Theatre Archives - Page 2 of 4

Relive Your Childhood at The Sound of Music

October 1, 2016 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

The Sound of Music is one of my all time favorite musicals. I’ve watched the movie version countless times over the years. I know the words to all of the songs and it’s also a musical that my mom and I enjoyed watching together. It’s one of those musicals that never gets old to me.

So how did the Broadway musical compare to my childhood memories of the movie version?

If the movie version of the musical is your point of reference, you will still recognize almost all of the songs and the overall plot of the play. Some of the songs are in a different order in the Broadway musical version but I honestly didn’t care because I enjoyed it so much. My kids would have found the stage version similar to The Sound of Music Live that successfully aired on NBC in 2013.

The cast did such an incredible job that I was taken back to all of those great memories of the musical from my childhood. The children cast in the musical were delightful and still brought their own personalities to their roles. Melody Betts will give you goosebumps in a good way when she sings in her role as The Mother Abbess. Kerstin Anderson had some big shoes to fill in the role of Maria, but she gave a flawless performance with lots of life and energy that you expect from her beloved character. Ben Davis was the perfect blend of stern and soft in the role Captain Georg vonTrapp with incredible vocals.

I originally invited my oldest friend to join me because I had memories of watching it together with her as kids. She is literally my oldest friend, because our moms were neighbors and pregnant with us during the same time, so we grew up together. When she shared that she couldn’t attend the play, I offered to take her mom who LOVED the play even more than she did. Her mom even took the “Sound of Music” tour in Europe. Watching the Sound of Music with my friend’s mom was almost as good as watching it with my own mom. She was so excited and moved by the play. It was wonderful to share that experience with her.

The Sound of Music is one of those musicals that is beloved by multiple generations. I would highly recommend this play for audiences young or old. This Broadway musical is the perfect opportunity to reminisce and relive your childhood or create a new memory with the next generation with someone you love.

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THE SOUND OF MUSIC will play the Reminisce Center September 27 – October 9, 2016

The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with such songs as “My FavoriteThings,” “Do-Re Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.

Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM

Friday at 8:00PM

Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM

Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM.

Tickets for THE SOUND OF MUSIC start at $30.

They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org orby phone at 513.621.ARTS.

For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

Photo credit for all images: Matthew Murphy

You can find out more about the Sound of Music on Tour from their website.

Disclosure: I attended media night. All opinions are my own.

Broadway in Cincinnati Presents CABARET May 10-22

May 11, 2016 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

I had no idea what to expect for my first time watching the Broadway play CABARET. All I can say is WOW!!!
The singing and music were fantastic! Many of the actors in the ensemble also played an instrument. The plot offered sweet moments between characters, drama, and a few moments that were racy and over the top. *CABARET contains adult themes and is for mature audiences only.The ending still has me a little floored. I’m really glad that I didn’t know anything about the show prior to watching it. (No spoilers here)

[Read more…]

Reasons Why Teenagers Will Love Newsies on Broadway

March 2, 2016 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

Reasons Why Teenagers Will Love Newsies on Broadway

I found out that my teenage neighbor was a HUGE Newsies fan and I decided that it would be interesting to get her perspective on the Newsies Broadway Musical.

First of all, what is Newsies all about?

Newsies on Broadway

NEWSIES is inspired by the real-life ‘Newsboy Strike of 1899,’ when newsboy Kid Blink led a band of orphan and runaway newsies on a two-week-long action against Pulitzer, Hearst and other powerful newspaper publishers.

The stage version introduces seven brand-new songs by the original team of Menken and Feldman,including a song written specifically for the tour called ‘Letter from the Refuge,’ while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film, including ‘Carrying the Banner, ‘Seize the Day,’ ‘King of New York’ and ‘Santa Fe.’

Since the film’s 1992 theatrical release and subsequent DVD release, NEWSIES has grown into a cult phenomenon, and for years had been the single most requested title of all the Disney musical films not yet adapted for the stage. (The film featured a screenplay by Bob Tzudiker & Noni White (Tarzan, 102 Dalmatians).

I asked Summer a few questions before and after attending the Broadway Musical.

Newsies on Broadway

Why did you want to see Newsies on Broadway?

Newsies is my favorite movie and I heard really good reviews on the play so I automatically wanted to go. I also love plays, so it also appealed to that interest.

What are the scenes you are looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to all of it. I am really excited to listen to “Seize the Day” since it’s my favorite song from the movie. Also, I can’t wait to see how they create one of the last scenes where all the kids and teens from New York meet in front of Polister’s building for the strike.

Newsies on Broadway

Do you have a favorite character from the movie? Who and why?

I have two. Jack Kelly because he’s the more violent leader. The second is Davy. He’s the more brainy and less violent leader. I love their friendship. It balanced itself out. One is soft and brainy while the other is risky and an on the go thinker.

Newsies on Broadway

What did you like about the play?

My favorite thing was probably the dancing. I also liked how they added some songs to the show. I really liked the tap dancing scene and the music was amazing.

Newsies on Broadway

Would you recommend this Broadway play to other teenagers? Why?

I definitely would recommend it to other teenagers. It was an amazing play and it gave a look into the past when the Newsies strike was actually going on. I think others would very much enjoy watching all the fun dances and listening to the catchy songs.

Newsies on Broadway

What would you say to someone who’s only familiar with the movie?

Before this, I had only seen the movie and I didn’t know what to expect. I think that even though the movie and play had differences they were both good. There are definitely some surprises when watching the play, if you’ve only seen the movie.

Newsies, a Disney Theatrical Production under the direction of Thomas Schumacher presents Newsies, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, book by Harvey Fierstein, starring Joey Barreiro (Jack Kelly), Steve Blanchard (Joseph Pulitzer), Morgan Keene (Katherine Plumber), Aisha de Haas (Medda Larkin), Stephen Michael Langton (Davey), Zachary Sayle (Crutchie), John Pitera or Ethan Steiner (Les) under the direction of Jeff Calhoun, choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, North American Tour

Thanks again to Summer for sharing her insight with us. You can check out the tap dance number below.

This high energy play is so much fun to watch and great for all ages!

The choreography is incredible and the music is fantastic! Don’t miss it!

NEWSIES will play the Aronoff Center from March 1 – 13

Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM

Friday at 8:00PM

Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM

Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM

Tickets for NEWSIES start at $29.

They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS.

For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

For more information, visit NewsiesTheMusical.com.

* All Newsies images were by photographer Deen van Meer and provided by Broadway Cincinnati.

I was provided media tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Kinky Boots The Musical on Broadway

January 8, 2016 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

I didn’t really know what to expect with the Broadway play Kinky Boots but I found it to be a lighthearted story of an unlikely friendship with really fun music.

Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

Kinky Boots took home six 2013 Tony Awards, the most of any show in the season, including Best Musical, BestScore (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus) and Best SoundDesign (John Shivers). The show also received the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Broadway.com Awardsfor Best Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Album, along with many other accolades.

Kinky Boots will play the Aronoff Center from January 5 – 17

Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30 PM

Friday at 8:00 PM,

Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00 PM

and Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30 PM

Tickets for Kinky Boots start at $29. They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org orby phone at 513.621.ARTS. For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363.Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice. For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com. You can find out more about Kinky Boots The Musical from their website.

* All images were provided by Broadway Across America with photo credit to Matthew Murphy.

Disclosure: I received tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park

December 14, 2015 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

I’ve really enjoyed watching A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park in Cincinnati over the past few years. It’s become a holiday tradition with a familiar story that still offers a little something different each year. My favorite elements are observing the cast make familiar characters their own and watching the set transform. It’s really incredible to watch actors rise up from below the floor. If you have watched the play over the years, you will recognize returning cast members along with new ones who add their own personality to their character. Bruce Croomer once again delivers as a convincing Scrooge. He really becomes Scrooge after playing the role for so many years. The classic story remains the same which is a reminder to keep the main thing, the main thing.

The Playhouse’s version of A Christmas Carol, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic to bring to life Charles Dickens’ familiar story of a sinner given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts. Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a miraculous Christmas Eve transformation as he views with new eyes his past, present and the possibilities of the future. Adapted by Howard Dallin, A Christmas Carol‘s heartwarming message, hundreds of costumes and thrilling special effects help to make the show one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each year.

The cast of the 25th anniversary production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL features a mix of new and familiar actors. Bruce Cromer, the longest-tenured of the four actors who have filled Ebenezer Scrooge’s miserly shoes, returns to the role for the 11th time this season. (Cromer previously portrayed long-suffering clerk Bob Cratchit for eight years.) Also returning are Avery Clark as Young and Mature Scrooge/Ghost of Christmas Future, Craig Wesley Divino as Fred, Joy Farmer-Clary as Belle/Catherine Margaret, Annie Fitzpatrick as Mrs. Fezziwig/Patience, Ryan Wesley Gilreath as Bob Cratchit/Schoolmaster Oxlip, Kelly Mengelkoch as Mrs. Cratchit/Laundress, Gregory Procaccino as Jacob Marley/Old Joe, Douglas Rees as Mr. Fezziwig/Ghost of Christmas Present, Nick Rose as Mr. Cupp/Percy/Rich Man at Fezziwig’s and Stephen Skiles as Mr. Sosser/Topper/Man with Shoe Shine/Guest at Fezziwig’s.

New to A CHRISTMAS CAROL this season is Cincinnati native Kathleen Wise, who is making her Playhouse debut as Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs. Peake.
Members of the Playhouse’s Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company — Law Dunford, Kyle Powell, Serena Ryen, Robert Carlton Stimmel, Erin Ward, Renika Williams and Lilian Wouters — will play carolers, party guests and others.

Nine Tristate children also appear in A CHRISTMAS CAROL; this season, six new actors join the three veteran junior cast members. Returning are Nathan E. Goodlett as George/Charles/Apprentice at Fezziwig’s, Livvy Stubenrauch as Fan/Guest at Fezziwig’s and Ethan Verderber as Peter Cratchit/Gregory/Apprentice at Fezziwig’s. New to the production this year are Ella Gallagan as Belinda Cratchit/Guest at Fezziwig’s, Ari Elizabeth Johnson as Want/Guest at Fezziwig’s, Aidan McCracken as Ignorance/Matthew/Rich Son at Fezziwig’s, Ashley Taylor as Martha Cratchit/Guest at Fezziwig’s, Austin Vaughan as Boy Scrooge/Guest at Fezziwig’s/Bootblack and Henry Charles Weghorst as Tiny Tim.

A Christmas Carol NOV. 25 – DEC. 30, 2015

A Christmas Carol is suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted.

Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL start at $40. Prices are subject to change, and patrons are encouraged to buy early for the best seats at the best prices. Tickets for children, teenagers and students are $30 and $45. Tickets for the public preview, which will be performed at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, begin at $35. The official opening night is at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27.
The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.

Tickets for A CHRISTMAS CAROL are on sale now. For ticket information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit www.cincyplay.com. Call 513-345-2248 for Telecommunications Device for the Deaf accessibility.

Playhouse in the Park is located at 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

All photos by MIKKI SCHAFFNER provided courtesy of Playhouse in the Park.

Disclosure: I received tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS on Broadway

November 25, 2015 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

Is watching White Christmas part of your holiday tradition each year?

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS on Broadway is a great way to kick off the holiday season whether it’s your favorite holiday movie or your first time discovering the story.

The classic holiday movie White Christmas comes to the stage at last! This brand new musical shines with classic Berlin hits like “Blue Skies,” “How Deep is the Ocean?” and, of course, the unforgettable title song. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!

I was vaguely familiar with the plot my husband had never seen the movie before but we both loved the Broadway play! The music reminded us of our grandparents and the dance numbers were AMAZING! I seriously want to take up tap dancing after observing those incredible tap skills.

The New York Times exclaims “this cozy trip down memory lane should be put on your wish list.” And, the New York Daily News hailed IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS as “a holiday card come to life.”

I have to agree with the New York Times. This play brings back Christmas nostalgia from years past and puts a smile to your face.

IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS will play the Aronoff Center from

November 24 – December 6, 2015

Thanksgiving Week 11/24 – 29 Schedule

Tuesday 7:30PM

Wednesday 7:30PM

Thursday Thanksgiving Day, no performance

Friday 1:00PM and 8:00PM

Week of 11/30 – 12/6

Tuesday 7:30PM

Wednesday 7:30PM

Thursday 7:30PM

Friday 8:00PM

Saturday 2:00PM and 8:00PM Saturday 2:00PM and 8:00PM

Sunday 1:00PM and 6:30 PM Sunday 1:00PM and 6:30PM

Tickets for IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS start at $29.

They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS.

For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.

For more information on IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, visit www.whitechristmathemusical.com.

Interview with a Cast Member from the Broadway Play “PIPPIN”

October 12, 2015 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

Have you heard of the Broadway play “PIPPIN” before?

I haven’t seen the play before but I’m looking forward to it. Here is a little more about the play.

PIPPIN is a high-flying, death-defying hit musical full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of WICKED.

This unforgettable new production will lift you up and leave you smiling! Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards^® including Best Musical Revival. Hailed by audiences and critics alike this “an eye-popping, jaw-dropping extravaganza” PIPPIN is coming to a city near you! Experience PIPPIN, one young man’s journey to be extraordinary.

I had the opportunity to interview one of the youngest cast members of the play. Ben Krieger is one of the actors that plays the role of Theo.

How long have you been an actor?

2 years

How did you get started?

I wanted to be in a play with my big sister. It looked fun.

How long have you been touring with the Broadway play Pippin?

Since July 21

What’s your acting history?

I was in a couple student shows at a place called StarStruck in Stuart, Florida. One of the shows was called “The Composer Series” and featured songs by Stephen Schwartz. My first big thing I ever did was sing a solo in that show. I sang “Corner of the Sky” from Pippin! After that I did two professional shows at The Maltz Jupiter Theater in my hometown. I was in Fiddler on the Roof and then I played Gavroche in Les Miz. That’s when I knew I wanted to do this forever.

What’s been your favorite experience so far?

All of it

What’s been the most challenging experience?

Trying not to be fidgety

What’s it like to be a younger actor in the cast?

It’s awesome. The grown ups treat me like a friend. I love it.

What have been some of the most memorable cities that you’ve visited?

Seattle, Chicago, Tokyo, Portland

Do you get much free time on tour?

We did in the summer but now we are in school during the day. But we get to sleep late and I love that.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Playing minecraft, watching Friends on Netflix and Modern Family. I also love puzzles and Soduko and stuff like that.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue their dream to become a Broadway?

Make sure you love it and you have fun otherwise it’s a waste of time.

Thanks again to Ben Kreiger for sharing with us today. You can find out more about PIPPIN from their website.

PIPPIN will be in Cincinnati at the Aronoff from October 13-18. You can get your tickets here.

Motown the Musical on Broadway

September 9, 2015 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

Motown the Musical is a show that connects to you on so many levels. I’m still replaying the songs in my head the day after ….and that’s a good thing! The music features top hits from some of the most beloved Motown artists of all time that will keep a smile on your face from beginning to end.

Here is a little more about the show.

Directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, StevieWonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more. Featuring more than 40 classic hits such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,”MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is produced by Tony Award® winning producer Kevin McCollum (Rent, In the Heights, Avenue Q), who was recently named Distinguished VisitingProfessor at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of music, where he is an alumnus. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is also produced by Chairman and CEO of SONYMusic Entertainment Doug Morris and Motown founder Berry Gordy.

A few years ago, my family visited the Hitsville U.S.A. Motown Museum in Detroit, Michigan. It was incredible to walk into the building that birthed a musical movement that is still cherished by multiple generations today. We stood in rooms that legendary artists recorded their smash hits in. After watching Motown the Musical, I want to revisit Hitsville U.S.A. even more because I have an even greater appreciation for what unfolded there.

I don’t think that I can even pin point a favorite character because the whole cast was extraordinary! Marvin Gaye played by Jarran Mus, Smokey Robinson played by Jesse Nager, Josh Tower played Berry Gordy and Ashley Tamar Davis, who played Diana Ross, each brought so much to the show with their amazing vocals and spot on portrayals of their characters.

You will absolutely fall in love with actor Leon Outlaw Jr., who plays a younger version of Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. His singing and dancing will put a big smile on your face.

The sweet dance moves and the flair in the group numbers will also bring you so much joy.

The storyline of Motown the Musical really helps you appreciate the history, the adversity and dedication that Berry Gordy and the artists he helped develop, sacrificed to bring Motown to life.

This show is an absolute MUST for anyone who loves music from the Motown era!

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MOTOWN THE MUSICAL will play the Aronoff Center from September 8 – 20

Tuesday –Thursday at 7:30PM

Friday at 8:00PM, Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM

and Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM.

Tickets for MOTOWN THE MUSICAL start at $29.

They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS.

*For groups of 10 or more, contact the group sales department at 513.369.4363. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.

**All Motown Musical images photographed by Joan Marcus, 2014

Motown the Musical CLIFTON OLIVER (Berry Gordy) Clifton Oliver is honored to be a part of the Motown family. Broadway: The Lion King (Simba), In The Heights (Benny opposite Jordin Sparks), Wicked (Fiyero). Nat'l Tours: The Lion King (Simba), Rent (Benny & Collins), Ragtime (Ensemble). Regional: Pal Joey (Arkansas Rep.), Kinky Boots (Lola's standby for Bill Porter), West Coast Tour of The Scottsboro Boys (Charlie/Victoria), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Victor), Godspell (Judas) MUNY. Television: "Law and READ MORE ? ALLISON SEMES (Diana Ross) Chicago native. B.M. Opera at UIUC, M.M. from NYU-Steinhardt. Broadway credits: Motown the Musical, Florence Ballard & The Book of Mormon, Nabalungi U/S, Swing. Other credits include: The Color Purple National Tour, Dreamgirls, Bubbling Brown Sugar, The Wiz, Candide. I want to thank you Bethany and everyone at Telsey, Renee, my CCC/ KACC/ GIAME families, Momma & Poppa Bear, Emile, QVD, and my friends for the unconditional love and support! READ MORE ? NICHOLAS CHRISTOPHER (Smokey Robinson) Born in Bermuda and raised in Boston, MA. Studied at both The Boston Conservatory and The Juilliard School. 1st National Tour: In The Heights. Off-Broadway: Rent, Hurt Village. Thank you family, friends and SMS for your lurve and support. JARRAN MUSE (Marvin Gaye) A native Jersey boy couldn't be happier living his dream. God is good yall. Broadway/NYC: Motown The Musical, Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Dreamgirls; International Tours: American Idiot, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, 42nd Street. Regional Theater: Marriott Lincolnshire, Portland Center Stage (Will Parker in Oklahoma!), Goodspeed, Fulton Opera Houses, Pittsburgh CLO. Thank you to Mr. GORDY, Charles, and Telsey for this new opportunity to bring Marvin to stage READ MORE ? ERICK BUCKLEY (Ensemble) Broadway/National Tours: Valjean in Les Miserables, Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Dave in The Full Monty, Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera, Gangster #1 Kiss Me, Kate, Roger in Grease

For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInCincinnati.com.For more information, visit www.MotownTheMusical.com.

Disclosure: I received tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

I LOVE LUCY ® LIVE On STAGE ~ Broadway

June 4, 2015 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

Are you an I LOVE LUCY® fan?

Whether you are a die hard fan of the show or just vaguely familiar with it, you will find this play to be a joy to watch!

I Love Lucy ® also happens to be responsible for my desire to cross stomping the grapes off my list. One day I will cross that off! The show is such a classic that is loved by generations.

I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE is the brand-new hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history! America’s favorite foursome – Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel – is live on stage and in color for the very first time!

Thea Brooks and Euriamis Losada lead the company as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, with Kevin Remington and Lori Hammel playing Fred and Ethel Mertz, the Ricardo’s loveable landlords and sidekicks.

The cast also includes Sara Jayne Blackmore, Sarah Elizabeth Combs, Gregory Franklin, Jody Madaras, Carlos Martin, Denise Moses, Cindy Sciacca, Kami Seymour, Richard Strimer and Mark Christopher Tracy.

An “out-of-body experience for ‘Lucy’ fans” according to Showbiz Chicago. I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE takes audience members back to 1952 as members of the Desilu Playhouse studio audience where they await the filming of two hilarious and oh-so-familiar I LOVE LUCY^® episodes, “The Benefit” and “Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined.” A charming host entertains and enlightens the crowd to the behind-the-scenes filming process of a brand new thing called “television,” the Crystaltone Singers perform advertising jingles in perfect 50s style harmony and the sidesplitting antics of America’s favorite foursome – Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel. It’s a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience TV Guide’s William Keck calls “the most entertaining stage production I’ve seen in years – including Broadway!”

The iconic hit sitcom I LOVE LUCY^® originally aired on CBS from 1951 – 1957 for a total of six seasons and 179 episodes and is widely considered to be one of the most popular programs in the history of television. Due in no small part to its relatable characters, sharp comedic writing and Lucille Ball’s signature zany charm, the show continues to endear new audiences with every passing generation. The program was a technical trailblazer, pioneering the multi-camera shooting technique (still employed by the majority of traditional sitcoms to this day) and the use of 35mm film for the capture of a weekly, 30-minute scripted television program (which made possible the re-airing of episodes at a later date, what we now know as “reruns”). In September 2012, I LOVE LUCY^® was named the “Best TV Show Of All Time” and the “Greatest TV Comedy” by People Magazine and ABC’s “20/20” special “Best in TV: The Greatest TV Shows of Our Time.”

The cast did a great job of resembling the characters that everyone loves along with adding commercials from that time period that older generations will recognize. I enjoyed listening to the older audience members sitting nearby as they sung along to the commercial jingles that they recognized.

This play is lighthearted and does a great job of interacting with the audience in a way that really makes you feel like you are part of a live studio audience.

Don’t miss your chance to see it!

I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE will play the Aronoff Center from June 2 – 14

Performance Times

Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30PM,

Friday at 8:00PM

Saturday at 2:00PM and 8:00PM

Sunday at 1:00PM and 6:30PM.

Tickets for I LOVE LUCY^® LIVE ON STAGE start at $29. They are available at the Aronoff Center Box Office downtown at 650 Walnut Street, online at CincinnatiArts.org or by phone at 513.621.ARTS.

For tickets and more information, please visit ILoveLucyLive.com.

Makes its CINCINNATI Premiere

at THE ARONOFF CENTER

JUNE 2 – 14, 2015

Tickets on sale NOW!

Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

ANYTHING GOES on Broadway

February 18, 2015 By Nedra McDaniel Leave a Comment

My husband and I have always enjoyed music from the swing era which meant that we were both looking forward to watching ANYTHING GOES on Broadway for the first time.

ANYTHING GOES, the 1934 musical comedy about the lovers, liars and clowns on a transatlanticcruise is “a daffy, shipshape romp!” – Variety. When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etquete and conventon head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love…proving that sometmes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail.

The music was fun and the colorful characters brought lots of smiles throughout the show.

My favorite parts of the play included the dancing. The tap dancing numbers were AMAZING!!!

* All photo credit Jeremy Daniel

Disclosure: I was given tickets for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

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