Tag Archives: The Carnegie

January 6, 2025 · 5:52 pm

SEUSSICAL Brings the Beloved World of Dr. Seuss to Life at The Carnegie This Winter

Image by scenic designer Tyler Gabbard.

In partnership with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of
Music

The family-friendly musical comes to Covington January 31–February 16

The Carnegie and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) are joining forces this winter for a wildly imaginative, all-new production of SEUSSICAL. Audiences are invited to step into the magical world of Dr. Seuss as his beloved characters come alive in a joyous adventure for the whole family. This enchanting musical immerses audiences in a fantastical journey that sparks laughter, captures hearts, and leaves lasting memories. Featuring a cast of students from the Musical Theatre program at CCM, SEUSSICAL will transport both young and old to a place where imagination knows no bounds!

“Whether you’re discovering SEUSSICAL for the first time or you’re a long-time fan, you’ll delight in this wonderfully creative production,” says Tyler Gabbard, Director of Theatre at The Carnegie. “The creative team and cast are bringing a vibrant new vision to the show that celebrates the power of theatre—its ability to spark imagination, transport us to new worlds, and embrace our differences. It’s SEUSSICAL like you’ve never seen before!”

The production is directed by Rachel Stevens. A director, developer, educator and acting coach, Stevens was assistant director on the Broadway run of the Tony Award-winning musical Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. Her Off-Broadway credits include Smart Blonde (associate director, 59E59) and
Preludes (assistant director, Lincoln Center Theater, LCT3), and her New York directing and devising credits include work with The Civilians’ R&D Group, SheNYC Festival, NYMF, Theatre Now, TheaterWorksUSA and New York Film Academy. Her regional credits include a production of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 at American Repertory Theatre directed by Rachel Chavkin and The Bandstand at Paper Mill Playhouse directed by Andy Blankenbuehler, along with productions at Quantum Theatre, City Theatre Company and Front Porch Theatricals. Stevens, along with choreographer Jessica Harris and music director Julie Spangler, are on the Musical Theatre faculty at CCM; all three are making their Carnegie debut.

Returning to The Carnegie, Monique Churchill delighted audiences with her BroadwayWorld Award-winning turn as Lauren in Kinky Boots. Churchill plays lovable bird next door Gertrude McFuzz. Carnegie audiences will also recognize Matthew Danforth who appeared alongside Churchill in Guys and Dolls.

Tickets range from $18-$45 and may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting www.thecarnegie.com.

CREATIVE TEAM

  • Director: Rachel Stevens
  • Choreographer: Jessica Harris
  • Music Director: Julie Spangler
  • Scenic Designer: Tyler Gabbard
  • Costume Designer: Charlotte Campbell Parrott
  • Lighting Designer: Julie Cowger
  • Sound Designer: Dani Lobello
  • Wig Designer: Candace Leyland
  • Producer: Tyler Gabbard

CAST

  • Cat in the Hat: Joey Baccioco
  • Horton the Elephant: Matthew Danforth
  • Gertrude McFuzz: Monique Churchill
  • Mayzie LaBird: Sydney Short
  • Sour Kangaroo: Essence Bell
  • Jojo: Carter Minor
  • Ensemble: Arden Allmon, Dominic Carroll, Ry Dever, Josh Devine, Nick Gundrum & Indya Lincicome
  • Standbys: Grace Baker, Edin Kebede, Jack Haroutunian & Gabe Raskind

# # #

About The Carnegie
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center. More information about The Carnegie is available at www.thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.

The Carnegie is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from the Kentucky Arts Council, City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati International Wine Festival

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January 2, 2025 · 5:39 pm

SEUSSICAL the Musical Runs Jan. 31-Feb. 16

SEUSSICAL the Musical
Co-production of The Carnegie and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Jan. 31-Feb. 16
[Covington]

Step into the magical world of SEUSSICAL, where Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters come alive in a joyous adventure for the whole family. This enchanting musical immerses audiences in a fantastical journey that sparks laughter, captures hearts, and leaves lasting memories. The Carnegie and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music team up to bring audiences a truly delightful experience that will transport both young and old to a place where imagination knows no bounds!

  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 2 at 3pm
  • Fri, Feb. 7 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Feb. 8 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Fri, Feb. 14 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Feb 15 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Feb. 16 at 3pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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December 31, 2024 · 1:38 pm

Video Auditions Announced for THE COLOR PURPLE and GREASE at The Carnegie

THE COLOR PURPLE 
June 27 – July 6, 2025
Torie Wiggins, Director
Jason Alexander Holmes, Music Director

GREASE
August 15 – 24, 2025
Eric Byrd, Director
Matthew Umphreys, Music Director

AUDITIONS BY VIDEO SUBMISSION
Submissions are due by 11:59 PM EST on February 9, 2025.

Performers must be 17 years of age or older by June 1, 2025 to submit an audition.

What to prepare:

  • 32 bars of a song in the style of THE COLOR PURPLE or GREASE
  • Optional: Submit a 1-2 minute video showcasing your dance/movement abilities
  • Resume
  • Headshot

Note: Actors interested only in the role of Miss Lynch in GREASE may submit a 1-minute monologue in place of a song.

Audition videos will only be accepted as links. Files requiring download will not be accepted.

Please ensure that privacy settings are such that we are enabled to view by the link only, with no need for password or additional access request. Please film your material in a horizontal/landscape frame on a solid background or plain wall. A ¾ shot is preferred.

Your headshot must be an image file and your resume must be in PDF format. Both should be labeled with you name (i.e. Gabbard_Tyler.pdf)

Please submit your audition here: https://forms.gle/TuNUXGyY9bLhLpVn8

CALLBACKS AND CASTING
Callbacks will be a mix of live and digital based on the availability of the auditionee and production staff. Inperson callbacks for GREASE will take place in the evening on Sunday, February 23 and callbacks for THE COLOR PURPLE will take place in the evening on Monday, February 24.

All auditionees will be notified of casting outcomes by Friday, March 14.

The Carnegie is committed to inclusive casting. All races, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and mobilities are encouraged to apply. Pronouns listed in the character breakdown refer to the genders of the characters only. Actors should submit for any roles they feel comfortable playing.

COMPENSATION

  • One-time stipends range from $1000-$1500 per contract, dependent on role and swing tracks.
  • Local-hire AEA actors may be considered for principal roles using the Guest Artist Agreement.
  • No housing provided. A one-time housing/travel stipend may be provided to out-of-town actors for select roles.

REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
Rehearsals will take place in the evenings and on weekends. Daytime rehearsals may be added based on the availability of the cast and production staff.

THE COLOR PURPLE
Rehearsals: June 2–26
Performances:

  • Friday, June 27 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, June 28 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, June 28 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, June 29 3:00 PM
  • Saturday, July 5 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, July 5 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, July 6 3:00 PM

GREASE
Rehearsals: July 21-August 14

Performances:

  • Friday, August 15 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, August 16 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, August 16 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, August 17 3:00 PM
  • Friday, August 22 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, August 23 2:00 PM
  • Saturday, August 23 7:30 PM
  • Sunday, August 24 3:00 PM

Conflicts will be accepted on a limited basis. The Carnegie strives to provide flexible opportunities for artists to pursue their craft in an environment that respects work-life balance. If conflicts are too numerous, we reserve the right to retract our offer. No performance conflicts will be accepted.

THE COLOR PURPLE
All characters are of Black/African descent.

The Color Purple features onstage moments of sexual violence and aggression, consensual intimacy, and physical violence between characters. Please familiarize yourself with the material before submitting.

  • CELIE: She/Her, 20s-40s (Mezzo-Soprano, Alto)
    Vulnerable, spirited, introverted, mischievous, she has a deep, hard soul, and a sense of humor which is sometimes wicked. Needs a great belt singing voice with lots of soul.
  • MISTER: He/Him, 30s-50s (Baritone/Bass) Celie’s husband. Like Celie, a deep well. Handsome, big, masculine, strong presence, dominating, capable of brutal behavior but also a victim in his own way. Needs a great singing voice.
  • HARPO: He/Him, 20s-40s (Tenor) Mister’s vulnerable, confused, good-hearted son. Represents the new generation. Needs a great tenor singing voice.
  • SOFIA: She/Her, 30s (Alto) Powerful warrior woman. A great sense of humor, touching, vulnerable. Married to Harpo, she does not let anyone mistreat her. Needs a great belt singing voice.
  • NETTIE: She/Her, 20s-40s (Mezzo/Soprano) Celie’s younger sister. Attractive, adventuresome, feisty spirit, maternal, educated and knowledgeable. Needs a great belt singing voice with African influence.
  • SHUG AVERY: She/Her, 30s-40s (Alto) A popular singer. Attractive, confident, dynamic, powerful, irresistible, but has a frailty, like a wounded animal. Needs a knockout, Bessie Smith-style, bluesy singing voice.
  • SQUEAK: She/Her, 20s-40s (Soprano) Harpo’s lover after Sofia leaves him. Attractive, sassy, fiery, strong-willed, unafraid to take anybody on, has a caring heart. She is of mixed ancestry. Needs comic chops and a great singing voice with belt and soprano capability.
  • ENSEMBLE: 20s-50s (All singing ranges) Need strong singing voices and dynamic personalities to play various roles in the ensemble. The ensemble includes a trio known as Church Ladies, busybody types who are featured throughout the show.

GREASE
GREASE explores the complexities of adolescence, delving into themes like teen pregnancy, underage drinking, sexuality, and bullying. Before submitting, please ensure you have a solid understanding of the material.

  • DANNY ZUKO: He/Him, Teen (Range: tenor, D4–B5)
    The leader of the boys; good-looking, strong and confident, with an air of easy-going charm.
  • SANDY DUMBROWSKI: She/Her, Teen (Range: Soprano, A3–F#5) New girl in town; sweet,
    wholesome, naive, cute, and innocent.
  • BETTY RIZZO: She/Her, Teen (Range: Alto A3–C5)
    Leader of the Pink Ladies; tough, sarcastic, and outspoken but vulnerable.
  • FRENCHY: She/Her, Teen (Range: Alto, A3–D5) A dreamer; good-natured but not too smart. She can’t wait to finish high school so she can be a beautician.
  • MARTY: She/Her, Teen (Range Alto, C4–C5) The ‘beauty’ of the ladies. She tries to act sophisticated, but betrays her age when she opens her mouth
  • JAN: She/Her, Teen (Range: Alto, A3-C5) Funny, loud, and awkward member of the Pink Ladies. Loud and pushy with the girls, but shy with boys.
  • DOODY: He/Him, Teen (Range: Tenor, D4-A5) The youngest of the guys; with a hero-worshipping attitude towards the other guys. He plays the guitar.
  • KENICKIE: He/Him, Teen (Range: Tenor, C4–F5) The second in command of the boys; tough-looking, tattooed, surly, and avoids any show of softness.
  • SONNY LATIERRI: He/Him, Teen (Range: baritone, G3–A5) One of the boys; he is a braggart who thinks he’s a real lady-killer
  • ROGER: He/Him, Teen (Range: Tenor, D4-A5) A clown who enjoys winding people up, he is always dreaming up half-baked schemes and ideas.
  • CHA-CHA DIGREGORIO: She/Her, Teen (Range: Alto, C4–C5) The best dancer at St. Bernadette’s; a loud mouth, she wins the dancing competition with Danny.
  • EUGENE FLORCZYK: He/Him, Teen (Range: Tenor, A3–E5) The class valedictorian; physically awkward, with weak eyes and a high-pitched voice – both smug
    and pompous, but gullible.
  • PATTY SIMCOX: She/Her, Teen (Range: Alto, D4-A4) A typical cheerleader; attractive, athletic, sure-ofherself, prone to bursts of disconcerting enthusiasm.
  • MISS LYNCH: She/Her, Adult A no-nonsense, serious, loud English teacher.
  • VINCE FONTAINE: He/Him, Age Flexible (Range: Tenor, G4-E5) A typical ‘teen audience’ disc jockey; slick, egotistical and fast-talking.
  • TEEN ANGEL: He/Him, Age Flexible (Range: Tenor, E4–F5) Frenchy’s suave and slick guardian angel, who encourages her to stay in school

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November 15, 2024 · 12:55 pm

WITCH Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynold

WITCH presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music and The Carnegie through November 17th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

Carson Mehlbauer as Cuddy Banks & Nikolas Gray as Frank Thorney. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

As part of its new artistic partnership with The Carnegie, UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is bringing WITCH by Jen Silverman to audiences this weekend. Described as “an inventive retelling of a Jacobean drama” (aka The Witch of Edmonton), the fable debates how much souls are actually worth when hope seems lost.

Director Lindsey Augusta Mercer has gathered an impressive village to surround an equally impressive group of CCM students. Pacing of the show is strong and the aesthetics are top-notch. Scenic Design by Doug Stock is quite literally worth the price of admission alone (and mad props to Scenic Carpenters Ethan Kuchta, Jack Murphy, Nathan Neorr, and Patrick Earl Phillips for their execution of it). Excellent, detailed work is also done by Costume Designer Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez – she is absolutely one of my favourites in terms of costuming that I have seen in recent years. Finally, particular kudos to Fight Director Gina Cerimele-Mechley for a beautifully choreographed fight scene on stairs. Bra – freaking – va!

WITCH boasts a solid ensemble of performing artists, but this should come as no surprise to CCM fans. Starting the show off strong is Debra Najor as our titular character. Ms. Najor’s delivery of the fresh dialogue is both confident and natural. When I grow up, I’d like to play the role of Scratch – but thankfully until I do, Nico Graves’ iteration of this character will more than satiate your desires. Mx. Graves excels at the physical embodiment of a presumed evil and then just as easily shows us a charming and sensitive side few could resist – excellent work! Finally, special shout-out to Carson Mehlbauer who gives a top-notch turn as Cuddy Banks, an unlikely heir. Mr. Mehlbauer carries out his character’s roller coaster of an arc with the skill envying those of many professionals in the city and beyond. Without a doubt, you will not want to avert your eyes from him when he is present in a scene.

While placed in a very different time period WITCH is ridiculously poignant and significant today, especially in light of some very recent events. The themes of hope and enduring through tough times are ultimately relatable and the play is in turn engaging. Mx. Mercer et al have bestowed a lovely gift upon theatre-goers with this piece and I highly encourage those who were not present for its opening to try and attend before it closes this coming Sunday. What do you do when hope seems lost? For me, theatre helps.

Click here for more information about the production.

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October 23, 2024 · 5:21 pm

WITCH Casts a Spell at The Carnegie This Fall in Partnership with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music

The dark comedy comes to Covington November 14-17

The Carnegie and University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) are joining forces this November for Jen Silverman’s WITCH.

A beguiling devil arrives in a quiet English town to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes — unexpected passions flare, alliances are formed, and the village is forever changed. This smart modern fable explores the intricacies of temptation and resilience.

Inspired by John Ford, Thomas Dekker, and William Rowley’s 1621 drama The Witch of Edmonton, Silverman’s bold transformation of a Jacobean drama begs the question: would you know what to ask for if the Devil came knocking on your door?

“WITCH is a bold, electrifying play that shatters expectations in thrilling ways. Silverman weaves a sharp, darkly comic tale that explores temptation and power,” says Tyler Gabbard, Director of Theatre at The Carnegie. “I’m excited to launch this new partnership with CCM with this hauntingly relevant play.”

Director Lindsey Augusta Mercer returns to helm the production after staging hit productions of TICK, TICK… BOOM! and KINKY BOOTS for The Carnegie.

Samuel Stricklen, a CCM Acting professor and professional actor, plays Sir Arthur Banks. Stricklen has appeared on and off-Broadway and at regional theatres including The Old Globe, Premiere Stages, La Jolla Playhouse, The Getty Villa, Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Actors Theatre of Louisville. His tv and film credits include Law and Order, Six Degrees, The Good Wife, Mozart in the Jungle, High Maintenance, and more.

The CCM student cast includes Staylie Grace, an alumni of The Carnegie education department’s summer and after-school programs and Carson Mehlbauer, who Carnegie audiences will recognize from his turn as Ambrose Kemper in HELLO, DOLLY! earlier this year. CCM student cast members making their Carnegie debut include Nico Graves, Debra Najor, and Nikolas Gray.

Playwright Silverman is currently represented on Broadway with their new comedy, THE ROOMMATE, starring Patti LuPone and Mia Farrow.

Tickets range from $13-$35 and may be purchased by calling (859) 957-1940 or by visiting
thecarnegie.com.

PRODUCTION TEAM

  • Director – Lindsey Augusta Mercer
  • Scenic Designer – Doug Stock
  • Costume Designer – Maria Fenanda Ortiz
  • Lighting Designer – Ashton Karp
  • Sound Designer – Kaitlin Barnett
  • Asst. Director – Hannah Toronto
  • Fight Director – Gina Cerimele-Mechley
  • Intimacy Coordinator – Torie Wiggins
  • Production Stage Manager – Anika Shirvaikar
  • Asst. Stage Manager – Ali Fishbain
  • Producer – Tyler Gabbard

CAST

  • Elizabeth Sawyer – Debra Najor
  • Scratch – Nico Graves
  • Sir Arthur Banks – Samuel Stricklen
  • Cuddy Banks – Carson Mehlbauer
  • Frank Thorney – Nik Gray
  • Winnifred – Staylie Brunner
  • Understudy – Victor Brame
  • Understudy – Katie Reeser

# # #

About The Carnegie
The Carnegie is Northern Kentucky’s largest multidisciplinary arts venue providing theatre events, educational programs and art exhibitions to the Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati community. The Carnegie facility is home to The Carnegie Galleries, the Otto M. Budig Theatre, and the Eva G. Farris Education Center. More information about The Carnegie is available at www.thecarnegie.com or by calling (859) 491-2030.

The Carnegie is supported by the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Carnegie receives ongoing operating support from the Kentucky Arts Council, City of Covington, Kenton County Fiscal Courts, Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation, the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, and Cincinnati International Wine Festival.

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