Survive and Prosper QCOB's Jitney brings August Wilson's play to Madisonville by Rick Pender 06-25-08

No Lilt or Tilt Bedroom Farce isn't very farcical by Tom McElfresh 06-18-08

A Flying Start Cincinnati Opera opens 2008 season with Madame Butterfly by Anne Arenstein 06-11-08

Last Chance Shows worth seeing as the 2008 Cincinnati Fringe Festival winds down by Rick Pender 06-04-08

Far End of the Fringe Five more shows join this week's Fringe Festival lineup by Rick Pender 06-04-08

Who Loves You? The Four Seasons harmonize their way into audience's hearts by Rick Pender 05-28-08

Trapped CSC gives Eugene O'Neill tragedy a luminous reading by Tom McElfresh 05-07-08

Strength in Numbers Local choreographers join forces as Choreographers Collective takes shape by Julie Mullins 04-16-08

Even Paranoids Need Love New Stage's Bug is truly ugly and art at the same time by Tom McElfresh 04-09-08

These Late Eclipses King Lear is more than a one-man show by Rick Pender 04-02-08

Who Do You Trust? When Doubt ends, your conversation will begin by Rick Pender 03-12-08

Review: Little Women CCM's Little Women has more emotion than substance by Rick Pender 03-05-08

Shattered Glass Classic American play has little lyricism, less tragedy by Tom McElfresh 02-27-08

A Modern Murder Dostoevsky's expansive novel is transformed into an intense psychological play by Rick Pender 02-13-08

Sweet Dream Near-lyrical Mary's Wedding propelled by an able cast by Tom McElfresh 02-13-08

Role Playing at Work Cincinnati Ballet's Devon Carney tackles new roles on and off stage by Julie Mullins 02-13-08

Bhatt's Matt Vandit Bhatt's shines in Red Light Winter by Tom McElfresh 02-13-08

Schemin' and Dreamin' Know's Topdog/Underdog is a powerful story of sibling rivalry by Rick Pender 02-06-08

The End Is Near CSC's classics explore choice and consequence by Rick Pender 01-30-08

Escape to OTR ETC's Frog Princess is fine family entertainment by Rick Pender 12-19-07

Dreaming of a Light Christmas Jersey's Joseph is more fun than good by Nicholas Korn 12-19-07

Into the Woods Cincy Shakes' Midsummer in midwinter is mad, merry fun by Tom McElfresh 12-05-07

Rime Over Reason NKU production lacks necessary urgency by Tom McElfresh 12-05-07

Spoofing Broadway Musical the Musical is a ton of fun by Tom McElfresh 11-14-07

One Mo' Time Ovation's Parallel Lives is funny but flawed by Nicholas Korn 11-14-07

Haunted by the Past Sondheim's Follies is about old loves and new paths by Rick Pender 11-07-07

Between Two Worlds Covedale's Little Shop is amusing but uneven by MARK STERNER 11-07-07

Bad Moon Rising NKU play explores inner and outer space by Rick Pender 10-31-07

Stone Cold Stories Know Theatre's The Pillowman evokes strong reactions by Tom McElfresh 10-24-07

Saving Souls Altar Boyz pops its way through entertaining clichés by Rick Pender 10-24-07

Tragicomic Fantasy Shakespeare's Cymbeline is a freewheeling fairytale by MARK STERNER 10-24-07

Grave Humor ETC offers a strong cast in a quirky script by Nicholas Korn 10-24-07

A Matter of Spirit Falcon's Anne Frank delivers the truth by Nicholas Korn 10-17-07

Rising to the Call of Freedom Cincinnati Opera tells the story of local hero John P. Parker's life by Anne Arenstein 10-10-07

Life Goes On Footlighters' Ballroom is in step with its audience by Rick Pender 10-10-07

What's Your Story? The ancient tale of Gilgamesh provides insight into what makes us human by Rick Pender 10-03-07

Bringing Back the Bard The Playhouse enthralls with a strong Othello by Tom McElfresh 10-03-07

Broadway Fireworks Touring production reinvents My Fair Lady by Rick Pender 10-03-07

Musical Mainstay NKU's Guys and Dolls has its pleasures by Nicholas Korn 10-03-07

Powerful Portrait ETC opens its season with memorable Rabbit Hole by Rick Pender 09-19-07

Down the Rabbit Hole A conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire by Rick Pender 09-12-07

Clark Is the Sun Actress offers an enthralling performance as one of Shakespeare's signature women by Tom McElfresh 09-12-07

Slightly Chilled Playhouse's Dracula is more amusing than amazing by Rick Pender 09-12-07

Start Your Theater Engines Fasten your seatbelts: The fall season is almost underway by Rick Pender 08-29-07

Symphonic Sounds Cincinnati's Classical music scene gears up for another season by Brian Baker 08-29-07

Old School Jersey's Grease could use a spark by Rick Pender 08-22-07

Higher Plane Thrill killing is translated into a compelling musical at Know Theatre by Rick Pender 08-15-07

Shooting Stars The Gala of International Ballet Stars had its share of 'wow' moments by Julie Mullins 08-15-07

Razzle Dazzle Dancing Annual Gala of International Ballet Stars aims to please by Kathy Valin 08-08-07

Catching the Bug Jennifer Allen discusses her role as a super in Aida by Anne Arenstein 07-25-07

Classic Comedy Cincinnati Shakespeare Company visits Tuna, Texas by Rick Pender 07-25-07

Reproduction Jersey's The Fantasticks pays homage to a classic by Rick Pender 07-18-07

Romantic Frame of Mind NKU's She Loves Me is intimate and unpretentious by MARK STERNER 07-18-07

Maximulist Adams Nixon In Cincinnati by Tom McElfresh 07-11-07

Commanding Presence Teddy Tahu Rhodes lends his considerable talents to Cincinnati Opera's Cosi Fan Tutte by Anne Arenstein 06-27-07

Repeated Mistakes An innocent game of gin rummy turns lethal by MARK STERNER 06-20-07

Dreaming NKU's 'La Mancha' is above-average summer fare by Rick Pender 06-20-07

Taking Risks Cincinnati Opera kicks off a promising season with 'Faust' by Anne Arenstein 06-13-07

Feats of Grandeur Cloven Hoof Theatre leaps out of the gate by Sara Beiting 06-13-07

Dreaming NKU's La Mancha is above-average summer fare by Rick Pender 06-13-07

Picking Over the Fringe Varied offerings keep alternative theatergoers coming back for more by Rick Pender 06-06-07

Larger Than Life 'My Favorite Year' opens with all engines pumping by MARK STERNER 06-06-07

Flying High Jorma Elo's 'Plan to B' brings joy and challenge to Cincinnati Ballet dancers by Julie Mullins 05-16-07

Smokin' The music is rich; the humor is silly by Tom McElfresh 05-16-07

Tragedy Within NET's 'Fool for Love' could be a bit less foolish by Rick Pender 05-16-07

Looking Swell CMT's 'Hello, Dolly!' has a depth of feeling by MARK STERNER 05-16-07

High Intellect, Low Fun CSC's 'Tempest' is as exuberant as it is focused by Tom McElfresh 05-09-07

Marching Along Parade tells a true story of tragic injustice by Rick Pender 05-09-07

Misplaced Hollywood is the wrong town for 'Midsummer Night's Dream' by MARK STERNER 05-09-07

Defining Tragedy New Stage sets high standard with Albee's 'The Goat' by Rick Pender 05-02-07

Eccentric ETC's 'Souvenir' portrays a singer who couldn't sing by Rick Pender 05-02-07

Diverting Mysteries 'Sherlock Holmes' is like a musical minus the songs by Tom McElfresh 05-02-07

The Next Stage New Stage Collective offers its first theater production on Main Street by Rick Pender 04-25-07

Likeable & Despicable Know Theatre's 'After Ashley' takes on the exploitation of pop media by Tom McElfresh 04-25-07

Second Coming Dana Quercioli carries on a comedy tradition by P.F. Wilson 04-11-07

Murder by Numbers Humorous 'Murderers' a concept that never turns into an actual play by Tom McElfresh 04-04-07

A Major Mark(er) CCM grad Mark Panuccio delivers his first solo recital by Anne Arenstein 03-28-07

Human Comedy Cincinnati Shakespeare's 'The Cherry Orchard' a collection of wonderful characters by Rick Pender 03-28-07

Heartfelt Warhorse Covedale sustains the spirit of Sound of Music by MARK STERNER 03-28-07

Disharmony A string quartet struggles to make beautiful music in ETC's 'Opus' by Rick Pender 03-21-07

Smells Like Team Spirit Artistic Director Victoria Morgan celebrates 10 years with Cincinnati Ballet by Julie Mullins 03-14-07

Wild Ride Unpredictable 'Reckless' has a zany spirit all its own by Rick Pender 03-14-07

Large and Small Ed Stern's 16th Playhouse season will restage hits and shrink classics by Rick Pender 03-14-07

Get a Load of This Cincinnati Fringe Festival announces its 2007 lineup by Rick Pender 03-07-07

Cartoon Time 'All Shook Up' caricatures Elvis rather than capturing his essence by Rick Pender 03-07-07

Bare Essentials 'Full Monty' offers caricatures rather than characters by Rick Pender 02-28-07

Peak Energy Know's multimedia 'Hamlet' is more than a gimmick by Tom McElfresh 02-28-07

Celebrating Reggie Reginald Willis shines in 'Master Harold' by REVIEWED BY TOM MCELFRESH 02-21-07

Shtick vs. Schmaltz NKU's 'Urinetown' needs to fight the urge by Rick Pender 02-21-07

A Comfortable Trip Covedale Theater's 'Route 66' goes down easy by MARK STERNER 02-21-07

Still Ticking Carson Kreitzer's 1:23 tries to understand unfathomable acts by Rick Pender 02-14-07

Shakespeare Un-Spun Rarely staged Winter's Tale is offered as is -- and it works by Tom McElfresh 02-14-07

Forces at Work Carson Kreitzer is back at the Playhouse with a play about an unthinkable subject by Rick Pender 02-07-07

Labor of Love Cincinnati Ballet couples partner onstage and off by Julie Mullins 02-07-07

Twist and Shout ETC's 'Fiction' keeps audiences guessing what's real and what's dreamed up by Rick Pender 02-07-07

The Perfect Elixir CCM's latest production inspired by wine country by Anne Arenstein 02-07-07

Labor of Love Cincinnati Ballet couples partner onstage and off by Julie Mullins 02-07-07

Notes on the Scene How a Broadway visit turns a mirror on Cincinnati stages by Alan Scheidt 01-31-07

Maelstrom Clear Stage aces powerful Steinbeck play by MARK STERNER 01-31-07

Fascinatin' Pure Confidence gallops into the Playhouse by Rick Pender 01-24-07

Screen to Stage 12 Angry Men offers a tight ensemble of characters by Rick Pender 01-24-07

Failing to Connect Covedale's Yonkers gets the comedy, misses tragedy by MARK STERNER 01-24-07

Street Smart Miami-based Teo Castellanos' D-Projects brings street moves to the stage by Julie Mullins 01-17-07

Ritual Drama Classical pieces are harrowing and exhilarating by Tom McElfresh 01-17-07

Dead End Know's latest production is a look at going nowhere by Rick Pender 01-17-07

Cinematic Operatic As film directors move to opera, The Met moves to the multiplex by Alan Scheidt 01-10-07

Adult Content Playhouse's 'alteractive' series offers a glimpse at the inventive and innovative by Rick Pender 01-03-07

Been There, Done That Chita Rivera's 'life' on the Broadway stage is full of great moments by Rick Pender 12-27-06

Keeping Them in Stitches Cincinnati Ballet's costume department tackles technical feats backstage by Julie Mullins 12-13-06

Acting Wilde CSC brings out the humor in a classic comedy by Rick Pender 12-13-06

In Good Company Cincinnati Playhouse production makes the grade on Broadway by Rick Pender 12-06-06

Inspector Inspected NKU's production of Gogol goes west by Tom McElfresh 12-06-06

Movement and Mayhem ETC's Ugly Duck needs a sharper focus by MARK STERNER 12-06-06

Contemporary Carol Know's holiday show uses music and dance to tell a familiar story by Rick Pender 12-06-06

Outside the Box Chamber Music Cincinnati extends the Classical concept outwards by Alan Scheidt 11-29-06

Remembrance of Things Past The CSO's first DVD commemorates Paavo's historical debut by Alan Scheidt 11-21-06

Letter Perfect Spelling Bee's adolescent humor is fresh and funny by Rick Pender 11-21-06

Back to Bedford Falls Playhouse offers a 'wonderful' story, well told by Rick Pender 11-21-06

Reflecting Sounds Annalisa Pappano and Catacoustic Consort define creative class by Alan Scheidt 11-15-06

The Ties That Bind Xavier confronts torture with Ariel Dorfman and Death and the Maiden by Alan Scheidt 11-08-06

Off-Kilter New Edgecliff's Durang(o) has some hysterical moments by Rick Pender 11-08-06

Over the Top Wayne Wright offers an uncanny performance in La Cage by Paul Kreft 11-08-06

In Good Company Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is an unusual and coherent band of players by MARK STERNER 11-01-06

Prime Numbers NKU production explores image and perception by Paul Kreft 11-01-06

Stringing Along ETC's Pearls offers 27 characters in 90 minutes by Tom McElfresh 10-25-06

Airborne Playhouse's Ace is an old-fashioned musical by Rick Pender 10-25-06

Texas Chainsaw Macbeth Cincinnati Shakespeare's production is bloody ... and bloodless by Tom McElfresh 10-25-06

Laugh a Lot Classic Monty Python routines plus Broadway parodies by Rick Pender 10-25-06

Box of Horrors Shadowbox puts on a satisfying FreakShow by Julie Mullins 10-18-06

He Says/She Says You'll 'wanna see' Know Theatre's current production by Rick Pender 10-18-06

Parallel Pain In the Continuum is extraordinary theater by Tom McElfresh 10-11-06

Motown Magic Dreamgirls revisits The Supremes with mixed results by MARK STERNER 10-11-06

Hahn Solo Violinist Hilary Hahn combines tradition and intuition in interpreting both great and obscure concertos by Brian Baker 10-11-06

One Fine Day NKU's On the Town is mostly on the money by Alan Scheidt 10-04-06

Clear Stage, Cloudy Angst This Rebel could be more impactful by Tom McElfresh 10-04-06

Not Enough ETC's concert version of Mack and Mabel has some missing parts by Rick Pender 09-20-06

Heart of Gold Showboat does a solid job with Sweet Charity by MARK STERNER 09-20-06

Splendid Shakespeare As You Like It is downright likeable by Tom McElfresh 09-13-06

New Old World Piazza's light shines bright but could use focus by Rick Pender 09-13-06

California Dreamin' Of Mice and Men continues to move audiences by Alan Scheidt 09-13-06

Apocalypse Now? Five years after 9/11, our culture contends with the 'apotheosis of the post-modern era' by Alan Scheidt 09-06-06

Classic Revival Brash spirit is missing from Jersey's Cabaret by Rick Pender 09-06-06

Now Playing Fall theater in Cincinnati features lots of tunes and some serious drama by Rick Pender 08-30-06

A Dream of a Show Cirque's Quidam blends aesthetic circus acts with acrobatics, music and theatricality by Rick Pender 08-30-06

Sounds of the Season The fall Classical music season offers a little bit of everything by Brian Baker 08-30-06

Summer Getaway The Book of Liz is an oddball play about getting out and fitting in by Rick Pender 08-16-06

Flesh and Stone Jake Heggie brings his songs for singers - and statues - to CCM by Alan Scheidt 08-16-06

Total Music CCM's Grandin Festival pushes the chamber music envelope by Alan Scheidt 08-09-06

An Era Exploding Ragtime portrays the clash of cultures and races by Rick Pender 08-09-06

Playing Roles Know's Last Sunday aims to shatter stereotypes by Rick Pender 08-09-06

Skirting the Issue Solo performer has verve for a role exploring gender identity by Rick Pender 08-02-06

'I'm Still Doing It' Inspirational Frederic Franklin helps Cincinnati Ballet celebrate Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo by Julie Mullins 07-26-06

Stuck in the Honey Ovation production smothers satirical Bees by Tom McElfresh 07-26-06

Dual Delivery Carmella Jones is at home in both hospital wards and concert halls by Anne Arenstein 07-19-06

Live from New York Dinner Theater from (and for) a golden age at NKU by Tom McElfresh 07-19-06

Cold Rice Pudding NET's Blue Room is neither refreshing nor worrisome by Tom McElfresh 07-12-06

Decade of Discovery Diversity and depth are the calling cards of nominees for the 2006 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards by Rick Pender 07-05-06

Stripped Down The Full Monty has amusing moments in a contrived story by Rick Pender 07-05-06

Plain Vanilla Godspell kicks off Jersey Productions' first season in Covington by Rick Pender 07-05-06

A Road Less Traveled Paul Kaine's venturesome career path leads him to the Cincinnati Ballet by Julie Mullins 06-28-06

Another Opening Brand-new Jersey Productions plans to draw audiences to Carnegie Center with classic musicals by Rick Pender 06-21-06

When Too Much Is Terrific Cincinnati Opera's Tosca travels familiar territory with enormous style by Tom McElfresh 06-21-06

Creative Forces Little Women is a musical with blood and guts by Rick Pender 06-21-06

All My Sons New Stage Collective explores a number of themes by Rick Pender 06-21-06

The Impresario Evans Mirageas begins his first season as Cincinnati Opera's artistic director by Anne Arenstein 06-14-06

The Plus Side of the Equation 2006 Fringe Festival scores big by Rick Pender 06-14-06

Get on the Bus Fringe Festival transports audiences from comedy to serious drama by Rick Pender 06-07-06

Reservoir of Humor Showbiz taps into the laughs and tunes of Urinetown by Rick Pender 06-07-06

Tight Squeeze One-woman show at Playhouse has good intention but mixed results by Rick Pender 05-31-06

Long and Winding Road Ann Randolph comes home to Cincinnati and the Playhouse with Squeeze Box by Rick Pender 05-24-06

Painfully Human Jack and Jill come tumbling after by Rick Pender 05-24-06

Five Days in May In its 133rd year, the May Festival celebrates Mozart, the 20th century and Cincinnati by Brian Baker 05-17-06

Building Community Mario de la Nuez synergizes Cincinnati's dance companies by Julie Mullins 05-10-06

Cynicism Personified Giles Davies brings the villainous Richard III to life by Rick Pender 05-10-06

Bearing Witness Playhouse presents an entertaining Agatha Christie mystery by Tom McElfresh 05-10-06

Bloodless Know's inaugural production at its new space needs a shot of energy by Rick Pender 05-03-06

Guide Goes Wide One-woman show gives legs to Kathy Y. Wilson's writing by Elizabeth Cobbe 05-03-06

Good Karma Know Theatre's new home in Over-the-Rhine offers a one-way street to edgy performances by Rick Pender 04-26-06

A Walk in the Woods Wayfarer's Rest is a meditation on entropy by Rick Pender 04-26-06

Movement Projections England-based Phoenix Dance Theatre's virtuoso dancers hit town for a two-night stay by Julie Mullins 04-19-06

Stone-Cold Set in a morgue, Joe McDonough's new play is about love and treachery by Rick Pender 04-12-06

Spinning Writing and acting make White Chicks an effervescent show by MARK STERNER 04-05-06

Broken World CSF's Desire is a devastating collection of shattered illusions by Rick Pender 04-05-06

Zealous Words N*W*C takes on racism via the humorous vision of three Los Angeles natives by Laura James-Leffler 03-29-06

Criminal Intent NKU production misses spontaneity by MARK STERNER 03-29-06

Feel the Movement Cincinnati Ballet's Lambarena blends classical ballet with traditional African dance by Julie Mullins 03-29-06

Where It's At Playhouse's Company is about as alive as theater can get by Rick Pender 03-22-06

Playing for Each Other Sondheim's Company is revived with an unusual new approach by Rick Pender 03-15-06

Total Experience Wicked gives audiences what they want by Rick Pender 03-15-06

Gone with Magnolias ETC presents a comedy about filmmaking that's funny from start to finish by Tom McElfresh 03-15-06

All I'm Sayin' Mamet's words ricochet in NET's American Buffalo by Rick Pender 03-08-06

The Very Model CCM's Pirates of Penzance is stuffed with talent and humor by Rick Pender 03-01-06

Shades of Black Yellowman explores prejudice with powerful script and performances by Rick Pender 02-22-06

Noble Romans Julius Caesar brings an accessible play to life by Tom McElfresh 02-22-06

Ghost Stories Moving Art offers moving dance by Julie Mullins 02-22-06

Bad Guys Win Halcyon Days plot anticipates current events by Tom McElfresh 02-15-06

Painting Clear Pictures Getting to know three men talking in a bar by Rick Pender 02-15-06

Stamp Act Actresses play well together in Les Belles-Soeurs by Tom McElfresh 02-08-06

Mothers & Daughters Kindertransport explores three generations affected by separation by MARK STERNER 02-08-06

Dive In Playhouse production cleans up on humor by Tom McElfresh 02-01-06

Whole Lotta Nothing ETC's Thom Pain will infuriate and inspire audiences by Rick Pender 02-01-06

Being and Nothingness ETC's Thom Pain tries to communicate something of worth to anyone willing to listen by Rick Pender 01-25-06

Pushing Boundaries Playhouse's 'alteractive' offers another season of outside-the-box performances by Rick Pender 01-18-06

Fearful Warfare Antony & Cleopatra needs more emotional spark by Rick Pender 01-18-06

A Trial in Purgatory Trying Judas proves to be merely trying by Tom McElfresh 01-18-06

Maestro Makes History Erich Kunzel: From China to a 'New Year's Eve in River City' by Jamie Brotherton 12-28-05

Ho, Ho, Ho, No Appraising four holiday shows, from the familiar to the sardonic by REVIEWS BY RICK PENDER 12-07-05

Heat Lightning CSF's Private Lives is a soufflé that doesn't quite rise to the occasion by Tom McElfresh 12-07-05

No Visions of Sugarplums Local theaters are shaking off the cobwebs for holiday shows by Rick Pender 11-30-05

Slapdash Travesty Great books, groaner comedy by Tom McElfresh 11-30-05

Expanding Horizons Shangri-La offers sights unseen in these parts by Rick Pender 11-23-05

Patented Pandemonium America sliced, diced and abridged at Playhouse by Tom McElfresh 11-23-05

Song and Dance The Legend of Shangri-La comes to North America for the first time -- here in Cincinnati by Rick Pender 11-16-05

Dancing Feet 42nd Street captures the breathless joy of putting on a show by Rick Pender 11-09-05

Small World CCM opera examines a warming moment in a chilly Norwegian town by Rick Pender 11-09-05

A Progressive Oasis Two feminist organizations have words and music by SUSAN SHEPARD 11-02-05

Wilderness of Tigers CSF's Titus Andronicus is a classical gore-fest by Rick Pender 11-02-05

Musical Confection Love triumphs onstage at NKU by MARK STERNER 11-02-05

Explosive Tick, Tick tells a tale of turning 30 by Julia Ward 10-26-05

Scratching the Surface Playhouse's Cat on a Hot Tin Roof fails to dig in its claws by Tom McElfresh 10-26-05

Pissing Match ETC play examines the destructive force of racism by Tom McElfresh 10-19-05

Angels in Newport Falcon Theatre takes on a challenging play from the 1990s by Rick Pender 10-12-05

Shore Leave Veteran comedian Pauly Shore hits the stand-up circuit by P.F. Wilson 10-12-05

Nothing Left to Lose Playhouse invokes the sprit and soul of Janis Joplin by Rick Pender 10-05-05

Classic Lines NKU's Earnest staged with mixed results by MARK STERNER 10-05-05

Stalwart Joan The Lark is intriguing for its history and its ideas by Rick Pender 09-28-05

Dramatic Choreography Ballet's Victoria Morgan reinterprets a Shakespearean classic by Julie Mullins 09-21-05

Classical Theater From ancient Rome -- via vaudeville -- to Grover's Corners, N.H. by REVIEWS BY RICK PENDER 09-14-05

Palpable Yearning ETC's Intimate Apparel is the story of a strong but lonely woman by Rick Pender 09-14-05

Going Above and Beyond Clinic helps ballet dancers recover from injuries and get stronger by SUSAN SHEPARD 09-07-05

A Tuneful Fall Lots of musicals onstage this fall -- plus a mix of classics and new work by Rick Pender 08-31-05

Getting In Step Salsa instructor makes it easy by Julie Mullins 08-17-05

The Art of Making Art Two theater productions mine messages from the creative process by Rick Pender 08-03-05

Lip Service Ovation's Water Children covers too much ground for a short play by Rick Pender 07-27-05

Breaking Through the Night Margaret Garner premiere grips opera audiences by Rick Pender 07-20-05

Beautiful Dreamers Dreampuffs explores war, love and sex from a woman's point of view by Rick Pender 07-20-05

Big Hit Taiko group finds a pulse at CAM by Charles Infosino 07-13-05

Bridging the Gulf Miss Daisy needs more vitality to bring it to life by Rick Pender 07-06-05

A Sense of Community Local amateur theaters come together to show off their best work this weekend by Rick Pender 06-22-05

Chestnut Well Roasted Cincinnati Opera's Bohème is fluid and lyrical by Tom McElfresh 06-22-05

Playing in Words Harris, Johnson hit the mark with Drinking Alone by MARK STERNER 06-15-05

Wow Moment Solid leads and production value drive Pimpernel by Rodger Pille 06-08-05

In Opposite Directions Playhouse's The Last Five Years a worthy addition to modern musical canon by Rodger Pille 06-01-05

Going for the Glory Locals compete for the big time at Harlem's Apollo by April L. Martin 05-18-05

Truth and Illusion CSF's Virginia Woolf exudes a powerful humanity thanks to Cromer and Warner by Rick Pender 05-11-05

No Easy Way Out Know Theatre's Good Boys explores the aftermath of a school shooting by Rick Pender 05-11-05

Heads Up Playhouse's Crowns makes hats a metaphor for pride by Rick Pender 05-04-05

Big Bamboozala CMT's Chicago gets away with murder by Rick Pender 05-04-05

Black and White ETC's Bowling is a comedy that takes topic seriously by Tom McElfresh 04-27-05

Thinking Outside the Pit CSO is reaching out to more diverse audiences by Margo Pierce 04-20-05

Gas Attack Playhouse show drops its drawers and the laughs follow by Rick Pender 04-13-05

Manic-Expressive Know Theatre premieres a farce about love in today's complicated world by Tom McElfresh 04-06-05

Bloodthirsty Tragedy Muscular reading of Macbeth misses some poetry by MARK STERNER 04-06-05

Merry War CSF's Much Ado has a winning chemistry by Rick Pender 03-30-05

Buried Emotions Playhouse's Retreat details the death of a marriage by Rick Pender 03-23-05

Big Message Big River is about tolerance and communication by Rick Pender 03-23-05

The Leading Edge Cincinnati Fringe Festival sets lineup and venues for its second year by Rick Pender 03-16-05

Quintessential Survivor ETC gives prize-winning I Am My Own Wife an astonishing, exhilarating premiere by Tom McElfresh 03-09-05

Duality Dance program explores constructs of womanhood by Julie Mullins 03-09-05

Either Sadness or Euphoria Movin' Out choreographs the heart of a generation by Rick Pender 03-02-05

Beginnings and Endings CCM stages Sondheim's infrequently offered Merrily We Roll Along by Rick Pender 03-02-05

Horror, Love and Triumph Burgess Byrd jumped at the chance to tell Margaret Garner's story by Elizabeth Cobbe 03-02-05

Naked Truth Play about Marquis de Sade pushes limits in exploration of free speech by Craig West 03-02-05

Sadness or Euphoria Movin' Out choreographs the heart of a generation by Rick Pender 02-23-05

Captivating Choreography Movin' Out will please musical theater lovers and dance fans by Julie Mullins 02-23-05

Angela Gaylor: Dreams Come True Dayton performer keeps a grip on her Midwestern roots by Rick Pender 02-23-05

Sassy, spicy maybe a bit wicked CCM prepared her to be tough and know who she is by Rick Pender 02-23-05

Seven Shows in Four Days: February 2005 Musicals, dramas and lots of entertainment by Rick Pender 02-23-05

Tilt-A-Whirl Playhouse's Leap fathoms loss by Rick Pender 02-23-05

Sound and Fury CSF's Troilus shouts, blusters and confuses by Rick Pender 02-23-05

Breaking Down Know's production steps inside a psychotic break by MARK STERNER 02-23-05

Full-Tilt Wacko Ives' zany skits are hilariously staged by NET by Tom McElfresh 02-23-05

Words and Workouts The piano man and the choreographer team up for Movin' Out by Allyson Jacob 02-16-05

Seeing With New Eyes CCM offers an erotic Midsummer Night's Dream by LAURA SAYER 02-16-05

Stand-Up Guys BET's Coming to the Stage tour features three diverse comics by P.F. Wilson 02-16-05

Overcoming Grief Falcon's engaging ensemble needs a jolt of energy for To Gillian on her 37th Birthday by MARK STERNER 02-16-05

Hope and Empathy Community theater offers a moving staging of A Lesson Before Dying by Craig West 02-16-05

Hope and Empathy Community theater offers a moving staging of A Lesson Before Dying by Craig West 02-09-05

Overcoming Grief Falcon's engaging ensemble needs a jolt of energy for To Gillian on her 37th Birthday by MARK STERNER 02-09-05

A Solid Story Ballet's Victoria Morgan reinvents the classic tale of Cinderella by Julie Mullins 02-09-05

Remember This Human Race's The Drawer Boy is a moving story about friendship and caring by Rick Pender 02-02-05

Finding Meaning Strong cast, fine script make ETC production a sight to behold by Tom McElfresh 02-02-05

Try This One On Playhouse's Bad Dates is amusing, if not entirely convincing by Rick Pender 02-02-05

Second Chances Premieres are exciting, but Cincinnati theaters also give plays important follow-up productions by Rick Pender 01-26-05

InterCityBeat: Indianapolis Warm Winter Nights by REVIEWED BY TOM MCELFRESH 01-26-05

Try This One On Playhouse's Bad Dates is amusing, if not entirely convincing by Rick Pender 01-26-05

Finding Meaning Strong cast, fine script make ETC production a sight to behold by Tom McElfresh 01-26-05

Too Tightly Wound Woody Allen's trademarked roots are showing by MARK STERNER 01-26-05

No Canadian Contempt Arrogant Worms export their unique brand of humor by P.F. Wilson 01-26-05

Child Labor Oliver! runs on the energy of kids' performances by Rick Pender 01-19-05

Twilight Star Mariemont Players recreates the career of a memorable Victorian actress by MARK STERNER 01-19-05

Leap of Faith Late Nite jogs memories of Catholic school by Rick Pender 01-19-05

Killing Time Know Theatre's stunning Streamers is a timeless drama of power, conflict and misunderstanding by Rick Pender 01-12-05

Child Labor Oliver! runs on the energy of kids' performances by Rick Pender 01-12-05

Leap of Faith Late Nite Catechism jogs memories of Catholic school by Rick Pender 01-12-05

Shouts Without Echoes CSF's Henry V has plenty of intelligence but not enough complexity by Tom McElfresh 01-12-05

Evocative & Provocative Theaters got under our skin during 2004 by Rick Pender 12-29-04

Knowing Better Theatre Tribe starts 2005 with a new tactic and a 1976 show about men in a war zone by Rick Pender 12-29-04

Three Sisters, Mississippi-style Dayton production features recent CEA winner by Rick Pender 12-15-04

More than a canned treat: A Tuna Christmas Holiday comedy is packed with funny characters by Rick Pender 12-08-04

From Soap to Nuts Comic Josh Sneed was once a Cincy computer geek by P.F. Wilson 12-08-04

Lots of Victims Miss Saigon could sound better by Rick Pender 12-01-04

A Funny Thing Happened After College Is she the Tony Soprano of comedy? by P.F. Wilson 12-01-04

Lots of victims Miss Saigon could sound better by Rick Pender 11-24-04

Serious Humor Plaid Tidings is a winner for the holidays by Rick Pender 11-17-04

Cincinnati Ballet mixes it up Seeking Velocity and Just You and Me round out the program featuring Carmen by Julie Mullins 11-17-04

Cincinnati Ballet in top form with Carmen Danced version of opera classic offers fresh insights by Tom McElfresh 11-10-04

Still Elements Moving Art Dance Company's Still Elements stirs the atmosphere by Julie Mullins 11-10-04

InterCityBeat: Indy Sparkling Crowns 11-10-04

Bold Moves Cincinnati Ballet brings Carmen to passionate life by Julie Mullins 11-10-04

Grow Up Musical about innocence and maturity has charm, but doesn't quite work by Rick Pender 11-10-04

Deja Vu All Over Again Miller's Crucible is ferocious and relevant by Tom McElfresh 10-27-04

Painful Humanity Miller classic All My Sons is powerful and unsettling by Rick Pender 10-27-04

The Real Deal LuPone is the genuine Broadway article by Rick Pender 10-27-04

The Real Deal Patti LuPone brings a genuine Broadway performance to the Aronoff by Rick Pender 10-20-04

Painful Humanity Miller classic All My Sons is powerful and unsettling by Rick Pender 10-20-04

Deja Vu All Over Again Miller's Crucible is ferocious, relevant by Tom McElfresh 10-20-04

Spooky Stories ETC gives technical polish to a hodge-podge of tales by Tom McElfresh 10-20-04

If Ever a Wiz There Was Human Race's WAS wasn't much by Tom McElfresh 10-20-04

Spooky Stories ETC gives technical polish to a hodge-podge of tales by Tom McElfresh 10-13-04

InterCityBeat: Indy Fall Seasons Spring Open by Tom McElfresh 10-06-04

Politics and Art A Picasso offers great storytelling to explore expression and responsibility by Tom McElfresh 10-06-04

Song and Dance NKU revives a musical with a past by Paul Kreft 10-06-04

Battered and Vengeful Ovation demonstrates how Misery loves company by Rodger Pille 10-06-04

Jazzed Chicago keeps pulses throbbing by Rick Pender 09-29-04

On the Other Hand New Playhouse series focuses on local issues by Colleen Lockwood 09-29-04

Envelope, Please? 2004 theater awards highlight excellence in local productions and performances by Rick Pender 09-22-04

The Need to Dream Community theater makes Of Mice and Men worth seeing by Rodger Pille 09-22-04

Demanding Oratorio Laramie Project production lacks precision and pacing by Tom McElfresh 09-22-04

Hearing the Song ETC's The Exonerated portrays six people with indomitable spirits by Rick Pender 09-15-04

Relish This Playhouse's Twelfth Night is a feast by Rick Pender 09-15-04

Rocket Fuel CSF's Love's Labour's Lost is kick-ass funny by Tom McElfresh 09-15-04

Predatory Perversion New Edgecliff's Power Failure offers deep performances by Tom McElfresh 09-15-04

Rocket Fuel CSF's Love's Labour's Lost is kickass funny by Tom McElfresh 09-08-04

Predatory Perversion New Edgecliff's Power Failure offers deep performances by Tom McElfresh 09-08-04

Curtain Up Local theater season kicks off with five noteworthy productions by Rick Pender 09-08-04

Hearing the song ETC's The Exonerated portrays six people with indomitable spirits by Rick Pender 09-08-04

Relish This Playhouse's Twelfth Night is a feast by Rick Pender 09-08-04

Man in Trouble Bill Irwin will be clowning around at Miami University by Rick Pender 08-25-04

Getting Hooked CSF's Young Company is ready for a new season of theatrical challenge by Rick Pender 08-18-04

Oddball Orbits Know Theatre's Wonder suggests that things don't get clearer by Rick Pender 08-11-04

Reaching Out Jefferson James has put modern dance in front of audiences for three decades by Julie Mullins 08-04-04

Summer Froth Actresses advance "supreme nonsense" to a high art form in Fallen Angels by Rick Pender 08-04-04

Glowing Fun, sweaty workouts from the Ballet are full of joy, too by Julie Mullins 07-28-04

No Spit, No Shine Malfitano's Carmen remains in thrall by Tom McElfresh 07-21-04

Relentless WTI's Ironmistress is a lot to absorb in 60 minutes by Paul Kreft 07-21-04

Extended Engagement The continuing relevance of women's arts groups by Stephanie Dunlap 07-14-04

Scoreless, yet superb Young cast of agile and gifted singers lifts Don Giovanni by Anne Arenstein 07-14-04

Lip Service Jeff Dunham keeps an old art alive and funny by P.F. Wilson 07-14-04

Muddy Atlantis, Manic Maids Cincinnati Opera presents double bill at Music Hall by Tom McElfresh 06-23-04

A Premiere Season ETC will stage a 2004 Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner, I Am My Own Wife by Rick Pender 06-23-04

Sassy Send-Ups Forbidden Broadway skewers shows and personalities by Rick Pender 06-23-04

Big Shows Cincinnati Opera's season offers the familiar and the unfamiliar -- and audiences are eating it up by Anne Arenstein 06-16-04

You're in the Army now Cincinnati Opera's Daughter of the Regiment marches down the road to entertainment by Rick Pender 06-16-04

Asked and Answered Another American is full of stories that need to be told by Rick Pender 06-16-04

InterCityBeat: Indy Pulitzer Prize Gimmick by Tom McElfresh 06-09-04

Power Surge Sing Hallelujah! is all about emotional investment -- and great voices by Rick Pender 05-26-04

A Really Big Show The May Festival is back for its 131st appearance by Rick Pender 05-19-04

Pick of the Fringe 2004 Festival is succeeding, building toward 2005 by Rick Pender 05-19-04

On the Verge Inaugural Fringe Fest offers something for everyone on the cutting edge by Rick Pender 05-12-04

Cincinnati Fringe Festival Reviews of all that the Fringe has to offer by CityBeat Staff 05-12-04

Cincinnati Fringe Festival Calendar Here's a complete listing of artists showcased during the first-ever Cincinnati Fringe Festival, performers who are changing the climate of a community and a nation. For more information and schedule and ticket details, go to www.cincyfringe.com 05-12-04

Typing Lessons Know Theatre premieres new play by Kevin Barry by Tom McElfresh 05-12-04

Cincinnati Fringe Festival Reviews of all that the Fringe has to offer by CityBeat Staff 05-12-04

'Roberts' Needs a Star Story ranges from tedium to apathy and back again by Tom McElfresh 05-05-04

Imagine That ETC successfully throws Stones into a frenzy by Tom McElfresh 05-05-04

Fussy & False The Yellow Boat founders by Tom McElfresh 04-28-04

Long Live the King CSF's anniversary production, Wars of the Roses, soldiers on ... and on by Rick Pender 04-21-04

Sweet Lunacy CCM ensemble brings a set of sisters to vivid life by Rick Pender 04-21-04

InterCityBeat: Indianapolis Lively & Provocative by Tom McElfresh 04-21-04

Curly & Surly Oklahoma! retains its charm in touring production by Rick Pender 04-21-04

Crafty Dreamers Louisville theater festival features inventive talent that's young and female by Rick Pender 04-07-04

Humana Treatment Mini Reviews of plays at the 2004 Humana Festival of New American Plays at the Actors Theatre of Louisville by Rick Pender 04-07-04

Sound and Fury Playhouse debuts new play about violence and family ties by Tom McElfresh 03-31-04

Black Theatre Festival One-Womaning by Tom McElfresh 03-31-04

All Over the Map Rarely produced Pericles yields an uneven tragicomedy at CSF by Rick Pender 03-31-04

Belly Up Arabic dance and music festival is in its 11th year by Christine Mersch 03-31-04

Political Deception Know Theatre's Lips won't get elected by Tom McElfresh 03-24-04

Shelves of Sorrow ETC's Lockerbie provides powerful message about hatred and love by Rick Pender 03-24-04

Ideas of Freedom Ballet's annual Come Together Festival features top choreographers by Christine Mersch 03-17-04

True Blue Playhouse offers a glimpse inside a real family and the music of their lives by Rick Pender 03-10-04

Staying Put Despite challenges, ETC remains committed to Over-the-Rhine for another season by Rick Pender 03-10-04

Work in Progress CCM's Lala stages three dances exploring how love shifts with life's demands by Julie Mullins 03-10-04

Larger than Life Dame Edna talks a bit too much by Rick Pender 03-10-04

Entertaining Extravaganza CCM's Edwin Drood lets the audience decide the outcome by Rick Pender 03-03-04

Revenge Tragedy Verdi classic presented by Dayton Opera by Kate Brauer-Bell 03-03-04

Going for Barocco Ballets Trockadero interprets classical ballet with comedy and male talent by Rick Pender 02-25-04

Stark Raving Sane Hamlet's buddies tell their own story at CSF by Rick Pender 02-25-04

Glancing Blow Breath, Boom uses lyrical violence to make points by Rick Pender 02-25-04

The Best and Worst CSF's 2004-2005 season will show mankind in extreme positions by Rick Pender 02-25-04

Beautiful "Sister" shows the path to humor in Late Nite Catechism by Rick Pender 02-18-04

Dreams and Passions Director and cast of Breath, Boom are working to keep up with playwright Corthron by Rick Pender 02-18-04

Askew Dry humor, sensitive direction make Drawer Boy a production to remember by Rick Pender 02-18-04

Sweet and Neat Byrd returns to Woodard's touching childhood stories by Tom McElfresh 02-18-04

Stand Up ETC offers an inspiring lesson about living & dying by Rick Pender 02-04-04

Tangled Complexity Fugard play shows evils of apartheid and the dangers of impatience with change by Tom McElfresh 02-04-04

Giving Back Ensemble Theatre actress practices and preaches an important lesson by Rick Pender 01-28-04

Stringing Along Cellist Eric Kim is a regular guy with great taste by James Knippling 01-28-04

Channel Surfing Full Monty could use some naked emotions by Rick Pender 01-28-04

Fresh, Galvanizing Hamlet erupts at CSF by Tom McElfresh 01-21-04

No Hitter Playhouse premiere about baseball and Cincinnati fails to engage by Rick Pender 01-21-04

Theatrical Candy Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, Pirates of Penzance, is a perfect work for the Dayton Opera by Kate Brauer-Bell 01-21-04

Flip Sides Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern offer tragic and comic takes on human existence by Rick Pender 01-14-04

Another Venue CSO's Järvi's Linton Series concert debut will be music in a more intimate space by Rick Pender 01-14-04

Mixing and Matching Telling the story is what the Playhouse's edgy alteractive series is all about by Rick Pender 01-07-04

Plastic, Not Fantastic The Graduate lacks subtlety and texture by Rick Pender 12-24-03

Plastic The Graduate lacks subtlety and texture by Rick Pender 12-17-03

Holiday Humor Santaland entertains, but Greetings is a downer by Rick Pender 12-17-03

Abundant Spirit Black Nativity is an uneven but energetic show by Rick Pender 12-17-03

From Both Sides Now Dancer and choreographer Diane Germaine celebrates beauty and its loss by Kathy Valin 12-10-03