Monday Matinee 12.02.13

Bruce Cromer as Ebeneezer Scrooge (Photo by Sandy Underwood)

It’s finally the holiday season and I couldn’t be happier!  I had the absolute pleasure of watching “A Christmas Carol” at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park yesterday.  Not only do I love a good redemption story, I am such a fan of Bruce Cromer and what he brings to the role of Ebeneezer Scrooge.  From the minute he steps on to the stage and chases away the carolers to his gleeful joy at the end, he commands the stage.  Take the family; its inspiring.  In fact, I was touched to read in Ryan Wesley Gilreath’s (Bob Cratchit) bio in the program that “having grown up in Cincinnati, it was this production of A Christmas Carol 20 years ago that inspired him to pursue acting.”  The theater inspires people, folks, especially our children.

Speaking of children, the cast of the Covedale’s “A Christmas Carol” musical should be exceptionally proud of the children in their show.  This ambitious musical version of the classic Dicken’s tale features several delightful young people in various roles both singing, dancing, and acting.  I’m excited that we’re seeing the future of Cincinnati theatre on the stage this Christmas.

There are lots of other holiday shows coming up that I’m excited about.  Bring the family out to the Greater Hamilton Civic Theater’s production of “White Christmas” this weekend.  Directed by Kevin Brunck and produced by Joellyn Goos, this show should delight fans of the classic film.  I know several folks in the cast and I’m excited to see them performing this one.  I’ll be there on Friday night!  This show opens on Wednesday and closes on Sunday so don’t miss your window to see it.

Also opening this weekend is Falcon Theater’s production of “Striking 12.”  For many years, the Falcon produced the “It’s a Wonderful Life” radio play but instead opted to switch things up this year.  This one only runs two weekends so get your tickets now before its too late.  In other family fare, Ensemble Theatre’s production of “Around the World in 80 Days” previews on Wednesday night and runs through January 4th.  Tickets appear to be selling fast, though, so don’t put off ordering yours now.

There’s also the KNOW Theatre’s production of “The Naughty List” at Arnold’s Bar and Grill every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday now through December 30th. This improv show will make you laugh and the food is good, too!  Next week, we’ll talk about a few other holiday shows opening soon.

To conclude this week’s post, I’d love if you all could do my friend Max Clayton (“Singing in the Rain,” “Three Penny Opera,” Spring Awakening” at CCM) and share his Youtube video. Last week CCM’s Musical Theatre and Acting students performed a holiday themed cabaret as a fundraiser and Max (and Emily Schnexaydre and Samantha Pollino aka “The Redheads”) performed a hilarious and excellent dance routine to Kelly Clarkson’s “Run Run Rudolph.”  Max is trying to get some attention from Ms. Clarkson (and Ellen Degeneres, too) so if you would share this video on your FaceBook and Twitter accounts and anywhere else, I’d consider it a personal favor.  Max is one of the kindest people I’ve met in the theater and it would do my heart good to see him get some national attention.  Plus, this its just a lot of fun.

So, watch the video below and then share it using the hashtag #MaxClaytonandKellyClarkson.  Thanks everyone! See ya at the theater!