Apr 30, 2008
CATERED AFFAIR GETS 12 DRAMA DESK NOMS
The New York Theatre awards season has officially begun with the announcement of the Drama Desk nominations. Of course the reason we care is Cincinnati is well-represented with natives and friends. First things first, native son Andy Blankenbuehler isn’t nominated for outstanding choreography for “In the Heights” because he won last year for the show’s Off-Broadway run and isn’t eligible. Nominated are a favorite trio from “A Catered Affair”: John Doyle (“Company”) for direction of a musical; long ago CCM grad Faith Prince for lead actress in a musical; and Leslie Kritzer, one of the most talented CCM grads of the last decade, for outstanding featured actress in a musical (Go, Leslie!) Winners will be announced May 18. Jackie Demaline
PUPPETS in "EDEN"
When “Children of Eden” opens Thursday at Footlighters, puppets will be co-starring. And, says Aretta Baumgartner, in charge of puppetry for the show, “Our version of the show doesn’t just include “puppets” for this practical sense, it celebrates a deeper exploration of the concept of “puppet” as man/woman learns to manipulate the world around him/her.” Baumgartner notes, “In a practical sense, there are puppets in “Children of Eden” because the script calls for animals on the Earth and on the Ark to be represented onstage. “Different production teams have used various types of puppets and masks to create the animals since it was first staged in 1991, which has put this show on a list of “shows that often use puppets.” “There’s nothing wrong with that but it HAS limited artistic teams’ and audiences’ views as to what the POSSIBILITIES are in creating these animals — calling to mind a concrete snapshot of the “animals” in ‘Children of Eden’ “ (children in headbands with ears attached, for example). “Our interpretation integrates the show into the puppets, to be honest—not the other way around. There’s a bigger picture that we all agreed on and worked for/with from Day One, and that’s the idea that the BECOMING is as important as the BEING (my personal mantra as a performer, director, teacher and human being). Freely based on the story of Genesis, “Children of Eden” musically examines the age-old conflict between parents and children. Adam, Eve, Noah and the Father who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet but inspiring message: that "the hardest part of love... is letting go," says director Jay Woffington. Musical director is Julie Woffington. “Our production celebrates transformation and change,” says Baumgartner. “We watch the storytelling ensemble create the world of the play, we watch the actors turn into different characters, and we watch the “aha!” moments as the set, its décor, and the actors’ bodies literally BECOME “puppets. “You’ll not see puppets in a predictable sense (as in not defined by hand, glove, string, mouth)—our definition includes anything that the actors endow--using body mind and spirit—to live onstage along with them. It’s a tough thing to do, as we ask a lot of our audience as well as our actors—we expect our audience to not just watch the show, but become engaed in it.” Baumgartner says the biggest challenge “was and is creating a common vocabulary. We spent many hours in many early rehearsals talking about transfer of energy to objects to endow them with life, about group mind in order to create true ensemble movement, about allowing the space between actors to live and about embracing the unique attributes of the space we’re creating in, those sorts of things. “It’s hard work, and work that requires 100% commitment and trust, so reminders now and again about it being OKAY to play and do things differently were offered up, too, to keep the work moving forward. “ The show continues through Sunday May 18 at The Footlighters’ Stained Glass Theater , Eighth & York Streets in Newport, Kentucky. For information and reservations call 513-474-8711 or purchase online at www.footlighters.org. Baumgartner’s next project is creating an original work, “fricative,” with Performance Gallery for the 2008 Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Jackie Demaline
Apr 29, 2008
CARNEGIE THEATER SEASON DISH
The Carnegie schedules its first theater season, with some very smart collaborations. Holiday show “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be in partnership with The Commonwealth Theatre (that translates as Northern Kentucky University) with terrific Ken Jones directing. Jones did a smash hit version at NKU a few years back and we hear Jones would love a reprise in the role of Judas, if now NYC-based grad Roderick Justice is available. (“JC Superstar” was the first time I asked – “who is that kid?!”) (Don’t know what to hope for more – a big job for Justice, or a return to a great performance here.) New Edgecliff returns for another concert production, this year “The Secret Garden” directed by NET artistic director Greg Procaccino, but first Proc opens the Carnegie season in August with a NET co-production of Agatha Christie classic “The Mousetrap.” If you love New Stage Collective’s musicals, artistic director Alan Patrick Kenny swings across the river for a great big classic – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel.” He timed his own season, being announced Thursday, to accommodate the directing gig and APK is psyched. Actor auditions for the 2008-09 theatre season will take place on Sunday, May 18 at The Carnegie in Covington. Auditions for The Mousetrap, The Secret Garden In Concert, and Carousel will take place in group slots between 1:00pm and 5:00pm; auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar will take place in group slots from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Invited callbacks and dance call will take place on the evening of Wednesday, May 21. Subsequent auditions may be held later in the season. All adult roles are compensated. For more information and to register for auditions, please contact Josh Steele at 859.957.1933. Jackie Demaline
Apr 28, 2008
SCRIPPS-CORBETT NAMES 2008 WINNERS
There is no more Cincinnati Post, but its biennial arts awards continue with a new name. Seven Scripps-Corbett Awards are named this year, encompassing winners in five specific categories and two lifetime achievement honors. This year’s winners are: - Artist Award: Cincinnati Children’s Choir, Ensemble-in-Residence at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
- Organization Award: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
- Innovation Award: ballet tech cincinnati
- Special Award – Arts Education: WOW: Writers of Outstanding Words
- Supporter Award: Harry Fath
- Lifetime Achievement Awards: Steven Monder and Jefferson James
The seven awards will be presented at the Fine Arts Fund campaign finale at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Cincinnati Art Museum. Interested arts enthusiasts should contact the Fine Arts Fund (513-871-2787) if they would like to attend. Jackie Demaline
Apr 26, 2008
REMEMBER THIS NEXT WEEK WHEN BROADWAY IN CINCINNATI ANNOUNCES 2008-2009
Cleveland's Playhouse Square (northeast Ohio’s Broadway touring series) has announced its 2008-2009 season, and my only question – where is that high-speed train connecting Cincinnati-Columbus-Cleveland? There’s a little overlap in the season. A very little. You’ll just have to wait for May 8. One hint – if you’re a regular reader of Buzzzz…, I predicted one of the shows and I was right.) In Cleveland’s immediate future: A Chorus Line, Spring Awakening, Frost/Nixon, Legally Blonde and Mary Poppins (starring CCM grad Ashley Brown, who originated the role on Broadway.) Also on the schedule are the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a resident production of I Love You Because (being produced here by Know Theatre in January 2009) and An Evening with Patti LuPone & Mandy Patinkin. (This is the one that’s going to make me fill the tank and hit I-71.) Jackie Demaline
Apr 25, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELLA -- HAVE A CUPCAKE
“Ella” closes out Playhouse in the Park’s mainstage season and it just so happens today would have been her 91st birthday. Have a ticket for tonight’s performance? To honor the First Lady of Song's big day, Playhouse will be serving Graeter's cupcakes during the intermission. For tickets call 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, 800/582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. You’ll want to catch the show, with Tina Fabrique scatting it out with a terrific back-up combo. “Ella” continues through May 25. Jackie Demaline
Apr 24, 2008
ACT ALREADY GEARING UP FOR OCTA FEST
Community theater practitioners and fans, mark your calendars for June 27-28 (and maybe June 26, to be determined) for the annual OCTA REGIONAL FESTIVAL, southwest Ohio region’s coming together for a friendly excerpt competition (determining which theater companies will showcase at Ohio Community Theatre Association state competition in September) and the bestowing of Orchids. New this year, videotapes of the winning auditions for ACT scholarships will be shown. See what the judges saw in ACT Scholarship winner Kaitlyn Davidson (CCM); Emily Matlack, CCC (Carol Mills Memorial Scholarship); Matt Bohnert, NKU (Dee Wacksman Memorial Scholarship); and Leeds Hill, CCM (Freshman Scholarship). The OCTA state conference returns to Cincinnati in 2009. Jackie Demaline
Apr 23, 2008
NEW LIGHT READS AGAIN
Cincinnati New Light Festival play reading series will return for three days of readings in fall 2008, says Taylore Mahogany Scott. This year the spotlight will be on local playwrights and Scott puts out a call to artists. Scott, a fine actress currently living back home in the Lone Star state, was based for a time in Cincinnati, came up with the idea last year and pulled together ensembles for a marathon readings of August Wilson’s Century Cycle of 10 plays about the African-American experience. “The three-day event aims to celebrate, nurture, and increase the talent and participation of playwrights, actors, directors, and varied artists of minority backgrounds (as defined by race, nationality, gender, age, and disability). “It will highlight local published and unpublished playwrights, ages 12 and up, who would like to have their plays read before an audience. Plays will be chosen based on their ability to attract assorted audiences and represent the current and changing cultural diversity apparent throughout Cincinnati. “It is the goal of the festival to encourage artists to discover new elements of their own humanity through varied artistic vehicles, which in turn, allows audiences to do the same.” Submission is free. Guidelines below. Eligibility: age 12 and up Length: 10 minute minimum; 90 minute maximum Characters: 10 or less (please include character descriptions – race, gender, age, etc.) Contact Info: Please include name, age, minority status, phone, mailing/email address Deadline: July 1, 2008 (response time: 3-4 weeks) Submissions should be sent to the mailing or email (Word format) addresses listed below. Cincinnati New Light Festival c/o League of Cincinnati Theatres 1317 Main Street &lines: Entries must be postmarked by July 1. Actors and directors are encouraged to submit headshots and resumes if they would like to participate in the festival. Selected entrants will be notified on or before August 1, 2008. Scott says anyone who has “any ideas or suggestions, or knows someone who is interested in submitting, sponsoring, or donating, please send me the contact information.” Jackie Demaline
Apr 22, 2008
SINGING AND DANCING CCM PREP SUMMER WORKSHOP
“We’ve combined the best of our drama and musical theatre experiences to present three weeks of theatre training for high school students” says Dee Anne Bryll. Bryll has also rounded up some of Cincinnati’s best-known names to guest star at the singing/dancing intensive. Guest artists who will be teaching the afternoon master classes include Richard Hess, Rocco Dal Vera & Joe Deer, Aubrey Berg, D. Lynn Meyers, Michael Haney, Greg Underwood, Alan Patrick Kenny, Larry Smiglewski, Kelly Martin, and Bruce Cromer. CCM Preparatory Department HIGH SCHOOL ACTING AND MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP, June 30-July 18 (no class July 4); 9:30-4:00 features acting, voice, movement, and dance classes in CCM classrooms and studios at University of Cincinnati. Faculty includes Chris Guthrie, Kay Bosse, Lisa Ericksen, Jonn Baca, Julie Carroll Keeney, Cynthia Lawrence, and Bob Allen. For registration and more information contact Dee Anne Bryll, Camp Director at bryllda@email.uc.edu or the CCM Preparatory office at 513-556-2595.
Apr 21, 2008
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JOE SOFRANKO?
Joe Sofranko, Walnut Hills grad and junior at University of Southern California (majoring in theater) is fresh back in Southern Cal from NYC, where USC's SoCal VoCals spent the weekend at Lincoln Center, winning the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella first-place finish – leading to a Sunday performance on "The Today Show."
This from an interview in the university’s Daily Trojan: The one-minute portion of Queen's "Somebody to Love" on “The Today Show” "was quick and it was over before you knew it," said Sofranko, VoCals' president. "It doesn't really feel like we were on TV. 'The Today Show' was really just icing on the cake; the real cake was [Saturday] night and being here and being with everyone."
After coming within two points of a perfect score and taking first place at the semifinals for the western United States, the VoCals arrived in New York for the finals and competed against a cappella groups from Northwestern University, Ithaca College, New York University, Florida State University and Oxford University.
"It's a sense of not trying to achieve perfection," Sofranko said. "A lot of the comments we receive aren't just about people doing technical things well on stage."
"It's the heart and soul that we bring to the music that makes us different," he said. Postscript – Sofranko, whose Shakespeare chops are well-known in Cincinnati (and beyond, having won a national competition in his senior year at Walnut Hills) will spend the summer earning Equity points at Utah Shakespeare. Jackie Demaline
Apr 18, 2008
NY CRITICS SPLIT ON "AFFAIR"
So how did John Doyle, Faith Prince and Leslie Kritzer do in Thursday’s night’s Broadway opening of “A Catered Affair”? It depends who you read. The musical is of some local interest because the director is John Doyle, of Playhouse in the Park’s “Company”; Faith Prince is a great Broadway star who graduated from CCM; and Leslie Kritzer will be a great Broadway star who graduated from CCM. Cincinnati's Rick Steiner is among the above-the-title producers, and there's an Cincinnati investor or two. The NY Times hates the show big-time, which isn’t going to help. The NY Post loves it, which also isn’t going to help. Let Variety, which has a positive review, explain: “A bittersweet reflection on the complexities of marriage and relationships, this small but satisfying drama forgoes big emotional impact for poignant understatement.” Set in the 1950s, about a bad marriage and a daughter who wants a quick City Hall wedding, “It's true to the spirit of (Paddy) Chayefsky's writing and evocative of a period in American life when the chasm between upper and lower middle class was increasingly apparent. We might now be in the midst of an encroaching recession rather than a boom, but the parallels make this perhaps the perfect show for a new period of economic anxiety and widening class divides.” USA Today is also a fan because of its “emphasis on characters drawn with passion and compassion, and handled with that most quaint of virtues: dignity.” The NY Post calls Doyle’s direction “expert” and “discreet”, “it emerges less like a musical and more like a play with music: lovely, urban chamber music. But you won't come out humming the tunes, or even the scenery. “You'll come out humming the characters” and the Post goes on to heartily applaud everyone, including “Kritzer's marvelously layered (bride) Janey.” Variety raves about Prince (clearly headed for a Tony Award nomination), compliments Doyle, who “crucially provides the actors with the stillness and breathing room needed to reveal character shadings” and Kritzer: “Expanding her range from her usual comic roles, Kritzer is also effective. She brings a down-to-earth warmth and sensitivity to self-possessed Janey.” The Associated Press is mixed: “John Doyle has directed "A Catered Affair" as if it were a play, in what can best be described as musical-theater minimalism. Scenes and songs are pared down to their essence. There's not a wasted moment as the family's humdrum existence is carefully explored on stage. What's frustrating about Doyle's direction though is that he often gives the audience no opportunity for cathartic release. There's little time for applause — with big emotional moments quickly bleeding into something else.” But there’s no hesitation in cheering Prince. “The woman is a joy. We always knew she could sing. Here she gets to excel at acting, often in moments of stunning silence. Prince has large, liquid eyes and a tremulous demeanor that allows her to project volumes without uttering a word.” NYtheatre.com loved it; Curtain Up hated it. NYtheatre.com on Kritzer: “Rising star Leslie Kritzer is smart and understated as the generally pragmatic Janey; shoe does a gorgeous job on "One White Dress." On Doyle: “He's realized the tone and vision of his collaborators quite wonderfully.” Jackie Demaline
Apr 17, 2008
LAST WEEKEND TO CATCH ANDY'S ACT IN "A SLEEPING COUNTRY"
Andy Paris is about to pack his bags and leave his hometown, after several weeks playing multiple roles in this year’s Mickey Kaplan New American Play Prize winner “A Sleeping Country” by Melanie Marnich. Paris, a Seven Hills School grad, visits his alma mater, and drama teacher Patty Flanigan, on Friday. Paris appeared in Flanigan’s plays in seventh through 12th grades. Patty says, “Andy has always had the ability to play a character with truth and warmth. If you see him in “A Sleeping Country,” you’ll see him play three characters (very different people) but all with that heart-stopping honesty.” He’ll talk to students about his work in the theater since he graduated in 1989. “A Sleeping Country” continues through this weekend. Jackie Demaline
Apr 15, 2008
CROMER ON "LEAR"
Bruce Cromer is an old hand at “King Lear” – he’s played Edgar in an Alabama Shakespeare Festival production in 1984, then played Albany in 2001 for Playhouse in the Park, but the current Cincinnati Shakespeare production, playing through this weekend, is his first time in the title role. Cromer, who has done wonderful work on all the region’s professional stages over the last several years, first encountered “Lear” in a Shakespeare On Film course in college (at Wright State, where he now teaches.) His long acquaintance with Shakespeare’s tragedy, says Cromer, “is like viewing a crystal from various sides, the cracks, flaws, and beautiful light rays twist and change with every new turn. “I've seen the play from the perspectives of the young (Edgar), the middle-aged (Albany), and now from the elderly (Lear) perspectives... The play is a tragedy for all, but you bring to it your current dreams and despairs, your new-found and long-lost beliefs. My greatest fear at the moment centers around losing one of my beloved sons, just as they're beginning to bloom as these inspiring young men; no wonder that the final scene of the play hits me with such devastating waves of emotion.” Issues of aging and frailty are hitting home with Cromer right now. His 88 year-old, widowed mother “has recently been moved out of her own home to first one son's house and then another. She is starting to lose her memory, she's frail, she's done so much for her five sons during her life... Now is when the family either truly proves itself a family --- or turns its back on its own. "Humanity must prey on itself, like monsters of the deep..."
One of Cromer’s areas of research for the role was how a human being dies: the processes that take place to shut down a mind, a heart, a persona, a soul. It began as a search to define Lear's fatal "illness", but it has become a sobering glimpse of my own mortality --- and our common humanity.” It’s all part of what makes “Lear” timeless, Cromer observes. “Families fighting over inheritances, battling over who should care for the elders, erupting into armed camps when love and sanity have been driven away... “Lear” may be about a country torn asunder, the chaos of mankind, but it all stems from an old man who demands love of those incapable of giving it. And blindly turning away those who can.”
Jackie Demaline
Apr 14, 2008
CALL HIM PROFESSOR TERRY!
Terry LaBolt, CCM musical theater faculty veteran, director of musicals and bon vivant host of Below Zero’s Sunday night cabaret series is headed west – happily not very far west This fall LaBolt takes up duties as Music Director of Musical Theatre at Indiana University/Bloomington. “It’s a brand new BFA program which was created beginning September 2007. I will join the program beginning September 2008, but I’ll have a fellowship with them beginning summer 2008.” We’ll still be seeing teelabee – he’s close enough to do some regular commuting, although he’s stepping down as director of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” for Covedale next season. Congratulate Terry in person on Sunday, when he hosts the cast of “The Color Purple” at his Below Zero after-party, benefiting Women Helping Women. Admission $25, but no promises that it won’t be sold out. Call Beth Fiore at 513-977-5555 to check availability. Show starts at 9 p.m., “Purple” cast takes the stage 10:30 p.m.-ish. Jackie Demaline
Apr 11, 2008
WIN A TRIP TO BROADWAY
The Cadillac Ultimate Broadway Experience Sweepstakes began April 8 and will run through May 30. Now in its fourth year, the nationwide contest invites entrants to vote for their favorite leading musical theatre actress, choosing between four beloved performers: Angela Lansbury, Patti LuPone, Bernadette Peters and Chita Rivera. One sweepstakes entrant will be chosen at random on June 1 and will receive two tickets to each of the four Tony Award-nominated shows for Best Musical and two tickets to the 2008 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 15. The prize package also includes transportation to and from New York City and four-day/three-night night hotel accommodations. Over 27,000 people entered the 2007 contest. Last year's winner attended each of the shows nominated for Best Musical — Curtains, Grey Gardens, Mary Poppins and Spring Awakening — as well as the 2007 Tony Award ceremony. For a chance to win this year's Cadillac Ultimate Broadway Experience Sweepstakes, click here. For official contest rules and regulations, click here. 
Apr 10, 2008
PAM REPORTS IN ON SONDHEIM NIGHT!
Pam Myers, currently in “Bare” at Know made a flying trip to NYC Monday for a starry benefit performance of “Ladies Who Sing Sondheim.”
This from Pam:
“I had the best time....Donna (McKechnie) and I threw together “DRIVE A PERSON CRAZY” that afternoon....we were crazed all right....she jumped in for Patti (LuPone)who was very ill as was Laura Benanti....the audience was beyond the pale....their response was so over the top, we were in shock.....
“ANOTHER HUNDRED PEOPLE” was the same....I talked to Angela (Lansbury) about the ALS Assoc. which she is now the spokesperson for, because I have a dear friend who is suffering from that disorder...I hope to find a way to be involved here in Cin. Angela's sister died from it.......
“Angela is sooo gracious and was impressive beyond belief the way she got back on top of “WORST PIES IN LONDON”....she got a standing O......she also left me an incredible compliment on my cell phone which of course I mistakenly deleted....she can't do call waiting either!!
“Cleves was well represented, my first boyfriend from Taylor High, Kenny Peak, showed up from Houston and sat with me at the dinner and out bid everyone for the signed poster.....what a scream!! He kept Donna and me out until 4AM. I haven't been up at that time since I was in labor.
I will always be grateful to Stephen Sondheim.....he has been so nice to me!”
Pam signs off, but eleventh hour stars brought in to help cover for the fallen were Raul Esparza and Barbara Walsh from Playhouse-born “Company.” The evening was directed by “Company” man John Doyle, who has a Broadway opening night on April 17 with “A Catered Affair.”
Jackie Demaline
Apr 9, 2008
KATIE J. WINS HER SECOND OVERTURES
Katie Johannigman has been performing in musicals since first grade, and her star quality is making her a CAA Overtures winner. The Wyoming High School senior and CCM Prep grad repeated her 2007 Overtures win with a 2008 first place finish in the theater category. Area theater fans will be seeing more of her. Katie is scheduled to enroll in CCM’s musical theater program in fall. Jackie Demaline .
JOZWIAK'S LATEST 10 MINUTES OF FAME
Local playwright-about-town Alan Jozwiak decided to mark his 40th birthday last summer by sending entries to 50 playwriting/writing contests in 2008 (“which marks my 10th year as a playwright.”) Jozwiak, whose work has been seen at the Indy Fringe in Indianapolis and the Cincinnati 20/20 Festival, had everything in the mail by Dec. 31. So far, so good. Jozwiak’s 10-minute play set on the Staten Island Ferry was part of “Scenes from Staten Island ’08,” which ran for two weekends, closing April 6. Jowziak is currently working on a play about cutting and self-injury, for which he was awarded a City of Cincinnati Individual Artist grant. “It’s going to be something to see,” Jozwiak promises. Jackie Demaline
Apr 8, 2008
RSC COMING INTO RANGE! SAVE THE DATE!!
And I don’t mean the Reduced Shakespeare Company. The Royal Shakespeare Company comes within driving distance of Cincinnati late in 2008, to Columbus’ Southern Theatre for performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Nov. 19-23. I pulled this from the RSC Web site: Created from the luminous diversity of modern India, Tim Supple directs a richly talented company of Indian actors, performers and musicians who draw on theatre traditions that are ancient and modern, urban and rural, exquisite, sacred and rude to give us Shakespeare's most popular play.
Mythic warriors, lovers, artisans and spirits are conjured up in an exhilarating mix of fierce poetry and the madness of love. Let’s car pool. Jackie Demaline
ARTIST PERFORMS SARGENT AT TAFT
“Madame X,” John Singer Sargent’s iconic lady with the pearls, was painted to be exhibited in the Paris Salon of 1884, but became the centerpiece in a scandal that dominated the exhibition and Sargent’s life and subsequent career. Find out all the juicy details in one-man show “John Singer Sargent: Painting Madame X,” a densely packed 40 minutes with Bob Diven creating a performance portrait of the artist at 7 p.m. April 10 at the Taft Museum of Art in conjunction with From Winslow Homer to Edward Hopper: American Watercolor Masterpieces from the Brooklyn Museum
on view at the Taft through May 11. Diven doesn’t list credits as an actor – a painter and illustrator, he’s worked as art director and designer in television, publishing, advertising, film, and stage for more than 25 years. Jackie Demaline
Apr 7, 2008
CINCY NOT SO FAR FROM PULITZER WINNER "AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY"
Tracy Letts' dysfunctional-family -- drama? comedy? -- August: Osage County is the winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and there is much delight in a couple corners of Cincinnati. BIG congrats to Cincy-based Broadway producer and swell guy Rick Steiner, who is one of the hit play’s Broadway producers. (Could a Tony Award be far behind?) Musical man Steiner has partnered on dramas exactly twice and has seen Pulitzers for both, the first being Off-Broadway’s “Topdog/Underdog.” Steiner says, go figure. Meanwhile, New Stage Collective artistic director Alan Patrick Kenny is delighted with his timing. He’s currently presenting the regional preem of Letts’ potboiler “Bug,” and he’s hoping the Pulitzer, along with a spectacular performance by Sherman Fracher, will fill the seats. (A lot of people still don’t know how to find the theater, which opened last April – it’s at 12th and Main in Over-the-Rhine.) According to the Pulitzer Web site, the award is "for a distinguished play by an American author, preferably original in its source and dealing with American life" and "productions opening in the United States between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2007 are eligible." “Osage County” has had all the Pulitzer buzz since it opened, fitting the Pulitzer preferences to a T – it examines American family, albeit one where every member has an assigned social pathology or disease; it’s long (three one-hour acts, although it zips along); and it manages to be both serious-minded and a serious crowd-pleaser (although that’s not a Pulitzer committee criteria.) The Tony voters are going to love all the above plus the spectacular acting of spectacularly written roles (custom-designed by Letts for his acting associates at home company Steppenwolf in Chicago.) Next up for Steiner, by the way, is musical “A Catered Affair,” opening next week. Jackie Demaline
SHAKE-UP AT ENJOY THE ARTS
Longtime Enjoy the Arts/START exec director Lisa Mullins departed the Main Street arts non-profit on March 28. Enjoy the Arts has a mission of introducing students and young adults to the arts through discounted tickets and special offers; it is also the umbrella of what has become the annual 20 Days/20 Nights Festival in September. Mullins has been with Enjoy the Arts since the late Eighties and has been exec director since 1991. Board president Lori Wellinghoff says Mullins’ departure was “mutually agreed upon.” There are no immediate plans to replace her, says Wellinghoff, as the board “diligently considers massively exciting new ventures.” Board members will provide “day to day leadership” as they consider the organization’s “functionality and new deliverables” and what that means for staffing. The ventures mentioned above include planning for a potential move to “The Beacon,” a planned arts building at Race and Liberty which would house, on three floors, Enjoy the Arts, ArtWorks, Learning Through Art and the Fine Arts Fund, moving down from Hyde Park Square to give the building a known presence. 3CDC (Cincinnati Center City Devt. Corp.), which has been investing in the idea of arts & culture as a neighborhood anchor, is doing the fundraising, says Wellinghoff, who is chairing the project. Wellinghoff would like to see a move-in in 2009; the scuttlebutt is that historic tax credits from the state are a key part of the financing and that ever-organized Cleveland may have gobbled up the stash. Jackie Demaline
WIN AN OVATION WALK-ON
Unleash your inner thespian. Ovation Theatre Company presents the regional premiere of Neil LaBute's "This Is How It Goes" (infidelity, manipulation, racism, and other "family values"), opening Friday and continuing through April 26 at the Fifth Third Bank Theatre at the Aronoff Center. Ovation invites you to get your break in show business and win a walk-on part, that of a "rude waiter," for one night during the run. You must be 18 years of age and able to gesture in a condescending manner. Send in your one minute video or short essay telling us why you should be our rude waiter for a night to: karen@cincinnatiovation.com Visit www.cincinnatiovation.com for submission guidelines and to view the entries. Deadline is April 9 for the April 11-13 dates, and April 15 for show dates April 17-26. Winners will be selected by a panel of opinionated thespians. Jackie Demaline
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PAM MYERS??
Pam Myers is rehearsing in NYC for tonight’s concert “Ladies Who Sing Sondheim,” which Buzzzzz…. mentioned a couple of months back. Myers couldn’t be more excited to be sharing a stage with divas including Patti LuPone (currently starring in Broadway’s “Gypsy” revival) Debra Monk (killing them in “Curtains”) and Angela Lansbury, whose legendary Stephen Sondheim collaborations include “Sweeney Todd” and an earlier “Gypsy.” “Can you believe that???” Pam asked, in italics with exclamation points. We dished at K 10, the Know Theatre’s 10th anniversary bash on Saturday. We were at the fab-u-lous and posh affair at the riverside crib of Know patron saint and arts philanthropist David Herriman. (The terrific repast was courtesy of caterer and arts philanthropist Jeff Thomas.) A swell time was had by all. Myers, currently appearing in “Bare” at Know, offered up a couple of numbers. Myers took off for NYC after yesterday’s performance. Today she rehearses with her fellow Sondheim ladies and director John (“Company”) Doyle. (Next benefit performance for Myers: The Acclaim Awards, May 19 at the Aronoff’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater.) “Bare” continues at Know through May 4. Jackie Demaline
Apr 5, 2008
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ARNIE SHAYNE?
“As a result of (New Edgecliff’s) Directors Competition, theater activities have really picked up for me,” e-mails Arnie Shayne. He even credits the win with a call from an agent in NYC. “I agreed to do a staged reading of a new play, “Flutterbies,” by Frank Christopher, where he’ll read along with Peter Scolari (you know him from TV’s “Bosom Buddies” and the “Bob Newhart Show”). There are hopes for the play “for Broadway or off-Broadway,” says Shayne. Today Shayne is in NYC rehearsing. “Naturally I play a 110-year old grandfather with a sharp mind and a foul mouth.” Closer to home, Shayne says to watch for a return of his Blue Chip Players in early June, to the Monmouth Theatre in Newport, where he will produce and direct “Footprints of the Polar Bear,” the script he used to demonstrate his deft touch for the Directors Competition. Jackie Demaline
Apr 4, 2008
CINCINNATI SHAKESPEARE GOES "BAREFOOT" THIS SUMMER
Neil Simon, the Bard of one-liners, will be saluted by Cincinnati Shakespeare this summer with a revival of oldie-but-goodie “Barefoot in the Park.” (How old? The movie version of the stage comedy about opposites-attract newlyweds adjusting to marriage in an NYC fifth-floor walk-up starred Jane Fonda and Robert Redford.) “Barefoot” opens for a four-week run July 18. Shakespeare has yet to cast a free-spirited bride for its Summer Fling, but the cast will include Sherman Fracher as her uptight mom, Chris Guthrie, Justin McCombs, Michael Bath and Bill Hartnett. Matt Johnson directs. For performance information and reservations contact the theater at 513-381-2273, or visit online at tickets.cincyshakes.com. Jackie Demaline
APPLAUSE TO OVERTURES FINALISTS
The 2008 Overture Awards Scholarship Competition – the largest locally run arts scholarship competition in the country and presented by Cincinnati Arts Association – will have its finals on Sunday, after being postponed a month due to snow emergency. The Overtures, for grades 9-12, award a $2,500 scholarship to winners in each of six arts categories. Finalists win a $500 scholarship. Standing ovation to the four young women competing in the theater finals: · Carly Shaina Cantor, Cincinnati Country Day School, Gr. 12, Musical Theater · Olivia Donnelly, The Music House Inc, Gr. 10, Musical Theater · Laura Friedman, Sycamore HS, Gr. 12, Drama · Kathleen Johannigman, Wyoming HS, Gr. 12, Musical Theater Other categories are Creative Writing, Dance, Instrumental Music, Visual Art and Vocal Music. The finals, with the award ceremony immediately following, is at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Aronoff’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater. A post-competition reception follows. Jackie Demaline
Apr 3, 2008
CCM DRAMA NAMES DOLLY WINNERS
CCM Drama presented its senior showcase Wednesday – and its annual achievement awards, the Dollys, named for Dolly Cohen, of the family that endows the CCM Drama chair and for which the Studio Theater is named. Individual performance awards for the 2007-2008 season went to (in production order): Mikhail Roberts as Lord Fancourt Babberly, aka “Charley’s Aunt”; Jake Jones. Joy Lanceta and Brandon Burton in “Big Love,” as well as the entire cast for Ensemble performance; Ben Newell, Evan Charest and Amy Berryman in “Anon(ymous); Adrien Finkel in “Twelfth Night”; and Kyle Nunn in “The Good Person of Setzuan.” Lauren Carter and Adrienne Clark were awarded for Sustained Excellence in Achievement and Performance during a CCM career by a graduating senior. The Dolly Cohen Award for Service and Achievement in CCM Drama went to graduating seniors Ian Lokey and Nathan Elam. As was previously announced, Aaron Serotsky, (Class of 1997) is recognized with the Julia Winter Cohen Career Excellence Award to a graduate of CCM Drama. Jackie Demaline
"PURPLE" BLOOMING AT THE BOX OFFICE
Weekend tickets are scarce for the two-week run of “Color Purple,” opening April 15 in a two-week tour by Broadway Across America at the Aronoff Center. The show is more than 75% sold, best availability are Tuesday-Thursday both weeks. Call 513-241-7469 or visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com. Jackie Demaline
Apr 2, 2008
CINCY CONNECTIONS SCORE AT KLINES
St. Louis Rep-Playhouse in the Park co-pros got some love on Monday from the Kevin Kline Awards, recognizing excellence in St. Louis theatre. David Smith’s sound design for “Dracula” and “Altar Boyz” choreographer Christopher Gattelli and musical director Henry Palkes were all recognized. Congrats also go to Julie Tolivar, CCM musical theater (’01) named wins a Kevin Kline Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical for her starring role in “Crazy for You” at Stages St. Louis. See who and what wins at the Acclaim Awards, recognizing excellence in Cincinnati theatre, on May 19 at the Aronoff’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater. Check category winners to date at the Acclaims page at CinStages.com. Jackie Demaline
CARNEY NAMED BALLET ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Devon Carney, Ballet Master-in-Chief is now Associate Artistic Director of Cincinnati Ballet. Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director Victoria Morgan says, “Devon will be more involved with artistic decisions, auditions, budgets, planning the season, negotiating contracts and in general will be doing everything he has been doing—but will now receive the appropriate recognition.” (For context, one might recall that Ballet exec director Paul Kaine departed last month.) “Devon has been my right hand man from the moment he arrived in Cincinnati four years ago,” Morgan adds. Before arriving in Cincinnati in 2003, Carney had been a principal dancer and Ballet Master with Boston Ballet. For Cincinnati Ballet, Mr. Carney has choreographed U Too?, Just You and Me, Another Time, Another Space, Blue Rondo, and in September 2007, Convergent Sight. In February 2002 Mr. Carney choreographed Acts 2 and 4 of a full-length Swan Lake. In November of 2006, he choreographed his full-length version of Giselle, to rave reviews. Jackie Demaline
Apr 1, 2008
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JESSICA HENDY?
If you haven’t seen Broadway belter and new mom Jessica Hendy since her return to town, all that is about to change. This month Hendy starts rehearsals for the Cincinnati premiere of “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” at Ensemble Theatre, then she goes straight into Richard Oberacker’s Cincinnati Fringe entry “Don’t Make Me Pull This Show Over: Dispatches from the Frontlines of Parenting” (a subject on which Hendy is becoming expert.) Hendy will sing with the Cincinnati Pops at Riverbend on July 4, and in the middle of all that she’ll be a presenter/performer at the Acclaim Awards on May 19 at the Aronoff’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater. Welcome back, Jess! Jackie Demaline
AUTHOR, AUTHOR!
Check your bookstore shelves this month for the new “Acting in Musical Theatre: A Comprehensive Course” by Joe Deer of Wright State and Rocco Dal Vera of College-Conservatory of Music. Find an excerpt in the March issue of Dramatics Magazine. Jackie Demaline
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