MONTHLY MATINEE: February 2016

Hey folks!  There’s a lot of incredible theatre happening now and in the near future in Cincinnati.  Here’s some of my recommendations.

First, I loved BLACKTOP SKY at Know Theatre.  This is precisely the type of theatre that Know should be doing and I am grateful they brought Kimberly Faith Hickman back (she did a nice job with THE 20TH CENTURY WAY awhile back).  A fresh set of eyes on cutting-edge, socially conscious scripts is where I wish they’d focus.

Kameron Richardson’s performance as Klass is especially moving.  It’s unusual to see CCM Musical Theatre students in straight plays.  Richardson’s got a passion for acting, though, and he’s immensely talented.

You can see the show through February 20th and Wednesday nights are free.  More information can be found here.

If you read my review of the Human Race Theatre Company’s THE GLASS MENAGERIE then you already know that I have given it my highest recommendation.  This Tennessee Williams classic runs through February 21st in downtown Dayton and I think everyone should make plans to see it.  It’s extraordinarily well done.  Click here for more information.

With Valentine’s Weekend approaching, I would suggest Falcon Theatre’s PRELUDE TO A KISS.  This surprisingly magical romantic comedy is well acted and well directed.  And if you haven’t been to Falcon since they renovated the seating area, you need to experience the new comfort.  Click here for tickets.

For a serious night of social awareness, I strongly recommend Kathleen Wise’s outstanding performance in GROUNDED at Ensemble Theatre.  This PTSD-themed solo show is powerful, gripping, and a little uncomfortable.  But very important.  it runs through February 14th.  Click here for more information.

Opening this week at the Playhouse in the Park is the brand new comedy THE REVOLUTIONISTS.  This humorous take on the women of the French Revolution intrigues me.  I’ll see it this Thursday on opening night.  Tickets and more infomration can be found here. Also, don’t forget the hilarious NATIVE GARDENS in the Marx Theatre playing through February 21st.

Opening this week in Dayton is the touring production of ROGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA.  I enjoyed this show very much when it came through Cincinnati; its worth checking out.

This week I’ll visit the world of Eugene O’Neill as CCM Drama presents AH, WILDERNESS!  This classic American play will feature some of the best and brightest stars of tomorrow.  Click here for more information.  I’ll see it this Saturday afternoon.

Across town at Xavier University, the Department of Theatre will present three different plays in rep.  I’ll see them all on consecutive nights starting February 17th. Directors are Bruce Cromer, Regina Pugh, and Bridget Leak.  Xavier Theatre student Tatum Hunter wrote one of the plays, BEGOTTEN.  The other two are MISS JULIE and BETRAYAL.  Click here for more information.

Finally, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will present Jane Austen’s EMMA.  This sure-to-be-a-hit production will be company member (and one of my favorite actresses) Kelly Mengelkoch’s directorial debut.  They’ve already added extra performances in anticipation of the show’s popularity.  Don’t delay in getting your tickets.  I’ll be there opening night.  Click here for more information.

PS There are a lot of other options in town; these are just the ones I’ve chosen to highlight.  Be sure to check out Rob Bucher’s BEHIND THE CURTAIN CINCINNATI to get updates on ALL the theatre in the region.

With all these great options (and more) what are you planning to see this month?  I’ll see you at the theatre!