Holiday Characters from Cincinnati Arts Organizations Appear Across the Tristate, Starting Today

Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati are joining together once again to spread holiday cheer across the Tristate with a number of special character appearances beginning today, Nov. 14.

Characters from Cincinnati Ballet's classic Frisch's Presents The Nutcracker; Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's 25th annual production of A Christmas Carol, presented by U.S. Bank; Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati's holiday production of Cinderella, sponsored by Macy's; and The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati's production of A Charlie Brown Christmas, also sponsored by Macy's, will come together at holiday events around the city from mid-November through Nov. 29.

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

· Saturday, Nov. 14 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, Duke Energy Convention Center

· Friday, Nov. 20 (5 to 7 p.m.): Festival of Lights Members' Preview, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

· Friday, Nov. 27 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

· Saturday, Nov. 28 (2 to 4 p.m.): Crafty Supermarket, Music Hall

· Saturday, Nov. 28 (5:30 to 7 p.m.): Macy's Downtown Dazzle, Fountain Square

· Sunday, Nov. 29 (12 to 2 p.m.): Winterfair, Northern Kentucky Convention Center

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. 18 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 56 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. 25 through Dec. 30 for its 25th anniversary. For more information, visit www.cincyplay.com.

Now in its 30th 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 18th year ETC has been presenting family-friendly musicals for the holidays. This season, ETC presents Cinderella, Dec. 2, 2015, to Jan. 3, 2016. 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 91st season, TCTC is the oldest children's theatre in the country and serves nearly 150,000 children, families and schools each season. From Dec. 4 to 13, The Children's Theatre presents the holiday classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. For more information, visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.