Williams fits perfectly with Pops by CHRIS VARIAS

As a staple of easy-listening FM radio, Vanessa Williams' "Save the Best for Last" might be the soundtrack to an elevator ride, or a wait in line at the bank.

Pops stand-ins provide wicked fun By Janelle Gelfand

When dazzling Broadway diva Kristin Chenoweth became ill and canceled her appearance with the Cincinnati Pops on Wednesday, the orchestra had barely two days to find a replacement.
They found two, Megan Hilty and Julia Murney - two big talents with big voices to match.

Emma is blown away in Sunday wind storm by Jackie Demaline

The cast of "Emma" got a standing ovation for walking onstage with flashlights Sunday afternoon for a "concert" version of the Jane Austen-inspired musical that is the Marx Theatre opener.

Kristin Chenoweth cancels Pops performances By Janelle Gelfand

Megan Hilty and Julia Murney, who have played the signature roles of Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, in the Broadway hit musical will step in to sing "Wicked Divas," a program of Broadway …

'Emma' needs more Austen By Jackie Demaline

And all that dance by JACKIE DEMALINE

Choreographer molds the moves of merry murderesses in 'Chicago'

'Marry Me' sneaks peek at 'Man' and 'Woman' By Jackie Demaline

Stafford Arima, who steered popular Playhouse in the Park musicals "Ace" and "Altar Boyz" (which he directed in its Off-Broadway debut) returns to town to sample Stephen Sondheim in the two-…

Holbrook insists his 'Twain' be relevant By Paul Clark

Erich Kunzel dies at 74 By Janelle Gelfand

Erich Kunzel, 74, Cincinnati's music man for more than 44 years, has died.

He's perfecting 'I Love You' By Jackie Demaline

'White Christmas' role is dreamy By Jackie Demaline

"Irving Berlin's White Christmas" has become a holiday tradition for Kerry O'Malley, who's in her fifth year of playing Betty Haynes in the movie-to-stage musical.

'Company' better on Broadway BY JACKIE DEMALINE

Playhouse announces 2014-15 season

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is announcing a 2014-15 season filled with comedy and music, and looking to attract a culturally diverse, multigenerational audience.

Review: 'Irish Curse' brings great joy for such a small problem

You've got to love The Clifton Players and its partner group Untethered Theater. And it's not just because of The Clifton Players' new show called 'The Irish Curse,' about a support group fo…

Shakespeare's 21st has Gatsby, Godot

This season, its 20th anniversary year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is 'completing the canon' by producing all 38 of William Shakespeare's plays.

'Irish Curse' brings great joy for such a small problem

You've got to love the Clifton Players and its partner group Untethered Theater. And it's not just because of the show called 'The Irish Curse,' about a support group for Irish-American men …

Review: CCM's 'Les Mis' best when it slows

'Les Misérables' is one of those wonderfully sprawling stories that 19th century literature seemed to embrace so passionately.

'Niño' musical promises emotion

It was 18 months in preparation, calls for huge forces and features the unusual sounds of countertenors and cowbells.

On stage now

New this week Almost Maine, 2 p.m. Sunday, Brookwood Retirement Community, 12100 Reed Hartman Highway, Sycamore Township. Play by John Cariani comprised of nine complete tales.

Review: This 'Evita' lacks sizzle

'Evita,' the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical version of Argentine first lady Eva Perón's life, has been bouncing around in one form or another since it debuted in London in 1978.

Review: In a silly opera, several stars shine brightly at CCM

CCM's Studio Opera production assembled a cast that was musically gifted and also able to navigate a wacky world with fine comic timing in 'L'Etoile' ('The Star').

Review: 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern' too lively

For most of us, the words spoken in the final moments of 'Hamlet' are almost a throwaway: 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead,' says a character known only as the first ambassador.

Ex-soap opera star graces stage

Rosemary Prinz was a hot, young daytime soap star in the early days of the genre, when a half-hour show was performed live and broadcast immediately in the Eastern and Central time zones.

Levine will resume full schedule next season

Cincinnati native James Levine will resume a full schedule of six productions at the Metropolitan Opera next season, conducting on opening night for the first time since 2010 following his r…

Review: Feel the power, passion of 'Camelot'

Something intriguing has happened to ballet during the past 10 to 15 years.

Guest conductor fell in love with city, singers

Craig Hella Johnson will lead Rachmaninoff's Vespers in his first concert as the professional choral group's director this weekend in Northside and Covington.

Did King Arthur actually exist?

While artistic director/CEO Victoria Morgan's version of the King Arthur legend is completely new, right down to the sumptuous commissioned score by John Estacio, the story itself — or var…

Disney classic roars back in Broadway season

Broadway in Cincinnati has announced its 2014-15 season.

King Arthur inspires ballet

Victoria Morgan turned to the tale of King Arthur, the legendary ruler of late 5th century Britain, to highlight Cincinnati Ballet's 50th anniversary season.

Review: CCM's 'Metamorphoses' admirable, enchanting

Playwrights love to recycle stories. Shakespeare did it. George Bernard Shaw did it. It's not just a thing of the past, either. Today's Broadway theaters are packed with revivals and spinoff…

Love is in the arts; just ask these couples

Maybe there's something in the water at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Or perhaps, as Shakespeare wrote, they're consumed by 'a madness most discreet.'