BroadwayWorld.com Columbus Stories

BWW Reviews: Actors' Theatre of Columbus- Shakespeare at Schiller Gets Warm Reception Despite Chilly Evening

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:25:48 PST

Actors' Theater of Columbus opened its 32nd summer season with its Annual Opening Night Tent Dinner last night in the Schiller Park amphitheater. Despite the uncooperative weather canceling the performance of "King Arthur and the Sword of Britain", the crowd was abuzz with excitement over this season's line-up of free summer Theater Productions in the park.

Local playwright Philip J. Hickman has created a world of knights, maidens, and dangerous sprites. In describing his take on King Arthur, Hickman says, "The very earliest stories passed down anonymously from the 5th and 6th centuries are fairy tales- grand encounters with giants, monsters, dangerous sprites, and mysterious creatures. "King Arthur & the Sword of Britain" is this kind of story." Hickman and Director C. Austin Hill were on hand to brag about their production, and rightfully so, as with a cast full of energy and enthusiasm, a witty and novel script, tricky stage combat, lovely fairies, and an impressive set, all played out under the starry summer skies, this season's opening show is bound to be a must-see summer theater experience.

Artistic Director, John S. Kuhn also spoke, and commented that one of the things that he loves most about the Schiller Park shows is that he is able to make theater accessible to many individuals who would otherwise not ever attend a live show, particularly the young people of the community. Playwright Hickman noted the play's ability to maintain not only its entertainment value, but its relevance to modern society, as it speaks to a theme of leadership that audiences will find both timely and intriguing.

The slightly soggy, though none-the-less undaunted crowd of over 100 vowed to return to welcome the world-premiere, opening night performance of "King Arthur and the Sword of Britain" tomorrow evening, Friday, May 24th at 8:00pm in Schiller Park's outdoor amphitheater. If the energy under the tent was any indication, tomorrow's production might be just the thing to remind its audience that while it may feel like Fall, Actors' Theater of Columbus is only starting to warm up for a sunny season of Shakespeare to come.

Grab your picnic basket, a few blankets, and your family and join in for one of the best kept free theater experiences in Columbus. Actors' Theater of Columbus will be performing Thursday-Sunday evenings at 8pm at Schiller Park in German Village, with shows as follows: "King Arthur and the Sword of Britain" 05/23- 06/13, 'Twelfth Night" 06/17-07/28, and "The Beaux Stratagem" 08/01-09/01. For additional information, please go to: http://www.theactorstheatre.org/index.asp

Actors' Theatre Columbus Hosts Opening Night Tent Dinner AN EVENING IN THE SILVER BOUGH Tonight

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

Actors' Theatre of Columbus is hosting its annual Opening Night Tent Dinner this evening, May 23, in the Schiller Park amphitheater in German Village.

"An Evening in the Sliver Bough" starts at 6:00 p.m. with a number of festive activities, including strolling musicians, jugglers, and other entertainment. According to legend, the Fairy Queen sometimes offered a Silver Bough or branch to worthy mortals, granting them safe passage during their stay in the Otherworld.

At 7:00 p.m., enjoy dinner provided by the always-excellent Explorers Club. Then at 8:00 p.m., the play begins.

For your evening's entertainment, local playwright Philip J. Hickman has created a world of knights, maidens, and dangerous sprites. In describing his take on King Arthur, Hickman says, "The very earliest stories passed down anonymously from the 5th and 6th centuries are fairy tales, grand encounters with giants, monsters, dangerous sprites, and mysterious creatures. King Arthur & the Sword of Britain is this kind of story."

For 32 years, Actors' Theatre has built its reputation on offering free classical theatre in an outdoor setting. This fund-raising event helps assure that it can continue to make classical theatre accessible to everyone.

The cost for the dinner is $50.00 per person. Tickets are available on our website, by mail, by email, and by phone. To order:

Go to theactorstheatre.org and click on the link in the Tent Dinner article.
Email theactorstheatre@att.net with your name, address, number of tickets, and credit card information.
Send a check (with the same information) to: The Actors' Theatre of Columbus, Tent Dinner Tickets, 1000 City Park Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206.
Call Office Manager Melody Reed at (614) 444-6888 with the same information.

WICKED Returns to the Ohio Theatre, 6/5-23

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:10:13 PST

After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2007 and 2010, WICKED, Broadway's biggest blockbuster, will return to Columbus' Ohio Theatre June 5-23. Tickets for the return engagement are on sale now.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Academy Award-winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman ("My So Called Life," "Once And Again" and "thirtysomething"), WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues) and features musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who's Tommy, How To Succeed...).

Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of 35 major awards including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt, and David Stone.

Tickets begin at $43 and are available at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, andwww.ticketmaster.com/wicked. To purchase by phone, please call (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Orders for groups of 20 or more may be placed by calling (614) 719-6900. Performance schedule, prices, and cast are subject to change without notice.

The performance schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, June 5, 8pm

Thursday, June 6, 2pm & 8pm

Friday, June 7, 8pm

Saturday, June 8, 2pm & 8pm

Sunday, June 9, 1pm & 6:30pm

Tuesday, June 11, 8pm

Wednesday, June 12, 8pm

Thursday, June 13, 8pm

Friday, June 14, 8pm

Saturday, June 15, 2pm & 8pm

Sunday, June 16, 1pm & 6:30pm

Tuesday, June 18, 8pm

Wednesday, June 19, 8pm

Thursday, June 20, 8pm

Friday, June 21, 8pm

Saturday, June 22, 2pm & 8pm

Sunday, June 23, 1pm & 6:30pm

"We are thrilled to have WICKED returning to Columbus," stated CAPA CEO Bill Conner. "The positive economic impact it has on this city and the extraordinary quality of the production make it a win-win for this community."

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One - born with emerald-green skin - is smart, fiery, and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious, and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

WICKED has "cast quite a spell" (Washington Post) throughout North America, breaking box office records in every city it has played, including Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, and Boston to name a few.

Called "a cultural phenomenon" by Variety, WICKED continues to thrill audiences around the world. There are currently seven productions of WICKED worldwide-New York, London, Japan, Holland, Australian/Asian tour, and two concurrent North American national tours.

WICKED features set design by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee (Ragtime, Show Boat, Candide, Sweeney Todd), costume design by Tony winner Susan Hilferty (Into the Woods, Assassins), lighting design by Tony nominee Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Hairspray), and sound design by Tony Meola (The Lion King). Stephen Oremus is the show's musical director. Orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

Grammy Award-winning cast recording is available on Decca Broadway. For more information about WICKED, log on towww.wickedthemusical.com.

ELMO MAKES MUSIC Comes to Columbus, 6/15

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:56:56 PST

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, and all their Sesame Street friends are taking to the stage to share their love of music in Sesame Street Live's Elmo Makes Music. Jenny, an enthusiastic new music teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny's new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover 'instruments' they never knew existed-Rubber Duckies, trash can lids, and even cookie jars. Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together.

CAPA presents Sesame Street Live's Elmo Makes Music at the Palace Theatre (34 W. Broad St.) on Saturday, June 15, at 10:30am and 2pm, and on Sunday, June 16, at 1pm and 4:30pm. Tickets are $23-$63 at the CAPA Ticket Center (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (614) 469-0939or (800) 745-3000. Sunny Seat packages are available at all shows and include VIP seats and a pre-show meet and Greet with two Sesame Street Live friends.

Like television's Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless lessons for all ages. Through the razzle-dazzle of this Broadway-quality musical production, children learn about patience, acceptance, and teamwork. The universal appeal of a Sesame Street Live production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written scripts, and music they'll recognize and enjoy sharing with children such as "The Hustle," "You Should Be Dancing," and "Rockin' Robin." Elmo Makes Music features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that children will love to sing along with such as "C is for Cookie" and "The Alphabet Song."

Now Playing Onstage in Columbus - Week of 5/19/2013

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 PST

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FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE
Contemporary American Theatre Company
5/1-5/26/2013
Is you is or is you ain't my baby? The sad Nomax finds Big Moe, Four-Eyed Moe, Eat Moe, No Moe, and Little Moe to comfort him. They sing the hit songs of songwriter and saxophonist Louis Jordan. The rollicking jazzy score includes "I Like 'em Fat Like That," "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens," and "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby."
Click Here for More Information
War Horse in Broadway" border="0" height="100" width="100" align="right"> War Horse
Ohio Theatre
5/23-5/28/2013
A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship. England, 1914. As World War One begins, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped from England to France. He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness that is currently playing to packed houses in London and New York. At its heart are astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, that bring to life breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride.
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JANE EYRE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Riffe Center Studio One
5/16-6/8/2013

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The Largest Creative Industry Mixer Opens Today with Over 800 Guests - All Proceeds Benefit ALS

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:51:13 PST

Rain or shine, in addition to the main studio we have 10 hospitality tents by Apex Event Production and plenty of free off street parking!

Saturday's photo set theme is a larger than life sized cartoon world where guests can act out several scenes from 100 hand drawn props! Customize speech and thought bubbles with dry erase markers!

Enjoy Creative Catering by Mario
GateWay Film Center will be giving away free guest movie passes!

The Columbus Creative Industry Mixer is Central Ohio's largest creative networking event, bringing together the who's-who of the creative arena on one highly anticipated night. Roharik Productions, commercial photography and video production studio, is hosting the 5th annual Mixer on Saturday, May 18th at 9PM. As a networking opportunity, with over 800 guests anticipated, attendees will be brushing shoulders with the industry's top art directors, designers, stylists, models, photographers, talent agents, and print, film, music and television producers. Entertainment, cocktails, and confectionaries by Skyy Vodka, Four String Brewery, Juliet Sky Red Wine, and Auts Tipse Treats, are complimentary, and the staged photo set fuels excitement and interaction within the crowd.
Dress to impress as Hola Columbus TV will be filming throughout the night for a segment that will air on the CW Columbus.

Like CCIM for event updates, photos & videos from past events and photos of the new photo set.

To see who is already coming and RSVP

This year we are pleased to announce that 100% of a suggested entrance fee of $5 will be going to The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter.

About This Year's Top Sponsor
Gateway Film Center is central Ohio's first dedicated film center and features a diverse mix of independent and commercial film in an intimate and stimulating environment. The interesting film mix, Martini Shot Bistro, state of the art digital projection systems, guest friendly staff and sophisticated atmosphere make the Gateway Film Center the definitive cinema of choice for area film lovers.

Roharik Productions Presents Columbus Creative Industry Mixer Today

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

The Columbus Creative Industry Mixer is Central Ohio's largest creative networking event, bringing together the who's-who of the creative arena on one highly anticipated night. Roharik Productions, commercial photography and video production studio, is hosting the 5th annual Mixer today, May 18th at 9PM.

As a networking opportunity, with over 800 guests anticipated, attendees will be brushing shoulders with the industry's top art directors, designers, stylists, models, photographers, talent agents, and print, film, music and television producers. Entertainment, cocktails, and confectionaries by Skyy Vodka, Four String Brewery, Juliet Sky Red Wine, and Auts Tipse Treats, are complimentary, and the staged photo set fuels excitement and interaction within the crowd.

Dress to impress as Hola Columbus TV will be filming throughout the night for a segment that will air on the CW Columbus.

GateWay Film Center will be giving away free guest movie passes to the attendees of the event!

Like CCIM for weekly event updates and photos & videos from past events.

This year we are pleased to announce that 100% of a suggested entrance fee of $5 will be going to The ALS Association Central & Southern Ohio Chapter.

Gateway Film Center is central Ohio's first dedicated film center and features a diverse mix of independent and commercial film in an intimate and stimulating environment. The interesting film mix, Martini Shot Bistro, state of the art digital projection systems, guest friendly staff and sophisticated atmosphere make the Gateway Film Center the definitive cinema of choice for area film lovers.

For more information, click here.

MadLab Theatre Hosts 3 IN 30: FIRST WORLD PROBLEMS, Beg. Tonight

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:30:00 PST

MadLab will present 3 in 30: First World Problems, the latest in the long running 3in30 series, featuring 3 plays, Camelot Broken, by Brendan Michna, The Egg Play, by Katie Toomey, and Not Quite Wide Enough, by Nikki Smith at 10:00pm tonight, May 17th and Saturday May 18th at MadLab Theatre & Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus. Tickets cost $5. Call 614-221-5418 or visit www.madlab.net.

The latest edition of MadLab's 3 in 30 is First World Problems. 3 in 30 will present three original 10-minute plays based on the common theme of First World Problems. Come early for Theatre Roulette and then stick around to see problems not experienced in the second and third worlds. .

Shows being presented with this edition:

Camelot Broken, by Brendan Michna -Technology brings humanity closer as it drives it apart.

Lawyer: Josh Kessler

Shooter 1:Sean Reid

Shooter 2: Ric Shoemaker

Football: Chad Hewitt

Directed by Brendan Michna

The Egg Play, by Katie Toomey -Communication sometimes requires going back to basics.

Woman: Mary Sink

Man: Joe Liles

Directed by Maria Ritchey

Not Quite Wide Enough, by Nikki Smith -The hardest part of being on stage is maintaining your...what was that noise?

Allen: Josh Kessler

Woman: Nikki Smith

Technician: Sean Reid

Directed by Amanda Bauer

The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players Return to Columbus with HMS PINAFORE

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:07:54 PST

Opera Columbus concludes their 2012-13 season with the presentation of The New YorK Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) in HMS Pinafore. Ride a wave of music and laughter as romantic sailors, sisters, cousins, and aunts sing and dance their way across the deck of the fanciful British naval vessel with the improbable name. The very proper Captain Corcoran and ridiculously pompous Sir Joseph Porter preside, the villainous Dick Deadeye speaks the ugly truth, and Little Buttercup reveals the outrageous mistake that allows true love to overcome the problems of class distinction.

In this innovative production arrangement with Opera Columbus, NYGASP will employ the talents of local performers-area opera singers for the chorus and the Columbus Symphony for musical accompaniment.

Opera Columbus presents The New YorK Gilbert & Sullivan Players in HMS Pinafore at the Southern Theatre (21 E. Main St.) on Friday, June 7, at 8pm; Saturday, June 8, at 8pm; and Sunday, June 9, at 3 pm. Tickets are $38-$98 at the CAPATicket Center (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase by phone, please call(614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. Young people aged 13-25 may purchase $5 PNC Arts Alive All Access tickets while available. For more information, visit www.GoFor5.com.

HMS Pinafore, or The Lass That Loved a Sailor, was first performed at the Opera Comique, London, on May 25, 1878, and has remained popular on both sides of the Atlantic ever since. The show's satirical jabs at the vaunted British Navy and rigid Victorian class distinctions remain as readily understandable in the new millennium as they were more than 100 years ago. Since the specific satire was meant to amuse and not provoke, the universal nature of human foibles shines through to any audience.

From the romantic hero Ralph Rackstraw and the pompous Sir Joseph Porter to KCB and the villainous Dick Deadeye, author Gilbert's characters are sharply drawn. Composer Sullivan provides indelible musical introductions that are among the most famous songs in the English language including "I'm Called Little Buttercup," "I Am the Captain of the Pinafore," and "I Am the Monarch of the Sea." The choruses also have their share of unforgettable numbers including the sailors' "We Sail the Ocean Blue," and the ladies' "And We Are His Sisters, and His Cousins, and His Aunts," and the rousing full ensemble anthem "For He is an Englishman."

The NYGASP production of HMS Pinafore features an elaborate setting of a ship's deck based on drawings by Gilbert himself, and beautiful Belle Epoch costumes.

Now Playing Onstage in Columbus - Week of 5/12/2013

Sun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 PST

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HOW THE BEE LEARNED TO SPELL: A FABLE
Weathervane Playhouse
5/7-5/17/2013
Join us for this world-premiere production of a play for young audiences - commissioned by Weathervane Playhouse! This production will be geared to pre-school and early-elementary audiences!
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LES MISÉRABLES
Ohio Theatre
5/14-5/19/2013
Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schonberg's legendary musical, Les Miserables, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. The New York Times calls this Les Miserables "an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish." The London Times hails the new show "a five-star hit, astonishingly powerful."
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BECKY'S NEW CAR
Curtain Players Theatre
5/3-5/19/2013
Have you ever been tempted to flee your own life? Becky Foster is caught in middle age, middle management and in a middling marriage - with no prospects for change on the horizon. Then one night a socially inept and grief-stricken millionaire stumbles into the car dealership where Becky works. Becky is offered nothing short of a new life... and the audience is offered a chance to ride shotgun in a way that most plays wouldn't dare. BECKY'S NEW CAR is a thoroughly original comedy with serious overtones, a devious and delightful romp down the road not taken.
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LES MISERABLES
Ohio Theatre
5/14-5/19/2013
Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schonberg's legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. The New York Times calls this LES MISÉRABLES "an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish." The London Times hails the new show "a five star hit, astonishingly powerful." The Star-Ledger says "a dynamically re-imagined hit. This 'LES MISÉRABLES' has improved with age" and NY1-TV proclaims "this new production actually exceeds the original. The storytelling is clearer, the perspective grittier and the motivations more honest. Musical theatre fans can rejoice: 'Les Miz' is born again." Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, LES MISÉRABLES is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "Master Of The House" and many more.
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THE 39 STEPS
Weathervane Playhouse
5/2-5/19/2013
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have The 39 Steps, a fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theater! Packed with nonstop laughs, three men and one woman play more than 150 zany characters, who together endure an on-stage plane crash, fight with handcuffs, deal with missing fingers and create some good old-fashioned romance! In The 39 Steps, a man with a boring life meets a woman with a thick accent who says she's a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered. Soon, a mysterious organization called "The 39 Steps" is hot on the man's trail in a nationwide manhunt that climaxes in a death-defying finale! A riotous blend of virtuoso performances and wildly inventive stagecraft, The 39 Steps amounts to an unforgettable experience of pure pleasure!
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FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE
Contemporary American Theatre Company
5/1-5/26/2013
Is you is or is you ain't my baby? The sad Nomax finds Big Moe, Four-Eyed Moe, Eat Moe, No Moe, and Little Moe to comfort him. They sing the hit songs of songwriter and saxophonist Louis Jordan. The rollicking jazzy score includes "I Like 'em Fat Like That," "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens," and "Is You Is or Is You Ain't My Baby."
Click Here for More Information
JANE EYRE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Riffe Center Studio One
5/16-6/8/2013

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