Tag Archives: The Carnegie

September 1, 2014 · 11:58 am

Joshua Steele Leaving The Carnegie

MISC_Joshua SteeleDear Friends and Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that I share today news of my resignation from The Carnegie, effective immediately.

This may come as a shock to many of you. Although the timing of this decision has been regrettably sudden, it’s a move I’ve been considering for a long time.

My time at The Carnegie has seen both substantial challenge and deeply fulfilling moments. Any success we’ve enjoyed in developing the theatre program at The Carnegie is largely due to the efforts of my exceptional staff (Bleu, Brenda, Chickie, Greg, Eamon, and many others over the years) and all of the fabulously talented actors, musicians, directors, designers and technicians who have chosen (or been heavily coerced!) to take a chance on an up-and-coming operation for far less pay than they deserve. I am grateful for the opportunity given to me by The Carnegie’s leadership seven + years ago, and for all of the beautiful and rewarding relationships it has allowed me to create.

I don’t know what comes next for me, or The Carnegie’s plans for theatre programming. It is my earnest hope to stay in the area, and I’m actively looking for “the next big thing” and the best fit for my family.

I thank you for your support of The Carnegie over these many years, and I look forward to continuing our work together under new auspices in the future.

Yours,
Joshua Steele

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August 20, 2014 · 2:07 pm

SWEENEY TODD Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Justin Glaser as Sweeney Todd.

Justin Glaser as Sweeney Todd.

SWEENEY TODD presented by The Carnegie & Commonwealth Theatre Company through Aug. 23. Read the show description.

As I’m sure you’ve heard, SWEENEY TODD as The Carnegie is very good.

Justin Glaser as the title character has a great voice, and makes Sweeney a more tragic character than I’ve normally seen him portrayed. Also in strong voice is Helen Anneliesa Raymond as Mrs. Lovett. She offers some great comic moments as Sweeney’s partner in crime as well as glimpses of the evil within. The scene with Tobias and the scarf was a character highlight for me.

The talent and performance quality doesn’t stop with the two leads. Across the cast are strong actors with voices to match, creating a very enjoyable production under the direction of Ken Jones.

Costume design by Dean Walz complimented by the wig and makeup design of Scott Reeder create great visual looks for many of the characters.

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

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

With no major complaints about the production, there were a few things that pulled me out of the moment that I thought worth mentioning.

As I said earlier, there was some great character work throughout the ensemble. I would caution a few of you not to let your character work steal focus from the leads. The first scene at the asylum with Anthony and Johanna would be an example of too much character business too close to a lead.

Although creating a visually balanced element by having two body chutes, logically the need for, or time spent by Sweeney rigging two chutes, doesn’t make sense. Also the decision to have The Beadle’s body “wrapped up” stands out since the killer NEVER took the time to wrap any of the others and left me at a loss for how quickly Tobias identified the body.

Justin Glaser as Sweeney Todd & Andy Burns as Barbershop Chair Victim.

Justin Glaser as Sweeney Todd & Andy Burns as Barbershop Chair Victim.

The decision to use the grey metal rolling stairs was problematic for me because the item is immediately recognizable as a modern piece of equipment. Either facing it, or constructing something similar in form and function would have served the show better. Also obvious was the cast member plugging in the light source for the furnace, twice.

Overall a very strong and enjoyable production of this dark Sondheim classic.

More information |

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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August 19, 2014 · 3:18 pm

The Carnegie Announces Auditions for WEST SIDE STORY

THE CARNEGIE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR A LIGHTLY STAGED PRODUCTION OF

TC_West Side Story
DIRECTED BY JOSHUA STEELE | MUSIC DIRECTION BY SCOT WOOLLEY
CHOREOGRAPHED BY JAY GOODLETT

PERFORMANCES JANUARY 9 – 11, 15 – 18, 2015
REHEARSALS EVENINGS & WEEKENDS, DECEMBER 8 – JANUARY 8
NO REHEARSAL DECEMBER 24, 25, 26 OR 31

OPEN AUDITIONS:
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2:30PM – 7:00PM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 6:30PM – 9:30PM

AUDITIONS HELD AT NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
FINE ARTS BUILDING, ROOMS 220 & 221

For actors who ONLY want to be considered for Tony or Maria:
Please prepare 32 bars of one musical theatre selection in the style of the show. Please have a contrasting selection available. You may be asked to read from the script.

For actors who want to be considered for all roles:
Please prepare 32 bars of one musical theatre selection in the style of the show. You may be asked to read from the script. Please wear appropriate attire for a dance combination.

The roles of Shrank, Krupke, Doc and Glad Hand have been pre-cast.

An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music in the correct key. A cappella auditions, or those with pre-recorded accompaniment, will not be considered. Please provide three copies of your résumé and at least one headshot.

WEST SIDE STORY is a professional production, and all performers will be compensated. The roles of Tony, Maria and Anita will receive total gross compensation ranging from $800 – $1,500; AEA actors may be considered for these three roles through a Guest Artist Agreement. All other roles will receive total compensation of $500 – $800.

To schedule an audition slot, or for questions about auditions,
please contact Eamon Hill at ehill@thecarnegie.com.

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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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July 30, 2014 · 4:58 pm

Video Preview for SWEENEY TODD

Helen Anneliesa Raymond-Goers as Mrs. Lovett & Justin Glaser as Sweeney Todd. Photo by Matt Steffen.

Helen Anneliesa Raymond-Goers as Mrs. Lovett & Justin Glaser as Sweeney Todd. Photo by Matt Steffen.

The Carnegie proudly launches its 2014-15 Theatre Series with the Tony Award winner SWEENEY TODD, playing weekends August 8 – 23, 2014 at The Carnegie in Covington, KY. Co-produced with Northern Kentucky University’s Commonwealth Theatre Company, SWEENEY TODD features local professional actors alongside the area’s most gifted collegiate talent from NKU, CCM and Wright State University, led by national tour veteran and NKU alumnus Justin Glaser.

In this video preview, Sweeney Todd (Glaser) greets an old friend…

Directed by NKU Theatre Chair Ken Jones. Tickets are $21 – $28 and are available online at http://www.thecarnegie.com or by calling The Carnegie Box Office at (859) 957-1940 (open Tu – Fr, noon – 5pm).

 

 

 

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