…BLINK AND YOU’LL MISS

AZIZ ANSARI: BURIED ALIVE TOUR

Cincinnati Arts Association

The Story: Ansari has quickly established his presence in the comedy world. He is currently starring in a popular television series, is developing a number of films and will soon debut his second hour-long standup special.
The Dates: June 9, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Arts Association

HONK!

Acting Up

The Story: HONK! is the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbors. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms.
The Dates: June 8-10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Acting Up | BTC page |

…NEW THIS WEEK

ALICE IN WONDERLAND

Kincaid Regional Theatre

The Story: Who could ever forget the adventures of Alice and the most unusual characters she meets, after falling down a rabbit hole! The Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat and the White Rabbit make his charming story one you won’t want to miss!
The Dates: June 9-16, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Kincaid Regional Theatre | BTC page |

Travis McElroy, Nick Rose & Billy Chace in CSC's THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED). Photo by Jeanna Vella.

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED)

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: Three actors on a mission: to bring the entirety of Shakespeare’s canon to the stage in a single evening of theatre. Audiences will follow along as they careen wildly through all the comedies, histories and tragedies using a trunkful of props, wigs, and ridiculous costumes. Full of clever quips as well as silly slapstick, the script’s affectionate and irreverent treatment of Shakespeare’s plays has made it one of the most popular shows in America and England.
The Dates: June 8-30, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC page |

Disney’s MY SON PINOCCHIO: Geppetto’s Musical Tale

East Side Players

The Story: The classic tale of an aging toymaker and his puppet, Pinocchio, takes on timely issues in Disney’s MY SON PINOCCHIO. Grammy Award-winner and master melodist Stephen Schwartz adds a compelling score of original songs to the beloved classics “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings.”
The Dates: June 7-16, 2012
Tickets and More Information: East Side Players | BTC page |

FUDDY MEERS

Artists’ Enterprise Covington

The Story: A poignant and brutal comedy that traces one woman’s attempt to regain her memory while surrounded by a curio-cabinet of alarmingly bizarre characters.
The Dates: June 8-16, 2012
Tickets and More Information: BTC page |

PLAZA SUITE

Commonwealth Theatre Company

The Story: In one of Neil Simon’s most popular comedies, hilarity ensues as we glimpse into the relationships of three couples who occupy the same suite at the Plaza Hotel. There is a suburban couple who find themselves in the same suite where they honeymooned 23 years earlier. Next is a Hollywood producer who, after three marriages, is looking for an encounter. And, finally, a mother and father struggling to get their bride-to-be daughter out of the locked bathroom.
The Dates: June 6-24, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Commonwealth Theatre Company | BTC page |

…CONTINUING

The cast of THE SECOND CITY 2: LESS PRIDE...MORE PORK. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

THE SECOND CITY: LESS PRIDE MORE PORK

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: The world’s premier comedy company will again set its razor-sharp sights on Cincinnati. What’s left to skewer? The Second City was in town long enough to know they haven’t come close to exhausting the material. Not to mention, between now and opening night, entire sports seasons will come and go, politicians will star on reality shows and streetcars may (or may not) be on track. The future holds nothing but promise for comedy at our expense.
The Dates: April 29-July 1, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

THE WHISTLER

The Story: THE WHISTLER takes place in 1965 in an unnamed Southern city where the neighbors enjoy running pickaninnies off the road. With the Andy Griffith Show in its fifth season, professional whistler Henry has a steady royalty income though he hasn’t worked in years. His wife wants to move to New York to further her career as a page-turner; his 14-year old son wants to undermine the military-industrial complex, and for his parents to stop quarreling. Enter an edgy washed-up trumpet player who is drawn by Henry’s talent but reluctant to show himself; he’s been burned by white men too many times before. But he may be the one person whose heart is as pure and terrible as Henry’s own.
The Dates: May 24-June 10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: BTC listing

…ENDING THIS WEEK

The cast of AVENUE Q.

AVENUE Q

Showbiz Players

The Story: A laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the internet sexpert), Lucy the Slut (need we say more?), and other colorful types who help Princeton finally discover his purpose in life!
The Dates: June 1-10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Showbiz Players | BTC page |

CINCINNATI FRINGE FESTIVAL 2012

Cincinnati Fringe Festival

The Story: During the festival local, regional, national and international artists invade downtown Cincinnati for 12 days of artistic celebration in both traditional and non-traditional spaces. These artists represent a variety of media including theatre, dance, music, poetry, visual art, film and beyond.
The Dates: May 30-June 9, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Fringe Festival | BTC page |

YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN

Falcon Theatre

The Story: An average day in the life of the famous comic strip child hero, Charlie Brown. The audience is introduced to the whole Peanuts gang: Patty, Shroeder, Lucy and Snoopy. All of the characters share their observations, largely negative, of Charlie Brown. As the play progresses, the relationships of the Peanuts characters to one another are further expanded. Lucy is infatuated with Schroeder and takes great pleasure in tormenting Charlie Brown. Linus loves his blanket. Snoopy lives in his rich imagination. Charlie Brown is in love with a mysterious little, redheaded girl.
The Dates: June 1-9, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Falcon Theatre | BTC page |