May 22, 2008
GAUKEL AND JUSTICE RETURN TO CINCY THEATER SCENE
Oh, happy day. A big round of applause goes to The Children’s Theatre, for welcoming home (and giving employment) to two electrifying young area actors. Andy Gaukel gave many memorable performances in the early days of Clear Stage then left for Edinburgh, Scotland. He has signed on with Children’s Theatre to work in the education department (hopefully leaving many evenings free.) His wife Kirstie, we hear, did PR for Edinburgh Fringe, so welcome her to the theater community with open arms, too. Roderick Justice, 2007 NKU grad and Acclaim Rising Star, had a brief fling with NYC last winter but is spending Memorial Day weekend moving back. He starts at Children’s Theatre on June 1 as artistic associate. That means some acting (“High School Musical 2”) some costuming (including “HSM2”), some choreographing (including “HSM2”), some directing and much shadowing of artistic director Jack Louiso. Justice starts rehearsals for Commonwealth (a.k.a. NKU) Theater’s “Forever Plaid,” opening in July and was spotted at last week’s auditions for “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which he’s choreographing for Commonwealth at The Carnegie in December. (I’m just saying, Justice was one amazing Judas when NKU produced the musical a few seasons back.) He’s also put a bid in to direct for Showboat Majestic in 2009. Jackie Demaline
May 21, 2008
TRANSIT FIVE SHOUTS OUT TO CABARET ARTISTS
Transit Five is looking for talent to perform their own work for the summer season opener Transit Five Cabaret June 19-21. The troupe is accepting solos, duets and group numbers. You will be working with board members – not quite sure what that means. Interested? E-mail Mollie Fingerman at molfry@aol.com with info, including what you want to perform.
CPI HAS NEW OFFICERS, NEXT READING
Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative (CPI) announces its new slate of officers:
President: Alan Jozwiak has been a member of CPI for ten years, and served as its Treasurer. His plays have been produced in the Cincinnati and Indianapolis Fringe Festivals, as well as Madlab Theatre and Sundog Theatre in NYC. He recently was awarded a City of Cincinnati Individual Artist Grant to write/produce a play on cutting and self-injury.
Vice President: Pauline Smolin is a founding member and past President of CPI, has written comedies, dramas and history plays which have been produced in NYC, Taos, NM and of course in Cincinnati.
Treasurer John Howland writes poetry and children's books; Secretary Sandi Kivkovich writes poetry and children's books. CPI and Cincinnati Arts Association ends the 2007-08 New Voices Series of staged readings at 7:30 p.m. June 17 with musical “Teachers Left Behind,” performed earlier this year in Fairfield and Hamilton. Book, music and lyrics are by Bridget Ossmann of Fairfield (“home of the award winning Fairfield High School Drama Department. Fairfield High School was one of four high schools in the nation asked to premiere "Phantom of the Opera"!”) Ossmann writes her first play on the topic of the state of education in the U.S. -- "You might as well laugh about it!" “Teachers” deals with state testing, No Child Left Behind, funding, curriculum, parents, administrators, and of course, students, through the eyes of an aging, meddlesome, retired teacher. It all started 15 years ago, says Ossmann. “I performed at a roast for a retiring administrator. I read a poem about him and his educational experiences. The poem went over so well, I was asked repeatedly to do other events. So I did. I began collecting stories from fellow educators and even had parties at my home where the discussions centered on happenings in others' classrooms. I would perform stand-up routines with these poems at various functions. Again, they were all very well received.
“I decided to take a play writing class at the Fairfield Community Arts Center initially thinking I would perfect my stand- up. Pat Davis, the instructor and Fairfield High School retired teacher and director, encouraged me to put the stories in the mouths of characters. But it was my daughter who pushed me over the edge when she said, "Write about the things you know best, teaching and being old!" And with that “Teachers Left Behind” was hatched. “This play is my love note to teachers. Although the play is fictional, the story is built on the actual experiences of teachers. As I listened to their stories over the last 15 years, I felt a renewed love for the dedication of these wonderful human beings who choose teaching as a profession.
Ossmann says she can’t wait to write more and has already started on a new play, “Ramps,” inspired by a wheel chair bound actor. “I also plan to write a sequel to Teachers Left Behind because I have had so many Virginia Budge fans who want to know what the next chapter is.” Jackie Demaline
May 20, 2008
ACCLAIMS NIGHT RE-CAP
Loved it, loved it – Nancy James opening the show with “Applause,” all the twentysomething talent who brought their parents to the show, the company of “Around the World in 80 Days” standing on stage at the Aronoff’s Jarson-Kaplan telling the crowd that Cincinnati has the best audiences anywhere. Monday night’s third Acclaim Awards brought lots of friends to the stage – Cincinnati kid Richard Oberacker flew in from his day job as music director for Cirque du Soleil’s “Ka” to cheer hometown theater.
“Jersey Boys” ensemble member Brandon Mattheus helped Rick Steiner hand out the evening’s top awards and was moved to talk about the wonderful theater community in Cincinnati. Students from CCM-Drama’s winning “Anon(ymous)” blogged the entire evening. Tom Peters of Walnut Hills High School co-winner of the 2008 Enquirer/Fifth Third Bank Theater Educator Award with Marc Raia, choked up when he talked about his own high school drama teacher.
Big winner Giles Davies (for solo show “Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus”) reminds us that he’ll be performing his Charles Dickens one-man show in Oxford in early June, and he’s contemplating blogging about his adventures when he leaves Cincinnati a few weeks from now. (I’ll believe it when I see it, from the man who doesn’t check his e-mails.)
Big applause to entertainers including Liz Holt (a 2008 Rising Star, the Know Theatre favorite is headed for New York), Charlie Clark (coming up in two Fringe shows, including his self-titled show) and Jessica Hendy sent the finale soaring with “Waiting for Life to Begin.” She, with Clark, will be in Richard Oberacker’s Fringe revue, “Don’t Make Me Pull This Show Over” before returning to “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” June 11-22.
Cincinnati Arts Association turned the Aronoff Center over to Acclaim, with the pre-show reception in the street level Center Stage room and the After-Party in the loge lobby of Procter & Gamble Hall. The pre-show reception was packed, with a delicious repast by BlackFinn, Jean Robert, Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmick’s, Nicholson’s, Palomino’s, and Via Vite, all talking about how important theater is to downtown.
At the After-Party, Northern Kentucky University theater students were a knockout, with that full window and the Walnut Street cityscape behind them as backdrop and Danny Davies’ Double-D Cup cupcakes were cross-your-eyes good. Women were fainting over the double chocolates, I’m told the Hula Mango Tangos, with a chili bite, were surprising and better than good.
Hope you had a wonderful time – tell us about it if you did. And hope to see you next year at the 2008-2009 theater season celebration. Jackie Demaline
May 19, 2008
BUZZZZ IS MOVING
- Starting later this week, this blog will be published in a new blog tool on a brand-new Cincinnati.Com website. - This blog isn¹t changing, but it will have a lot of new improvements. - When we move to the new blog, this one won¹t go away just yet, but it will have a link to the home of the new blog. Eventually, any bookmarks and links to this blog will take you to the new one. - Once I start posting to the new blog, you¹ll be able to get in and get a sneak peek at the new website before anyone else. - And one more change: You will have to register (it's free) in order to post comments on the new site.
VOTE & MAYBE WIN BROADWAY TIX
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. Cadillac vice president/regional manager of Martin Retail Ken McCallum spoke about the ongoing success of the sweepstakes and Cadillac's enthusiasm celebrating the Tony Awards each year with the contest. "Playbill's relationship with the theatre audience gives us the ability to reach our ideal consumer," McCallum said. "This contest is the perfect way for Cadillac to reach our target audience." Over 27,000 people entered the 2007 contest, which offered a similar prize. Last year's winner was Melissa S. of New York. On her trip to Manhattan she 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.
GRAD PALERMO HELMS CCM "TWO GENTS"
CCM musical theater grad Andrew Palermo, Broadway vet of shows including “Wicked” and choreographer of “Ace” at Playhouse in the Park will direct and choreograph “Two Gentlemen of Verona” for CCM in winter 2009. Terrell Finney, division chair, notes, “Andrew was in the CCM production when he was a student and has amassed an impressive career as an actor/choreographer/director. ... Especially as “Two Gents” contains so much dance, it seemed prudent to engage someone who could cover both the directing and choreographic aspects of the work, and Andrew is very excited at returning “home” for this project.” Along with his theater work, Palermo co-founded contemporary dance company, dre.dance ( http://www.dredance.com), with his childhood friend, Taye Diggs.
Jackie Demaline
May 14, 2008
EVERYBODY LOVES ROCCO, ESPECIALLY CCM STUDENTS
CCM voice coaching and training prof Rocco Dal Vera is this year’s recipient of the Barbour Award for Good Faculty-Student Relations at University of Cincinnati. Why do the students love him? Among other things, his spirit of generosity includes an open-door policy for his students, resulting in countless hours spent with them off the books. According to the announcement from CCM, Dal Vera is frequently working independently with students to help solve persistent vocal problems, to support special projects such as the creation of voice-over demo tapes, or simply to lend an ear or advice. Even in the short turnover between classes, Dal Vera is almost always engaged in conversation with an eager student. "They write me, they phone me, they stop by my office and they chase me down," he says.  | | Rocco Dal Vera | After spending his (professional) formative years as an actor, dancer and Hollywood voice-over artist , Dal Vera found his academic niche: voice coaching and training. Since 1998, he has taught CCM drama and musical theater students how to effectively shape the sounds of their voices to convey stories onstage. Dal Vera’s curriculum spans all four years of an undergraduate’s education and involves working with students to craft specialized dialects, as well as teaching them how to use their voices healthfully in order to endure marathon rehearsal and performance schedules. Moving from classroom to rehearsal room, Dal Vera’s hours extend well beyond the standard. In addition to his teaching load, he also serves as the resident vocal coach on all ten major productions produced by CCM’s drama and musical theater departments each year. For every Shakespearean drama or musical based in the American Deep South, Dal Vera can be found behind the scenes, training students to make sure they are using their voices in such ways as to authentically communicate the stories they are trying to tell. Toss in any number of engagements outside of CCM, and Rocco Dal Vera can safely be considered one of the busiest professionals in his industry. In the last year alone, Dal Vera published his latest textbook (Acting in Musical Theatre: a comprehensive course, co-authored with Joe Deer; Routledge), lectured on vocal coaching and vocal health at national conferences, and served as vocal coach for upwards of 35 professional theater productions (including Cincinnati’s Tony Award-winning Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Dayton’s Human Race Theatre, and more). "My failing is that I have this tendency to say ‘yes,’" Dal Vera laughs. "If somebody asks me for something, I open my calendar, and if there’s a physical way I can do it, I say yes. If I’m busy when they need me to be there, we try to work it out." For anyone else, the demands could prove overwhelming. But for Dal Vera, the opportunity to work with students is an invigorating force. Says nominating colleague and drama department chair Richard Hess, "Professor Dal Vera creates deep connections with each student, placing them at the center of his universe." This devotion to students has earned Dal Vera a fervent following that extends well beyond a student’s years at CCM. He is frequently fielding calls from alumni asking for advice to apply to their professional careers, seeking solutions for problems that are at times straightforward and, at others, hilariously unusual. He cites a recent conversation with a graduate who was struggling with the loss of her voice during her musical cabaret act. The cause? One of her vocal selections required her to "bawk" like a chicken. Dal Vera recalls the memorable conversation that ensued. "I phoned her back and she was walking down the street on her cell phone, and we’re bawking like chickens," he laughs. "Me in my office, she in New York, trying to figure out what she’s doing that’s hurting her voice and trying to find a solution." According to alumna Havila Brewster (2005 Drama), this is emblematic of Dal Vera’s character. "Without hesitation, Rocco is always one hundred percent ready and willing to steer me in the right direction," she says. "Most times he gives me far more help than I would ever have asked." According to Dal Vera, strong bonds between teacher and student are a natural outgrowth of the dramatic art form. "To say that it’s student centered—there’s no other way to do it in my field," he says. "Just the nature of what acting is—it’s all about the person. They can only act out of their own spirit and psyche. They have to bring themselves to the party. There’s no other way." For a student, the flipside of offering so much of oneself is a level of vulnerability that can prove daunting. It’s important, Dal Vera says, to create a safety net that allows them to take the emotional leaps that the art form asks of them "The main thing is recognizing that, at all times, we’re always dealing with the most personal level of an individual in these classes," he says. "Since their raw material is themselves, everything we do is all about them at the most fragile level, the most personal level. I think it’s about being respectful of the risk that they’re taking so they can take it." Alumna Gabrielle Stravelli (2001 Musical Theater) benefited directly from Dal Vera’s approach. "He had exuberance for the subject matter that made us as students eager to learn, and I remember always feeling like I was treated as an equal when I was in his class," she says. "He treated his students as adults whose thoughts and opinions mattered as much as his." Dal Vera is quick to credit CCM students for the unique energy they bring to the table, relishing in their enthusiasm. "Their commitment is awesome," he says. "The students we get here are unbelievable. Not just as talented people, but as people. There’s this ensemble feeling so that they really support each other, and they come with such a high level of desire and commitment that you give them a little push and they just go. That’s very inspiring."
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS KATE ROCKWELL?
This from Playbill online: Cincinnati’s Kate Rockwell, a finalist in the TV reality series "Grease: You're the One that I Want," last year, starts a Broadway gig today as Legally Blonde's latest Delta Nu pledge starting today. Rockwell plays Margot, one of Elle Woods' trio of best friends.
May 13, 2008
CONGRATS, ANDY B. ON THE TONY NOM!
Well, of course we knew Andy Blankenbuehler was going to get a nomination for choreography for “In the Heights.” His merengue, salsa and hip-hop infused dance defines the character of the Washington Heights corner where the action is set at the top of Manhattan, in the shadow of the George Washington Bridge and he scooped up many choreo awards for the Off-Broadway run last year. Andy B.’s competition is “Cry-Baby,” the revival of “South Pacific” and “Xanadu.” I am superstitious, I say nothing, but I am hopeful. In other 6 Degrees of Cincinnati Tony noms, CCM grad Faith Prince is nominated for leading actress in a musical for “A Catered Affair,” but “Affair” director John Doyle (nominated for the last two years, most ercently for “Company”) had his streak broken. “Company” star Raul Esparza picked up another Ton nom this season, as featured actor for “The Homecoming.” Jackie Demaline
May 12, 2008
WANT TO ACT IN A 48-HOUR FILM?
The Cincinnati 48Hour Film Project is teaming up with The League of Cincinnati Theatres to bring actors and Cincinnati 48Hour Film Project teams together at 6 p.m. Thursday (May 22) at the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center in Covington. Actors and actresses should bring a one minute monologue to be performed on camera. If you don’t have a headshot, they’ll shoot one. Auditions first come, first served. Actors and producers will have a chance to meet and talk. Contact information for all actors in attendance will be made available to all of the Cincinnati 48Hour film project teams, and actors will be able to screen past work by the film teams. Questions? Contact Christian Appleby at cincinnati@48hourfilm.com. .
May 9, 2008
BON CHANCE TO PLAYHOUSE'S 2008 INTERN ACTING COMPANY
After giving a sneak preview of their New York showcase Friday morning, most of the eight members of the Playhouse in the Park Acting Intern Company class of ’08 are packing up and starting the drive to Manhattan this afternoon and spend the weekend settling in and counting down to Monday’s NYC performance at the Lark Theatre. The handful who are working on “Around the World in 80 Days” (starting previews this weekend) will fly out Monday morning. In an ovation-worthy group, save special applause for two members with close Cincinnati ties, Ryan Imhoff and 2008 Acclaim Rising Star (and long-time Know Theatre mainstay) Liz Holt. Jackie Demaline
May 8, 2008
WHAT'S UP WITH DENISE DEVLIN
Denise Devlin (NKU ’07) is spending the weekend singing Maria in “West Side Story” for Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, then it’s back to New York. While most young hopefuls are working restaurants or secretarial, Devlin has her fingers crossed that she makes the grade with Stage Star Records which produces Broadway karaoke CDs. Devlin’s first big break –- singing guide vocals for “The Little Mermaid.” If she makes the grade, there could be more to come. Jackie Demaline
May 5, 2008
CORNHOLE FOR THE ARTS
Here’s one you don’t see everyday. Culture Works in Dayton announces its first annual Cornhole Tournament for the Arts, Saturday, May 31, 2008 in the Montgomery County Fairgrounds’ Coliseum. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the 2008 Culture Works Annual Campaign for the Arts. This single elimination tournament will begin at 10:00am, with check-in beginning at 9:00am. The entry fee for each team is $25 and all participants must pre-register and pay the entry fee by Wednesday, May 28. There will be no registration the day of the event. Team members can be of any age. Cash prizes will be awarded for the first and second place teams. First place team will win $1,000 and the second place team will win $500. Culture Works encourages participants to bring their friends and families for a day of fun. There is a $1 entry fee for each person not competing in the tournament, kids 12 & under are free. A free kids’ cornhole section for younger players not competing in the tournament will be available. Food, soda and beer will be sold on site throughout the day. Plenty of free parking is available. For additional information, view the tournament rules, or to download registration forms, visit www.cultureworks.org. To register by phone, or if you have any questions, call Katie Pees at Culture Works, (937) 222-2787 or email kpees@cultureworks.org. Just think – if Greater Cincinnati had an arts council, we could have cornhole tournaments, too! Jackie Demaline
KEILLOR AT MIAMI U. -- ON SALE MAY 7
Get your dialing finger ready. “An Evening with Garrison Keillor” at Miami University goes on sale at 10 a.m. May 7. He won’t land in Oxford until March 18, 2009, but what do you want to bet the tickets are gone by the end of the day? Keillor promises more of the beloved anecdotes about growing up in the American Midwest and the aging process, not to mention “late-life fatherhood.” Tickets $40, or priceless, if you’re a fan of his weekly radio show. The entire 2008-2009 Miami University Performing Arts Series will be listed in Thursday’s Enquirer. Jackie Demaline
May 2, 2008
TEACHERS SHOUT OUT "DREAM" LIST
Finalists for the 2008 Enquirer/Fifth Third Bank Theater Educator Award will be listed in Sunday’s paper and panelist Diane Carr had the bright idea of polling some drama teachers to see what a $2,500 prize can mean to a department. Here are some of the answers that came in: - Hire a professional sound consultant to come teach your sound crew about sound.
- Bring incredible and professional artist into the school to help strengthen theatre program. Professional artists in the acting, technical and production arena working by their side. The power of seeing artists in residence working side by side with students would help shape many lives in our school.
- Buy a few new microphones to go with existing sound system
- Pay for royalties for musical
- Buy a new table saw for scene shop
- Buy new sewing machines for costume construction
- Buy set of play scripts for Greek theatre study , or Shakespeare study
- Buy library of musical theatre films for study of musical theatre
- Buy set of sound effects cd's
- Take kids to professional theatre production in nearby city
- Use the money to provide a free performance of a scheduled show to a particular population (a grade in school, inhabitants of nursing homes/orphans, etc.).
- Wireless mic system
- Recording and camera equipment
- Laptop computer with projector and software to do publicity. (inDesign suite) make and show movies
- CAD Lite computer design and drawing program and plotter printer
- Drafting table and drawing templates for lights and set design
- Costumes for an entire year
- Make up kit for every student
- A storage shed/container
- Remodel green room
- Make up stations, black boxes, seating, or platforms from Wenger Corp.
- Pay a stipend for an assistant director, tech director, costumer, or choreographer for a year
- Costume shops need –
- sewing machines
- dress forms
- patterns fabric
- wigs
- make-up
- wood
- nails
- screws
- saws
- screw guns
- mats for floor work
- scene & monologue books
- scripts
- music
- books that discuss techniques
- field trips to see live theatre
- Scrims
- Cycloramas
- strip lights
- follow spots
- replacement lamps
We applaud every theater educator out there for their passion, commitment, and a pretty amazing ability to squeeze every nickel in connecting students and performing art. Jackie Demaline
May 1, 2008
PARTY DOWN WITH NEW STAGE NEW SEASON
New Stage Collective plans to ring in the 2008-2009 season with a “New Stage in the City/Sex and the City” Subscription Kickoff Party “with a swanky party that worthy of Carrie Bradshaw!” promises artistic director Alan Patrick Kenny. Mark May 16 on your calendar, when Below Zero Lounge (12th & Walnut St., Over-the-Rhine) will be stirring up cosmos from 8 to 11 p.m. There will be a raffle including “Sex in the City” (The Movie) swag and swag, Sarah Jessica Parker Lancome make-up gifts and other stuff, but it’s the entertainment line-up that looks really fine. Special guests include Richard Oberacker, Patricia Linhart, Amy Warner, Charlie Clark, Sherman Fracher, Steven Milloy, Alan Patrick Kenny, cast members of NSC’s upcoming “Jerry Springer: The Opera,” and more. We hear Kenny talked Mahogany Scott, headed into town for the May 19 Acclaim Awards into coming in early to show off the fine voice we heard in “Caroline, or Change” last autumn. Jackie Demaline
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