STAGE TUBE: Highlights of New Players Theater's TAMING OF THE SHREW, Thru 8/3
by Christina Mancuso - August 02, 2013
New Players Theater presents THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, now playing through August 3, 2013. Check out a behind the scenes look at the production below!
by Christina Mancuso - August 02, 2013
New Players Theater presents THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, now playing through August 3, 2013. Check out a behind the scenes look at the production below!
Jean-Sébastien Roy Appointed Concertmaster of Columbus Symphony
by BWW News Desk - August 01, 2013
The Columbus Symphony today announced the appointment of Jean-Sebastien Roy to the position of concertmaster. The Montrealnative has been contracted to lead the Symphony for one year, and will be responsible for working closely with Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the conducting staff to enhance the artistic product, provide leadership and expertise within the violin section, and serve as a CSO spokesperson within the Columbus community.
by BWW News Desk - August 01, 2013
The Columbus Symphony today announced the appointment of Jean-Sebastien Roy to the position of concertmaster. The Montrealnative has been contracted to lead the Symphony for one year, and will be responsible for working closely with Music Director Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the conducting staff to enhance the artistic product, provide leadership and expertise within the violin section, and serve as a CSO spokesperson within the Columbus community.
Actors' Theatre of Columbus Produces THE BEAUX' STRATAGEM, Now thru 9/1
by BWW News Desk - August 01, 2013
What are two young gentlemen in the early 18th century to do when they are left penniless as the result of having squandered their family fortunes? They seek rich wives, of course - the sooner, the better. Actors' Theatre of Columbus is producing THE BEAUX' STRATAGEM as its final play of the Schiller Park Season. The comedy will be performed every Today through Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. from today, August 1 to September 1. It is directed by Adam Simon. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to make the experience more comfortable.
by BWW News Desk - August 01, 2013
What are two young gentlemen in the early 18th century to do when they are left penniless as the result of having squandered their family fortunes? They seek rich wives, of course - the sooner, the better. Actors' Theatre of Columbus is producing THE BEAUX' STRATAGEM as its final play of the Schiller Park Season. The comedy will be performed every Today through Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. from today, August 1 to September 1. It is directed by Adam Simon. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to make the experience more comfortable.
RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE Tour Comes to Columbus, 9/14
by BWW News Desk - July 31, 2013
In a special September 14th, 9 pm performance at PlayhouseSquare, hosted by judge Michelle Visage, superstars and relentless contestants from five years of Logo TV's RuPaul's Drag Race will meet on the same stage for an unforgettable evening of mischief and mayhem for the 'Battle of the Seasons' tour. The tour brings together a dazzling lineup as Sharon Needles, Alaska Thunderf*ck, Willam, Detox, Manila Luzon and Pandora Boxx prepare to delight audiences with their offbeat, delicious humor and provoked madness.
by BWW News Desk - July 31, 2013
In a special September 14th, 9 pm performance at PlayhouseSquare, hosted by judge Michelle Visage, superstars and relentless contestants from five years of Logo TV's RuPaul's Drag Race will meet on the same stage for an unforgettable evening of mischief and mayhem for the 'Battle of the Seasons' tour. The tour brings together a dazzling lineup as Sharon Needles, Alaska Thunderf*ck, Willam, Detox, Manila Luzon and Pandora Boxx prepare to delight audiences with their offbeat, delicious humor and provoked madness.
STAGE TUBE: CCT's Youth Conservatory Needs Donations to Get to Atlanta Jr Theatre Festival
by Christina Mancuso - July 30, 2013
One of the most anticipated events Columbus actors age 10-15 aspire to be a part of isColumbus Children's Theatre's Summer Youth Performance Conservatory. This summer long intensive training program helps students polish skills in acting, singing and dancing in a safe, productive, judgement-free environment. The training program culminates in a two-week run of a fully staged show complete with beautiful costumes ad scenery.
by Christina Mancuso - July 30, 2013
One of the most anticipated events Columbus actors age 10-15 aspire to be a part of isColumbus Children's Theatre's Summer Youth Performance Conservatory. This summer long intensive training program helps students polish skills in acting, singing and dancing in a safe, productive, judgement-free environment. The training program culminates in a two-week run of a fully staged show complete with beautiful costumes ad scenery.
MadLab to Present THE :NV:S:BLE PLAY, 8/29
by BWW News Desk - July 29, 2013
Colin is the guy no one ever notices; the guy fading away in the cubicle next to Fran; the guy who made the mistake of falling in love with her even though she has no idea he exists. But now that he's finally gone completely invisible, Colin discovers other invisible workers in the office, and together they think they might have come up with a plan to get Fran to finally notice Colin. All she has to do is turn her head.
by BWW News Desk - July 29, 2013
Colin is the guy no one ever notices; the guy fading away in the cubicle next to Fran; the guy who made the mistake of falling in love with her even though she has no idea he exists. But now that he's finally gone completely invisible, Colin discovers other invisible workers in the office, and together they think they might have come up with a plan to get Fran to finally notice Colin. All she has to do is turn her head.
BWW Reviews: DATE ME, DO ME, DUMP ME Spreads Spotlight Equally
by Paul Batterson - July 29, 2013
Nearly every person has experienced a bad date. But judging by the number of tales of woe shared July 27 at the Wall Street Nightclub, the cast of DATE ME, DO ME, DUMP ME has had experienced, and created, more than their fair share.
by Paul Batterson - July 29, 2013
Nearly every person has experienced a bad date. But judging by the number of tales of woe shared July 27 at the Wall Street Nightclub, the cast of DATE ME, DO ME, DUMP ME has had experienced, and created, more than their fair share.
Rusty Bryant & Rahsaan Roland Kirk Inducted into Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame Today
by BWW News Desk - July 27, 2013
Two Columbus jazz legends will take their place on the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame in an induction ceremony tonight, July 27, at 7 p.m. The ceremony, sponsored by the State Auto Insurance Companies, is free and open to the public.
by BWW News Desk - July 27, 2013
Two Columbus jazz legends will take their place on the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame in an induction ceremony tonight, July 27, at 7 p.m. The ceremony, sponsored by the State Auto Insurance Companies, is free and open to the public.
MadLab Theatre to Present 3 IN 30: OFFICE, 9/6-7
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2013
MadLab Theatre will present 3 in 30: Office, the latest in the long running 3in30 series, featuring 3 plays, Edward Snowden Died for Our Sins,by Tira Palmquist, The Interview, by Mark Harvey Levine, and Who's on the Call?, by Austin Steinmetz.
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2013
MadLab Theatre will present 3 in 30: Office, the latest in the long running 3in30 series, featuring 3 plays, Edward Snowden Died for Our Sins,by Tira Palmquist, The Interview, by Mark Harvey Levine, and Who's on the Call?, by Austin Steinmetz.
DATE ME, DO ME, DUMP ME Comes to Columbus Tonight
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2013
Jerry Springer meets Sex and the City in this sleek, sexy musical about being single and the hazards of dating.
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2013
Jerry Springer meets Sex and the City in this sleek, sexy musical about being single and the hazards of dating.
MadLab Kicks Off 2013 Young Writers Short Play Festival Today
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2013
MadLab will present The Young Writers Short Play Festival, a collection of nine short plays written by Columbus area high school students. This year features plays from all women playwrights. MadLab is a non-profit organization that provides an artistic haven for the creation and experience of original works. Part of that effort involves giving young people the opportunity to create original works.
by BWW News Desk - July 26, 2013
MadLab will present The Young Writers Short Play Festival, a collection of nine short plays written by Columbus area high school students. This year features plays from all women playwrights. MadLab is a non-profit organization that provides an artistic haven for the creation and experience of original works. Part of that effort involves giving young people the opportunity to create original works.
JJ House to Direct HOW I BECAME A PIRATE for the JJ Project, Beg. 9/28
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2013
Rare is the eleven-year-old whose biggest dream in life is to direct a musical. Get to know JJ House, though, and it is easy to see why such an uncommon dream perfectly suits this unique boy. Suffering with 36 broken bones from birth, JJ's life experiences endeared him to the world of theatre. Enter MTVarts, an audience-driven, non-profit theatre in JJ's hometown of Mount Vernon, OH. They created the JJ Project to provide an unforgettable directorial debut for JJ. He chose the musical HOW I BECAME A PIRATE.
by BWW News Desk - July 25, 2013
Rare is the eleven-year-old whose biggest dream in life is to direct a musical. Get to know JJ House, though, and it is easy to see why such an uncommon dream perfectly suits this unique boy. Suffering with 36 broken bones from birth, JJ's life experiences endeared him to the world of theatre. Enter MTVarts, an audience-driven, non-profit theatre in JJ's hometown of Mount Vernon, OH. They created the JJ Project to provide an unforgettable directorial debut for JJ. He chose the musical HOW I BECAME A PIRATE.
BWW Reviews: Black Crowes Pick Up Right Where They Left Off at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion
by Paul Batterson - July 25, 2013
Embarking on their first tour in two years, the Black Crowes showed no signs of rust as they stomped through a 14-song set July 24 at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion. Fueled by vocalist Chris Robinson and his brother Rich on guitar, the band provided the audience with hits like 'Thick-N-Thin,' 'Jealous Again,' and 'She Talks to Angels.' The Tedeschi Trucks, led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, were the opening act. The Crowes will continue their 'Lay Down With Number 13' tour through December with their last announced stop being Dec. 14 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.
by Paul Batterson - July 25, 2013
Embarking on their first tour in two years, the Black Crowes showed no signs of rust as they stomped through a 14-song set July 24 at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion. Fueled by vocalist Chris Robinson and his brother Rich on guitar, the band provided the audience with hits like 'Thick-N-Thin,' 'Jealous Again,' and 'She Talks to Angels.' The Tedeschi Trucks, led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, were the opening act. The Crowes will continue their 'Lay Down With Number 13' tour through December with their last announced stop being Dec. 14 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco.
MadLab Seeks Short Scripts from Local Playwrights for THEATRE ROULETTE 2014; Deadline 11/1
by BWW News Desk - July 24, 2013
THEATRE ROULETTE is MadLab's annual shorts festival. In its first year, THEATRE ROULETTE began a tradition of an annual shorts festival that is now approaching its 15th year. MadLab is currently seeking submissions of short plays from local playwrights for its 2014 edition.
by BWW News Desk - July 24, 2013
THEATRE ROULETTE is MadLab's annual shorts festival. In its first year, THEATRE ROULETTE began a tradition of an annual shorts festival that is now approaching its 15th year. MadLab is currently seeking submissions of short plays from local playwrights for its 2014 edition.
Actors' Theatre of Columbus to Produce THE BEAUX' STRATAGEM, 8/1-9/1
by BWW News Desk - July 23, 2013
What are two young gentlemen in the early 18th century to do when they are left penniless as the result of having squandered their family fortunes? They seek rich wives, of course - the sooner, the better. Actors' Theatre of Columbus is producing THE BEAUX' STRATAGEM as its final play of the Schiller Park Season. The comedy will be performed every Thursday through Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. from August 1 to September 1. It is directed by Adam Simon. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to make the experience more comfortable.
by BWW News Desk - July 23, 2013
What are two young gentlemen in the early 18th century to do when they are left penniless as the result of having squandered their family fortunes? They seek rich wives, of course - the sooner, the better. Actors' Theatre of Columbus is producing THE BEAUX' STRATAGEM as its final play of the Schiller Park Season. The comedy will be performed every Thursday through Sunday evening at 8:00 p.m. from August 1 to September 1. It is directed by Adam Simon. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs to make the experience more comfortable.
J.T. McDaniel to Co-Direct, Star in New Play COMING OUT at Abbey Theater; Full Cast Announced
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2013
Casting has completed for Creatures Plays Corporation's production of the new J.T. McDaniel play, COMING OUT. The nine-character dark comedy will play weekends, October 4 - 19, at the Abbey Theater of Dublin, in Dublin, Ohio.
by BWW News Desk - July 21, 2013
Casting has completed for Creatures Plays Corporation's production of the new J.T. McDaniel play, COMING OUT. The nine-character dark comedy will play weekends, October 4 - 19, at the Abbey Theater of Dublin, in Dublin, Ohio.
BWW Reviews: Worthington Community Theatre Does Worthy Version of GODSPELL
by Lisa Norris - July 21, 2013
Columbus' oldest community theater, Worthington Community Theatre seems the fitting arena to take on one of the most quintessential surely-you-have-seen-it musicals with Stephen Schwartz' 'Godspell'. However, it's a production that leaves many a theater group in a quandary- the songs are familiar and audiences eat them up, but the production has been done so many times, in so many ways, that a director must choose to do the show in its classic sense and risk boring repetitiveness, or develop some new, modernized interpretation that loses the classical appeal. WCT walks the midline with its choice, as Director Joe Cherubino elects to keep the show itself rather low-key and tame, not the neo-funk Broadway Revival tone at all, while retrofitting the setting to that of a toystore, with the cast of characters taking their personas from classic children's toys such as Barbie, Raggedy Ann, Crayola Crayons, cowboys, and puppets.
by Lisa Norris - July 21, 2013
Columbus' oldest community theater, Worthington Community Theatre seems the fitting arena to take on one of the most quintessential surely-you-have-seen-it musicals with Stephen Schwartz' 'Godspell'. However, it's a production that leaves many a theater group in a quandary- the songs are familiar and audiences eat them up, but the production has been done so many times, in so many ways, that a director must choose to do the show in its classic sense and risk boring repetitiveness, or develop some new, modernized interpretation that loses the classical appeal. WCT walks the midline with its choice, as Director Joe Cherubino elects to keep the show itself rather low-key and tame, not the neo-funk Broadway Revival tone at all, while retrofitting the setting to that of a toystore, with the cast of characters taking their personas from classic children's toys such as Barbie, Raggedy Ann, Crayola Crayons, cowboys, and puppets.
BWW Reviews: Shots In the Dark's ANNE OF GREEN GABLES Glitchy, but Winsome
by Lisa Norris - July 20, 2013
As it was first published as a novel by L.M. Montgomery in 1908, "Anne of Green Gables" has long established its place of the shelf of classic literature. Even Mark Twain fell in love with the fiery lead character of 11 year old Anne Shirley, calling her, "the dearest and most lovable child in fiction since the immortal Alice". Shots in the Dark Independent Theatre Company opened its ambitious production of the musical version at the Columbus Performing Arts Center (CPAC)'s Van Fleet Theater for a two week run last evening.
by Lisa Norris - July 20, 2013
As it was first published as a novel by L.M. Montgomery in 1908, "Anne of Green Gables" has long established its place of the shelf of classic literature. Even Mark Twain fell in love with the fiery lead character of 11 year old Anne Shirley, calling her, "the dearest and most lovable child in fiction since the immortal Alice". Shots in the Dark Independent Theatre Company opened its ambitious production of the musical version at the Columbus Performing Arts Center (CPAC)'s Van Fleet Theater for a two week run last evening.
Free Tours of the Ohio Theatre Offered During the 2013 CAPA Summer Movie Series, Now thru 8/17
by BWW News Desk - July 20, 2013
As part of the 2013 Summer Movie Series, CAPA will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the historic Ohio Theatre with free, guided tours today, July 20; Saturday, August 3; and Saturday, August 17; at 4 pm each day.
by BWW News Desk - July 20, 2013
As part of the 2013 Summer Movie Series, CAPA will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the historic Ohio Theatre with free, guided tours today, July 20; Saturday, August 3; and Saturday, August 17; at 4 pm each day.
BWW Reviews: The Heat is ON at Shadowbox Live's BURLESQUE: BEHIND THE CURTAIN
by Lisa Norris - July 19, 2013
Jym Ganahl is looking in all the wrong places to determine what is heating up Columbus lately, as I am pretty sure that Shadowbox Live's latest Stage 2 production, 'Burlesque: Behind the Curtain' is the actual culprit. The sequel to its predecessor, last year's 'Burlesque de Voyage', this world premiere of the show written by Jimmy Mak opened last night to a sell-out crowd, telling the backstage tale of a burlesque troupe. The air conditioning was cranked, the cold drinks were plentiful, but nothing could stop the incredible talent at Shadowbox from creating their steamiest, sexiest, and raciest shows to date. If the standing ovation wasn't enough of an indication, the near constant hooting and hollering of both male and female audience members throughout, gave it away early on that this show was going to be a hit.
by Lisa Norris - July 19, 2013
Jym Ganahl is looking in all the wrong places to determine what is heating up Columbus lately, as I am pretty sure that Shadowbox Live's latest Stage 2 production, 'Burlesque: Behind the Curtain' is the actual culprit. The sequel to its predecessor, last year's 'Burlesque de Voyage', this world premiere of the show written by Jimmy Mak opened last night to a sell-out crowd, telling the backstage tale of a burlesque troupe. The air conditioning was cranked, the cold drinks were plentiful, but nothing could stop the incredible talent at Shadowbox from creating their steamiest, sexiest, and raciest shows to date. If the standing ovation wasn't enough of an indication, the near constant hooting and hollering of both male and female audience members throughout, gave it away early on that this show was going to be a hit.
Popcorn Pops Performs Popular Broadway Tunes in BROADWAY FOR KIDS Today
by BWW News Desk - July 19, 2013
Conductor Albert-George Schram and the Columbus Symphony invite divas of all ages to come and enjoy the Nationwide Insurance Popcorn Pops Broadway for Kids concert today, July 19, at the Columbus Commons. This year's series has a new time, with gates now opening at 5pm and the concert beginning at 7pm. Popcorn Pops blends the fun of the outdoor concert experience with the excitement of a live orchestra performance in this series especially designed for younger children aged 3-12 and their families.
by BWW News Desk - July 19, 2013
Conductor Albert-George Schram and the Columbus Symphony invite divas of all ages to come and enjoy the Nationwide Insurance Popcorn Pops Broadway for Kids concert today, July 19, at the Columbus Commons. This year's series has a new time, with gates now opening at 5pm and the concert beginning at 7pm. Popcorn Pops blends the fun of the outdoor concert experience with the excitement of a live orchestra performance in this series especially designed for younger children aged 3-12 and their families.
BWW Interviews: CATCO Is Kids is Alive and Exceedingly Well with Expanded Offerings
by Lisa Norris - July 17, 2013
I recently caught up with Joe Bishara, who while currently performing as a featured actor in the sell-out production of CATCO's "Forbidden Broadway's Greatest Hits: Vol. 1" down at the Riffe Center, is also the Associate Producing Director of CATCO. Bishara manages the day-to-day operations of the Columbus Performing Arts Center (CPAC) at 548 Franklin Ave as well, which is home to amongst many other projects, the ever-expanding CATCO Is Kids program. There is still some miscommunication out there as to what Catco Is Kids is about and what you offer. Can you clear that up for anyone who may still be confused, please? "In early 2010, CATCO merged with Steven C. Anderson's children's theatre group, The Phoenix Theatre for Children, creating our current evolution entitled CATCO is Kids. This new moniker allows us to bundle ourselves into a single brand. It's still the same imaginative and captivating programming." As of this Fall, the CATCO IS Kids school-year, weekend children's theater education class offerings are changing this year as well, correct? "Yes. I am really excited about that! We had begun the Saturday morning Musical Theater School 4 years ago, and what we noticed, after this 4th year, was that it was time for a change. We are still going to be teaching the same core principles in acting, singing, and dancing, but it's going to culminate in a weekend of performances, 3 times a year, of an actual junior version of a musical. Starting this fall, we'll have 9 weeks of camp (from 9am-12pm on Saturdays), with the conclusion being a weekend of performances that 9th week (2:30 matinees on Saturdays and Sundays), open to the general public, for the ticket charge of $5 per ticket." (For additional information of Saturday Morning school-year classes, go to: http://www.catco.org/www/dcms/files/pdf/catcokids1314class.pdf ) Less than a trip to a movie! "Very reasonably priced. In the Fall, we're going to start with "Aladdin, Jr.". In the Winter, the session will work the same way, but it will be the musical, "Snoopy", and then, in the Spring, it will be the junior version of "Suessical". For 9 weeks of instruction each session, the fee is $200 (27 hours of instruction)." This is not the extent of the Catco Is Kids season, however. You also have a full season of shows for children. "We do. We are actually starting our first show of the Catco Is Kids 2013-14 season as a camp- an all kids camp- that culminates in a weekend of performances of a show called "The Rude Mechanicals", which is adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", written specifically for kids by Ed Graczyk. Our next show will be "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", a 3 person adaptation including the perspective of Mark Twain as a character. After that, we will be launching the Ohio premiere of a new adaptation of "The Cat In the Hat". We are really excited about that! There will be 2 children's roles available in that show, and we will also be offering a week-long audition prep class for any local children who would like to get ready for that audition. The next show on the books is a World Premiere of Steven C. Anderson's (who has written over 50 shows) new play called "The Wolf Tales", which involves all of the fairytales that contain a wolf told from the wolf's perspective." Educators will love that one, as it's much like the children's book favorite entitled, "The True Story of The Three Little Pigs"… "Yes, and then last, but not least, our 2013-14 season for kids concludes with an all-kids production that is an adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz", called "Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz", but it's an audience participation version. So, when Dorothy first meets the scarecrow, for instance, the kids are going to be able to come up and help Scarecrow put his stuffing back in on stage." Catco is Kids is known for its large degree of audience participation, which the entire audience, especially the younger folks, adore. "It's loads of fun. Our Education director, Heather Burley, will be directing that production. She has taught in many of our school-year classes and our at-risk school based program as well, but this will be her directorial debut." There are all sorts of "firsts" going on at Catco Is Kids this year! "We're really offering 8 productions a season now, if you include the Saturday morning productions, which will be great shows, in addition to the traditional season. Our actual season can still be viewed as individual show tickets, or purchased as a 5-show package. For that 5 show package, 1 adult and 1 child can come see every one of those 5 shows for under $100 total. We try to keep our pricing reasonable, so that it can be accessible to families." There are half-price preview shows of "Tom Sawyer", "The Cat In the Hat", and "The Wolf Tales' available, and you also offer school matinee performances as well. (Interested parties should visit: http://www.catco.org/education/school-matinee-performances for additionl information on dates/times/pricing). I love that there is an opportunity for a budding performer of any experience level to learn and grow here at Catco Is Kids. "That's truly what we want to have here. It's really, really important for us to be offering those types of opportunities for all children. Whether or not a child chooses to pursue theater as their profession moving forward, what we are trying to do is instill confidence in them that can transcend the stage. One of our old taglines from our Phoenix days was, "Light the spark of imagination.", and it still rings true today in everything that we do. That's what we aim to do, whether it's in a child seeing the show, a parent, or a future theater performer. We're very proud of the program." The CATCO Is Kids ticket price may be one of the best deals in the city for quality, family-friendly live theater these days, so be sure to check out the Catco Is Kids 2013-14 season, as well as the offerings available for children of all ages in its theater education program by going to : http://catco.org/catco-is-kids/
by Lisa Norris - July 17, 2013
I recently caught up with Joe Bishara, who while currently performing as a featured actor in the sell-out production of CATCO's "Forbidden Broadway's Greatest Hits: Vol. 1" down at the Riffe Center, is also the Associate Producing Director of CATCO. Bishara manages the day-to-day operations of the Columbus Performing Arts Center (CPAC) at 548 Franklin Ave as well, which is home to amongst many other projects, the ever-expanding CATCO Is Kids program. There is still some miscommunication out there as to what Catco Is Kids is about and what you offer. Can you clear that up for anyone who may still be confused, please? "In early 2010, CATCO merged with Steven C. Anderson's children's theatre group, The Phoenix Theatre for Children, creating our current evolution entitled CATCO is Kids. This new moniker allows us to bundle ourselves into a single brand. It's still the same imaginative and captivating programming." As of this Fall, the CATCO IS Kids school-year, weekend children's theater education class offerings are changing this year as well, correct? "Yes. I am really excited about that! We had begun the Saturday morning Musical Theater School 4 years ago, and what we noticed, after this 4th year, was that it was time for a change. We are still going to be teaching the same core principles in acting, singing, and dancing, but it's going to culminate in a weekend of performances, 3 times a year, of an actual junior version of a musical. Starting this fall, we'll have 9 weeks of camp (from 9am-12pm on Saturdays), with the conclusion being a weekend of performances that 9th week (2:30 matinees on Saturdays and Sundays), open to the general public, for the ticket charge of $5 per ticket." (For additional information of Saturday Morning school-year classes, go to: http://www.catco.org/www/dcms/files/pdf/catcokids1314class.pdf ) Less than a trip to a movie! "Very reasonably priced. In the Fall, we're going to start with "Aladdin, Jr.". In the Winter, the session will work the same way, but it will be the musical, "Snoopy", and then, in the Spring, it will be the junior version of "Suessical". For 9 weeks of instruction each session, the fee is $200 (27 hours of instruction)." This is not the extent of the Catco Is Kids season, however. You also have a full season of shows for children. "We do. We are actually starting our first show of the Catco Is Kids 2013-14 season as a camp- an all kids camp- that culminates in a weekend of performances of a show called "The Rude Mechanicals", which is adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", written specifically for kids by Ed Graczyk. Our next show will be "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer", a 3 person adaptation including the perspective of Mark Twain as a character. After that, we will be launching the Ohio premiere of a new adaptation of "The Cat In the Hat". We are really excited about that! There will be 2 children's roles available in that show, and we will also be offering a week-long audition prep class for any local children who would like to get ready for that audition. The next show on the books is a World Premiere of Steven C. Anderson's (who has written over 50 shows) new play called "The Wolf Tales", which involves all of the fairytales that contain a wolf told from the wolf's perspective." Educators will love that one, as it's much like the children's book favorite entitled, "The True Story of The Three Little Pigs"… "Yes, and then last, but not least, our 2013-14 season for kids concludes with an all-kids production that is an adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz", called "Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz", but it's an audience participation version. So, when Dorothy first meets the scarecrow, for instance, the kids are going to be able to come up and help Scarecrow put his stuffing back in on stage." Catco is Kids is known for its large degree of audience participation, which the entire audience, especially the younger folks, adore. "It's loads of fun. Our Education director, Heather Burley, will be directing that production. She has taught in many of our school-year classes and our at-risk school based program as well, but this will be her directorial debut." There are all sorts of "firsts" going on at Catco Is Kids this year! "We're really offering 8 productions a season now, if you include the Saturday morning productions, which will be great shows, in addition to the traditional season. Our actual season can still be viewed as individual show tickets, or purchased as a 5-show package. For that 5 show package, 1 adult and 1 child can come see every one of those 5 shows for under $100 total. We try to keep our pricing reasonable, so that it can be accessible to families." There are half-price preview shows of "Tom Sawyer", "The Cat In the Hat", and "The Wolf Tales' available, and you also offer school matinee performances as well. (Interested parties should visit: http://www.catco.org/education/school-matinee-performances for additionl information on dates/times/pricing). I love that there is an opportunity for a budding performer of any experience level to learn and grow here at Catco Is Kids. "That's truly what we want to have here. It's really, really important for us to be offering those types of opportunities for all children. Whether or not a child chooses to pursue theater as their profession moving forward, what we are trying to do is instill confidence in them that can transcend the stage. One of our old taglines from our Phoenix days was, "Light the spark of imagination.", and it still rings true today in everything that we do. That's what we aim to do, whether it's in a child seeing the show, a parent, or a future theater performer. We're very proud of the program." The CATCO Is Kids ticket price may be one of the best deals in the city for quality, family-friendly live theater these days, so be sure to check out the Catco Is Kids 2013-14 season, as well as the offerings available for children of all ages in its theater education program by going to : http://catco.org/catco-is-kids/
Rusty Bryant & Rahsaan Roland Kirk to be Inducted into Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame, 7/27
by BWW News Desk - July 16, 2013
Two Columbus jazz legends will take their place on the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame in an induction ceremony on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. The ceremony, sponsored by the State Auto Insurance Companies, is free and open to the public.
by BWW News Desk - July 16, 2013
Two Columbus jazz legends will take their place on the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame in an induction ceremony on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. The ceremony, sponsored by the State Auto Insurance Companies, is free and open to the public.
BWW Reviews: New Players Theater Does HENRY IV: PART ONE Justice
by Lisa Norris - July 14, 2013
Appearing in rotation with its production of "The Taming of The Shrew" as part of their summer series at Mill Run Amphitheater's "Island", "Henry IV: Part One" is one of Shakespeare's history plays, but this version is also one of the more accessible Shakespeare productions I have seen in awhile. The storyline, as written by the bard, is admittedly a bit dry at times, but this particular production is acted with gusto, and the plotline is easily understandable, even without the program synopsis. The tale centers around the universal themes of family and duty, and is a coming of age tale of Hal, the Prince of Wales who finds himself torn between living the life of the free and easy at Eastcheap Tavern with his buddies, or assuming the duty of protecting the kingdom of his father, King Henry IV.
by Lisa Norris - July 14, 2013
Appearing in rotation with its production of "The Taming of The Shrew" as part of their summer series at Mill Run Amphitheater's "Island", "Henry IV: Part One" is one of Shakespeare's history plays, but this version is also one of the more accessible Shakespeare productions I have seen in awhile. The storyline, as written by the bard, is admittedly a bit dry at times, but this particular production is acted with gusto, and the plotline is easily understandable, even without the program synopsis. The tale centers around the universal themes of family and duty, and is a coming of age tale of Hal, the Prince of Wales who finds himself torn between living the life of the free and easy at Eastcheap Tavern with his buddies, or assuming the duty of protecting the kingdom of his father, King Henry IV.
BWW Reviews: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Leaves Audience Hungry For More
by Paul Batterson - July 13, 2013
The Otterbein University Theater Department's decision to use a black box theater arraignment for its summer lineup gave its season finale, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, its own set of advantages and one major disadvantage.
by Paul Batterson - July 13, 2013
The Otterbein University Theater Department's decision to use a black box theater arraignment for its summer lineup gave its season finale, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, its own set of advantages and one major disadvantage.
Videos
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Lovesong
Shedd Stage, Columbus Performing Arts Center (3/26 - 3/29) | |
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La Traviata
Opera Columbus (4/25 - 4/26) | |
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Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through ‘The Change’®
Lincoln Theatre (5/8 - 5/10) | |
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Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall (4/9 - 4/18) | |
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Hadestown (Non-Equity)
Ohio Theatre (5/15 - 5/17) | |
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Swan Lake: International Ballet Stars in Akron, OH! On February 15, 2026
Akron Civic Theatre (2/15 - 2/15) | |
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Sherlock Holmes and the First Baker Street Irregular
Shedd Stage, Columbus Performing Arts Center (5/7 - 5/17) | |
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