an ensemble piece, showing impeccable comic timing and huge energy,” the panelist  continues.

Another panelist adds, “the ensemble of Nick Rose, Jeremy Dubin, and, Justin McComb is outstanding, each having moments of brilliance.” Another notes, “The inclusion of rap, the engagement or interaction with the audience, the superb energy of the actors all added up to make it an enjoyable evening.”

Tickets to “Complete Works” can be purchased by calling  513-381-2273 or contacting www.cincyshakes.com.

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.  LCT panelists are volunteer representatives from the theatre community and theatre audiences.

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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June 23, 2014 · 2:27 pm

CCPA’s THE SUNSHINE BOYS Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Dave Roth as Al Lewis & Herb DuVal as Willie Clark.

Dave Roth as Al Lewis & Herb DuVal as Willie Clark.

Covedale Theatre’s production of THE SUNSHINE BOYS is a crowd pleaser, earning 4 stars from The League of Cincinnati Theatres. It is running at the Covedale Theatre until June 29.

Panelists call it a “Great rendition of what is considered Neil Simon’s funniest play.”

“Herb DuVal (Willie) and Dave Roth (Al) delivered their lines like they were written for them,” said one panelist. “Their keen sense of timing and delivery told the story of these two cantankerous men who spent years working together in Vaudeville.” The team broke up due to a forgotten disagreement. “Down deep, they actually care for each other,” the panelist continued. Another added, “DuVal’s portrayal of Willie Clark was top notch. He was able to be both funny and compelling at the same time.”

Panelists also praised the set designed by Brett Bowling, “It was delightfully rich and intricate. It looked like a seedy hotel that an old actor would stay in. The photos on the wall of old celebrities were marvelous and it was great that a photo of the actor playing Al Lewis was pinned to the dart board and had drawn-in devil horns.”

Contact www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com for tickets to THE SUNSHINE BOYS.

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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June 17, 2014 · 10:37 am

LCT Celebrates Season Winners

LCT_VWinners of the LCT Awards were announced last night at the League of Cincinnati Theatre’s Awards Party. The theme this year it was Extended Happy Hour, well received by the theatre makers, who enjoyed the focus on fellowship of this industry celebration.

There were a lot of things to be happy for, as theatre representatives and individuals were called to share throughout the night. Costume nominee Ronnie Chamberlain, new this year to Northern Kentucky University, shared how she and her husband chose Cincinnati as a theatre community—over Chicago and other cities—for its vibrant art scene, and as a place to raise a family and actually own a house. That seemed to be a theme of the night, Cincinnati has a professional theatre and arts community that collaborates, supports and nurtures each other, whether it is in front of the audience, behind the scenes, or working in administration.

LCT is happy to have so many people in Cincinnati able to earn a living doing what they love, what they are good at , and are making a difference to our community.

The following awards were announced:

  • Best Play, Seven Spots on the Sun, Playhouse in the Park
  • Best Musical (Tie), Chicago, Carnegie Theatre; Les Miserables, CCM
  • Director of a Play, KJ Sanchez, Seven Spots on the Sun, Playhouse in the Park
  • Director of a Musical. Ed Cohen, Dee Ann Bryll, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
  • Choreography (Tie), David Baum, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre; Diane Lala/Patti James, Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
  • Fight Choreography (Tie), Drew Fracher, Henry IV, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; Melissa Bennett Murphy, Dracula, Covedale
  • Costume Design (Tie)Kathie Brookfield, Annie, Jr., Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati;
  • Dean Walz, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
  • Lighting Design, Brian C. Mehring, The Mountaintop, Ensemble Theatre
  • Music Direction, Steve Goers, Les Miserables, CCM
  • Scenic Design, Mark Halpin, Singin’ in the Rain, CCM
  • Sound Design, Zach Williamson, Seven Spots on the Sun, Playhouse in the Park
  • Special Contribution , Clint Allen, Projection Design, Fl,y, Playhouse in the Park
  • Special Contribution, Omar Edwards, Tap Improvographer, Fly,Playhouse in the Park
  • Special Contribution , Kelly Yurko, Prosthetic Design, The Whale, Clifton Players
  • Ensemble in a Play, Seven Spots on the Sun, Playhouse in the Park
  • Ensemble in a Musical, Les Miserables, CCM
  • Small Group Performance in a Play, Matt Dentino/David Bogenschutz
  • Duck Hunter Shoots Angel, Falcon Theatre
  • Lead Actor in a Play (Tie)Daniel Britt, Light Sensitive, Mad Anthony; Brent Vimtrup, The Crucible, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
  • Lead Actor in a Musical, Blain Krauss, Les Miserables, CCM
  • Lead Actress in a Play, Greta Wohlrabe, Venus in Fur, Playhouse in the Park
  • Lead Actress in a Musical, Leslie Goddard, Chicago, Carnegie Theatre
  • Outstanding Youth Performance, Allison Edwards, Annie, Jr., Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
  • Featured Actor in a Play, Bob Allen, Bus Stop, New Edgecliff Theatre
  • Featured Actor in a Musical, Matthew Paul Hill, Les Miserables, CCM
  • Featured Actress in a Play (Tie)Christine Dye, Bus Stop, New Edgecliff Theatre; Miranda McGee, Two Noble Kinsmen, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
  • Featured Actress in a Musical, Jenny Hickman, Carrie, CCM
  • Audience Service Award, John Simpson, Bartender, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
  • Audience Favorite Play (Social Media Voting), The Crucible, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company/Xavier University
  • Audience Favorite Musical (Social Media Voting), Bat Boy, The Falcon

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