Tag Archives: Warsaw Federal Incline Theater

December 27, 2018 · 9:17 am

THE GRADUATE Runs Jan. 24-Feb. 10

WFIT_The Graduate promoTHE GRADUATE
Warsaw Federal Incline Theater
Jan. 24-Feb. 10
[East Price Hill]

Directed by Greg Procaccino

Cast: Elliot Handkins as Benjamin Braddock, Madison Pullins as Elaine, Marissa Poole as Mrs. Robinson, Alan Kootsher as Mr. Robinson, Torie Pate as Mrs. Braddock, Brent Alan Burington as Mr. Braddock, Courtni Nicolaci as Stripper/Ensemble) & Aaron Whitehead as Priest/Hotel Clerk/Psychiatrist

Benjamin Braddock is a confused young man. Having spent four years crafting a brilliant scholastic record, he finds himself adrift upon graduation, uncertain about his future, disconnected from his purpose, and increasingly alienated from the upper-class, suburban, “plastic” world of his parents. Fighting panic and boredom, he is deeply conflicted but ultimately willing when Mrs. Robinson, the unhappily married, alcoholic, and dangerously charismatic wife of his father’s business partner, tempts him into an affair. Benjamin’s tenuous existence of lazy days and stolen nights falls apart when he falls in love — with Elaine, Mrs. Robinson’s upbeat, optimistic daughter. Terry Johnson’s stage adaptation of The Graduate, based on the novel and the iconic 1967 film, is a bitterly hilarious dark comedy, full of rapid fire dialogue between fascinating and horrifying characters. This play explores family dysfunction, parental expectations, crumbling marriages, and the naive, yet disillusioned, dichotomy of youth, against the backdrop of 1960’s America.

  • Thu, Jan. 24 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 25-26 at 8pm
  • Sun, Jan. 27 at 2pm
  • Wed-Thu, Jan. 30-31 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Jan. Feb. 1-2 at 8pm
  • Sun, Feb. 3 at 2pm
  • Wed-Thu, Feb. 6-7 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Jan. Feb. 8-9 at 8pm
  • Sun, Feb. 10 at 2pm

Official page |

1 Comment

Filed under On Stage

Tagged as ,

November 2, 2018 · 1:32 pm

Two Part-Time Positions Available at Cincinnati Landmark Productions

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions is seeking two part-time staff members for The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater
and The Madcap Education Center

Part-Time Customer Service/House Staff Position/Ticketing Agent (2 positions available)

Job Requirements:
Must be a self-starter, dependable, and have excellent communication and customer service skills. Must be able to work in an unsupervised environment at The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, The Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre and The Madcap Education Center.

Must be at least 21 years of age, have high school diploma or equivalency, some college preferred. Have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Job Description: House management duties, Will Call, general customer service, work as parking assistant, concessions/bar and run a follow spot. Must be willing to learn ticketing system for customer service. Will train the right candidates.

Hours for position vary. Mostly evenings during performances. Sunday performances are at 2pm. Must be available weekends too.

If interested, please send resume to: Denny Reed @ dennyreed@clpshows.org. No phone calls please. Start Date: IMMEDIATE.

Please note: These positions are a good fit for NON PERFORMERS – staffers will work during performances. Start date immediate.

Leave a comment

Filed under On Stage

Tagged as , , ,

November 2, 2018 · 1:22 pm

Auditions Announced for MAMMA MIA!, PIPPIN and SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS at Incline Theatre

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions to hold auditions for three Summer Classic Season shows including MAMMA MIA!, PIPPIN and SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS

Open Audition dates/times:

  • Saturday, January 5th 1-4:30pm
  • Sunday, January 6th 6-9pm

The Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre
801 Matson Place
Cincinnati, OH 45204

Callback for MAMMA MIA!
Monday, January 7th (6-9pm)

Callback for PIPPIN
Tuesday, January 8th (6-8pm)

Callback for SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
Tuesday, January 8th (8:15-10:15pm)

Please note: Everyone will not have to attend callbacks – you will be asked to attend (and expected to attend if asked). This is when you will read from the script. However, not being asked to callbacks doesn’t mean you won’t be cast.

If you’d like the audition forms sent to you in advance, email Jennifer Perrino at jenniferperrino@CLPShows.org

Important Audition Information

  • You may audition for more than one show.
  • You may be tested for Dance at the audition – will depend on role. Note: There will be additional dance at the callback too.
  • For any of the three musicals, prepare 16 to 32 bars of a song that best demonstrates your vocal ability. You will read from the script at callbacks.
  • MUST BE A MINIMUM of 17 years of age to audition.
  • MUST HAVE A RESUME listing theatrical experience in order to audition.
  • A headshot/picture is appreciated. Please bring a headshot and resume for each show you are auditioning for, e.g. 2 shows =2 headshots and resumes; 3 shows =3 headshots etc.
  • No more than 2 conflicts will be accepted during the rehearsal process for each of these productions.

All roles are paid positions. No Roles have been precast.

Cast members do not have to be the actual ages of the characters in any of the productions – But must be able to look age appropriate and act accordingly.

The 2019 Summer Classics Season includes:

MAMMA MIA!
May 1 – May 26, 2019
Music and Lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson
Book by Catherine Johnson

The ultimate feel-good show! ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father, bringing three men from her mother’s past back to the Greek island paradise they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show. Non-stop laughs, explosive dance numbers and great SONGS like Dancing Queen, Waterloo, Knowing Me/Knowing You and the mega hit Mama Mia! combine to make this the guaranteed smash hit of the summer!

Tim Perrino, Director; Steve Goers, Music Director; Allison Evans, Choreographer; Steven Ducker, Stage Manager

PIPPIN
July 10 – Aug. 4, 2019
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Originally Produced on the Broadway Stage by Stuart Ostrow
Directed on the Broadway Stage by Bob Fosse
2013 Broadway Revival Directed by Diane Paulus
Orchestrations for 2013 Revival by Larry Hochman

There’s magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz’s iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece. Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated version continues to captivate the young and the young-at-heart throughout the world. Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince seeks fulfillment in all the ‘expected’ ways – the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the un-extraordinary moments that happen every day. The musical features one of Stephen Schwarz’s best scores, including songs like Corner of the Sky, No Time At All and Magic to Do!

Matthew Wilson, Director/Choreographer; Michael Kennedy, Music Director; Kate Stark, Choreographer; Jenny Lutes, Stage Manager

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
Aug. 14 – Sept. 8, 2019
Book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay
Music by Gene dePaul Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
New Songs by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn
Based on the MGM film and The Sobbin’ Women by Stephen Vincent Benet

In this unmistakably American take on the war between the sexes, seven frontier women take charge of their destinies (and their men) in 1850s Oregon. Based on the classic film, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is an authentic piece of Americana, a time-tested romantic comedy with a special, contemporary relevance. Saddle up for a western joyride that features great songs like, Bless Your Beautiful Hide, Going Courtin’ and The Sobbin’ Women – plus some of the greatest dance sequences ever on the stage! When Adam and his six unruly brothers think they know what a woman’s place is, Adam’s spirited new wife and a cohort of potential brides show ‘em who’s boss in this golden age American musical.

Maggie Perrino Director/Choreographer; Greg Dastillung, Music Director; Holly Davis, Stage Manager

For more information on auditions, contact us at (513) 241 – 6550. Check us out on the web @ www.CLPShows.org

Leave a comment

Filed under Auditions

Tagged as ,

October 31, 2018 · 11:05 am

Mr. Robinson Sought for THE GRADUATE at Incline Theater

CLPCincinnati Landmark Productions is seeking to fill the role of Mr. Robinson in our production of THE GRADUATE at The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater

Mr. Robinson (Male late 30s to mid 50s)
Detached husband of Mrs. Robinson, father of Elaine. Very protective father of Elaine, and law partner of Ben’s father.

Rehearsals begin 12/2/18. Tech: 1/20 – 1/23/19

THE GRADUATE
(Performances Jan./Feb. 2019)
Thurs. Jan. 24 – Fri. Jan. 25 – Sat. Jan. 26 – Sun. Jan. 27
Wed. Jan. 30 – Thurs. Jan. 31 – Fri., Feb. 1 – Sat. Feb. 2 – Sun. Feb. 3
Wed. Feb. 6 – Thurs. Feb. 7 – Fri. Feb. 8 – Sat. Feb. 9 – Sun. Feb. 10

Performances run Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30; Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 2pm.

Interested? Available? Please send a headshot and resume to Jennifer Perrino, Producer @ jenniferperrino@clpshows.org (no calls please).

THE GRADUATE
January 24 – Feb. 10, 2019

A Play Adapted by Terry Johnson; Based on the Novel by Charles Webb
And the Motion Picture Screenplay by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry
By Special Arrangement with StudioCanal

Benjamin Braddock is a confused young man. Having spent four years crafting a brilliant scholastic record, he finds himself adrift upon graduation, uncertain about his future, disconnected from his purpose, and increasingly alienated from the upper-class, suburban, “plastic” world of his parents. Fighting panic and boredom, he is deeply conflicted but ultimately willing when Mrs. Robinson, the unhappily married, alcoholic, and dangerously charismatic wife of his father’s business partner, tempts him into an affair. Benjamin’s tenuous existence of lazy days and stolen nights falls apart when he falls in love — with Elaine, Mrs. Robinson’s upbeat, optimistic daughter. Terry Johnson’s stage adaptation of THE GRADUATE, based on the novel and the iconic 1967 film, is a bitterly hilarious dark comedy, full of rapid fire dialogue between fascinating and horrifying characters. This play explores family dysfunction, parental expectations, crumbling marriages, and the naive, yet disillusioned, dichotomy of youth, against the backdrop of 1960’s America.

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Casting Call

Tagged as ,

October 5, 2018 · 4:29 pm

NEXT TO NORMAL Review

WFIT_Next to Normal5

Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

NEXT TO NORMAL presented by the Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre through Oct. 21. Click here for a synopsis and more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

WFIT_Next to Normal1

Leslie Kelly as Natalie. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

The Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre kicks off its 2018-19 District Season with NEXT TO NORMAL, “an unflinching look at a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness” – Music Theatre International

Director Matthew Wilson has assembled a vocally strong, talented ensemble. Tanner Gleeson and Leslie Kelly as siblings Gabe and Natalie have some of my favorite songs in the show and handled them beautifully. Brian Anderson as father Dan and Lesley Hitch in the very demanding role of wife and mother Diana are up to the vocal requirements of the show. Both Elliot Handkins as Henry and Derek Harper as the Doctors do well in their supporting roles.

I think I understand what Brett Bowling was going for with the set design and it probably looked more functional on paper or as a model, but the reality of the set had several problems. The first level play areas seemed a bit small and confining, causing some awkward blocking as the actors tried to cross past each other. An extra couple of feet added to the front of the set would have helped. Actors also had to break stride to keep from hitting their heads when they used the upstage exit from the living room. The central narrow staircase, without handrails, had actors tentatively crossing down them, and two different actors tripped going up them opening night. Performers had to duck under a railing to cross from the staircase to the second level platform upstage left. I did like the askew roof and second level, and would have like to have seen that motif carried to the first floor.

WFIT_Next to Normal2

Tanner Gleeson as Gabe. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

The balance between the band and vocals was good throughout most of the production. There were a few times when the band comes in hot and briefly drowns out the vocalist(s). Also near the end of the opening number, during the individual lyrics, things got muddy.

My main complaint for the show can be summed up in one sentence. “I can’t see your faces.” There are several reasons for this:

Lighting – Several times actor’s faces would disappear due to gaps in the lighting or in the instrument’s location. The best example I can give for this is when someone is sitting in the living room chair and is lit in blue. The light seems to be coming mostly from above causing actors faces to disappear in shadow, especially Diana. I almost feel the theater needs additional/stronger instruments low in the back of the house. The angle for the lights closer to the stage seem too steep for some lighting needs.

WFIT_Next to Normal3

Elliot Handkins as Henry & Leslie Kelly as Natalie. Brian Anderson as Dan & Lesley Hitch as Diana. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

Blocking – Several times with only one actor seated at the kitchen table, they sat in the downstage right chair. This placed the actor’s back to most of the audience, putting them immediately at a visual disadvantage. Simply shifting them to the upstage side of the table eliminates the problem. There was a similar issue in the scenes played stage left. If Diana is moved to the stronger position of the other chair, she is immediately open to the entire audience. Also, across the cast, actors were standing completely in profile to each other. If your shoulders are pointing upstage and to the booth, odds are good you are upstaging yourself.

Performance – Some of this goes in hand with the blocking. Some of this is due to the contemporary nature of the show. Don’t be so concerned with making constant eye contact with your scene partners. Every song is not a ballad. In fact you might be better served to think of your lyrics as lines. Some words need emotion and emphasis behind them. Don’t be a total slave to the music. Break the traditional musical theater habits (this note is mainly for the more experienced musical theatre performers). If you are on stage during someone else’s number, actively listen and react to their words. Many times the person not singing would just “freeze” on stage. Remember at the Incline, much of the audience is below you. If you are singing to a point above the sound booth, you are aiming too high, so keep those chins down.

WFIT_Next to Normal4

Lesley Hitch as Diana, Derek Harper as Dr. Fine & cast. Photo by Tammy Cassesa.

Bottom line: remember this is a story you are telling to the audience, not to each other on stage. I hope these points don’t come across as harsh because they are not meant to be and I think they are easily addressable. It is simply the frequency of these issues that kept me from being pulled into the story. The elements are there, but I feel you just need to connect emotionally with the songs, each other, and the audience to bring the show to its full potential. I expect the show to only get stronger over the course of the run.

My rating: 4.0 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.

1 Comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as ,