Tag Archives: UC College-Conservatory of Music

CCM Mainstage Presents Arpino’s BIRTHDAY VARIATIONS

CCM_Birthday Variations promoCCM Dance celebrates the art of motion with a mixed-repertoire dance performance on Dec. 6-9, 2018

CINCINNATI, OH—The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) presents a mixed-repertoire dance production culminating with Birthday Variations, choreographed by Gerald Arpino, co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet, and restaged by Nicole Duffy Robertson of the New York Dance Project. Directed by CCM Dance Professor Deirdre Carberry, the performance runs Dec. 6-9, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater.

Arpino’s BIRTHDAY VARIATIONS features music by Giuseppe Verdi and was restaged for CCM by Duffy, a répétiteur for the Gerald Arpino Foundation. This ballet premiered in 1986, just two years before Arpino took over the Joffrey Ballet as artistic director upon Robert Joffrey’s death. Anna Kisselgoff of the New York Times describes the work as “a sparkling showpiece of classical dancing” that is “set to some of Verdi’s infectious opera-ballet music.”

The mixed-repertoire performance also showcases “Kitri’s Wedding” from Act III of Ludwig Minkus’ Don Quixote, which premiered at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre in 1869, with choreography by Marius Petipa and restaged by Carberry.

“This work is one of the most famous, enduring and exciting ballet adaptations in the classical repertoire,” says Jiang Qi, chair of CCM’s Dance Department, in his program notes for the production.

Three short pieces originally choreographed by CCM Dance will also take place during this program. The first is Bridges, a work by CCM Dance Professor Michael Tevlin, with music by Benjamin Britten. This piece describes seven types of bridge, from truss to arch to suspension, through dance.

After Bridges is senior CCM Dance student Hope Friedman’s Volume IV, which features original choreography to contemporary music like Marian Hill’s Down and Wax Tailor’s Que Sera. It is an “exploration of what it means to be ‘normal’ and our connections with those around us,” Qi says.

Then CCM Dance presents Apertures and Vistas, choreographed by Judith Mikita, visiting assistant professor of dance. Mikita has worked with CCM Percussion Professor and Percussion Group Cincinnati member James Culley to develop a landscape of inventive movement with improvised accompaniment by four CCM percussion students.

This scintillating production is on stage Dec. 6-9, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office; student discounts are available. BIRTHDAY VARIATIONS will last one hour and 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 6
  • 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7
  • 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8
  • 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9

Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Ticket prices start at $28. Discounts are available for UC and non-UC students. Service charges may apply for online orders.

Single tickets are on sale now! Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online through our e-Box Office!
Visit ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice for CCM Box Office hours and location.

Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the campus of the University of Cincinnati. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.

Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy’s

Dance Department Supporter: The Corbett Endowment at CCM

The performance of BIRTHDAY VARIATIONS, an Arpino ballet, is presented with the permission of the Gerald Arpino Foundation and has been produced in accordance with the Foundation service standards established and provided by the Foundation.

A preeminent institution for the performing and media arts, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the largest single source of performing arts presentations in the state of Ohio. All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit us online at http://ccm.uc.edu.

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Hit Musical GODSPELL Continues CCM Studio Series

CCM_Godspell logo2

CCM’s 2018-19 Studio Series continues with Stephen Schwartz’s first major musical GODSPELL. Featuring an eclectic blend of chart-topping songs, the 1971 musical runs Nov. 8-10, 2018, in CCM’s Cohen Family Studio Theater.

Directed and choreographed by Professor Katie Johannigman with musical direction by Professor Stephen Goers, GODSPELL shares the story of Jesus’ life based on the gospel according to St. Matthew through comedy, improvisation and hit musical numbers. The music ranges in style from pop to vaudeville and includes hits like “Day by Day,” “Learn Your Lessons Well” and “All for the Best.”

The musical features a small cast who will employ audience participation to illustrate well-known parables of Jesus, who is cast as a woman in CCM’s production. In a show full of surprises, Johannigman is excited for audiences to experience all that the show has to offer:

“We’ve created an immersive theater environment for the audience to be a part of the show that I think they will enjoy,” she says. “We have a killer cast, including our Jesus, who is taking a different approach to the role.”

GODSPELL is heavily inspired by the “peace and love” culture of the 1970s but its themes are still applicable today, Johannigman adds. “New York City in 1971 was ripe and ready for a show like GODSPELL to come in and speak about love, acceptance and community — 2018 could use the exact same lessons. We are drawing from a lot of current issues and themes of our time to spread a message of joy, love and acceptance to all.”

Admission to CCM’s production of GODSPELL is free, but reservations are required. Tickets become available at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5. Visit the CCM Box Office or call 513-556-4183 to reserve. Limit two tickets per order.

GODSPELL
Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tebelak
Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Originally Produced on the New York Stage by Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan and Joseph Beruh

Cast List

  • Madison Deadman as Jesus
  • Madison Hagler as John The Baptist/Judas
  • Company: Bryce Baxter, Jack Brewer, John Collins, Delaney Guyer, Jenny Mollet, Dylan Mulvaney, Camila Paquet & Maddie Vandenberg

Understudies:

  • Jesus – Carina Florio
  • Judas – David Littlefield
  • Swings – David Littlefield, Matthew Skrovan, Jordyn Walker

Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8
  • 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9
  • 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10
  • 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 10

Location
Cohen Family Studio Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Admission is free, but reservations are required. Tickets become available at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5. Visit the CCM Box Office or call 513-556-4183 to reserve. Limit two per order.

Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/ directions.

Musical Theatre Studio Production Sponsor: Linda and Jim Miller

GODSPELL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

Story by CCM Graduate Student Jonathan Dellinger

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CCM Mainstage Presents Britten’s THE TURN OF THE SCREW

CCM_The Turn of the Screw logo

Based on Henry James’ classic ghost-story novella, Benjamin Britten’s operatic thriller runs at CCM on Nov. 15-18, 2018. Tickets on sale now.

CINCINNATI, OH—The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) continues the spirit of Halloween with Benjamin Britten’s operatic thriller THE TURN OF THE SCREW.

Described by Stephen King as “the quintessential ghost story,” the opera runs as part of CCM’s 2018-19 Mainstage Series on Nov. 15-18, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Based on Henry James’ classic ghost-story novella with Myfanwy Piper’s libretto, THE TURN OF THE SCREW tells the story of a young governess hired to care for two orphaned children at an isolated English country house. Shortly after her arrival, she is haunted by the malicious ghosts of a former valet and his lover, who she fears are stalking her innocent charges. Determined to save the children, the governess battles the supernatural while struggling with the apparent complicity of the children.

Britten blends 12-tone technique, arresting motifs and stirring lyricism, as the “Screw” turns in this chilling tale of sexual repression and the corruption of innocence. For mature audiences. CCM Assistant Professor of Music Aik Khai Pung conducts, with stage direction by Vincent DeGeorge, CCM assistant professor and the Joseph Weinberger Chair of Acting for the Lyric Stage.

“I don’t usually spend a lot of time thinking about ghosts,” DeGeorge says. “However, Benjamin Britten has crafted an opera that has the ability to haunt you in the most unexpected of ways. Its thrilling score, complex characters and twisting storyline may make believers out of all of us.”

CCM Opera presents THE TURN OF THE SCREW on Nov. 15-18, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office; student discounts are available. THE TURN OF THE SCREW will last two hours, including a 15-minute intermission. It will be sung in English.

Creative Team:

  • Aik Khai Pung, conductor
  • Vincent DeGeorge, director
  • Jenny Doctor, dramaturg
  • Mark Halpin, scenic designer
  • Brandon Thompson*, costume designer
  • Mikaela “Mickey” Acton*, production stage manger
  • Marnee Porter*, wig designer
  • Marie-France Lefebvre, musical preparation
  • D’Arcry Smith, dialect coach
    * CCM Student

Cast:

  • Tyler Johnson as Prologue/Peter Quint cover
  • Amber R. Monroe^, Hannah Consenz* as The Governess
  • Mischa Sella^, Nicholas Asafiev-Holmes* as Miles
  • Allison Anderson^, Amanda Olea* as Flora
  • Chelsea Duval-Major^, Karis Tucker* as Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper
    Salvatore Atti as Peter Quint, a former man-servant
    Shannon Cochran^, Yuji Bae* as Miss Jessel, a former governess
  • Madeline Jentsch as Miles cover
  • Anyea Farrar, Georgia Jacobson as Supernumeraries

Mischa Sella and Nicholas Asafiev-Holmes appear courtesy of the Cincinnati Boychoir.

^Thursday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 17
*Friday, Nov. 16 and Sunday, Nov. 18

Performance Times:

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15
  • 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16
  • 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18

Location:
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets:
Ticket prices start at $32. Discounts are available for UC and non-UC students. Service charges may apply for online orders.

Student rush tickets will be available one hour before each performance to non-UC students, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid Bearcat ID, based on availability.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online through CCM’s e-Box Office.

Parking and Directions:
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the campus of the University of Cincinnati. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.

Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy’s
Opera Department Sponsor: Mr. & Mrs. Edward S. Rosenthal
Opera Production Sponsor: Genevieve Smith

THE TURN OF THE SCREW is presented by arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, Inc. publisher and copyright owner.

A preeminent institution for the performing and media arts, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the largest single source of performing arts presentations in the state of Ohio. All event dates and programs are subject to change.

For a complete calendar of events, please visit us online at http://ccm.uc.edu.

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THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR Review

CCM_The Government Inspector1

Photo by Mark Lyons.

THE GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR presented by UC College-Conservatory, closed Oct. 7. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the Saturday matinee performance.

UC College-Conservatory of Music kicks off its 2018-19 MainStage season with Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of the 1834 play by Russian dramatist Nikolai Gogol, performed by CCM Acting.

CCM_The Government Inspector2

Carter LaCava as Ivan Alexandreyevich Hlestakov & Zoe Cotzias as Marya. Photo by Mark Lyons.

The two-sided, storybook set design by Lindsey Purvis impressed and worked really well for the production. The wig and make-up design by Kelly Yurko, combined with the wonderful costumes designed by Dean Mogle, made for a visually interesting and diverse set of characters. Regarding the make-up execution, I’m assuming the actors were responsible for their individual looks and were successful for the most part. The blending of some of the age lines could have used a bit more finesse here and there, but nicely done on the whole.

I was impressed with the character work by the ensemble. It was fun watching them find that mixture of over-the-top yet believable characters within the confines of the play. That being said, it could have been fun to see Ivan a bit more of a slave to his vices. This was the first time seeing this production and I thought the final reveal worked well. The intercepted letter at the end of the show did reveal a few plot points that didn’t necessarily come across in the performance. I was surprised to learn that The Mayor and the School Principal had known each other for 40 years. Visually they did not look like contemporaries to me. I also found the description of the Mayor’s wife in the letter as a woman with her best years behind her to be at odds with her on stage appearance.

CCM_The Government Inspector3

Carter LaCava as Ivan Alexandreyevich Hlestakov, Graham Rogers as the Mayor, Reid Robison as Bobchinsky & Trey Peterson as Dobchinsky. Photo by Mark Lyons.

I did find the pacing of the performance to be a bit sedate. Part of this was due to slow pickups among the cast, almost as if they were waiting for expected laughs. The structure of the show seemed to add to this problem. For example, several cast members, in succession, had an audience with the “government inspector.” As performed in the matinee, scenes came across more as individual vignettes instead of one scene flowing immediately into another.

Overall, an entertaining piece highlighted by smart character work and supported by a very strong design team.

My rating: 4.25 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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CCM MainStage Series Continues with Broadway Classic GUYS AND DOLLS

CCM_Guys and Dolls promoFeaturing iconic musical numbers like “Luck be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” this lavish production marks the 50th anniversary of CCM Musical Theatre.

CINCINNATI, OH — UC’s College-Conservatory of Music celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Musical Theatre program with a cherished musical comedy from Broadway’s golden age, Guys and Dolls. Named one of Cincinnati CityBeat’s “most eagerly anticipated fall productions” and listed in Cincinnati’s Magazine’s “10 can’t-miss performances,” Guys and Dolls opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018 in CCM’s Corbett Auditorium.

The musical tells the story of Nathan Detroit, a gambler trying to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while eluding the authorities. Detroit turns to fellow gambler Sky Masterson for the dough, who ends up chasing straight-laced missionary Sister Sarah Brown as a result.

Featuring iconic musical numbers like “Luck Be a Lady,” “A Bushel and a Peck,” “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat” and more, this Tony Award-winning show takes audiences from the heart of Times Square to the cafés of Havana in a tale of saints and sinners and the lengths they will go for love.

Directed and choreographed by Professor Diane Lala, with musical direction by Professor Roger Grodsky, Guys and Dolls showcases the unbelievable on-stage talent of CCM’s musical theatre majors with live accompaniment by CCM’s world-class student orchestra.

CCM’s production also features a special appearance from dramatic performance alumnus Dain Alan Paige (BFA, 1992) as Arvide Abernathy. Paige has appeared in several productions at the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati including Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Most recently, Paige was on stage as Willy Wonka in Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka at the Carnegie Theatre in Covington, Kentucky.

“CCM established the first BFA musical theatre program in the country, and we are rated as one of the top musical theatre programs in the country,” Lala says. “Celebrate our golden anniversary with us as we present this award-winning classic musical.”

CCM Musical Theatre 50th Anniversary gala: Arts lovers are invited to get “all dolled up” for a special performance of Guys and Dolls followed by the one-night-only Saints and Sinners Bash on Oct. 20, 2018. Read more about this special performance and gala after party in the Cincinnati Business Courier.

GUYS AND DOLLS A Musical Fable of Broadway Based on a Story and Characters by Damon Runyon Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows

Creative Team

  • Diane Lala, director and choreographer
  • Roger Grodsky, musical director
  • Thomas C. Umfrid, scenic designer
  • Nicholas Smith*, lighting designer
  • Jason Sebastian, sound designer
  • Reba Senske, costume designer
  • Meredith Keister*, wig and make-up designer
  • Caroline Castleman*, production stage manager
  • k. Jenny Jones, fight coordinator
  • D’Arcy Smith and Kate Webster, dialect coaches
    * CCM Student

Cast List

  • Nick Berninger as Nicley-Nicely Johnson
  • Sam Pickart as Benny Southstreet
  • Hank Von Kolnitz as Rusty Charlie
  • Aria Braswell as Sarah Brown
  • Dain Alan Paige+ as Arvide Abernathy
  • Michael Canu as Harry the Horse
  • Stone Mountain as Lt. Brannigan
  • Kevin Chlapecka^/Matt Copley* as Nathan Detroit
  • Andrew Alstat as Angie the Ox
  • Kendall McCarthy^/Anya Axel* as Miss Adelaide
  • Frankie Thams as Sky Masterson
  • Eli Mayer as Joey Baltimore
  • Dylan Dougal as Hot Box MC
  • Bryn Purvis as Mimi
  • Elle Zambarano as General Matilda B. Cartwright
  • Elijah King as Big Jule
  • Sofie Flores as Agatha
  • Cole Harksen as Calvin
  • Britta Rae as Martha
  • Hot Box Girls: Bailee Endebrock, Jamie Goodson, Zoe Grolnick, Bryn Purvis
  • Sewer Boys: Leo Carmody, Christian Feliciano, Kai Horvit, Christian Kidd, Drew Minard, Eli Owens, Aaron Richert, Sammy Schechter
  • Ensemble: Andrew Alstat, Kurtis Brown, Michael Canu, Dylan DougaL, Sofie Flores, Haley Holcomb, Chip Hawver, Jack Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Eli Mayer, Jordan Miller, Britta Rae, Mikayla Renfrow, Erich W. Schleck, Veronica Stern, Quinn Surdez, Hank Von Kolnitz, Ethan Zeph
  • Dance Captain Bryn Purvis

Understudies:

  • Nicely-Nicely Johnson – Erich W. Schleck
  • Benny Southstreet – Andrew Alstat
  • Sarah Brown – Mikayla Renfrow
  • Sky Masterson – Ethan Zeph
  • Swings – Anna Chase Lanier, Brandon Schumacker

* Friday, Oct. 19; Sunday, Oct. 21 at 1 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 26; Saturday, Oct. 27 at 8 p.m.
^ Satuday, Oct. 20; Sunday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m.
+ Denotes CCM alumnus

Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Friday, October 19
  • 7 p.m. Saturday, October 20 (CCMpower gala event; special pricing applies)
  • 1 p.m. Sunday, October 21
  • 7 p.m. Sunday, October 21
  • 8 p.m. Friday, October 26
  • 2 p.m. Saturday, October 27
  • 8 p.m. Saturday, October 27

Location
Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Ticket prices start at $32. Discounts are available for UC and non-UC students. Service changes may apply for online orders.

Student rush tickets will be available one hour before each performance to non-UC students, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid Bearcat ID, based on availability.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online through CCM’s e-Box Office.

Customizable subscription packages are also available for CCM’s 2018-19 Mainstage Series.

Parking and Directions Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.

Mainstage Production Sponsor: Macy’s

GUYS AND DOLLS is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Tel: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

A preeminent institution for the performing and media arts, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is the largest single source of performing arts presentations in the state of Ohio. All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit us online at http://ccm.uc.edu.

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