Disney’s animated version of The Little Mermaid came out when I was around 11 years old in 1989. I LOVED that movie when I was a kid, which made taking my 10 year old son to see the Broadway version of a classic a full circle moment.
Lighthearted Laughs at A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder
Sometimes I enjoy watching a play without any preconceived ideas. I didn’t know much about A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder prior to the performance, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was so lighthearted and FUN!
Cinderella: After Ever After at the Ensemble Theatre
If you are looking for a lighthearted play with familiar characters with a twist, Cinderella:After Ever After is for you! [Read more…]
Relive Your Childhood at The Sound of Music
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.
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
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)
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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”
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.