…BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS

Jeff Nieman as Jack, Pat Germano as Norman, Tim Rogers as Barry, Ron Mason as Lucien & Eric Day as Arnold.

THE BOYS NEXT DOOR

Brieabi Productions

The Story: THE BOYS NEXT DOOR deals with four mentally disabled men who live in a group home. It takes place over roughly a two month period of time and consists of brief vignettes about their lives. Though the play is quite humorous in its non-mocking way of dealing with the handicapped men in real situations, the play takes a surprising turn as Barry’s one-armed father comes to visit, and Jack (their caretaker) accepts a new job.
The Dates: Aug. 23-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Brieabi Productions | BTC page |

THE TEMPEST

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: The rightful Duke of Milan, Prospero, has been stuck on an island for twelve years with his daughter, Miranda, because he was overthrown by his brother, Antonio, and the King of Naples, Alonso. Gonzalo, counselor to the King, sends them provisions in secret. Prospero is a magician, and he has the spirit Ariel as a servant as thanks for saving her. Also on the island is a deformed slave, Caliban, who at first was raised by Prospero until he tried to rape Miranda. When Prospero discovers that Antonio is on a ship nearby, he starts up a storm to cause the ship to sink. Antonio, Alonso, Gonzalo, and Alonso’s two brothers, Sebastian and Ferdinand, are stuck on the island, and Prospero starts to separate them. Caliban allies himself with Stephano and Trinculo, servants of Alonso, in an attempt to overthrow Prospero. Prospero gets Ferdinand and Miranda to fall in love, but he keeps Ferdinand as a servant to make their courting more difficult. Antonio and Sebastian plot to kill Alonso, but Ariel appears as a harpy to thwart them.
The Dates: Aug. 24-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC page |

TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS

The Whodunit? Players

The Story: Tonight is the finals of the Harmon E. Sellers Opera Star Competition. Since all of the finalists happen to work at Maggiano’s, the organizers have decided to hold the finals at the restaurant. Tonight’s winner will appear in the chorus of an upcoming opera production. The judging panel is led by world-famous opera star Lotta D. Von Noyes, who is famous for activities other than her singing. A lotta people don’t like Lotta and many of them are here tonight. But who has the most reason to want Lotta out of the way?
The Dates: Aug. 26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Whodunit? Players | BTC page |

…CONTINUING THIS WEEK

Jon Kovach as Ben.

NOTHING

Unity Productions

The Story: Inspired by a true story, NOTHING is a multi-media play about Ben, a young man with autism who is struggling through the social grind that is high school. He retreats to a world of technology (MP3, video cameras, online gaming) in order to escape the tragic reality of constant bullying. When Ben meets Barbie in a divine online connection, he builds up the courage to venture out of his comfort zone and visit her in the flesh. This overwhelming escapade leads Ben into a dangerous situation, putting his own life at risk.
The Dates: Aug. 17-Sept. 2, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Unity Productions | BTC page | BTC Review |

…CLOSING THIS WEEK

Mike Sherman as Don & Michael Schlotterbeck as Michael.

ROUNDING THIRD

The Showboat Majestic

The Story: ROUNDING THIRD introduces us to two coaches — one a veteran, the other a new recruit — and their markedly different personal circumstances and philosophies about the game. Their clash of styles and wills drives this funny, acerbic and touching play through the bumpy terrain of fatherhood and baseball.
The Dates: Aug. 8-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Showboat Majestic | BTC page |

The Muses of XANADU

XANADU

The Carnegie

The Story: Beautiful Greek muse Kira has journeyed from Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California in a quest to inspire struggling chalk artist Sonny to create the most resplendent work of art the world has ever known… the roller disco! But can Sonny capture the imagination of a jaded landlord to save his disco from the wrecking ball, and will Kira’s jealous muse sisters destroy Sonny and Kira’s forbidden love?
The Dates: Aug. 11-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: The Carnegie | BTC page |