Cincinnati has always had a strong foothold in the arts, fostering quality programs and sources for residents to participate. Adding to this experience is the exceptionally diverse and colorful array of Broadway theater performances. The past year’s lineup of Broadway in Cincinnati productions provided a smorgasbord of options for music and theater lovers alike, and the upcoming season promises to be just as delightful.
Next season, which begins in September 2015, features everything from holiday-themed performances during the snowy months of winter to Tony Award-winning shows full of vivacious melodies and powerful dance routines.
"This year, we are proud to bring a lineup of shows that have collectively won more 20 Tony Awards and earned more than 33 additional Tony Award nominations – that’s some serious Broadway cred headed here to the Aronoff Center stage," says Genevieve Miller Holt, general manager of Broadway in Cincinnati.
"The season presents an incredible array of shows from comedies to dramas, some shows for the whole family as well as more adult fare, and all of them complemented by some of the most beautiful, inspiring, memorable and touching music ever written for the theatre. Not to mention some unbelievable dance, unparalleled cirque artistry, and spectacular sets to knock your socks off. We are thrilled with this grouping of shows, and we think Cincinnati audiences will love experiencing each and every one."
Motown the Musical CLIFTON OLIVER (Berry Gordy) Clifton Oliver is honored to be a part of the Motown family. Broadway: The Lion King (Simba), In The Heights (Benny opposite Jordin Sparks), Wicked (Fiyero). Nat'l Tours: The Lion King (Simba), Rent (Benny & Collins), Ragtime (Ensemble). Regional: Pal Joey (Arkansas Rep.), Kinky Boots (Lola's standby for Bill Porter), West Coast Tour of The Scottsboro Boys (Charlie/Victoria), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Victor), Godspell (Judas) MUNY. Television: "Law and READ MORE ? ALLISON SEMES (Diana Ross) Chicago native. B.M. Opera at UIUC, M.M. from NYU-Steinhardt. Broadway credits: Motown the Musical, Florence Ballard & The Book of Mormon, Nabalungi U/S, Swing. Other credits include: The Color Purple National Tour, Dreamgirls, Bubbling Brown Sugar, The Wiz, Candide. I want to thank you Bethany and everyone at Telsey, Renee, my CCC/ KACC/ GIAME families, Momma & Poppa Bear, Emile, QVD, and my friends for the unconditional love and support! READ MORE ? NICHOLAS CHRISTOPHER (Smokey Robinson) Born in Bermuda and raised in Boston, MA. Studied at both The Boston Conservatory and The Juilliard School. 1st National Tour: In The Heights. Off-Broadway: Rent, Hurt Village. Thank you family, friends and SMS for your lurve and support. JARRAN MUSE (Marvin Gaye) A native Jersey boy couldn't be happier living his dream. God is good yall. Broadway/NYC: Motown The Musical, Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Dreamgirls; International Tours: American Idiot, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, 42nd Street. Regional Theater: Marriott Lincolnshire, Portland Center Stage (Will Parker in Oklahoma!), Goodspeed, Fulton Opera Houses, Pittsburgh CLO. Thank you to Mr. GORDY, Charles, and Telsey for this new opportunity to bring Marvin to stage READ MORE ? ERICK BUCKLEY (Ensemble) Broadway/National Tours: Valjean in Les Miserables, Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Dave in The Full Monty, Piangi in The Phantom of the Opera, Gangster #1 Kiss Me, Kate, Roger in Grease. Favorite roles; Husband to Robin, Dad to Miranda. PATRICE COVINGTON (Ensemble) The Book of Mormon, Dreamgirls (Effie), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Armelia). Find her self-titled original album & the Grammy nominated Ain't Misbehavin on iTunes. Numerous National Voiceovers. Instagram: @Sangtrice. “Don’t be a star…be a galaxy!” JAMARICE DAUGHTRY (Ensemble) From Bartow, Florida, Bethune Cookman Univesity Alum. Member of the Stellar Award Winning Group “Group Therapy.” Winner of the “Grady Rayam Prize in Negro Spirituals.” Thank you to my mom Sharon for always supporting me! ASHLEY TAMAR DAVIS (Ensemble) Tours: Prince. Theatre: Perry Productions. TV: "SNL," "BRIT Awards." Grammy-nominated; co-wrote "Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed." Graduate of USC School of Music. Thanks to God, family, friends! www.tamardavis.com. LYNORRIS EVANS (Ensemble) Lynorris is thrilled to join the National Tour of Motown the Musical. Broadway: Leap of Faith. Tours: Flashdance, Memphis. Cirque Du Soleil: Viva Elvis. BFA: Fordham University. Thanks to my supportive family and friends. MELANIE EVANS (Ensemble) National/International: Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Junie B Jones, Disney's Believe (original cast). New York Workshop: Amazing Grace. Regional: Sarah/Ragtime, and Nehebka/AIDA. AMDA graduate. Thank you to The Mine and Telsey casting! DEVON GOFFMAN (Swing) Hometown: BUFFALO, NY! Tours: Jersey Boys, Grease (w/ Frankie Avalon), Titanic, Buddy. Film: Michael & Javier. Thank you Bethany, everyone at Telsey & Judy Boals. Love to my family! In loving memory of Jack Greenan. JENNIE HARNEY (Swing) Brooklyn Baby! Broadway: Broadway Rising Stars (featured). National: We The People (Dawn). Regional: Dreamgirls (Deena), Thunder Knocking On the Door (Glory), Beehive (Jasmine), Pearl (Pearl Bailey) AUDELCO Nominee. Thanks to God, Mom & Dad! LATRISA A. HARPER (Swing) Fort Pierce, Fl. Ailey II. Broadway: The Color Purple, The Lion King. Broadway workshop: Beehive with Debbie Allen. A.R.T: Witness Uganda. Love to family and Susan Batson Studios. ROD HARRELSON (Swing) Excited to be a part of the Motown Tour! Originally from Greensboro, NC, began dancing at UNC-Chapel Hill. Love and thanks to God and family. This one's for Cynthia. ROBERT HARTWELL (Ensemble) Proud magna cum laude University of Michigan. Broadway: Memphis (Wailin' Joe), Nice Work (Astaire Award nominee), Cinderella. Tours: Dreamgirls. Host and Interior Designer of web series "Broadway Quick Change". Jeremiah 29:11. As always, for Nana. RODNEY EARL JACKSON, JR. (Ensemble) So honored to be part of a theatrical experience surrounded by love. Broadway/Tour(s): Book of Mormon. Born/raised in the heart of San Francisco where he founded the Bay Area Theatre Company (BATCo). CMU Drama BFA. TRISHA JEFFREY (Ensemble) 2013 Broadway World Chicago Best Actress for “Celie” in The Color Purple! Broadway: Little Shop Of Horrors; All Shook Up; Rent. Tour: Sister Act; Rent. Full bio: http://trishajeffrey.com. @trishajeffrey. Love & gratitude. GRASAN KINGSBERRY (Ensemble) A Juilliard alumnus, Grasan joins this company directly from the Broadway production of Motown. Broadway: Nice Work…, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Color Purple, Aida. Tour: Dreamgirls (u/s Curtis). Film/TV: I Am Legend, “Smash,” “All My Children.” www.grasan-kingsberry.com. ELIJAH AHMAD LEWIS (Ensemble) Off-Broadway: Mama I Want To Sing (Minister Of Music), Sing Harlem Sing, We Are. Regional: Once On This Island (Papa Ge), Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit). Film: Mama I Want To Sing, America (Rosie O’Donnell). Would like to thank my family and all who have helped along the way. www.elijahahmadlewis.com. JARVIS B. MANNING JR. (Ensemble) Houston, TX native. This is his first Equity production and he feels honored and blessed that it's with Motown! This performance is dedicated to his AMAZING family, especially his Aunt Barbs! THANK YOU GOD! KRISHA MARCANO (Ensemble) Broadway: Motown on Broadway; The Color Purple (Squeak, Original Cast); Sweet Charity; Aida; Fosse (1st Nat Tour). Concert Dance: Martha Graham Dance Co.; Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Krisha is a proud member of AEA. MARQ MOSS (Ensemble) Background Vocalist: Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Carole King, Anita Baker, Michael Jackson, Diana Ross. Graduate of Clark Atlanta University. B’way Tour: The Lion King (u/s Simba). Thanks God, family and friends. Hey, Mom!! www.marqkmoss.com. RASHAD NAYLOR (Ensemble) Broadway: Hairspray (Thad, Seaweed U/S, Original Cast Album), Jersey Boys (Barry Belson). Off-Broadway: RENT (Benny), Tours: Rock of Ages, The Book of Mormon. Regional: The Rat Pack (Sammy Davis Jr.), The Wiz (Scarecrow). CHADAÉ NICHOL (Ensemble) Chicagoland Native, Ball State grad, Chadaé is overjoyed to embark on this historic Motown Tour! Regional: Showboat, Oklahoma, Cabaret, Little Shop. Thanks to God, And my support system! Brittyn you are my star. Matt 5:14. @ChadaeNichol. LEON OUTLAW JR. (Young Berry/Stevie/Michael Jackson) At a very young age Leon began to sing and dance to the amazement of his parents. Inspired by Michael Jackson and James Brown, Leon made his stage debut at age 9. Ecstatic about being a part of Motown and Thanks God, family & Friends. Facebook, Leon-C-Outlaw-Jr; Twitter, @leoncoutlawjr; Instagram, LJOutlaw312. RAMONE OWENS (Ensemble) A Los Angeles native, Ramone is beyond thrilled to be a part of Motown. Regional: Disney's Aladdin, Dreamgirls, Man of La Mancha. BFA, Boston Conservatory. Thanks to God, Mom, Dad and my "we knows". Hab: 2:3. NIC ROWE (Swing) Nic is thrilled to be joining Motown! Last seen in the world-premiere Duncan Sheik musical, Because of Winn Dixie. Love to my family and friends, boys & girl at Henderson/Hogan Agency. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory. JAMISON SCOTT (Ensemble) Broadway: Spider-Man, Memphis, Grease. Tour/Regional: Grease, Hairspray, We Will Rock You, Saturday Night Fever, Altar Boyz. Recordings: Hairspray movie, Killer Queen- A Tribute to Queen, Grease 2007 Cast Album. To God be the glory! ILYHMS. @JamisonScottR. REED LORENZO SHANNON (Young Berry/Stevie/Michael Jackson) Reed was trained at NC Theatre Conservatory. He has performed roles in NCTC productions of Who’s Tommy, In the Heights and on the main stage in Oliver!. Reed received rave reviews while in the cast of “Les Misérable” (2014 – Gavroche) with NCT and Broadway Series South. www.reedshannon.com. DOUGLAS STORM (Ensemble) Broadway: Les Miserables, Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Dance of the Vampires, Chess in Concert; Off-Broadway: Bat Boy (original cast); Other: Disney’s Tarzan, Because of Winn Dixie, Heathers; 20yr member of Actors Equity Association. MARTINA SYKES (Ensemble) Native of St. Petersburg, FL and graduate of the University of Florida. Favorite credits (Regional): Raindogs, Rent, Hairspray. "I would like to thank GOD, my family and friends for their unconditional love and support). Ephesians 3:20. CHRISTIAN DANTE WHITE (Ensemble) Scottsboro Boys: Broadway/London. NY/Tours: Book of Mormon, Hairspray, The Wiz, Lost In the Stars, Cotton Club Parade, Jersey Boys. TV: NBC pilot "Man’s World," "Tonys Awards." Mom, Boo, Tosh, Kerrs, Sheehans, Headline, SBI, memory of UNC BROTHER. GALEN J. WILLIAMS (Swing) Galen is is THRILLED to be on his very first tour with Motown. Favorite past credits: Black Nativity, Passing Strange, Three Little Birds, 2-2 Tango, BDF Circle of Dreams. BFA, Howard University.
September 8-20
Highlighting the story of Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr., this musical journey takes audiences through the birth of one of America’s most important musical movements. Gordy’s rise from his Detroit headquarters of Hitsville U.S.A. to a movement that launched the likes of Michael Jackson and Diana Ross is portrayed through a vivid performance with lively music and exciting dance numbers.
October 13-18
In this relatable and universal production, a young prince ventures out in an attempt to discover the meaning of life. Featuring songs from Stephen Schwartz, the composer of "Wicked," this Tony Award-winning musical is compelling and heartfelt. "(‘Pippin’) deals with an incredibly serious subject: how far would we go to be extraordinary?" says director Diane Paulus. "This question is deeply relevant to our lives today."
November 24-December 6
Peppered with recognizable holiday tunes combined with original songs, "White Christmas" was such a hit in Cincinnati in 2009 that it is now back by popular demand. The story takes place in a snowy Vermont inn where two friends are working to put on a show – and find love in the process.
January 5-17
A struggling shoe factory owner is working to pull his business up by the bootstraps with the help of an entertainer. An incredibly fun and vivacious performance, "Kinky Boots" features a Tony-winning score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper. "I tried really hard to write songs that could also live outside of the theater," says Lauper. "Before radio, Broadway music was popular music." The production features elaborate song and dance routines that are guaranteed to entertain audiences.
February 2-7
An entirely new musical to the Broadway scene, "If/Then" begins its first tour this fall and arrives here in February. The contemporary story about life in New York is paired with music from Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning creators of the musical "Next to Normal."
March 1-13
Based on the 1992 film, this production takes place in 1899 as the newspaper sellers of New York City stand up for themselves against the most powerful men in the city. Featuring music from Alan Menken and the book from Harvey Fierstein, the energetic cult classic will hit the stage for the first time in Cincinnati in 2016. "The only thing more joyous to me than the experience of working on the show is standing in the back of the theater and watching audiences become infected with the exuberance that is ‘Newsies,’ " says Fierstein.
May 10-22
Set in Germany, this performance captures the world on the cusp of World War II just before everything falls apart. Musically vivid, the story of Cliff, a young American writer searching for inspiration is a captivating rollercoaster of ups and downs. "Cabaret" has been off the stage for 15 years, but it’s a must-see classic.
The 2015-2016 Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati presented by Tri Health takes the stage at the Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. For information about season tickets, you can reach them at 800.294.1816, online at BroadwayInCincinnati.com or in person at the Aronoff Center Box Office.