Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

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Tag: loveland stage company

  • Family ties abound in Loveland Stage Company’s “Mamma Mia” Cast

    Family ties abound in Loveland Stage Company’s “Mamma Mia” Cast

    Carras family in Loveland Stage Company’s “Mamma Mia” which opens August 15.  Seated Noah Carras.  (l-r)  Elizabeth Carras and Betsy Carras, English teacher at Mason City Schools.

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Stage Company’s “Mamma Mia” opens August 16 and runs through the 25th.  The musical revolves around the popular music of ABBA but the heart of the storyline is about family.  And family ties are found throughout the talented cast.

    Ava Swearingen plays the role of Sophie, desperately trying to find her “real” father. Ava’s mother, Bobbie Jo is in the ensemble.

    Betsy Carras (pictured above),  an English teacher in Mason City schools, is joined in the cast by her two children Elizabeth and Noah.

    Lee Vest, cast as Pepper, is joined by his dad Dave who is working on set construction

    Artistic Director and set Designer Deirdre Dyson is joined by her husband Dick, who is the light designer.

    Steve and Theresa Kovacs are the co-producers of this production.

    The production opens August 15 and will continue through August 25.  Showtimes are August 15, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 730 p.m. and 3 p.m. on August 18, 24 (with an ASL presentation) and  25.

    All tickets are $20 and can be purchased at  http://lovelandstagecompany.org  or by calling 513-443-4572.  The theatre is located at 11 S. 2nd St. 9Rt. 48), Loveland OH 45140.

  • [Coming July 12] Loveland Stage Company’s Bugsy Malone Jr

    [Coming July 12] Loveland Stage Company’s Bugsy Malone Jr

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Stage Company has begun production of its summer children’s musical Bugsy Malone Jr which begins on July 12 and continues for two weekends.

    The award-winning members of the Loveland Stage Company that are teaching and coaching the actors and technical crew include Producers Jonathan Eckman, Jill Gornet and Charlie Rader along with Musical Director Stephanie Mackris and Choreographers Marjory Clegg and Alex Rader.  

    Director Pia Rader is using her experience to skillfully unify a young (ages 8 to 18 years) and talented cast which is delightfully frolicking through this hilarious musical. In addition to coaching the young performers, award-winning members of the Loveland Stage Company are teaching children hands-on technical skills in producing and presenting a stage show. Bugsy Malone is a musical for kids by kids to be enjoyed by kids at heart!

    Bugsy Malone Jr is based on the hit 1976 movie film, starring Scott Baio and Jodi Foster, and featuring a catchy, swinging score by Paul Williams, the composer of The Muppet Movie.  Our story, written by Alan Parker, is about the rivalry of two gangs in a fictitious New York borough in the 1920’s gangster era.

    As the curtain raises, the hero, Bugsy Malone (played by Rowan Nelson) walks to center stage and comments on the scene in the voiceover style of the 1940’s noir films. The Hoods gang, who work for Dandy Dan (played by Seth Patterson), is hunting down members of rival mobster Fat Sam’s gang (Fat Sam is played by Brandon Ressler). The Hoods splurge Roxy the Weasel (played by Marco Cramer) who works for Fat Sam with a mysterious new device that fires a lethal dose of silly string! After Roxy is splurged and carted off stage, Bugsy tells the audience that “something fishy is going on” but assures the audience that “by the final curtain I’m thinking everything will turn out A-OK”.

    The Chorus Girls introduce Bugsy to the audience with the tune “Bugsy Malone”, and he invites the audience into Fat Sam’s speakeasy, The Grand Slam. Bugsy is immediately smitten with Blousey Brown (played by Nicole Stocks), a new girl auditioning to be a singer at the club. The Hoods break into The Grand Slam and pandemonium resumes. Bugsy, hiding under a table, talks Blousey into a dinner date. Bugsy continues to woo her and to avoid the gangland wars. In the following scenes, Blousey auditions at the Bijoux Theatre competing with headliner Lena Marelli (played by Grace Guthrie) and back at The Grand Slam competing with Fat Sam’s girlfriend, Tallulah (Carissa Palazzolo). Bugsy tells Blousey that she is a sensational singer and “New York is all washed up. Hollywood is where you should be.”

    The cast of Bugsy Malone Jr was in the recent July 4th parade.

    Fat Sam meets with his gang and explains that they need to get their hands on a splurge to defeat their rivals and leaves his gang to figure out how to get a splurger. Just then, Dandy Dan’s gang enters and wipes out the rival gang with silly string. In desperation Fat Sam hires Bugsy to find a new gang. Bugsy succeeds in recruiting men from the docks and arming them with highjacked splurgers. The gangs face each other, and a standoff occurs but Bugsy convinces the two gangs that they’re more powerful as friends than enemies with the song “You Give a Little Love.” Bugsy presents Blousey with the tickets to Hollywood, the two embraces and everything turns out A-OK as the curtain falls.

    Don’t miss enjoying this hilarious comical musical. Don’t even be late because the laughter begins when the curtain rises on Bugsy Malone Jr.

    Tickets are on sale for evening performances at 7:30 PM on July 12, 13, 19, 20 or matinee performances at 3 PM on July 14 and 21.  To order tickets visit this website at www.lovelandstagecompany.org or call 513-443-4LSC (4572).  All performances are held at the Loveland Stage Company Theatre, 111 Second Street, Loveland, Ohio 45140.

    The Loveland Stage Company is dedicated to bringing quality theater to the Loveland community. We select plays and musicals which are both instructive to our members and entertaining to our audiences. With on-stage quality as a goal, we strive to keep a friendly, healthy atmosphere in our productions. Our members, volunteers all, are then afforded the best opportunities to exercise their interests and talents, while our club provides the best amateur theater our community can produce.

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  • Interview with Ray Kingsbury and Misty Cheshire about Loveland U

    Interview with Ray Kingsbury and Misty Cheshire about Loveland U

    Spots for the Loveland U experience are limited!

    Cassie Mattia is a resident of Historic Downtown Loveland

    by Cassie Mattia

    Loveland, Ohio – Who wouldn’t want to learn about a community built on “Love?” Loveland’s Clerk of Courts, Misty Cheshire, and Loveland U Director, Ray Kingsbury, joined Loveland Magazine at the Loveland Magazine TV studio to talk about the program that Mayor Kathy Bailey said, “City Council is committed to finding ways to help our residents understand the decisions we make, become more involved, and connect with the community; this program accomplishes all these goals and more.”

    In this interview, you can meet Ray and Misty and understand what they love about Loveland.

     

    Loveland U will be an interactive adult learning environment with minimal lecture time that focuses on finding ways to help Loveland residents understand obtain first-hand knowledge and provide valuable input and feedback into the issues, plans, and activities of the Loveland community.

    Loveland U’s purpose is to provide a way for residents to become more involved and connect with the community.

    Spots for the Loveland U experience are limited! Check out the interview with Cheshire and Kingsbury to find out how you can secure your Loveland U spot! Oh and don’t worry the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance, thanks to an anonymous, but very generous person is giving out scholarships for those who want to participate in the Loveland U experience, but need a sponsor to take on their 99 dollar participation fee – a fee that offsets the cost associated with the materials and meals for the sessions. After viewing the interview if this is something you’re interested in, email info@lmrchamberalliance.org or call 513-683-1544.

    For everyone else:

    If you have any questions, contact, Ray Kingsbury, Loveland U Director, at rkingsbury@lovelandoh.gov, or by phone 513-774-3090.

    Click on these links: Loveland U Brochure and Loveland U Application.

    Loveland U 2019 Class Schedule

    The City of Loveland, along with partners, Little Miami Conservancy, Loveland City Schools, Loveland Stage Company, and Loveland Museum Center have joined forces to launch Loveland U.  Limited to just 25 participants, Loveland U will utilize an interactive adult learning environment with minimal lecture time.

    Thursday, September 12  Restoring Loveland’s Front Porch at the Loveland Museum Center

    Saturday, September 21 Navigating Our National Wild and Scenic River & Riverfront Development with Little Miami Conservancy

    Wednesday, September 25 Joining the Loveland Stage Company for A Peek Behind the Curtain at the Loveland Stage Company

    Thursday, October 3 Connecting with the Loveland-Symmes Fire Department to Feel the Heat

    Thursday, October 10 Discovering A Citizen’s Role in the Downtown Plan

    Thursday, October 17 Diving into NIMBYs, CAVE people and Financial Reckoning

    Wednesday, October 23 Painting Our Portrait of a Tiger with Loveland City Schools

    Wednesday, October 30 Standing Behind the Badge with the Loveland Police Department

    Saturday, November 9 Proceeding with Caution – Work in Progress! with Loveland Public Works

    Thursday, November 14 Celebrating your journey at Loveland U Graduation…Lovin Life

  • Loveland Stage Company announces 2019-2020 season

    Loveland Stage Company announces 2019-2020 season

    by Ann Barfels

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Stage Company has announced the 2019-2020 season which will be the community thespian group’s 40th consecutive season of quality live theater.

    The summer youth production will be “Bugsy Malone Jr.” and will be directed by Pia Rader with Jill Gornet and Jonathan Eckman producing. This 1976 musical gangster comedy will be presented July 12-21 at the theatre at 111 SW. 2nd St  (Rt.48) in Loveland.

    “Mamma Mia” will be the summer musical production scheduled for August 16-25.  Deirdre Dyson will direct this musical which is based on songs of the pop group ABBA.  Glenna Knapp will be technical director with Steve and Theresa Kovacs producing.

    The 40th Anniversary celebration will feature “Cole, An Entertainment” scheduled for Nov. 1-17. The musical tells the story of the life and fabulous music of Cole Porter.  Gregory Carl Smith will direct, Chris Lee will be technical director and K. Buckler and Pat Furterer will be producers.

    As part of Christmas In Loveland, the stage company will present a free family-friendly production entitled “An Olde Fashioned Christmas” on Dec. 14.  This will be directed by Pat Furterer and is always the group’s gift to the public!

    “Gypsy” will be presented March 6-22, 2020.  This popular musical is loosely based on the  1957 memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous striptease artist, and her mother, Rose. The show will be directed by Michael Kiser and produced by Tom Cavano, Becky Cole and Jill Gornet.

    The last show of the season will be “The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” which is a side splitting comedy and promises a good time for the entire audience!  This will be directed by Becky Cole and produced by Jill Gornet and is scheduled for May 15-24, 2020.

    Supplemental auditions for Mama Mia will be held at the Loveland Stage Company Theater on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 6-8 pm. If you’re interested, please prepare 16 to 32 bars of a song in the same style as the show to showcase your range. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for a dance audition. There will also be cold readings from the script. Interested parties will find additional details on our Auditions Page.

    Season tickets will be available in June for $72.00 for the 4 shows.  Tickets for individual shows are $20.  Season tickets offer first choice in seating and performance date as well as reduced price per show.

    For more information go to www.lovelandstagecompany.org or call the ticket line at 513-443-4572.

    Don’t miss this great opportunity to see quality theater in a unique setting in beautiful downtown Loveland!

  • Two one-act mysteries coming to Loveland stage

    Two one-act mysteries coming to Loveland stage

    Promoted Post

    A “Night of Mystery” is the next production being planned by The Loveland Stage Company.

    The evening of entertainment will consist of two one-act mysteries, “The Hitchhiker” and ”Sorry, Wrong Number” which was made famous on the radio years ago by Agnes Morehead and in theatres by Barbara Stanwyck.  Both plays are by Lucille Fletcher.

    The plays will run April 26 through May 5 at the Loveland Stage Company at 111 S. 2nd St (Rt. 48) in Loveland. The plays will be presented cabaret style with wine, soft drinks and snacks available.

    Tickets for the evening are $20 and are available on line at www.lovelandstagecompany.org or by calling 513-443-4572.

    Lunch and Learn: Civil War Weaponry and its Evolution

  • Cast announced for “The Drowsy Chaperone” which opens March 1

    Cast announced for “The Drowsy Chaperone” which opens March 1

    Stephanie Mackris, Loveland, rehearses for her role as Janet Van De Graaff in Loveland Stage Company’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” which opens  March 1.

    Loveland, Ohio – The cast has been announced for Loveland Stage Company’s early spring production of “The Drowsy Chaperone”, scheduled to open March 1.  The musical comedy, with music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison and Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, is the winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score. “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a loving send-up of the Tony Awards, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.

    Jill Gornet, producer of the show, says its hard to name a lead role because “all roles are so important and the cast is all so talented.”

    Familiar faces on the LSC stage are Stephanie Mackris who  portrays Janet Van De Graff; Tom Cavano as “the man in the chair”; Cathy Alter, Mrs. Tottendale; Dave Marcus, Feldzieg; Megan Archibald, Kitty; John Sloan, Gangster #1; Christina Siciliano, the drowsy chaperone and Jonathan Eckman, Superintendent.

    Joe Moreland will play Underling, with Joshua Marcus as George; Vincent Eldridge, Gangster #2; Tom Morris, Aldolpho, and  Melinda Hubbard as Trix the Aviatrix. Michael Kiser is playing the role of Robert Martin.

    Ensemble players are: Elizabeth Carras; Izy Jones; Terry Neack; Caitlyn Sanderson; Madeleine Weinkam, Norm Lewis and Zac Holman.

    Carissa Sloan is directing the production with Jill Gornet as producer. Marjory Clegg is choreographer, Brian Harvey is Music Director, and Jeanne Bilyeu is Orchestra Director.

    The hilarious musical comedy opens on March 1 at 7:30 PM at the Loveland Stage Company Theatre located at 111 S. 2ndSt (Rt. 48), in Loveland, 45140. (Directions and Parking)

    The show continues March 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 PM and Sundays, March  3, 10 and 17 at 3 PM.  Tickets are $20 each and can be obtained at www.lovelandstagecompany.org.

    For handicapped accessible seating or for groups call 513-443-4572.

  • Rehearsals are underway for Loveland Stage Company‘s early spring production

    Rehearsals are underway for Loveland Stage Company‘s early spring production

    Loveland, Ohio – Rehearsals are underway for Loveland Stage Company‘s early spring production of the hilarious musical ”The Drowsy Chaperone.”

    Carissa Sloan is directing the musical comedy with Jill Gornet producing.  Marjory Clegg, award winning choreographer, is managing “those danding feet” and Jeanne Bilyeu is orchestral director with Brian Harvey as music director.

    The musical, which is a parody of 1920’s American Musical comedy productions will open at the theatre (111 S. 2ndst. (Rt. 48) in Loveland) March 1 at 7:30 p.n.  Other dates are March 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, March 3, 10 and 17 at 3 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at www.lovelandstagecompany.org. For groups of 15 or more or for handicapped seating, call 513-443-4572

  • Loveland Stage Company offering 2 scholarships in the spring of 2019

    Loveland Stage Company offering 2 scholarships in the spring of 2019

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Stage Company will be presenting 2 scholarships in the spring of 2019. The first scholarship is the annual Loveland Stage Company Creative Arts Scholarship of $1000, which is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is pursuing a study in the creative arts in college. Students who live in Loveland or are graduating from Loveland High School or whose families are members of the Loveland Stage Company qualify to apply for the scholarship.

    The second scholarship, the $1000 Jacqueline Knapp Memorial Scholarship, is offered to both graduating high school students and students already enrolled in college and attending school in the fall of 2019. Applicants must have participated in at least one Loveland Stage Company production in a technical/backstage/supporting role.

    Information and applications for both scholarships can be found on the Loveland Stage Company website. Both are due by Sunday March 10, 2019.

      Loveland chiropractor Douglas Portmann, DC at Wards Corner Chiropractic & Sports Rehab is one of the best chiropractors in the Loveland area.

  • “Memphis, the Musical” will open Loveland Stage Company’s 39th season and it has attracted terrific actors from all over the Cincinnati area!

    “Memphis, the Musical” will open Loveland Stage Company’s 39th season and it has attracted terrific actors from all over the Cincinnati area!

    Promoted Post

    Memphis, the Musical” will open Loveland Stage Company’s 39thseason November 2 and it has attracted terrific actors from all over the Cincinnati area!

    Alex Ross,  playing the male lead  of Huey Calhoun, is a Sharonville resident. This is his fourth role with Loveland for which he has received four awards. He performs locally with bands and as soloist and has Memphis experience, performing in the city with a house blues band on Beale Street.

    Kyndra Jefferies, portraying Felicia Farrell, lives in College Hill.  Although this is her first show with LSC, she has appeared with CMT and Children’s Theater. Kyndra was recently credited in the movie just filmed, “The Old Man and the Gun.”

    Roger Dumas Jr. (Delray Farrell), a Mt. Airy resident, has chosen the LSC stage to make his return to the theater after nearly a decade. He says theater is his passion!

    Austin Hoard ( Gator) is a Sycamore High School Graduate making his debut at LSC and works for the Aves Theater as set designer and technical director.

    An Iowa native, Mary Puetz (Gladys Calhoun), now lives in Symmes Township. Very active in community theater, “Memphis, the Musical” is her fifth show this year!

    Toledo native Jon Scheiding is the vocal director of the musical, and a Toledo native. This is Jon’s first time directing with LSC but has performed in and done tech for countless shows across the area.  His hobby? He has a pilot license and loves flying!

    Director Liz Olekas was born in the Chicago area and now lives in Maineville. This is her debut at directing at LSC but has directed for and performed in numerous community theater shows in the area. Her first show with LSC was “Jekyll and Hyde” and she credits Mark Woods, longtime member of LSC, recently deceased, for getting her on stage for that experience.

    Loveland native Jeanne Bilyeu (orchestra director) now lives in Symmes Township. She has directed the music for LSC’s last two shows “9 to 5” and “Little Mermaid” and has done a lot of work with Acting Up.

    Choreographer Margie Clegg, a familiar face to LSC patrons, hails from New York. She is sharing choreographer duties with David A. Choate. David is the producing Artistic Director for Revolution Dance Theatre, a non-profit arts service organization in Cincinnati. He trained with the Cincinnati Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance company as well as the School of Creative and Performing Arts.

    At least 25 other talented actors, dancers and singers comprise the rest of the cast, all from various communities in the Cincinnati area.

    “Memphis, the Musical”, which is rated “R”, opens November 2, 7:30 p.m. at the theatre located at 111 S. 2ndSt. (Rt. 48), 45140.

    Evening shows are also scheduled Nov. 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17, all at 7:30.

    Matinees are Sunday November 4, 11 and 18 at 3 p.m.

    Tickets are $20 for all performances.

    For more information see the website at http://lovelandstagecompany.org  or by call 513-443-4572.

     

  • “Memphis, the Musical” starts November 2 at Loveland Stage Company

    “Memphis, the Musical” starts November 2 at Loveland Stage Company

    Rehearsing for “Memphis, the Musical” are (l-r) Alex Ross (Huey), Kyndra Jefferies (Felicia), Austin Hoard (Gator), Roger Dumas,Jr. (Delray) and Charlie Rader (Mr. Simmons.)

    Promoted Post

    Auditions are over and rehearsals have begun for Loveland Stage Company’s production of “Memphis, the Musical”. The show will open the company’s 39th season on November 2 and continue through November 18.

    From the underground dance clubs of 1950’s Memphis, Tennessee, comes the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love.

    Lead roles are played by Alex Ross, Kyndra Jefferies, Roger Dumas Jr, Austin Hoard, David Choate and Mary Puetz.

    Liz Olekas is directing this show with Jeanne Bilyeu leading the Orchestra and the choreographers are Margie Clegg and David Choate.

    For more information visit www.lovelandstagecompany.org.

    Loveland Stage Company 2018-2019 Season Tickets Now Available!