Ovation Theatre Company is pleased to announce its seventh season, which will take place from October, 2004, through July, 2005, at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. The semi-professional company is showing its growth this year, with two of its productions running three weekends instead of two, and a third production being held in the Jarson-Kaplan Theater. “Seven of our last eight productions have been solid box office draws,” reports Managing Director Lisa Breithaupt, “And with shows like Jeffrey, where our second weekend completely sold out, we could really see that we are building a strong word-of-mouth.”
In selecting this eclectic season, Ovation plans to continue to reach a diverse audience, including families and children, high school and college students, and the general public. Ovation has also consciously chosen to present another thought-provoking comedy in the summer, a time with fewer theatrical presentations every year. “We reach a different audience with every show,” says Artistic Director Joe Stollenwerk. “When you follow up a family show like The Best Christmas Pageant Ever with more adult-oriented fare like Jeffrey, that’s bound to happen. But we see more and more overlap as well: folks who like what we’re doing and want to keep coming back for more, even if the next show we’re doing isn’t geared directly at their demographic.”
There is some additional good news for Ovation patrons: The Aronoff Center has adopted a new ticketing system. Tickets can be purchased online at www.cincinnatiarts.org, at the Aronoff Center and Music Hall ticket offices, or by calling 513-621-ARTS (2787). Tickets are $16 general admission, $14 seniors, and $12 students. Ovation also offers a Pay What You Can Preview on the Thursday night final dress rehearsal. Season tickets are available for $52 general/seniors and $40 for students.
Stephen King's Misery
October 1-16, 2004
Adapted for the stage by Simon Moore
Audiences will get a thrill out of the regional premiere of this adaptation of the chilling novel, which will be part of Enjoy The Arts’ 20/20 Festival. Paul Sheldon, world famous author of the “Misery Chastaine” romance novels, is crippled in a car wreck, only to be rescued by Annie Wilkes, his number one fan. When Annie reads his new novel where her beloved Misery is killed during childbirth, we discover she isn’t the angel of mercy she first appeared to be. Paul begins to realize that he has entered a new kind of hell beyond anything he might have dreamt up for his fictional heroine. Kick off the Halloween Horror Season with this compelling thriller.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
November 26-December 4, 2004
By Barbara Robinson
Following the 100% sell-out success in 2003, Ovation will move this family production to the Jarson-Kaplan Theater in 2004, with the addition of weekday matinees offered to local schools through the Cincinnati Arts Association (Arts in Education) Program. All ages will adore this classic holiday story, based on the award-winning novel. The annual Christmas Pageant is always the same: tried, true, and a little dull. No one can believe it when the six Herdman children—who lie, steal, and smoke cigars—crash Sunday School and demand to play the leads. Their reinterpretation of the Christmas story brings some surprising results, new insight, laughter, and smoke in the women’s restroom.
Macbeth
April 1-16, 2005
By William Shakespeare
Ovation will offer its first foray into Shakespeare with an extended run of Macbeth in the Fifth/Third Theater to accommodate four weekday matinees for the Cincinnati Arts Association. Shakespeare’s tragedy tells of Macbeth, spurred on by his ambitious wife and three prophesying witches, and his bloody rise to power. Artistic Director Joe Stollenwerk will helm this production, having just completed his MA in English at Xavier University where he concentrated on Shakespeare, Renaissance Drama, and Gender Studies. Stollenwerk will be updating the play to a twentieth century setting, but promises that his interpretation will not overshadow the power of the Bard’s classic text.
The Water Children
July 22-30, 2005
By Wendy MacLeod
Closing the season is another Cincinnati premiere: Wendy MacLeod’s provocative comedy, The Water Children. The play thoughtfully explores the issue of abortion, presenting all sides of the issue without becoming didactic or preachy, and is handled with MacLeod’s (The House of Yes) unique brand of humor. When 36-year old Megan loses an important role to a younger woman, her agent convinces her to take a part in a commercial for Life Force, a pro-life group. Megan, having had an abortion at 16, and being a staunch liberal, is conflicted about the job. In accepting the role, she unwittingly embarks on the personal journey of her life, spinning into her past, magnifying her present, and leaving her completely at a loss as to her future.