Loveland Magazine

LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor

Since 2004

Tag: loveland stage company

  • Loveland: Ohio’s Hidden Gem

    Loveland: Ohio’s Hidden Gem

    The crowd waiting for 4th of July fireworks that will soon be bursting in the air over Historic Downtown Loveland.

    Upon move in day one can feel so many emotions, anxiety, excitement and uncertainty to name a few. The day I moved to Downtown Loveland I felt all those emotions and much more. Would I like living in the “Historic District,” where the theme of the town was to “Live, Laugh and Love?” Would I fit into such a close knit community? Would I be able to become more of an “outdoors women” with all the parks, lakes and bike trails at my fingertips? To my pleasant surprise Downtown Loveland’s small town vibe with a big city feel was exactly what I needed!

    When people unfamiliar with Loveland ask me to describe what it’s like to live Downtown I simply explain to them that Downtown Loveland to me is like an historic adventure with a modern twist. 

    My pup Nala on the balcony – taking in Historic Downtown.

    The historic Loveland adventure began with Colonel Thomas Paxton founding the small town in 1795. A number of years after in 1848 Paxton’s cousin, William Ramsey bought all 189 acres of the small town for a mere $7,300 and named it after the infamous James Loveland. In the present day Downtown Loveland has a number of ways they share and display their deep historic roots with the community, one being the Loveland Museum. Loveland’s community also pays tribute to several acts of American Heroism with beautiful memorials such as the Firefighters’ Memorial and the Veterans’ Memorial.

    Along the “Loveland Bike Trail” that runs parallel to the Little Miami River and through Historic Downtown Loveland. The Little Miami is designated a State and National “Scenic” river.

    One of most sought after historical landmarks that locals and out of towners come to enjoy is the Little Miami Bike Trail, established in 1984. The scenic trail goes on for 78 miles spanning across 5 counties while the Little Miami River goes on for 111 miles. Many Loveland locals and guests partake in activities such as canoeing, kayaking and bike riding, in which local businesses such as Loveland Canoe and Kayak and Loveland Bike Rental make it easy to rent out canoes, kayaks and bikes. If you’re not necessarily the type that enjoys biking or canoeing the Little Miami River offers its own little slice of paradise right off the bike trail where adults, children, and pets can cool off in the river or get a tan on the sandy banks. 

    The narrow path off the Loveland Bike Trail that leads to the 5-barrel brewhouse and taproom of Narrow Path Brewing Co.

    Also located on the bike trail is Nisbet Park where children can enjoy the playground and families can host picnics or special events under the large shelters, an amphitheater where local bands get the opportunity to celebrate their talents, and several unbelievable restaurants all sporting that “modern twist.” Though I have made it my mission to try all the local cuisine in Downtown Loveland some of my modern must tries are Fresh Press, Narrow Path Brewing Company, and Trailside Smokehouse while some of my historic Loveland go to’s are Bella’s, Paxton’s Grill, and The Works. For those like me that have a bit of a sweet tooth after eating dinner some must visit dessert spots are the Loveland Dairy Whip, Graeter’s, and Loveland Sweets.

    One of my historic Loveland go to’s is Bella’s.

    Downtown Loveland has erupted over the past several years bringing the local resident count to nearly 13,000. New local business openings and restaurants as well as historic hot spots have really made an impact on the community making Downtown Loveland not only the place to be but also the place to live. Being that I am a new resident I have explored the ins and outs of Downtown Loveland’s shopping, restaurants, events and art culture. Some great annual events that take place in Downtown Loveland are the Farmer’s Market, The Independence Day Celebration, and

    Christmas in Loveland. A few of the most culturally sound venues I recommend  is the Loveland Stage Company, an award winning community theater, and Whistle Stop Clay Works, where local artist Bonnie McNett held a “Pottery

    A glass of Bella’s wine.

    Affaire” last month. Of course one of several perks of living in Downtown Loveland is the shopping. There are several local unique shopping spots that are definitely worth seeing such as The Copper Pearl, Old is New Antiques, JackRabbit, Bond Furniture, and Plaid Room Records.

    After nearly 6 months of living in Downtown Loveland I can honestly say that the anxiety and uncertainty I once felt no longer exists. As I look out into the beautiful city every night from my balcony I truly realize that Loveland  is a hidden gem.

    Cassie Mattia is a resident of Loveland, Ohio’s Downtown Historic District

    Loveland Sweets – Fine Candies

    Loveland Sweets is a purveyor of hand-crafted chocolates, caramels, marshmallows, and ice creams. Our house-made candies are prepared in small batches in Historic Downtown Loveland, Ohio.

  • Loveland Stage Company Presents Don’t Drink the Water

    Loveland Stage Company Presents Don’t Drink the Water

    Promoted Post

    Loveland, Ohio –  The Loveland Stage Company unleashes the comedy play Don’t Drink the Water on May 11, 2018. Veteran actor John Sloan is marking his second time as a director. John made his directorial debut in the spring of 2017 with the hilariously successful A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. His producers are ACT award winner Tom Cavano and veteran actor Jill Gornet, his mother.

    Joel Lind (Walter Hollander) and Cathy Alter (Marion Hollander)

    Don’t Drink the Water is a farce with the classical elements of mistaken identities, mayhem, and misadventure. The story takes place inside an American embassy behind the Iron Curtain in the 1960’s.  American tourists, Walter Hollander, his wife Marion, and their adult daughter Susan rush into the embassy two steps ahead of the communist police. They suspect the Hollanders of spying while picture-taking in a restricted area. Alas, the embassy is provisionally being run by the ambassador’s charming but bumbling son, Axel Magee. Axel, along with embassy staff and guests, manages to prolong the Hollanders’ asylum by muddling everything. Amid the insanity, will the Hollander family ever be able to escape?

    Don’t Drink the Water, written by playwright and comedian, Woody Allen, opened in 1966, at the Morosco Theatre in New York City and ran for 598 performances. Shortly after opening, the New York Daily News wrote that Don’t Drink the Water “moved the audience to great laughter … Allen’s imagination is daffy, his sense of the ridiculous is keen and gags snap, crackle and pop.”

    The Loveland Stage Company cast stars Joel Lind as Walter, Cathy Alter as Marion, Morgan Carter as Susan and Alex Ross as Axel. The cast also features Tom Caruso, Becky Cole, Vincent Eldridge, Gary Giver, Christopher Koonce, Matt Lovell, Charlie Rader, and Pia Rader.

    Don’t miss this extremely funning farce. You will laugh from the curtain opening to the cast bows. Tickets are available for evening performances at 7:30 pm on May 11, 12, 18, and 19 and matinee performances at 3:00 pm on May 13 and 20.

    To order tickets, visit the website at www.lovelandstagecompany.org.  All performances are held at the Loveland Stage Company Theater, 111 South Second Street, Loveland, Ohio 45140.

  • Don’t Drink the Water coming in May to Loveland Stage Company Theater

    Don’t Drink the Water coming in May to Loveland Stage Company Theater

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    The Loveland Stage Company is proud to present Don’t Drink the Water, a play by Woody Allen. Set in an unnamed country behind the Iron Curtain, this is the story of an American Embassy and what can happen when the Ambassador must leave for business.

    Not since 2013 has Loveland Stage Company produced a non-musical

    Not since 2013 has Loveland Stage Company produced a non-musical performance, and this selection is a hilarious return. Directed by Orchid Award winning director, John Sloan and produced by Orchid Award winners, Tom Cavano and Jill Gornet, this farcical tale covers everything from a love story to an international spy thriller. Don’t Drink the Water has been described as being “one big overfed American folk joke” and a “very funny situation comedy” by critic Otis L. Guernsey.

    The cast includes:

    Joel Lind (Walter Hollander) and Cathy Alter (Marion Hollander)

    Matt Lovell (Father Drobney), Gary Giver (Ambassador Magee/Sultan of Bashir), Charlie Rader (Kilroy), Alex Ross (Axel Magee), Cathy Alter (Marion Hollander), Joel Lind (Walter Hollander), Morgan Carter (Susan Hollander), Tom Caruso (Krojack), Vincent Eldridge (Burns/Kasnar), Christopher Koonce (Chef), Pia Rader (Sultan’s First Wife) and Becky Cole (Countess Bordoni)

    Tickets are available online at www.LovelandStageCompany.org/Tickets.

    Performance dates and times are:

    May 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 PM

    May 13 and 20 at 3:00 pm

  • 9 to 5 The Musical coming to Loveland Stage Company

    9 to 5 The Musical coming to Loveland Stage Company

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    We’ve all had a bad boss or two, so come see 9 to 5 the Musical at Loveland Stage Company and live vicariously as we get revenge on one of the worst of them.

    Loveland Stage Company (LSC) is proud to present 9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick. 9 to 5 is based on the 1980 hit movie, of the same name, starring Dolly Parton. Set in the late 1970s, this is the story of an unexpected friendship, revenge, and a little romance.

    This production is headed by first time LSC Director, Denise Schnieders and Producer Kate Arnold. With the help of Marjory Clegg (Choreographer), Tara Bridge (Vocal Direction) and Jeanne Bilyeu (Orchestral Director).

    The cast of 27, including several new faces to LSC as well as a number of Orchid Award winners, take the audience back to the 1970’s with the story of three coworkers who’ve had enough of being overlooked and chased around their boss’s desk because they are women. They hatch a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss, Mr. Hart. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company and making it the best place to work inside or outside of Consolidated Industries.

    In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot!

    The cast includes: Mary Vosseberg* (Violet), Megan Archibald (Doralee), Jodi Zerbe* (Judy), T. Edison Morris III (Mr. Hart), Stephanie Sams* (Roz), Brett Parr* (Joe), Zac Holman* (Dwayne), Adam Peters (Josh), Missy Fram (Missy Hart), Davi Hutchins (Maria), Jonathan Eckman (Dick), Tonya Oslak (Kathy), Terry Neack (Margaret), Charlie Rader (Bob Enright), John Masterson (Mr. Tinsworthy), Gary Bracknell (Detective/Ensemble), David Cord* (Doctor/Ensemble), Natalie Beaulieu* (Candy Striper/Ensemble), Amber Browning (Ensemble), Carolyn Finn (Ensemble), Norm Lewis (Ensemble), Liz Olekas (Ensemble), Alex Rader* (Ensemble), Pia Rader (Ensemble), Lori Reichling (Ensemble), and Greg Stevens (Ensemble).

    We’ve all had a bad boss or two, so come see 9 to 5 the Musical at Loveland Stage Company and live vicariously as we get revenge on one of the worst of them.

    Tickets are available online at www.LovelandStageCompany.org/Tickets.

    Performance dates and times are:

    March 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17 at 7:30 pm

    March 4, 11, and 18 at 3:00 pm

    • Denotes new to Loveland Stage Company.

     

  • Meet Kay Bolin: the 2018 Valentine Lady [Q&A and videos]

    Meet Kay Bolin: the 2018 Valentine Lady [Q&A and videos]

    by Sam Smith

    Loveland, Ohio – On the evening of Tuesday, January 23rd, local volunteer and business owner Kay Bolin was announced as the 2018 Loveland Valentine Lady. Bolin will fill the community-centric roles of Valentine Lady by visiting classrooms, churches and retirement homes and spreading a message of love and kindness. In a Loveland first, she was escorted by local restaurant manager, Cory Partin.

    Kay Bolin O’Grady and Cory Partin speak to a class of first graders

    “As of Friday, February 9th, Cory and I have visited 4 schools, 56 classes and approximately 1100 students. I spend 15 – 20 minutes in each class and my focus is sharing a story about love and kindness.”

    The Valentine Lady program started in 1971, and began the tradition of Loveland postcards with the phrase “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love” which is still used today. That year the first “Valentine Lady” volunteered to handle the postcards, and the position has stuck. Each year, a new Valentine Lady is chosen for their community presence and volunteerism to continue the tradition. This year, the position has been passed along to Kay Bolin.

    Kay Bolin presents a story about love and kindness

    Watch Bolin’s induction as the 2018 Valentine Lady here:

    Kay Bolin-O’Grady is the 2018 Loveland Valentine Lady

    Kay Bolin has been the director of marketing and sales at Whistle Stop Clayworks in downtown Loveland since 2009. The 2018 Valentine Lady opened the ceramics teaching studio and gallery with her husband, Tim O’Grady after purchasing an abandoned petroleum distribution business building in Historic Loveland.

    Bolin is active with the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Board Of Directors and a frequent participant at chamber events. She also contributes her time to Loveland Stage Company. Past roles have included the Greater Loveland Historical Society Museum, Loveland Beautification and the Loveland Arts Council (of which Bolin was president for several years). Bolin as awarded the Community Involvement Award by the Chamber of Commerce in 2015.

    In a Loveland first, Bolin was escorted by the manager of Tano Bistro & Catering, Cory Partin. “I would like to mention though that this year is the first year the program has a Valentine Lady Escort, Cory Partin is the 2018 Valentine Lady Escort and I am thrilled to have him by my side. We are having a blast and it is so awesome for us to share love and kindness in a community we both love so much,” Bolin claimed.

    Kay Bolin poses with Loveland Elementary students. Bolin O’Grady has already spoken to hundreds of students.

    Q&A With Kay Bolin:

    Loveland Magazine: How long have you been in Loveland?  What brought you here? 

    Kay Bolin: I moved to Loveland in 1992 when my job at the time transferred me here from Atlanta.   

    LM: What was the process that led you to become the 2018 Valentine Lady? How were you nominated? 

    KB: I was nominated by two dear friends. The process is all letters of nominations, which are due to the LMRCA in early November. They are then reviewed by the Valentine Program Committee which is made up of a representative from the school district, local business, and all previous Valentine Ladies. They vote on who they feel have distinguished themselves by their commitment and involvement in our community. It’s quite an honor to be nominated much less chosen. It was humbling.

    LM: For anyone interested in being the 2019 Valentine Lady … what advice would you give?

    KB: That’s a little difficult for me to answer as I didn’t plan on being a Valentine Lady– I just love our community and loved being involved… I think that is probably the common thread between most of the Valentines Ladies. And if you are fortunate enough to be chosen, have fun with it and keep in mind the theme of the Valentine Program: There is nothing in this world so sweet as love. 

    LM: Do you think a community can love?

    KB:  Yes, I do. I think that Loveland is a very loving community.

    LM: What roles does a Loveland valentine lady hold. What have/will you do?

    KB: My first schedule is going to various schools (pre-school through 3rd grade) from February 1 – 14. As of Friday, February 9th, Cory and I have visited 4 schools, 56 classes, and approximately 1,100 students. I spend 15 – 20 minutes in each class and my focus is sharing a story about love and kindness. I tell the children a story. Many end up teary-eyed, others confused. But most understand the message.
    Another fun role is going to Loveland Health Care and crowning the Valentine King and Queen and visiting the Lodge Retirement Community for cookie decorating. But I am available to all area businesses, schools and nursing homes… just wherever I can share some love and kindness.

    Loveland first graders decorate Valentines.

    A Loveland first grader’s card along with the Loveland 2018 Valentine stamp
    Cory Partin and Kay Bolin O’Grady tell a story to a class of elementary school students. The 2018 Valentine Lady plans to retell the story at the The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Valentine breakfast.

    The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Valentine Breakfast was on February 9 at the Oasis Conference Center at 8 AM. At the breakfast, it was announced that Kay Bolin is the 2018 Loveland Valentine Lady, following in the footsteps of Carol Williams. Poetry contest winners read their poems with past Valentine ladies in attendance.  

    Jarvis Global Investments, LLC

    Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.
  • Audition for “9 to 5 the Musical” at Loveland Stage Company

    Audition for “9 to 5 the Musical” at Loveland Stage Company

    Loveland, Ohio – Loveland Stage Company has announced auditions for “9 to 5 the Musical.”

    Sunday, December 17, 2 pm – 5 pm

    Monday, December 18, 7 pm – 10 pm

    Come prepared with 16-32 bars of a song. Dress in appropriate clothing and shoes for dancing (a place to change will be available).

    As is standard, your headshot for the program and lobby display will also be taken at this time.

    Show dates are March 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 (evening performances are at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees begin at 3:00 pm)

    Director: Denise Schnieders

    Producer: Kate Arnold

    Orchestra Director: Jeanne Bilyeu

    Choreographer: Marjory Clegg

    [Exclusive Video] Loveland Stage Company dedicates their new marquee

  • Join Loveland Stage Company at the Kit Kat Klub thru November 18

    Join Loveland Stage Company at the Kit Kat Klub thru November 18

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    Berlin, 1931; the Nazis were rising to power and we find ourselves at the seedy Kit Kat Klub. Welcome to the Loveland Stage Company’s (LSC) production of Cabaret. 

    Cabaret is a musical based on a book written by Christopher Isherwood, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The 1966 Broadway production became a hit, inspiring numerous subsequent productions in London and New York, as well as the 1972 film by the same name. 

    LSC’s production staff includes Pat Furterer (Director), K Buckler (Producer), John Nixon (Music Director) and Marjory Clegg (Choreographer).

    Cabaret is the story of American writer, Cliff Bradshaw (Payton Hahn) as he begins working in Germany by teaching English to Ernst Ludwig (John Sloan). While visiting the decadent and seedy Kit Kat Klub we are introduced to the Emcee (Charlie Rader) and the beautiful English cabaret star Sally Bowles (Bonnie Emmer). As the Emcee guides us through the story, we see the development of a relationship between German boarding house owner Fraulein Schneider (Pia Rader) and Jewish fruit vendor Herr Schultz (Dave Marcus).  

    Loveland Stage Company will proudly present Cabaret the first 3 weekends in November.

    Performance dates: November 3 (7:30 pm), 4 (7:30 pm), 5 (3:00 pm), 10 (7:30 pm), 11 (7:30), 12 (3:00 pm), 16 (7:30 pm), 17 (7:30 pm) and 18 (7:30 pm). 

    Tickets are on sale now at www.LovelandStageCompany.org/Tickets.

     

     

  • Join Loveland Stage Company at the Kit Kat Klub

    Join Loveland Stage Company at the Kit Kat Klub

    Advertisement

    Berlin, 1931; the Nazis were rising to power and we find ourselves at the seedy Kit Kat Klub. Welcome to the Loveland Stage Company’s (LSC) production of Cabaret. 

    Cabaret is a musical based on a book written by Christopher Isherwood, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The 1966 Broadway production became a hit, inspiring numerous subsequent productions in London and New York, as well as the 1972 film by the same name. 

    LSC’s production staff includes Pat Furterer (Director), K Buckler (Producer), John Nixon (Music Director) and Marjory Clegg (Choreographer).

    Cabaret is the story of American writer, Cliff Bradshaw (Payton Hahn) as he begins working in Germany by teaching English to Ernst Ludwig (John Sloan). While visiting the decadent and seedy Kit Kat Klub we are introduced to the Emcee (Charlie Rader) and the beautiful English cabaret star Sally Bowles (Bonnie Emmer). As the Emcee guides us through the story, we see the development of a relationship between German boarding house owner Fraulein Schneider (Pia Rader) and Jewish fruit vendor Herr Schultz (Dave Marcus).  

    Loveland Stage Company will proudly present Cabaret the first 3 weekends in November.

    Performance dates: November 3 (7:30 pm), 4 (7:30 pm), 5 (3:00 pm), 10 (7:30 pm), 11 (7:30), 12 (3:00 pm), 16 (7:30 pm), 17 (7:30 pm) and 18 (7:30 pm). 

    Tickets are on sale now at www.LovelandStageCompany.org/Tickets.

     

     

  • Campaign Statement of Neal Oury

    Campaign Statement of Neal Oury

    EDITOR’S NOTE:
    Neal Oury is a candidate for Loveland City Council and provided this Candidate Statement to Loveland Magazine.
     

    Loveland Magazine invites all candidates for public office in the 45140 zip code or within the Loveland City School District boundary to send a similar Candidate Statement for publication. Send to lovelandmagazine@cinci.rr.com

     

    Neal Oury aspires to serve our community

    After being asked many times by several people, I have decided to run for Loveland’s City Council. It is time to give back to the community where I was raised and currently live. I remember Loveland before I-71 or I-275 existed. Loveland was rural, quaint, quiet and residents were involved in their community. Today, Loveland is still quaint, with many changes. The railroad track is now the Bike Trail, Rolke’s is now a multi use development, the Crist Theater is now the Loveland Stage Company. The current Loveland Early Childhood Center was Lloyd Mann School, where I attended starting in the 2nd grade.

    My father worked at the railroad tower that was located behind today’s Cindy’s Tavern. I remember going to work with him, watching him pull large wooden levers in order to switch the tracks. We saved cardboard milk cartons for Harry Andrews to make the bricks to build the Loveland Castle. As a child; I played LYO baseball, enjoyed Eats & Treats candy store and shopped at Millitzer’s that was our “mall” located where Pizazz’s is today.

    My wife Lynn of 34 years and I have lived in our Loveland home for thirty years where we raised our two children. We are parishioners at St. Columban Parish where I served on Parish Council and as Chairperson, Spiritual Director for the Christ Renews His Parish program, coached girls & boys basketball and volunteered with the HANDS program. I have maintained a Real Estate Brokers License since 1980 and started my business in 1984. I served as Secretary, Treasurer, President, Past President for the Greater Cincinnati chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management. I have served on the Board of Directors of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Apartment Association. I have managed portfolios in excess of 7000 units, as well as, for Fortune 500 Companies. I served on the Loveland Finance Committee, volunteered with the Loveland Farmers Market, The Loveland Amazing Race, the Loveland Stage Co. and Lowe’s Heros. I was awarded the Business Enhancement Award from the City of Loveland in 2005. My company rebuilt Loveland Stage Company after the devastating fire in. 2008.

    Communication with people is important to me. Understanding your concerns and opinions on issues, programs and development will help move our community in the direction WE desire. Together we can make it happen through dialogue and resident engagement. Transparency will be visible as we openly discuss future development and other priorities. I envision neighborhood meetings to openly listen to what’s on your mind. I want to get to know resident and personally inviting neighborhood representatives to attend council meetings.

    If elected, as a member of Loveland’s City Council, I will listen and respect the opinions of all council members. I will bring to this body a skill set of organization, rational decision making and a inclination to detail with honesty, common sense and integrity.

    I ask for your vote November 7th.

     

    Pizazz Studios and Gifts in Historic Downtown

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  • [Exclusive Video] Loveland Stage Company dedicates their new marquee

    [Exclusive Video] Loveland Stage Company dedicates their new marquee

    Loveland, Ohio – The Loveland Stage Company cut a red ribbon, hooted, and lit up their new marquee at dusk on Tuesday.

    This LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV video is exclusive coverage of the event and includes an interview with Bob Kessler about how for the most part volunteers constructed the new sign. Kessler led the project and is the President of the Stage Company.

    The new lighted marquee replaces a sign that laid flat on the front of the wall and was not very visible as motorist and pedestrians went past the theater. The still photos of the construction below were provided by the Stage Company. (© 2017 Loveland Stage Company)

    Jarvis Global is an investment advisory firm in Symmes Township, Ohio which offers private portfolio management and retirement services to high net worth individuals.