Feb 28, 2008
BUZZZZZ.... WILL BE BACK MARCH 4
This week we're buzzzzin' around Broadway. Yup -- actually saw "Young Frankenstein," which wastes sooooo much talent and has more chutzpah than brains. More on that later, and "August: Osage County," "Conversations in Tusculum," "The 39 Steps," "The Homecoming," "Sunday in the Park with George" and "In the Heights."Jackie Demaline
Feb 26, 2008
CANDIDATES AND ARTS FUNDING
In honor of ongoing visits from the presidential candidates and the upcoming Ohio Primary, it seems like a good time to see where they stand on public funding and arts support. I found this on the Web, at dancers’ blog My Dance Place. This hasn’t been vetted, just makes interesting reading. The blogger notes that the Dems’ positions can be found at their Web sites, and there’s nothing on Mike Huckabee. IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER: Hillary Clinton:
-Supports the NEA's mission and increasing Federal funding for the NEA
-Wants to reform No Child Left Behind to strengthen funding for arts education in public schools
-Believes in international cultural exchange as a form of diplomacy
-Supporter of Public Broadcasting
-Created the Finger Lakes Trading Cooperative, an initiative that links local businesses with artisans in upstate NY
-Helped to develop affordable living/work space for artists in Buffalo
-Entered a statement to the Senate Congressional Record in support of creative arts therapies
-As First Lady, was the honorary chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities John McCain:
-In 1999, voted NO on funding for the National Endowment of the Arts
-Does not support abolishing the NEA
-Voted in favor of the Helms Amendment to withdraw Federal funding grants to art considered "obscene"
-An honorary member of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, 1997-present
-2007, proposed a bill to protect Indian arts and crafts Barack Obama:
-Supports increasing funding for the NEA from $125 million to $175 million annually
-Wants to expand both public and private partnerships between schools and arts organizations
-Supports the creation of an "Artists Corp" to work in low-income communities
-Promotes cultural diplomacy (send performance artists abroad)
-Welcomes international artists into the US
-Wants to provide health care to artists and their family members
-Supports ensuring tax fairness for artists
-As Senator, co-sponsored and passed legislation to honor the legacy of Katherine Dunham
-Supports the Artists-Museum Partnership Act, which allows artists to deduct the fair market value of their work when making charitable contributions Jackie Demaline
Feb 22, 2008
DRAMA IN DAYTON UPDATE!!!
Catching up on an item in Thursday’s Buzzzz….: Oh, oooops (we said) – Encore, a small theater company in Dayton, has sent out an audition notice for “Ace” – yes, the Richard Oberacker/Rob Taylor “Ace” that continues to have Broadway dreams and may be announcing (in the near future) another run at a major regional theater (in the not distant future.) . So how the heck did Encore get rights to produce the show in April?, we asked. CinStages meister Rob Bucher had a stop-the-presses moment a few minutes ago when a call came in from Encore, asking that the “”Ace” audition notice be pulled. Does this mean things are looking pretty solid, “Ace”-wise, for a big-time run? Hope so. Jackie Demaline
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTON -- WITH A TWIST
Audiences loved Acclaim winner Annalee Jefferies, star of Playhouse in the Park’s solo show “The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead.” You can still toast her at Twist, where there’s a new cocktail named in her honor. “The Annalee”: Equal shots of: Baileys Chocolate Liqueur Vodka Serve in a Martini glass with cinnamon frosted rim.
PERFORMANCES ADDED
In order to accommodate patrons who missed Thursday night’s canceled performances: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati has added an additional performance of “Mary’s Wedding” on Sunday, Feb. 24 th at 5:30 p.m. (Just in time to make it home for the Oscars, they say). All seats for this performance are $20. Call 513.421.3555. Know Theatre of Cincinnati added a 4 p.m. matinee performance of “Topdog/Underdog” on Saturday, March 1 st. Tickets are $22, $15 seniors, $12 students. Call 513-621-2787 or online at www.cincinnatiarts.org.
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE CCM GRADS HAGENBUCH AND STEINBRENNER?
At the Oscars! CCM grads Travis Hagenbuch (Theater Design and Production grad, '07) and Matt Steinbrenner (Theater Design and Production grad, ‘06) are both part of the production team for the 80th Annual Academy Awards, airing Sunday. Steinbrenner has been working on the show as Assistant Art Director under Production Designer Roy Christopher for the past three months. He joined the team after Art Directing the Country Music Association Awards and the Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show. Hagenbuch is working as Assistant Lighting Director under Lighting Designer Bob Dickinson after serving as Assistant Lighting Designer for the Super Bowl XLII Halftime Show (starring Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) and the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Jackie Demaline
BROADWAY IN CINCY -- I'LL BETCHA
This one has Playhouse in the Park written all over it, but – Playbill Online announces a national tour of London and New York hit “Frost/Nixon.” So even though Broadway Across America won’t be announcing its 2008-2009 touring season until April (that’s the current ETA) I’m expecting Stacy Keach onstage at the Aronoff. (Keach has a long list of stage credits but for Broadway touring audiences he’s probably best known for his TV work – from his Golden Globe Award for miniseries "Hemingway" to hislong run in series "Mike Hammer.") The Watergate-themed work will cast Keach as former President Richard M. Nixon, the role created on Broadway to Tony-winning effect by Frank Langella. (The “Frost” of the title is Brit talk show host David Frost.) “Frost/Nixon” kicks off Sept. 26 in Owensboro, Ky., so if touring has any logic, it will hit Cincinnati early in its run. (Which is not to say touring has any logic.) As I mentioned in my “Sweeney Todd” review earlier this week, London imports have been the highlights of the current touring season to date; expect “Frost/Nixon,” which originated at London’s Donmar Warehouse, to continue the trend. Playbill Online reports, “according to press notes, "Frost/Nixon tackles the question: How did David Frost, a famous British talk-show host with a playboy reputation, elicit the apology that the rest of the world was waiting to hear from former President Richard Nixon? The fast-paced new play shows the determination, conviction and cunning of two men as they square off in one of the most monumental political interviews of all time." “Frost/Nixon” is being filmed for the big screen by Ron Howard with Langella and Martin Sheen in the title roles. Jackie Demaline
PAM AND SONDHEIM, TOGETHER AGAIN FOR ONE STARRY NIGHT
This from Theatremania – our own Pam Myers will be among the stars (including Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, Debra Monk and Laura Benanti) for the benefit performance of Ladies Who Sing Sondheim on April 7 to celebrate The Acting Company’s 35th anniversary. John Doyle (of Playhouse “Company” fame) directs, Mary Mitchell Campbell (of Playhouse “Company” famer) will be musical director. In New York? Tickets begin at $100. To order tickets, call 212-239-6200 or 212-258-3111. Jackie Demaline
Feb 21, 2008
DRAMA IN DAYTON
Oh, oooops – Encore, a small theater company in Dayton, has announced upcoming auditions for “Ace” – yes, the Richard Oberacker/Rob Taylor “Ace” that continues to have Broadway dreams and may be announcing (in the near future) another run at a major regional theater (in the not distant future.) . So how the heck did Encore get rights to produce the show in April? While that’s a good question, it’s not the question. The question is, what will Encore be producing, since the newly revised script, introduced at a New York reading in December, is not what Encore has in hand. Watch for the second act at Buzzzzz…… Jackie Demaline
HELLO, CINCINNATI!
Anne Marie Carroll, resident artist this season at Know Theatre brought her boyfriend Brook Stetler to town and he’s now working as assistant technical director at Know. Within a few days of arriving to town, Stetler was cast in “Take Me Out” at New Stage Collective. It just so happens that Carroll’s first major role at the Know is in “Red Light Winter,” which requires her to appear fully nude, in a dimly lit sex scene with Vandit Bhatt. Meanwhile, Stetler is two blocks away playing a role which has a major full frontal (with gyrations!) nude scene. They both think it’s funny that as newcomers to Cincinnati and in their first major roles audiences are seeing all of them. (Stetler adds he’s "racked with self-consciousness about my body.") "Hello, Cincinnati!" Both shows perform this weekend. Jackie Demaline
Feb 20, 2008
PHONE RINGS, DOOR CHIMES, IN COMES "COMPANY"!
Here’s a bit of a “Company” preview on “Great Performances” from the people who know it best. Airing tonight at 9 p.m. on PBS: Stage director John Doyle says he’s “delighted with it. I think Lonny Price who directed it for TV has done a beautiful and truthful job. He has really respected the production.” The show’s star Raul Esparza agrees completely, but goes on to say “I probably shouldn’t be saying this, (but)I don’t think the show was ever better than it was in Cincinnati.” No, he’s not just making nice. Esparza, a total theater guy, embarks on a lengthy, wonky and enthusiastic discussion of Doyle’s original staging on the Playhouse thrust stage, and the singular effects of Thomas Hase’s columns of light, and the “swirling diagonal” the thrust stage allowed, all of which created a sense of “incredible isolation.” Doyle beautifully adjusted the show to a proscenium setting for Broadway; and it swept musical revival awards last season. Doyle adds, “I think of Ed Stern as a real friend and I’m proud that he could take home a Tony Award for our production.” Jackie Demaline
Feb 19, 2008
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS AARON LAZAR?
Aaron Lazar, one of my favorite CCM musical theater grads, is part of a starry closed reading today of Kander and Ebb musical “The Visit” in M.anhattan for Arlington, Va.-based Signature Theatre. Lazar (who starred in, among other things, the Great Performances airing of “The Light in the Piazza,” shares the stage with stars Chita Rivera and George Hearn. The Signature production in late spring will be choreographed by Ann Reinking and directed by Frank Galati Starry indeed. Find another stand-out CCM grad Betsy Wolfe in the chorus. Signature, remember, is where Richard Oberacker and Robert Taylor’s “Ace” (which Playhouse in the Park co-produced in its world premiere last season) may open the fall season, and which everybody hopes will then be next stop Broadway. Lazar, by the way, makes his Carnegie Hall debut in April with the New York Pops. Jackie Demaline.
Feb 18, 2008
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE DEMON BARBER -- AND WIN!!
Broadway Across America sends along a quiz for Stephen Sondheim and “Sweeney Todd” fans: Test your knowledge on the Demon Barber and the musical genius who made him famous! **First response with a perfect score wins a “Sweeney Todd” soundtrack CD. Warble along with Johnny Depp! 1. Sweeney Todd was the name of a Canadian rock bank in the 1970’s, which notably included this well-known pop singer. 2. Stephen Sondheim shares his birthday (March 22) with this fellow musical composer. 3. Many of the titles of songs in Sondheim’s musicals have been used as episode titles for this popular ABC TV series. 4. This 2006 Golden Globe winning actor hired his personal barber as a consultant on shaving techniques to prepare for the role of Adolfo Pirelli in the upcoming film version of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. 5. Canadian rock bank Fist wrote a song entitled this, which told the story of Sweeney Todd. 6. In 2007, Stephen Sondheim made a guest appearance on this animated TV series, in which Sondheim is hired by Krusty the Clown to write songs for a special musical episode. 7. The musical Sweeney Todd is featured in this Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck film. 8. This young poperatic singer named his Wheaten Terrier “Sweeney” after the title character of the Sondheim musical. 9. This Oscar-winning actress used to live next door to Stephen Sondheim, and would regularly complain about his late night piano playing. 10. On her first Broadway album, Barbara Streisand recorded these two Sondheim songs from Sweeney Todd.
Feb 15, 2008
COUNTDOWN TO "COMPANY" CONTINUES
Kristin Huffman has been doing lots of writing on “Company” at BroadwayWorld.com. Here’s how her final “Company” blog begins: “Appropriate that the last Company story is the week before the PBS version of our show, taped for their “Great Performances” Series. Many of our cast will be at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on Wednesday February 20 to give interviews and be a part of the screening. Exciting and scary. I am nervous about seeing myself on film but excited to see my cast mates again….” Check her latest entry, #35, or read the archive on the making of “Company” from one of its performers. While many of the “Company” company will be watching at the Laurie Beechman, the local viewing party will be at Playhouse in the Park, where the theater is expecting 400 or so of its closest friends to cheer on the show on Wednesday. Jackie Demaline
Feb 14, 2008
ATTEND THE TALE OF BEN MAGNUSON
When the “Sweeney Todd” tour, playing the Aronoff Feb. 19-March 2, closes at the end of June, CCM grad (and Dayton native) Ben Magnuson knows exactly what he’s going to be doing – getting married. He has a big date in August to marry fellow CCM grad (voice major) Carla Stickler, who’s taking time off from touring in “Mamma Mia!” to walk down the aisle. Cello-playing Magnuson, now a member of the musicians’ union thanks to his “Sweeney” gig. After a year on Broadway and a year on the road, Magnuson is still “enjoying it immensely – it’s the best.” Of course, there was the year off between Broadway and the tour, but periods of unemployment were a lot easier, knowing there was a job in the near future, Magnuson assesses. The biggest surprise of doing “Sweeney Todd,” Magnuson says, “is how easy it was to memorize the music. None of us knew it was going to be memorized but it just goes into your fingers and into your head. That’s the mastery of the writing.” Magnuson is looking forward to having a little time off. “As much as I enjoy acting, I’m very interested in creating, in writing and directing.” He’s the youngest cast member in the “Sweeney Todd” tour and, Magnuson observes, he’s too young for the roles that suit him best. (Think Emile de Becque in “South Pacific.” When Magnuson sang “Some Enchanted Evening” for a Patti LuPone master class back in his school days, she all but melted.) “I’m seriously considering going back to school.” He’s also been playing in a rock band with fellow CCM grads, and is on tenterhooks as his creative gang (which includes classmate Adam Wagner) try to get rights for a project which they’re eager to adapt. Of course Magnuson is mum about the details. Jackie Demaline
Feb 13, 2008
AUDITION CALL FOR ACTORS, DESIGNERS AND TECHNICIANS FOR MYSTERY FEST IN OWENSBORO
The International Mystery Writers’ Festival returns to Owensboro, Ky. in June and has set auditions for six new full-length plays and at least six new screenplays: Here’s the audition notice: There are approximately 50 roles to fill! The new Agatha Christie play, Chimneys, and a new Sherlock Holmes play will be performed on RiverPark Center’s Cannon Hall stage. Two other winning productions will be presented in RPC’s Jody Berry Cabaret Theatre, along with two in the Trinity Center at Theatre Workshop of Owensboro. These productions will utilize all-star casts (last year, Gary Sandy heeded the call) and crew assembled from around the region! The festival will also include opportunities for other performers to be involved in the presentation of eight to ten fan-favored Widescreen Audio events that originated as screenplays but will become a personal dramatic experience for the audience. These Widescreen Audio events are similar to reader’s theatre in the old time radio style. These works will be performed at Goldie’s Best Little Opryhouse in Kentucky. Open auditions will be held Sunday, February 24th at 2pm and Tuesday, February 26th at 6pm at RiverPark Center, 101 Daviess Street, Owensboro, KY. No preparation is necessary for auditions, but please bring a headshot if you have one. Individuals auditioning will be asked to read small excerpts from one or more of the pieces presented. RiverPark Center also seeking regional actors, technicians, and designers to participate in the festival. If you need any additional information, please call RiverPark Center at (270) 687-2770. Jackie Demaline
Feb 12, 2008
NEW EDGECLIFF IS BACK WITH TOMORROW'S TALENT TODAY
The second annual Cincinnati Directors’ Competition returns to New Edgecliff Theatre in March, starring veterans and newcomers, directing individually and in pairs: Susan Banks Timothy Waldrip Jim Stark and Lori Hedges Deondra Means Illana Stein Rene Marrero Arnie Shayne Constance Brenneman Kim Poppa & Lindsay Jones Each contestant presents a 30-minute piece, three shows per program, three different programs March 6-8. Best In Show wins a $500 grand prize. Second place receives $250. There is an involved balloting system not worth going into here, but your vote counts. After three nights of competition (7:30 p.m. curtain), the first place winners from each night go head-to-head on at 2 p.m. March 9. New Edgecliff performs at Columbia Performance Center, 3900 Eastern Avenue, Columbia Tusculum. Tickets $10, four-day pass $30. Available at 888-588-0137 and www.newedgecliff.com. Jackie Demaline
TONIGHT'S CPI READING CANCELS DUE TO WEATHER
Due to inclement weather, tonight's Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative's New Voices stage reading of “Booty of the Year” at the Aronoff Center/Fifth Third Bank Theatre is cancelled. It will be rescheduled at the end of the season. Anyone holding tickets can use them at th re-scheduled performance.
FROM LA COMEDIA TO MTV
Mary Fishburne, who plays Young Tammy in LaComedia Dinner Theatre’s current "Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story" will next be seen as one of 10 finalists on MTV reality show “Legally Blonde: The Search for the New Elle Woods.” Says LaComedia marketing main man Justin Walton, “Late one Sunday night after our show, she drove to Chicago, arrived at 3:00 a.m. and waited in a very cold line along with thousands of others to audition.” And made it to the finals. You have just one week to catch Fishburne, a past winner of “Number One Soprano” in South Carolina and Vanderbilt U. grad, at LaComedia. She leaves “Wynette” before the March 2 closing in order to start her Broadway quest. For reservations and information to “Wynette,” call the LaComedia box office at 1-800-677-9505 or visit www.lacomedia.com. For the record, Leslie Jo Bissett plays the grown-up Tammy. Jackie Demaline
Feb 11, 2008
CPI FEBRUARY ENTRY IS "BOOTY"
Cisco Montgomery has always been a fan of professional wrestling, especially the “backstage” drama, so of course it was the ideal setting for “Booty of the Year,” described as “A story of love, betrayal and sibling rivalry set in the world of professional wrestling, where two sisters, jealous of each other's careers and in love with the same man, are manipulated by a greedy promoter into wrestling each other in a Realty TV contest that portends tragic consequences . . .” “Booty of the Year,” by Louisville playwright Montgomery, is the latest entry in Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative’s monthly series of staged readings. It performs at 7:30p.m. Tuesday at the Aronoff’s Fifth Third Bank Theater. Kevin Crowley directs a classy cast of Khrys Styles, Piper Davis, Reggie Willis and Khisaun Ferguson. Montgomery's script for the KET documentary, "Jewish Kentucky," is in production by Preservations Films in Louisville. He is active in the mental health community, a jazz devotee and a frustrated adventurer who has spent time in Cuba and Haiti. He says, “I wanted to be a novelist but switched to plays, believing mistakenly that they would be easier to write.” “Booty of the Year” was work-shopped in the Playwriting Intensive Program at Sarah Lawrence College in New York. Next up is probably "The Magnificent Stephen," about Stephen Bishop, foremost explorer of the Mammoth Cave. Tickets $7 ($4 students) at the door on night of performance. Reservations may be made in advance at Aronoff Center Box Office, or by calling 513-621-2787, or online at http://www.cincinnatiarts.org/event_detail.jsp?event_id=753 Jackie Demaline
Feb 8, 2008
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE RODERICK JUSTICE AND NATALIE BIRD?
It seems only months ago Roderick Justice and Natalie Bird were starring at Children’s Theatre in the junior edition of “High School Musical.” Wait. It was only months ago. They both headed for New York last month and already they’re back on stage together. NKU grad Justice, a 2007 Acclaim Rising Star, and Wright State grad Bird are starring in a children’s theater production with Vital Theatre. “The Top Job” is a new musical based on the children’s book by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel. It’s career day at school and students have to talk about what their parents do. One little girl worries that her father’s job isn’t impressive enough until all the kids learn that sometimes the simplest jobs are the most important. Yyou can read lots more about this from Roderick Justice by checking out the Rising Star blog, if you haven't already! Jackie Demaline
Feb 7, 2008
THEY WISH THEY HAD ENOUGH SPOONS FOR ALL OF YOU
When Dave Radtke was a high school senior (which as a few years ago), his drama teacher pointed the class toward Xavier University and a production of John Guare’s heart-breaking Vietnam era comedy “The House of Blue Leaves.” Radtke didn’t get to the show, but the title stayed in his head. Then in 1988 a Broadway revival was aired in 1988 and Radtke fell in love with it and immediately told theater pal Ted Weil, who would soon join Radtke in founding Falcon Theatre. Weil fell in love with the script, too. One of their favorite catch-phrases for the last two decades has been “I wish I had spoons enough for all of you” when they’re really enjoying something. Twenty years later, Radtke and Weil are co-directing, and starring “Blue Leaves," opening at Falcon this weekend. “Blue Leaves” plays Fridays and Saturdays through Feb. 23 at the Monmouth Theatre, 636 Monmouth St., Newport. . Jackie Demaline
Feb 6, 2008
APPLAUSE FOR CCM GRADS GALLAGHER AND KOTARIDES
CCM grads Connor Gallagher and Julie Kotarides are nominated for South Florida’s Carbonell Awards. They’re both up for best supporting performances in a musical for “The Boyfriend” at Maltz Jupiter Theatre. Awards will be announced April 7 Jackie Demaline
EVERYTHING IS BEAUTIFUL AT THE BALLET
Watch Cincinnati Ballet dancers rehearse for “Romeo and Juliet” at the studio beginning at 5:15 Thursday. “After Hours at the Ballet Barre” is an hour-long look behind-the-scenes followed by a meet-and-mingle with the dancers at an informal reception. Admission is $5. (What a deal!) Cincinnati Ballet Center, Mickey Jarson Kaplan Performance Studio, 1555 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214. Reservations recommended. 513-621-5219.
Feb 5, 2008
STARRY NIGHT PLANNED AT URSULINE
Tickets are now on sale for the Ursuline Academy Performing Arts Department’s signature event of the year, Starry Starry Night. The intimate Fath Auditorium at the Cincinnati Art Museum is the venue for this benefit evening of musical entertainment on Friday, February 15, 2008.
The evening will be highlighted by Tony-nominated singer/actress Pamela Myers and accompanist Terry LaBolt, who will present a program of musical theater selections.
Also on the bill: Ursuline’s Director of Performing Arts Carlton Monroe and Stage Company Music Director Matt Phelps will combine forces to present several pieces of four-hand piano music, including a rousing rendition of Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer." Percussion Ensemble Director Colleen Phelps will present a solo percussion piece by the renowned xylophonist George Hamilton Green.
Ursuline students past and present will perform music with a decidedly modern slant. Recent graduate and current CCM student Megan Fenton will play music by 20th century German American composer Bernhard Heiden, while the Ursuline Acapella Choir performs choral music from Maurice Durufle (France) and Veljo Tormis (Estonia), along with a beautiful Hawaiian folk song, Ahe Lau Makani.
The contemporary theme continues with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians Randy Bowman, Jonathan Gunn, and Jennifer Monroe presenting a quirky trio for flute, clarinet, and bassoon by the great composer Walter Piston. CSO Trumpeter Doug Lindsay will add a Latin flavor to the night with two works by Hispanic composers.
Tickets are $75 per person which includes the 8 p.m. concert and a post-concert dessert reception in the Great Hall of the Museum. To purchase tickets, call the school at 513-791-5791, extension 1604, or download a ticket order form from the website ( www.ursulineacademy.org). Starry Starry Night 2008 is sponsored by the Ursuline Academy Performing Arts Boosters and benefits ongoing performing arts activities at the school.
Feb 4, 2008
REVIEW: "AND THEN THEY CAME FOR ME"
There’s no arguing the importance of the topic of “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank.” The question at the heart of Ovation’s current production – can ethnic cleansing happen again while the world collectively looks elsewhere? But it also feels a little disingenuous. Just look around our world. When did it ever stop? Ovation’s production at the Aronoff’s Fifth Third Bank Theater plays like a community troupe doing educational theater, which might account for the smattering of an audience on opening night. At 70 intermissionless minutes, the play is also the correct length for a theatre-in-the-classroom. The best element of “And Then They Came for Me” is also the element that undermines the live performance. Video interviews with childhood friends of Anne Frank who did survive the Holocaust play above the stage with the quartet of actors then taking us back in time to act out “scenes” of their experiences. Nothing is more powerful than these oral histories. The live performances seem like interruptions of their recollections, which, for all their matter-of-factness, send chills down your spine. Andrew Ian Adams has good energy and Ilse Apestegui is in touch with her characters, but the whole is boringly presentational for a typical adult theatergoer “And Then They Came for Me,” through Feb. 16, Ovation Theatre, Aronoff Center Fifth Third Bank Theater, 513-621-2787 and www.cincinnatiovation.com. Jackie Demaline
PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN TONIGHT FOR "MARY'S WEDDING"
Get an early look at “Mary’s Wedding” at Ensemble Theatre, a memory play about a WWI romance mostly told through correspondence. It’s pay-what-you-can tonight at 7:30 p.m., your donation benefiting Women Writing for (a) Change. Call the box office at 513-421-3555. Jackie Demaline
Feb 1, 2008
LATEST ON CCM MUSICAL GRADS SINGING IN NYC
Gleaned from BroadwayWorld.com and e-mail communications, here’s some of what talented grads are up to: Sara Gettelfinger, Broadway vet of Seussical the Musical, The Boys from Syracuse, Nine and most recently, Dirty Rotten Scoundrel, is one of the Three Graces and the trio’s self-titled debut album will be released March 4 on Decca Records. According to press notes the Graces “blend their musical backgrounds in Opera, Pop and Broadway to form a new sound…as they tackle quality repertoire in multiple languages, some which they co-wrote themselves." Meanwhile, Betsy Wolfe is a featured soloist with New York City Ballet. No, she’s not dancing, Wolfe will be singing in the “Thou Swell” section of NYCB’s “American Songs and Dances” concerts at Lincoln Center on Feb 9, Feb. 13, Feb. 15 and Feb 20. Then she gets to go on tour to the London Coliseum in March. Finally, press is rolling out in advance of John Doyle-directed Broadway musical “A Catered Affair,” which stars CCM grads Faith Prince and Leslie Kritzer. Kritzer, who goes back into rehearsal in early March for an April opening says she loves working with Doyle, and is surprised by the settling-down thoughts that come with playing a bride-to-be. Many promo photos, a preview of the poster and links a wedding album site can all be found at BroadwayWorld.com.
RED HATS WANT "MENOPAUSE"
450 Red Hatters regaled in Red and Purple attire will descend on the Taft Theatre Saturday for a matinee of “Menopause, the Musical.” What the heck are red hatters? Ladies of a certain age (you can put on your red hat at 50). If you want more information, there should be plenty of gals around to ask, and you won’t have any trouble spotting them. “Menopause” continues through Sunday.
Jackie Demaline
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