Tag Archives: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Presents TCT on Tour Shows for 23-24 Season

TCTC_23-24 TCT On TourCincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is thrilled to present four TCT On Tour productions to audiences around the region – and the country!

Kicking off the 2023-2024 touring season is the world-premiere PINOCCHIO: THE WOODEN BOY. Young and old audiences alike will enjoy TCT’s unique and meaningful storytelling experiences.

Back by popular demand are the following tours:

  • A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL – Four talented actors take the rhymes of Dr. Seuss and infuse them with the beloved story of A Christmas Carol – what could go wrong!?
  • HARRIET TUBMAN: STRAIGHT UP OUTTA’ THE UNDERGROUND – Travel back in time to the Underground Railroad and learn about Harriet Tubman’s efforts in freeing slaves
  • CINDERELLA WORE COWBOY BOOTS – Enjoy a western take on Cinderella’s classic story in this highly interactive one-woman show

TCT’s 45-minute touring shows provide great programming for schools, libraries, senior centers, community centers, arts centers, churches, or anywhere! Each production includes a live Q&A opportunity for audiences after the show. Book now on our website: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/tct-on-tour-form/

TCT’s 22-23 Touring Dates:

  • PINOCCHIO: THE WOODEN BOY: September 5 – October 29, 2023
  • A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL: November 13 – December 22, 2023
  • HARRIET TUBMAN: STRAIGHT UP OUTTA’ THE UNDERGROUND: January 15 – March 1, 2024
  • CINDERELLA WORE COWBOY BOOTS: January 22 – May 12, 2024

PINOCCHIO: THE WOODEN BOY
Touring Live: September 5 – October 29, 2023
45-minute storytelling experience, including a Q&A session
Ideal for Grades Pre-K-4

About the Show: “Dreams are what you make them” in this new adaptation of the classic children’s fantasy. Geppetto, a lonely Italian toymaker, dreams of having a family, but when his wish is unexpectedly granted, he is shocked to be in the company of a talking puppet! When the two don’t quite get along, Pinocchio ventures off on his own… Now, it’s up to Geppetto to shape up and save Pinocchio from danger in this comedic cat-and-dog chase around Europe. Join Pinocchio as he learns important lessons in honesty and morality, while Geppetto has a few lessons to learn on growing up as well…

A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL
Touring Live: November 13 – December 22, 2023
(Performances not available November 22-27)
50 minutes, including a Q&A session
Ideal for Grades PreK-4

About the Show: Back by popular demand!
Dickens’ most beloved story, in wacky rhyming word,
Our classic Christmas show this year is better seen and heard!
From Ghosts of Past and Present, to Timmy Loo Hoo,
This festive holiday tale is a gift from us to you!

“A Seussified Christmas Carol” is not affiliated, endorsed, or sponsored by Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

HARRIET TUBMAN: STRAIGHT UP OUTTA’ THE UNDERGROUND
Touring Live: January 15 – March 1, 2024
Also streaming on Broadway on Demand, available via Pick-A-Path Interactive
45-minute storytelling experience, including a Q&A session
Ideal for Grades 3-8

About the Show: Bring the past to the present and change the future with this one-woman interactive storytelling experience. Uncover the truth about America’s 200-year-old struggle with slavery when you play a part in this historic retelling. On this journey, you’ll follow Harriet Tubman, the most recognized conductor of the Underground Railroad. Nicknamed “Moses,” Harriet Tubman lived up to her name by gaining her own freedom, as well as traveling back and forth from North to South over 19 times and freeing over 300 slaves.

CINDERELLA WORE COWBOY BOOTS
Touring Live: January 22 – May 12, 2024
45-minute storytelling experience, including a Q&A session
Ideal for Grades K-5

About the Show: “Hear, Ye! Hear, Yeee-Haw!” The King is throwin’ a royal ball! In this one-woman show, our storyteller will round-up audiences as they get pulled into this hilarious, interactive and kneeslappin’ adaption of Cinderella. That’s right, pardner! Members of your audience become part of the action! Saddle up as Cinderella Wore Cowboy Boots lassos the power of childhood imagination to tell this rags-to-riches story in a way you will never forget.

Booking Information
Selected with state and national educational standards in mind, these TCT On Tour productions explore historical events, celebrate cultural heritage, and set the stage for learning.

Book now on our website: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/tct-on-tour-form/

Study Guides
TCT creates a show companion activity packet for each show that relates to classroom curriculum standards. Use this for 30 minutes of self-guided, show-related activity with answer key. Study guides for each show will be added here: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/study-guides/

Digital Productions
Watch an entire TCT on Tour show from any connected device! Digital passes for TCT’s available Broadway On Demand shows are available for $225 per show per venue. See the current streaming shows here: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/current-season/

TCT On Tour is made possible by TCT on Tour Sponsor Time Timer. Additional funding for TCT on Tour is provided by PNC Foundation. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by ArtsWave and the generosity of tens of thousands of contributors to the ArtsWave Community Campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

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PRINCESS AND FROG Runs Feb. 18-27

TCT_Princess and FrogPRINCESS AND FROG
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Feb. 18-27
Taft Theatre [Downtown]

Stage Direction and Choreography by Maddie Burgoon Jones
Concept Director and Artistic Director, Roderick Justice
Music Direction by Jason Alexander Holmes

Cast: Christian Arias  as Croaker, Ranease Brown as Princess Acrimonia, Arianna Catalano as Lady Adella/Disco Diva, Josh Galloway as Royal Page, Henry Howland as Fritz, Ashley Morton as Lady Isabella/Disco Diva, Gabriel Kanai Nakata as Fred, Greg Nelson as King Arnold, Spring Starr Pillow as Queen Helena, Madeline Stern as Lady Carmella, Disco Diva & Kavan Vadivelu* as Frank
Ensemble: Brinley Culver*, Issiah Current*, Kristen Das, Ryleigh Doss*, Griffin Hatfield*, Noah Jeffreys, Ethan Kuchta, Elli Maddock*, Chelsea Russell, Kate Stark & Keya Vadivelu* 

When a beautiful, but spoiled, princess throws her new golden ball down the palace garden well, she encounters an enchanted prince-turned frog, whose only hope at breaking his curse and turning back into a human is to be invited for dinner. Oh… and to be kissed on the nose by a princess. But this frog prince isn’t the only one under an enchanted curse. With the help of his amphibi-friends, the two form an unlikely bond by teaching each other the importance of self-discovery, friendship, and standing up to bad influence. This fresh new musical adaptation will have you croaking the showtunes all the way home!

Please note: Princess & Frog was adapted from Croaker – The Frog Prince Musical which is based on The Frog Prince fairy tale, not the Disney animated movie.

  • Sat, Feb. 18 at 2pm & 5pm
  • Sun, Feb. 19 at 2pm
  • Fri, Feb. 24 at 7pm
  • Sat, Feb. 25 at 11am & 2pm
  • Sun, Feb. 26 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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World-Premiere Musical PRINCESS & FROG Opens at the Taft Theatre in February

TCT_Princess and FrogDeveloped by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

 Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 22-23 MainStage Season continues with PRINCESS & FROG at the Taft Theatre February 18 – 27, 2023. Tickets are on sale now at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/princess-frog/.

“TCT is thrilled to adapt this fresh family musical based on the classic Frog Prince fairy tale,” says Artistic Director, Roderick Justice. “It may be winter outside, but it will be spring in the Taft Theatre. Audiences can expect to dive into the land of Astorya and go on an adventure with Princess Acrimonia and Prince Croaker, complete with tap dancing on lily pads! The first few rows might even wind up in the splash zone!”

Justice continues, “We are also excited for the MainStage directorial debut of Associate Artistic Director Maddie Burgoon Jones, who has been involved with TCT, both onstage and off, since she was nine years old.”

When a beautiful, but spoiled, princess throws her new golden ball down the palace garden well, she encounters an enchanted prince-turned frog, whose only hope of breaking his curse and turning back into a human is to be invited for dinner. Oh… and to be kissed on the nose by a princess. But this frog prince isn’t the only one under an enchanted curse. With the help of his amphibi-friends, the two form an unlikely bond by teaching each other the importance of self-discovery, friendship, and standing up to bad influence. This fresh new musical adaptation will have you croaking the showtunes all the way home!

For TCT’s 22-23 MainStage shows at the Taft Theatre, currently there are not any restrictions for entry. Masks are welcome, but not required. Safety is always our highest priority, and we hope you’ll treat each other with kindness and respect throughout your theatrical journey with us.

Book and Lyrics by Debra Clinton. Music by Jason Marks. Based on The Frog Prince by the Brothers Grimm and adapted from the musical Croaker, this world-premiere adaptation by Roderick Justice was commissioned and produced by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati.

Stage Direction and Choreography by Maddie Burgoon Jones. Concept Director and Artistic Director, Roderick Justice. Music Direction by Jason Alexander Holmes. Scenic Design by Seth Howard. Dani Lobello, Director of Production. Production Stage Manager, Jadi Davis. Melanie Watnick, Costume Designer. Lighting Design by Ben Gantose.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs 60 minutes without an intermission.

Showtimes for PRINCESS & FROG include:

  • Saturday, February 18 at 2 PM
  • Saturday, February 18 at 5 PM
  • Sunday, February 19 at 2 PM
  • Friday, February 24 at 7 PM
  • Saturday, February 25 at 11 AM
  • Saturday, February 25 at 2 PM
  • Sunday, February 26 at 2 PM
    ASL interpretation will be offered on the first Saturday at 2 PM performance.

PRINCESS & FROG is made possible by Production Sponsors Chemed, The Summit Hotel, and The Sutphin Family Foundation; as well as Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

All The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including PRINCESS & FROG, are performed in the historic Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets.

CAST (In Alphabetical Order)

  • Christian Arias – Croaker
  • Ranease Brown – Princess Acrimonia
  • Arianna Catalano – Lady Adella, Disco Diva
  • Brinley Culver* – Ensemble
  • Issiah Current* – Ensemble
  • Kristen Das – Ensemble
  • Ryleigh Doss* – Ensemble
  • Josh Galloway – Royal Page
  • Griffin Hatfield* – Ensemble
  • Henry Howland – Fritz
  • Noah Jeffreys – Ensemble
  • Ethan Kuchta – Ensemble
  • Elli Maddock* – Ensemble
  • Ashley Morton – Lady Isabella, Disco Diva
  • Gabriel Kanai Nakata – Fred
  • Greg Nelson – King Arnold
  • Spring Starr Pillow – Queen Helena
  • Chelsea Russell – Ensemble
  • Kate Stark – Ensemble
  • Madeline Stern – Lady Carmella, Disco Diva
  • Kavan Vadivelu* – Frank
  • Keya Vadivelu* – Ensemble

Understudies
For King Arnold: Henry Howland; for Croaker: Ethan Kuchta; for Princess Acrimonia: Chelsea Russell; for Royal Page: Kate Stark

*Denotes TCT’s Young Artists Company

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The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Holding Auditions for 2023 STAR Intensive

TCTC_new logoCincinnati – Children ages 9-18 (entering their senior year of high school) can now register to audition for the renowned STAR Intensive with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Auditions will be held in-person on Sunday, January 29, 2023.

Appointments are mandatory. You MUST set up an audition in advance. New to STAR this year – auditions will happen in larger groups and will include a dance audition. If you need to cancel or make changes, please follow the link in your registration email. To register for an audition, please visit: https://thechildrenstheatre.com/jobs-auditions/. If you are unable to attend one of the slots listed, please email Maddie Jones, STAR Intensive Director, at Maddie.Jones@tctcincinnati.com for further instructions.

What to Prepare:

  • A memorized 16-32- bar song selection that best shows your vocal range. You MUST have music accompaniment with the piano part included.
  • Prepare to have a dance audition. Please wear appropriate movement attire and shoes. Please come stretched and ready to move.
  • Upon online registration, you MUST upload a RECENT picture and CURRENT resumé. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your audition, please email Maddie Jones, STAR Intensive Director at Jones@tctcincinnati.com.

ABOUT THE STAR INTENSIVE:
The STAR Intensive is a four-week training program for students, ages 9-18. Students are accepted by audition only and will work with leading professionals in the musical theatre business to help them become well-rounded performers in all areas of musical theatre. The STAR Intensive culminates in a Musical Theatre Showcase featuring some of the most popular songs from the Broadway repertoire as well as a fully produced One-Act Festival. STAR Intensive participants will have the opportunity to be considered for additional high-level training in our Academy through our invitation-only classes and show experiences.

When: July 5 – July 28, 2023, weekdays 10 AM to 4 PM with performances July 29 and July 30. Location will be announced later.

Tuition: $675
Security deposit of $175 due upon acceptance into the program. Payment plans and scholarships are available.

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The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati Brings Holiday Cheer to the Queen City with RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER JR.

TCTC_Rudolph Jr logoOpens at the Taft Theatre in December

Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s 22-23 MainStage Season continues with RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR. at the Taft Theatre December 10-19, 2022. Tickets are on sale now at https://thechildrenstheatre.com/shows/rudolph-the-red-nosed-reindeer-jr/.

The holiday classic soars off the screen in this 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR.  features all your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special.

Because of his shiny nose, Rudolph doesn’t feel like he belongs in Christmastown and sets off to find a place that accepts him. Along his journey, he encounters fellow misfits, only to realize that home is where he has belonged the whole time. When a storm threatens to keep Santa’s sleigh from taking flight, it’s up to Rudolph to save Christmas!

For TCT’s 22-23 MainStage shows at the Taft Theatre, currently there are not any restrictions for entry. Masks are welcome, but not required. Safety is always our highest priority, and we hope you’ll treat each other with kindness and respect throughout your theatrical journey with us.

Music and Lyrics by Johnny Marks. Script Adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements by Timothy Splain. Orchestrations by William C. White. Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”

adapted from the story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks. Developed by Character Arts Creations, LLC.

Stage Direction and Scenic Design by Nate Bertone. Choreographed by Diane Lala. Mark Femia, Music Director. Jeff Shearer, TCT Resident Costume Designer. Matthew Benjamin, Lighting Designer. Dani Lobello, Director of Production.

Ideal for ages 4+. This production runs 60 minutes without an intermission.

Showtimes for RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR. include:

  • Saturday, December 10 at 2 PM
  • Saturday, December 10 at 5 PM
  • Sunday, December 11 at 2 PM
  • Friday, December 16 at 7 PM
  • Saturday, December 17 at 11 AM
  • Saturday, December 17 at 2 PM
  • Sunday, December 18 at 2 PM

ASL interpretation will be offered on the first Saturday at 2 PM performance.

RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR. is made possible by Production Sponsor The Summit Hotel, and Season Sponsor The Charles H. Dater Foundation. Additional funding for MainStage Ticket Subsidies is provided by PNC Foundation. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is supported by the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source for arts funding. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Additional support comes from ARP funds from the City of Cincinnati through ArtsWave.

All The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s Broadway-style MainStage productions, including RUDOLPH tHE RED-NOSED REINDEER™ JR., are performed in the historic Taft Theatre, 5th and Sycamore Streets in Downtown Cincinnati. Tickets start at $10. Visit thechildrenstheatre.com or call the TCT Box Office at 513.569.8080 x10, Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM to purchase tickets.

CAST (In Alphabetical Order)

  • BENJAMIN ABES-FELDMAN … Aviator Elf / Ensemble / Cowboy
  • CHRISTIAN ARIAS … Reindeer / Ensemble / Chicago Reporter / Bird-Fish
  • DAVID RADTKE … Santa Claus
  • CHRIS LOGAN CARTER … Sam
  • MACKENZIE COOK … Elf 4 / Spotted Elephant
  • BRINLEY CULVER … Elf 1
  • ISSIAH CURRENT … Boss Elf
  • CELIA D’ASCENZO … Elf 5 / Dolly
  • MARLO D’ASCENZO … Clarice
  • STELLA D’ASCENZO … Elf 2
  • DORION FEARS … Donner
  • DOUGLAS FRIES … King Moonracer / Bumble / Ensemble
  • TOMMI HARSCH … Mrs. Donner / Charlie in the Box / Ensemble
  • GRIFFIN HATFIELD … Fireball / Ensemble
  • HENRY HOWLAND … Coach Comet
  • KASEY JOHANSEN … Puppeteer / Ensemble / Reindeer
  • ETHAN KUCHTA … Yukon Cornelius / Ensemble
  • JT LANGLAS … Ensemble / Clarice’s Father
  • ELLI MADDOCK … Elf 3 / Toy Cover
  • EDRICO PRITCHETT … Ensemble / Reindeer / Daily News Reporter / Plane
  • CAROLINE RAKESTRAW … Ensemble / Reindeer / Train
  • BRANDI LA’SHERRILL … Mrs. Claus
  • ALEX TALBOT … Hermey
  • KAI VADIVELU … Young Rudolph
  • KAVAN VADIVELU … Rudolph
  • KEYA VADIVELU … Puppeteer / Ensemble / Reindeer

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