Cincinnati Theaters Announce Special Character Appearances, Beginning 11/15

Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati are joining together to spread holiday cheer across the Tristate with a number of special character appearances beginning Nov. 15.

Characters from Cincinnati Ballet's annual production of Frisch's Presents The Nutcracker; Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's classic A Christmas Carol, presented by U.S. Bank; Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati's holiday production of Sleeping Beauty, sponsored by Macy's; and The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati's world premiere production of The Snow Queen, also sponsored by Macy's, will come together at holiday events around the city from mid-November through Nov. 30.

The Character Crew will make appearances at the following holiday attractions:

· Saturday, Nov. 15 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, Duke Energy Convention Center

· Friday, Nov. 21 (5 to 9 p.m.): Festival of Lights Members' Preview, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

· Saturday, Nov. 22 (1 to 2 p.m.): Community Appreciation Day, Joseph-Beth Booksellers Cincinnati

· Saturday, Nov. 22 (4:30 to 5:30 p.m.): Balluminaria, Eden Park's Mirror Lake

· Friday, Nov. 28 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

· Saturday, Nov. 29 (2 to 4 p.m.): Crafty Supermarket, Music Hall

· Saturday, Nov. 29 (5:30 to 7 p.m.): Macy's Downtown Dazzle, Fountain Square

· Sunday, Nov. 30 (12 to 2 p.m.): Winterfair, Northern Kentucky Convention Center

About Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati

Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of important classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet's mission is to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance. Returning Dec. 19 through Dec. 27, the beloved holiday tradition of Frisch's Presents The Nutcracker, performed since 1974, continues to delight children and adults alike. For more information, visit www.cballet.org.

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has been offering local audiences the finest in professional theatre for 55 years. Winner of two Tony Awards, the Playhouse is nationally known for its commitment to new works and as an artistic home for America's best actors, directors and designers. Faithful storytelling and spellbinding special effects combine in the Playhouse's annual production of A Christmas Carol, one of the city's most popular family plays, which returns Nov. 26 through Dec. 28 for its 24th year. For more information, visit www.cincyplay.com.

Now in its 29th season, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC), located in historic Over-the-Rhine, is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. This season marks the 17th year ETC has been presenting family-friendly musicals for the holidays. This season, ETC presents a magical, musical version of Sleeping Beauty, Dec. 3 to Jan. 4. For more information, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati (TCTC) brings art to life for children and the young-at-heart through three key programs: MainStage at the Taft, ArtReach and Learning the Craft. Currently celebrating its 90th season, TCTC is the oldest children's theatre in the country and serves nearly 150,000 children, families and schools each season. From Dec. 5 to 13, The Children's Theatre presents the world premiere musical The Snow Queen. For more information, visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.