CCM's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" runs through March, 4, 2018. Photos by Mark Lyons.

Critics Praise CCM’s Production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

CCM’s Mainstage Production of  Jesus Christ Superstar continues Wednesday, Feb. 28 and runs through Sunday, March 4. Tickets are limited for the remaining performances, please call the CCM Box Office for ticket availability.

Local arts critics praised the opening weekend performances of the rock opera, which is based on the last week of Jesus’ life. The iconic rock score features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. CCM’s production is directed and choreographed by Diane Lala with musical direction by Roger Grodsky.

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“CCM’s mounting incorporates copious amount of dance, showcases the seemingly never-ending pool of talented performers and includes some impressively stark design elements,” writes Scott Cain of Talkin’ Broadway.

Cain adds that Bryce Baxter is “vocally stunning” as Jesus, and Jordan Miller “clearly communicates the torment and inner conflict” of Judas. “The entire hardworking ensemble deserves kudos for their dancing and vocal support throughout,” he writes. He also praises the scenic design by Matthew D. Hamel, the costumes by Ashley Berg and the lighting design by Erik McCandless.

“Like most CCM productions, between the phenomenal talent on stage and the incredible behind-the-scenes work from the technical students, you feel like you are seeing a Broadway show,” writes Anne Simendinger of The News Record. “It can be hard to believe the cast is comprised of college students.”

The roles of Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene are double cast in CCM’s production. The Sappy Critic Kirk Sheppard saw the musical twice so he could experience both sets of performers. He compliments Stavros Koumbaros‘ “solid singing voice and powerful physique” in his portrayal of Jesus, and Alex Stone‘s “exquisite vocal range” as well as his ability to express Judas’ “righteous anger and emotion.” Sheppard adds:

Ciara Alyse Harris and Keaton Whittaker both shine as Mary Magdalene, with such professionalism and heart.”

In her review for the League of Cincinnati Theatres, Laurel Humes declares: “From stunning dramatic images to outright comedy, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music has staged a terrific production of Jesus Christ Superstar.”

Tickets for the remaining performances of Jesus Christ Superstar are extremely limited. Please call the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 for ticket availability.
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JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice

Creative Team

  • Diana Lala, director and choreographer
  • Roger Grodsky, musical director
  • Kevin Chlapecka, associate director and choreographer*
  • Matthew D. Hamel, scenic designer*
  • Erik McCandless, lighting designer*
  • Matt. D Birchmeier, sound designer*
  • k. Jenny Jones, fight choreographer
  • Ashley Berg, costume designer*
  • Meredith Keister, hair and make-up designer*
  • Kyle Birdsall, stage manager*
  • Levi Kiess and Mara Tunnicliff, prop masters*

*CCM student

The Company

  • Jesus – Bryce Baxter^, Stavros Koumbaros*
  • Judas – Jordan Miller^, Alex Stone*
  • Mary Magdalene – Keaton Whittaker^, Ciara Alyse Harris*
  • Simon Zealotes – Ej Dohring
  • Peter – Christopher Kelley
  • James – Daniel Marhelko
  • John – Donelvan Thigpen
  • Thaddeus – Ben Pimental
  • Thomas – Matt Copley
  • Andrew – Emily Ashton Meredith
  • Phillip – Areo Keller
  • Bartholomew/Priest 3 – Marissa Hecker
  • Matthew – Emily Royer
  • James, the lesser – Madelaine Vandenberg
  • Caiaphas – Gabe Wrobel
  • Annas – Madison Hagler
  • Pontius Pilate – Phillip Johnson-Richardson
  • King Herod – Derek Kastner
  • Priest 1 – Hank Von Kolnitz
  • Priest 2 – Nick Berninger
  • Ensemble – Andrew Alstat, Anya Murphy Axel, Aria Braswell, Michael Canu, Emily Celeste Fink, Kylie Goldstein, Joshua Johnson, Elijah King, Jenny Mollet, Kyle Pollak, Bryn Purvis, Erich Schleck, Ethan Zeph
  • Swings – Haley Holcomb, Quinn Surdez

^ Friday, Feb. 23; Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.; Thursday, March 1; Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, March 4
* Thursday, Feb. 22; Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 25; Wednesday, Feb. 28; Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m.

Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • 8 p.m. Thursday, March 1
  • 8 p.m. Friday, March 2
  • 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 3
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4

Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets
Tickets for the remaining performances of Jesus Christ Superstar are extremely limited. Please call the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 for ticket availability.

Tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar are $31-35 for adults, $22-25 for non-UC students and $18-21 for UC students with a valid ID. Student rush tickets will be sold one hour before each performance to non-UC students for $12 or $25, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid ID, based on availability.

Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.
____

CCM Season Presenting Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy’s

Musical Theatre Production Sponsor: Elizabeth C. B. & Paul G. Sittenfeld

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CCM’s musical theatre stars of tomorrow present "Jesus Christ Superstar" on Thursday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, March 4, 2018.

CCM Slideshows: ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

CCM’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar opens at 8 p.m. this Thursday, Feb. 22, and continues through March 4, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, the 1970s rock opera is based on the last week of Jesus’ life.

View the slideshow below for your first look at CCM’s production. Photos are by Kaelin Butts, a second-year Communication and Electronic Media student at the University of Cincinnati.

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Tickets for the musical are selling fast, so don’t wait to secure your seats. Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online through our e-Box Office.
____

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice

Creative Team

  • Diana Lala, director
  • Roger Grodsky, musical director
  • Kevin Chlapecka, associate director and choreographer*
  • Matthew D. Hamel, scenic designer*
  • Erik McCandless, lighting designer*
  • Matt. D Birchmeier, sound designer*
  • k. Jenny Jones, fight choreographer
  • Ashley Berg, costume designer*
  • Meredith Keister, hair and make-up designer*
  • Kyle Birdsall, stage manager*
  • Levi Kiess and Mara Tunnicliff, prop masters*

*CCM student

The Company

  • Jesus – Bryce Baxter^, Stavros Koumbaros*
  • Judas – Jordan Miller^, Alex Stone*
  • Mary Magdalene – Keaton Whittaker^, Ciara Alyse Harris*
  • Simon Zealotes – Ej Dohring
  • Peter – Christopher Kelley
  • James – Daniel Marhelko
  • John – Donelvan Thigpen
  • Thaddeus – Ben Pimental
  • Thomas – Matt Copley
  • Andrew – Emily Ashton Meredith
  • Phillip – Areo Keller
  • Bartholomew/Priest 3 – Marissa Hecker
  • Matthew – Emily Royer
  • James, the lesser – Madelaine Vandenberg
  • Caiaphas – Gabe Wrobel
  • Annas – Madison Hagler
  • Pontius Pilate – Phillip Johnson-Richardson
  • King Herod – Derek Kastner
  • Priest 1 – Hank Von Kolnitz
  • Priest 2 – Nick Berninger
  • Ensemble – Andrew Alstat, Anya Murphy Axel, Aria Braswell, Michael Canu, Emily Celeste Fink, Kylie Goldstein, Joshua Johnson, Elijah King, Jenny Mollet, Kyle Pollak, Bryn Purvis, Erich Schleck, Ethan Zeph
  • Swings – Haley Holcomb, Quinn Surdez

^ Friday, Feb. 23; Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.; Thursday, March 1; Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, March 4
* Thursday, Feb. 22; Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 25; Wednesday, Feb. 28; Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m.

Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22
  • 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23
  • 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25
  • 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • 8 p.m. Thursday, March 1
  • 8 p.m. Friday, March 2
  • 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 3
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4

Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar are $31-35 for adults, $22-25 for non-UC students and $18-21 for UC students with a valid ID. Student rush tickets will be sold one hour before each performance to non-UC students for $12 or $25, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid ID, based on availability.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online at ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice/mainstage/jesus-christ-superstar.

Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.
____

CCM Season Presenting Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy’s

Musical Theatre Production Sponsor: Elizabeth C. B. & Paul G. Sittenfeld

CCM News CCM Slideshows Faculty Fanfare Student Salutes

What’s the Buzz? CCM Presents ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

CCM’s musical theatre starts of tomorrow present the 1970s rock opera on Thursday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, March 4, 2018.

CCM’s musical theatre stars of tomorrow present the 1970s rock opera on Thursday, Feb. 22 through Sunday, March 4, 2018. Tickets available through the CCM Box Office.

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar opens at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Directed and choreographed by Diane Lala with musical direction by Roger Grodsky, the 1970s rock opera features an iconic score with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.

A timeless work that has captured audiences for over 40 years, Jesus Christ Superstar’s rock score contains such well-known numbers as “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” and “Gethsemane.” The musical is based on the last week of Jesus’ life. Set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events, the story is told through the eyes of Jesus’ betrayer, Judas.

“While this story took place in biblical times, its depiction of people uniting behind a movement could easily apply to the social and political movements of today,” Lala says.

Lala has “integrated the old and the new” in CCM’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar — costumes inspired by biblical times and by the malls of today, scenic elements and props representing different periods such as characters using stone goblets as well as iPhones.

“This is a story for all times,” Lala says. “It asks the question: Would you die for a people and an ideology that you believed in with your whole heart?”

CCM’s musical theatre stars of tomorrow present Jesus Christ Superstar on Feb. 22-25 and Feb. 28-March 4, 2018 in Patricia Corbett Theater. Complete event information is below.
____

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by Tim Rice

Creative Team

  • Diana Lala, director and choreographer
  • Roger Grodsky, musical director
  • Kevin Chlapecka, associate director and choreographer*
  • Matthew D. Hamel, scenic designer*
  • Erik McCandless, lighting designer*
  • Matt. D Birchmeier, sound designer*
  • k. Jenny Jones, fight choreographer
  • Ashley Berg, costume designer*
  • Meredith Keister, hair and make-up designer*
  • Kyle Birdsall, stage manager*
  • Levi Kiess and Mara Tunnicliff, prop masters*

*CCM student

The Company

  • Jesus – Bryce Baxter^, Stavros Koumbaros*
  • Judas – Jordan Miller^, Alex Stone*
  • Mary Magdalene – Keaton Whittaker^, Ciara Alyse Harris*
  • Simon Zealotes – Ej Dohring
  • Peter – Christopher Kelley
  • James – Daniel Marhelko
  • John – Donelvan Thigpen
  • Thaddeus – Ben Pimental
  • Thomas – Matt Copley
  • Andrew – Emily Ashton Meredith
  • Phillip – Areo Keller
  • Bartholomew/Priest 3 – Marissa Hecker
  • Matthew – Emily Royer
  • James, the lesser – Madelaine Vandenberg
  • Caiaphas – Gabe Wrobel
  • Annas – Madison Hagler
  • Pontius Pilate – Phillip Johnson-Richardson
  • King Herod – Derek Kastner
  • Priest 1 – Hank Von Kolnitz
  • Priest 2 – Nick Berninger
  • Ensemble – Andrew Alstat, Anya Murphy Axel, Aria Braswell, Michael Canu, Emily Celeste Fink, Kylie Goldstein, Joshua Johnson, Elijah King, Jenny Mollet, Kyle Pollak, Bryn Purvis, Erich Schleck, Ethan Zeph
  • Swings – Haley Holcomb, Quinn Surdez

^ Friday, Feb. 23; Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m.; Thursday, March 1; Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, March 4
* Thursday, Feb. 22; Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 25; Wednesday, Feb. 28; Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at 8 p.m.

Performance Times

  • 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22
  • 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23
  • 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25
  • 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • 8 p.m. Thursday, March 1
  • 8 p.m. Friday, March 2
  • 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 3
  • 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4

Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Purchasing Tickets

Tickets to Jesus Christ Superstar are $31-35 for adults, $22-25 for non-UC students and $18-21 for UC students with a valid ID. Student rush tickets will be sold one hour before each performance to non-UC students for $12 or $25, based on availability. UC students can receive one free student rush ticket with a valid ID, based on availability.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the CCM Box Office, over the telephone at 513-556-4183 or online at ccm.uc.edu/boxoffice/mainstage/jesus-christ-superstar.

Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.
____

CCM Season Presenting Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macy’s

Musical Theatre Production Sponsor: Elizabeth C. B. & Paul G. Sittenfeld

____

Story by CCM graduate student Jonathan Dellinger

CCM News Faculty Fanfare Student Salutes
CCM150Header

CCM’s 2017-18 Season Brochure Now Available In Print and Online

Welcome to CCM’s Sesquicentennial Performance Season!

The cover to CCM's 2017-18 Season Brochure.This season, the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) celebrates the 150th anniversary of its founding with an unparalleled series of performances and special events designed to highlight a tradition of innovation and excellence dating back to 1867.

The history of CCM’s success involves three institutions separate in their origins but united by a common cause: the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, the College of Music of Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati. Sometimes partners and sometimes rivals, these three institutions would eventually join forces to establish one of the world’s premier schools for the performing and media arts.

In the year ahead, we will look back on CCM’s illustrious history, celebrate the careers of our impressive alumni and showcase the talents of our incredible students and faculty members. We look forward to welcoming you to the CCM Village to experience our ongoing history, the artistry of our alumni and a chance to experience the stars of tomorrow.

Download a digital copy of CCM’s 2017-18 brochure today (7.1 MB). Physical copies are also available at the CCM Box Office.

Subscription and flex ticket packages are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. For more details about CCM’s 2017-18 performance schedule, contact the CCM Box Office at 513-556-4183 or visit ccm.uc.edu.

Learn more about CCM’s Sesquicentennial by visiting ccm.uc.edu/about/villagenews/notations-ovations/sesquicentennial-celebration.

This is our story. This is your season.
Join us for a celebration 150 years in the making!

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CCM’s ‘Chess’ Receives Four League of Cincinnati Theater Nominations

"Chess" runs Oct. 25 - 28 in UC's Corbett Auditorium. Photography by Mark Lyons.

“Chess” runs Oct. 25 – 28 in UC’s Corbett Auditorium. Photography by Mark Lyons.
Tickets on sale now! Visit ccm.uc.edu for more information. Photography by Mark Lyons.

CCM’s production of Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice’s Chess has earned four nominations from the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT)! The LCT also distinguished the rock musical as a recommended production: Outstanding Production (musical), Ensemble, Lead Actor (Julian Decker) and Lead Actress (Aubrey Ireland). Congratulations to the entire creative team!

Loosely based on the lives of chess grandmasters Bobby Fischer and Anatoly Karpov, Chess involves a romantic triangle between two top players (an American and a Russian) and the woman who manages one and falls in love with the other.

CCM News Student Salutes

CCM’s ‘Chess’ Features ‘Great Singing, Great Dancing, Jaw-Dropping Costuming, Superb Orchestral Support, Sharp Techno Scenic Design’ Raves Enquirer

"Chess" runs Oct. 25 - 28 in UC's Corbett Auditorium. Photography by Mark Lyons.

“Chess” runs Oct. 25 – 28 in UC’s Corbett Auditorium. Photography by Mark Lyons.
Tickets on sale now! Visit ccm.uc.edu for more information. Photography by Mark Lyons.

In her review of Chess for the Cincinnati Enquirer, Jackie Demaline writes, “It’s easy to be swept up in the spectacle conjured by director Aubrey Berg – great singing, great dancing, jaw-dropping costuming, superb orchestral support (led by Stephen Goers), sharp techno scenic design (by Mark Halpin and Alan Hanson).”

Chess runs through this Sunday, Oct. 28 in UC’s Corbett Auditorium. Tickets are still available by calling 513-556-4183, visiting CCM’s E-Box Office here!

Read more of Demaline’s review after the jump.

CCM News

CityBeat’s Stage Door Blog Reviews ‘Chess’

"Chess" runs Oct. 25 - 28 in UC's Corbett Auditorium. Photography by Mark Lyons.

“Chess” runs Oct. 25 – 28 in UC’s Corbett Auditorium. Photography by Mark Lyons.
Tickets on sale now! Visit ccm.uc.edu for more information. Photography by Mark Lyons.

Theatre critic Rick Pender reviews Chess in today’s CityBeat Stage Door blog: “The story is set in Bangkok and Budapest during a mid-1970s world chess championship — and it’s driven by gamesmanship between nations, between lovers and, of course, between chess players. I saw the opening on Thursday, and it’s a BIG show with a gigantic cast. Several leading roles are double cast (with more juniors than seniors, in fact, which bodes well for CCM productions for this season and next). In particular, Matthew Paul Hill, playing the Russian grand master Anatoly, lifted the roof of Corbett Auditorium with his powerful baritone voice singing the stirring ‘Anthem,’ the Act 1 finale.”

Read more here. 

Chess tickets are still available by calling 513-556-4183, visiting CCM’s E-Box Office here!

Directed by Aubrey Berg with musical direction by Stephen Goers, choreography by Diane Lala, scenic design by Mark Halpin and costumes by Rebecca SenskeChess runs Oct. 25-28 in UC’s Corbett Auditorium.

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CCM Slideshows: Chess

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Featuring music by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson with lyrics by Tim Rice, CCM’s Mainstage Series continues with the must-see musical Chess, running Oct. 25-28 in UC’s Corbett Auditorium.

CityBeat’s Rick Pender writes, “Our local theater scene is enhanced considerably by works presented on the stages at universities: Tonight through Sunday, CCM’s esteemed musical theater program is offering CHESS, with music by ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. The story is set in Bangkok and Budapest during a 1972 chess championship — which is about conflict between nations, between lovers and, of course, between chess players. Director Aubrey Berg says, “The action plays out in a world of spies, counter-agents and superpowers vying for supremacy.”

Tickets are still available for this acclaimed rock musical!

Learn more at http://ccm.uc.edu.

Check out the original music video for “One Night in Bangkok” from the 1984 Chess concept album below:

CCM News CCM Slideshows

CCM Presents Acclaimed Rock Opera ‘Chess’ Oct. 25-28

CCM proudly presents the acclaimed rock opera Chess as the next installment in this year’s Mainstage Series. Featuring music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson (of the Swedish rock group ABBA) with lyrics by Golden Globe, Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winner Tim Rice (of Jesus Christ SuperstarEvitaThe Lion King and more), Chess has what Time magazine calls “one of the best rock scores ever produced.” Directed by Aubrey Berg with musical direction by Stephen Goers, choreography by Diane Lala, scenic design by Mark Halpin and costumes by Rebecca SenskeChess runs Oct. 25-28 in UC’s Corbett Auditorium.

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