Nov 30, 2007
DON'T GET SCAMMED ON "WICKED" TIX
No matter what you’ve heard, there are tickets to “Wicked.” That’s straight from Broadway Across America-Cincinnati. A limited number of tickets. Broadway Across America-Cincinnati warns under no circumstances should anyone buy from an unknown source online or elsewhere, no matter what they promise, because even outside New York, ticket scams are rampant. The key is date flexibility. You can get orchestra tickets, but maybe it has to be a weeknight not a weekend. Use the box office in the Mercantile Center (120 E. Fourth St.), or Ticketmaster – 513-241-7469 and www.ticketmaster.com. That’s the only way you know you won’t walk into the theater with counterfeit tickets. Jackie Demaline
PLAYHOUSE COLLECTS TOYS FOR TOTS
Any time between now and December 13th, bring a new, unwrapped toy (appropriate for children up to age 13) to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and place it in the Toys for Tots barrel by the box office.
The Toys for Tots Foundation was created to help needy and underprivileged children experience the joys of Christmas. Started by Marine Reservists 60 years ago, the Foundation has distributed more than 370 million toys to 173 million needy children in the United States. The Marines will not accept used or second-hand toys or toys that have been removed from their original packaging. Similarly, plush or stuffed dolls (e.g. Beanie Babies) that are not sold in a box or carton cannot be distributed. For more information, visit the Cincinnati Area Toys for Tots web site at www.toybarrel.org
Nov 29, 2007
LAKOTA EAST THEATER THANKS EVERYONE -- AND ASKS FOR QUIET
Hurray! Lakota East’s production of “And Then There Were None” (formerly known as “Ten Little Indians”) will be produced on its home stage, a couple of weeks later than originally planned, opening Dec. 13. It wouldn’t have happened without the swell of media attention and public support; the barrage of e-mail support has been incredible, theater director Rich Schmaltz reports. Now cast, crew and Schmaltz fervently ask for the 15 minutes of fame to end so they can concentrate on their work and do the best darned production they can. Talk about a happy ending! Jackie Demaline
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS KARA JONES?
Proud mom Catherine Jones e-mailed that her daughter Kara is high-kicking with the Rockettes in the Chicago/Des Moines tour of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, continuing through Jan. 30. “Last May, Kara was selected as one of only 20 dancers nationwide (out of close to 1,000) to be a Radio City Rockette! She will be in Chicago through Dec 2. Kara’s dance training includes College-Conservatory of Music, Otto M Budig School of Cincinnati Ballet, and Ballet Tech. She performed several years with Cincinnati Ballet in “The Nutcracker” and was one of Cincinnati Ballet’s original Venture Dancers.”
The 2003 St. Ursula Academy grad went on to Mercyhurst College and graduated in May with a BFA in Dance. She is currently on the faculty of Midwest Ballet Theatre. Her mom adds, “You can see Kara as a Rockette by searching online: Kara Jones/Rockettes.” Jackie Demaline
Nov 28, 2007
LAKOTA EAST MAKES NAT'L THEATER CHAT PAGES
If you want to weigh in, there’s quite a conversation firing along about Lakota East’s decision to cancel its student production of “Ten Little Indians” on “All That Chat” at BroadwayStars.com – and of course there’s plenty of comment at Cincinnati.com. Lakota East students are still looking for a venue to put the show on themselves, so if anybody out there can help make that dream happen…. Jackie Demaline
Nov 27, 2007
LAKOTA EAST -- WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Lakota East High School canceling this weekend’s production of Agatha Christie classic “Ten Little Indians” is the only theater talk worth talking right now. “An outrage!” is what I’m hearing. An example from respected and awarded educator/actress/director Ginny Chizer is below. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Respond here, at the message board at Enquirer.com and find more at www.connectwestchester.com and www.connectliberty.com. I must express my amazement at the outrageous actions of the Lakota East H. S. administration in forcing their theater department to cancel their scheduled production of Ten Little Indians!! The reason? The play just "might" have negative racial overtones. This is a classic mystery. Also known as And Then There Were None, by a very conservative (to say the least) author/playwright, Agatha Christie. It has been presented by just about every high school in the country and has never been questioned as a proper teenage viewing or participation vehicle. It would be interesting to know just how many complaints were actually received. As a former drama teacher/coach/director, I have been put through hell over a production of Working. And it started with just one parent who didn't bother to ask her son (a cast member) some questions about the script. That snowballed throughout a small group of fundamentalist religious people, who know nothing about the content. They also had never complained that Studs Terkel's book Working, was not only present in the library, but was on a reading list for some social studies classes! Having been through this, I know what these dedicated teachers/directors have had to undergo. So, my first action after my feet hit the floor tomorrow will be a phone call to the idiotic administration who made this ridiculous decision. I invite you to add your voice and speak out against this kind of mindless censorship! Ginny Chizer
MUSICAL/MUSICAL/MUSICAL STAR CONTINUES ON AILING LIST
Kristin Maloney, prototypical sweet young thing of “Musical of Musical (The Musical!)” at Playhouse in the Park is off-stage till Friday, at least. She was undone last weekend by strained vocal cords. Understudy Margaret-Ellen Jeffreys of the theater’s intern company steps in from “A Christmas Carol,” with a little bit of shuffling around the edges in the holiday classic, which begins student performances tomorrow. Reservations for both shows: 513-421-3888. Jackie Demaline
Nov 26, 2007
CALLING ALL SCROOGES
Playhouse in the Park eagerly awaits entries in the theater’s first Ebenezer Scrooge look-alike contest, in conjunction with this year’s 17th annual edition of “A Christmas Carol,” playing Dec. 1-30. Contestants can enter in two categories: An honest-to-goodness look alike to Bruce Cromer in the role (no extra credit for humbuggy personality); and a creative interpretation – dress up your dog, your snowman, your clerk… Winners will receive four tickets to “Carol” and a photo shoot with Cromer, who is judging, with “Carol” director Michael Haney. The contest runs until Dec. 5. Send E-mail submissions with name, address and phone number to scroogelookalike@cincyplay.com; mail entries to: Ebenezer Scrooge Lookalike Competition, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, P.O. Box 6537, Cincinnati OH 45206. For “Carol” reservations and information call the box office at 513-421-3888 or visit online at www.cincyplay.com. Jackie Demaline
Nov 23, 2007
ABRACADABRA-- POOF! IT'S GONE
After a 17-year run, Playhouse in the Park’s annual magic fundraiser Abracadabra disappears. Turns out that the event made something else disappear -- almost 1,000 hours worth of staff time from other duties. Producing artistic director Ed Stern is thinking a breather from formal gala fundraisers, and with Playhouse eying the prize of a $60 million new theater complex on the hill or downtown, the development department will have plenty to occupy their time. Jackie Demaline
Nov 21, 2007
DRAMA WORKSHOP LOVES ITS HARD-WORKING VOLUNTEERS
Buzzz… invited local theaters to send a big, public thank you to the volunteers who make such a difference leading up to Thanksgiving. Today Drama Workshop writes that it “would like to shine a big spotlight on our volunteers” – we could list all of our members, but these really shine. John Netzley of Westwood is “Our go-to tech guru. He rewired our lights, our lighting board and hookup system, he builds sets and he is there for all load-in and load-outs and offers his truck when we need it. He has won the internal award – Order of the Sword – many times for his tech work. His son, Nate, is following in his footsteps as a valued member.” Ray Persing – “One of our newer members, but oh so productive. He did the set design and audio visual for “Defying Gravity,” “House of Frankenstein” (and starred in it!) and builds sets. He does all this while commuting from Tipp City!” Bill Winkler of Delhi is the Workshop’s “Builder extraordinaire, he works on every set building, loading in and out. He has designed sets and also works with Footlighters and Habitat for Humanity.” Loveland’s Tom Fox – “Award-winning Director and lighting designer” Gretchen Ganter Roose of West Chester is the current president of Drama Workshop, “an actress, costumer, producer, liaison with Westwood Town Hall, working mother of two teenagers. She keeps TDW running taking care of all of the small and not-so-small details.” Joe Ward of Western Hills “quietly works behind the scenes as treasurer of TDW (a lifetime position!), keeping our finances straight. He is also an actor, set construction and move-in worker.” Megan Schultheis of Mt. Lookout is a “former president, liaison with Westwood Town Hall, actress, builder and has brought the next generation of her family – three sons and a daughter – to also act and run tech and build.) She’s always working to make The Drama Workshop a better organization.” Loveland’s Rick Bruegging is a “builder, stage manager, board member – always giving of his time and energy.” Anne-Marie Murphy of Loveland is the theater’s “tool girl”. “She is an actress, producer of “House of Frankenstein,” builder of sets and a board member.” Too; girl? You bet. For Christmas she received a tool belt and on her birthday a new drill from her fiancée, Michael Ireland. Michael Ireland of Loveland is “our resident marketing and graphics guru. He has designed numerous posters, lobby displays, programs with such professional looking original art work that many don’t realize that it is his original work. He is an award winning actor with TDW, Stagecrafters, Mariemont and Village. Elaine Volker of Westwood “has produced, staged managed, done props, costumes, program, built sets, painted, set décor and cleaned bathrooms. She is the “and everything else” person,” including serving on the theater board. Belleview’s Vickie Greco “has acted, helped with ticket sales and hospitality. Even though she is not able to physically help with the actual tear-down she is always ready to help with taping lumber, sorting screws, cleaning up. She is there to help in any way she can.” And last, but not least: Ginny Chizer – “Extraordinary actress, costumer, former board member, OCTA rep” from Bright, Indiana. “Even though she “retired” from acting with a “farewell performance in “Defying Gravity,” she still honors us with her wisdom, experience and advice.”
Nov 20, 2007
CHILDREN'S THEATRE THANKS VOLUNTEERS
Buzzz… invited local theaters to send a big, public thank you to the volunteers who make such a difference. We’ll applaud those volunteers all this week. The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati offers their Standing O to many above-and-beyond-the-call volunteers, starting with: Owen Wrassman of Bridgetown – “From driving The Children's Theatre’s float in the Opening Day Parade, to securing booths in which to sell merchandise at the theater, to acquiring furniture for our offices, to heading up our Board of Directors, Owen does it all!” Maureen Sweeney of Glendale – “She’s a true angel for The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. For the last six seasons, Maureen has been able to secure complimentary parking for subscribers of The Children’s Theatre and has donated hundreds of pounds of candy to sell in the lobby before productions. Maureen is also a Day Chair.” (See below.) Let’s hear it for the Day Chairs, those volunteers who take responsibility for unloading 2000 children from buses outside the Taft Theatre on busy Fifth Street? And move a student audience into their designated seats? And accomplish this feat 40 times a year? Send that round of applause to Day Chair committee head Emilie Dressler of Wyoming and her indefatigable team: Nancy Grote, Indian Hill; Kelly Sova, Loveland; Candy Thurner, Hyde Park; Maureen Sweeney, Glendale; and Jan Wrassman, Bridgetown.
Nov 19, 2007
TRI-COUNTY SAYS THANKS TO THE HINMANS
Buzzz… invited local theaters to send a big, public thank you to the volunteers who make such a difference. We’ll applaud those volunteers all this week. Tri-County Players gives today’s standing ovation. “From Sunset Players on the west side, to Milford Theater Guild in the east, Koben and Bob Hinman will be found backstage or at the ticket booth. Bob is probably drilling sets together, and Koben running a sweeper. When they aren't making plans on the board of Summerfair, they are most often found at Tri-County Players in Evendale. There are few couples that work harder for the arts in Cincinnati, without even applause as payment. So let’s give them their spotlight and let them know they are #1 volunteers!”
Nov 17, 2007
LOCAL THEATERS GIVE THANKS TO VOLUNTEERS
Buzzz… invited local theaters to send a big, public thank you to the volunteers who make such a difference. We’ll applaud those volunteers all this week. Tim Perrino sends a big “thanks!” to White Oak residents Mark Mueller and Tony Hungler. Both men serve on the building committee of the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts. “Mark and Tony have been directly responsible for some of the most impressive and exciting renovations here at the Covedale. Whether it’s helping us envision, plan and actually install needed improvements – or if it’s a matter guiding us through the necessary steps in getting bids, finding qualified contractors – then seeing the whole process through to a successful conclusion these guys are the best…. And they’re just the tip of the volunteer iceberg around here…” Perrino lists some of their many accomplishments (“whether by shepherding the process with contractors or just rolling up their sleeves and getting it done with our many other amazing folks”) By Perrino’s count (and he ran out of fingers): “New exit doors to the theater; redesign of seating, steps and stage; installing light grid; re-surfacing of building façade; installation of new electrical distribution; roof renovations; painting the lobby with a small army of volunteers; installing the seats and risers in the theatre; removing the tower beacon -- and reinstalling it very soon….; Office renovations… “And always with the best and brightest of attitudes and spirit of viva la companie…” Both Mueller and Hungler became involved with the Covedale because their kids were part of Cincinnati Young Peoples Theatre. The kids are grown (there’s still one Mueller in the program) but the dads have stayed on. Bravo, guys!! Jackie Demaline
Nov 16, 2007
CATHOLIC GIRL'S GUIDE OPTIONED in L.A.
This from Richard Hess: Annie Hendy’s Cincy Fringe fave “The Catholic Girl’s Guide to Losing Your Virginity” has been optioned by Quasiworld Entertainment in Los Angeles. They will be producing a new production of the play in January in Los Angeles, and have hired Annie to write the screenplay for and to star in a film version of the script.
Nov 15, 2007
CAROLINE'S NEXT LIFE -- IN PHOENIX
Mahogany Scott and Piper Davis go straight from New Stage Collective to Black Theatre Troupe in Phoenix to reprise their roles in “Caroline, or Change.” The Phoenix theater company found the New Stage production on the Internet and hired the actresses sight unseen. The big buzz New Stage production, ending its run tonight through Sunday, is sold out – you can try your luck on a wait list, with sign-up beginning one hour before each performance. Jackie Demaline
NICK ROSE STARS IN LOCAL FILM'S FIRST CHAPTER
Catch the first 16 minutes (a.k.a. an “extended trailer”) of Cincinnati-based filmmaker Ryan Lewis’ neo-noir thriller “Emulsion,” screening Nov. 18 at the Esquire. Popular Cincy Based actor Nick Rose (last seen on stage locally in “The Pillowman” at Know and about to start a holiday stint at Cincinnati Shakespeare) stars as a disillusioned guy who picks up the wrong luggage at the airport and… Writer/director/producer/editor Lewis is using the film’s “first chapter” to elicit interest and funding so filming can recommence. Rose, a founding member of Cincinnati Shakespeare is joined on screen by local actors including Cincy Shakes colleague Jeremy Dubin, Robert Pavlovich, Bob Elkins, Constance Brenneman and Jennifer Crilley. Lewis, with director of photography Michael Maney, have created five films since 2004, which have garnered 26 awards at film festivals across the U.S. For more info about the film go to www.cidermillproductions.com. The 7:30 p.m. “Emulsion” screening is free and open to the public, doors open at 7 p.m., Seating is limited, so RSVP is a must. E-mail gen.miller@cidermillproductions.com. The Esquire is located at 320 Ludlow Ave. in Clifton. The after-party, location to be announced, starts at 8 p.m., and should last significantly longer than the screening. (You might want to party for an hour then head down to Below Zero, for the Stop AIDS benefit cabaret (starting at 9) will include Matt Bogart and Shannon Stoeke, who’ll do an post-“Camelot” set with their former CCM classmate and pal Jessica Hendy, also a Broadway vet. Their former teacher and cabaret host Terry LaBolt will be at the keyboard.) Do not be amazed if a certain King Arthur sticks his head in to say hi. Jackie Demaline
Nov 14, 2007
PEAK CHECKS IN FROM ON THE ROAD WITH "WEDDING SINGER"
NKU grad and 2006 Acclaim Rising Star Sarah Peak checked in the other day. She’s now in her hometown Louisville where she’s appearing in the national tour of “The Wedding Singer.” “I’m having a blast,” she writes, “although it’s a drag that we don’t hit Cincinnati – I miss that place!” Peak is dance captain and was promoted to character role (and showcased dancer) “Holly” just before personals began. “If you get a chance, you should visit our web site, www.theweddingsingerontour.com and check out some of the videos annd pictures.” Peak says “the entire experience has been great” and will be with the tour through next summer, then it’s back to New York “to find the next job!” Jackie Demaline
Nov 13, 2007
MATT'S BACK
Catch Broadway vet, CCM grad and Piqua native Matt Bogart on stage in “Camelot” starting tonight; on stage at Below Zero Sunday night singing with Shannon Stoeke and Jessica Hendy in a cabaret benefiting STOP AIDS; and come say hi (and see the show) on Monday. Bogart and Stoeke will star in a dinner-show package on Monday with a pre-show chat starting at 6 p.m. Get your questions ready; we asked a couple in advance: Matt’s best advice for theater students: “Take the time to study privately either with private coaches or at a conservatory program such as CCM. “Audition for work at professional theaters in your area and other reputable regional theaters to acquire experience working on the professional level with actors, directors, writers and theatre administrators. “Working at regional theaters is a good way to build up your resume and experience for moving to the bigger fish pond, New York City, NY. Once you arrive in the Big Apple, get an excellent photographer for your picture/ resume and audition for everything including readings, concerts, benefits, showcases, workshops, commercials, film, TV and Broadway productions. “Know you will need a solid backbone to withstand the rejection that everyone faces and down time but you are not alone and persistence is key. Also, find work to fall back on and find time to fall back on it to give your life diversity. All this said, everyone will have a different journey. Enjoy yours because it will be unique.” Matt says he’s been lucky enough to have an “abundance” of “I can’t believe I’m doing this” moments. A couple of them – “working one-on-one with Stephen Sondheim on “Company” at the Kennedy Center's Sondheim Celebration, sharing a dressing room with Burt Bacharach at the Kennedy Center honors paying homage to Elizabeth Taylor, performing with my wife Jessica Bogart in Richard Oberacker's "Ace" and "Romance/Romance." “And presently having a love affair with the song "If Ever I Would Leave You" in my “Camelot” tour, poetry set to music. There are so many moments, from quite rehearsal room profundity to playing 5,000 seat Theaters. “I always say that one of the most wonderful and scary things about being an actor is the variety of people you will meet, places you will go, the lessons you will learn and the metamorphosis that will occur within you.” Remember, discounted tickets benefiting the League of Cincinnati Theatres and the Theatre Artist Projects Fund are available tonight, Wednesday and Monday. Ask for “M” tickets and save up to $10 per ticket. Available at the Broadway Across America-Cincinnati Box Office downtown in the Mercantile Center, the Aronoff Center ticket office and any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may be charged by phone by calling 513-241-7469 or online at ticketmaster.com. Jackie Demaline
Nov 12, 2007
PREVIEW "CAMELOT" - SORT OF
Cincy native Shannon Stoeke, proud grad of Norwood High and CCM, opens a two-week “Camelot” engagement Tuesday as nasty piece of medieval work Mordred. (Well, at this moment Stoeke is opening tomorrow – there is the chance that Cincy stagehands will support the Broadway stagehands strike. We’re waiting for official comment from Cincinnati Stage Employees Local No. 5) Check out myspace.com/shannonstoeke and find a minute-long You Tube video as Mordred, and another one from a European tour of “Hair” a couple of years back. Hey – anybody else have local performers and performances on YouTube? Share, please! Jackie Demaline
Nov 10, 2007
BROADWAY STAGEHANDS ON STRIKE
If you’re in New York or en route, here’s the latest on what Broadway shows are performing this weekend and how to get refunds from the League of New York Theatres and Producers. Due to a strike by Local One, IATSE stagehands, there will be no performances today at many Broadway theatres. Off Broadway shows and several Broadway productions, including CYMBELINE, MARY POPPINS, MAURITIUS, PYGMALION, THE RITZ, THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, XANADU and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN will perform this week according to their normal schedules. However, the rest of the Broadway theatres are dark. If you purchased tickets via credit card to a Broadway show that is not performing, in most cases your card will automatically be credited (see below). If you purchased your ticket with cash, please return to the point of purchase, or see below for further instructions. And a reminder: When buying Broadway tickets, it's a very good idea to make your purchases through well-established, primary sources like Ticketmaster, Telecharge, IloveNYTheater.com, theatre box offices, and the Broadway Ticket Center. | If you purchased your tickets: | | | From Telecharge.com (via phone and Internet) | Your tickets for canceled performances (including service fees) will be automatically credited within two business days. | | From Ticketmaster (via phone or at Ticketmaster.com) | Your credit card will automatically be credited with the ticket price and convenience charges, and should post to your account within 7 to 10 business days. Please note, the $3.10 per order processing fee and any ticketFast or UPS delivery charges are non-refundable. | | At the theatre box office by credit card (Telecharge.com and Ticketmaster) | Your tickets for canceled performances will be automatically credited within 2 to 10 business days. | For the following shows at these theatre box offices with cash or by check: CHICAGO
Ambassador Theatre (219 West 49th St.) CURTAINS
Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th St.) | You may return to the theatre box office for a refund. If the box office is closed, mail your ticket to back for credit or exchange for the first available date to Telecharge.com, 411 Hackensack Avenue, Hackensack NJ 07601.
Federal Express delivery charges will not be refunded. | For the following shows at these theatre box offices with cash or by check: GREASE
Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 West 47th St.) HAIRSPRAY
Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52th St.) RENT
Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st St.) WICKED
Gershwin Theatre (222 West 51st St.) | Please return to the theatre box office for a refund. In the event the box office is closed, you may mail your tickets to Nederlander Organization, 1450 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10018. Please remember to retain a copy of your tickets for your records. | At the Broadway Ticket Center
(1560 Broadway, between 46th & 47th Streets) | Bring your tickets to the Broadway Ticket Center, located in the Times Square Information Center on the east side of Broadway between 46th and 47th Streets for a refund or an exchange for the first available date. | | Elsewhere | Return to or contact the point of purchase for more information. |
We encourage you to continue to place orders for future performance dates and to purchase replacement tickets for those automatically refunded.
Nov 7, 2007
STARRING DUSTIN HOFFMAN, NATALIE PORTMAN - AND THE FRISCH MARIONETTES
TV commercials have started hitting the airwaves for “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium,” which makes its big screen debut Nov. 16, and Mr. Punch, one of four puppets created for the film by Cincinnati-based puppet artist Kevin Frisch, is definitely ready for his close-up. “He’s in a red bed and is wearing a blue nightcap,” says Frisch. You can also spot Mr. Punch for a nano-second in the movie trailer. He’s lying in bed and wakes up and Natalie Portman gives him a sunny “Good morning!” Frisch also created a rod puppet of Portman for the film and says if you go to the movie’s Web site – www.magorium.com – some of the wallpaper has toy balloons floating around and, Frisch laughs, you can spot the Portman puppet inside one of them, but “you probably need a magnifying glass.” Frisch reports that he was contacted in spring 2006 when one of the film’s production teams came across the Frisch Marionette Web site and got in contact. There’s also a Buster Keaton marionette which Frisch believes made the film’s final edit. You can get a look at Marcel on the Frisch Marionettes home page. Frisch adds that “The American Puppet,” a docu that chronicles the stories and history of American puppetry and puppeteers and has aired on PBS stations, was released on DVD in October and is a great place to spot Frisch Marionettes throughout the film. Jackie Demaline
Nov 5, 2007
PLAYHOUSE KARAOKE!
Universal Grill and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park team up for a Broadway Karaoke night for “The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!)” No word on whether Buzz Ward is rehearsing a roller-skate number from “Xanadu” or if Ed Stern is raising the curtain on his rendition of “Being Alive,” but a good time is promised whether the Playhouse main men show up on stage or not. Ti-Vo “Grey’s Anatomy” and “CSI” next Thursday, Nov. 15 and head over to the Grill (909 Vine St., downtown) from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Belt out a Broadway melody and get a $5 off coupon to The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!). There will also be a raffle for a free pair of tix. Jackie Demaline
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