What a Gem We Have in Cincinnati!

I can’t help gushing about one of our wonderful CETconnect.org Partners for a moment. Last evening, I attended CCM’s production of Hair at the Corbett Auditorium. From the moment we sat down and began thumbing through our programs to the final song, “Let the Sunshine In,” I was deeply moved in my seat. And we had great seats. While you wait there is an overwhelmingly affecting slideshow of photographs from the turmoil, unrest, and youth culture revolution going on in the 1960’s on the screen. If you are an avid news consumer, you can’t help but draw comparisons to the political climate we find ourselves in today. I don’t want to be a spoiler, but there are photos of Lennon and Ono, Jerry Garcia, Richard Nixon, a burning Buddhist monk on a city street, and several other striking photographs; powerful, though silent, symbols of an era that is still a much talked about period of American history. The slideshow was the perfect way to get audiences in the realm of thinking about this time period, which was the perfect introduction to the characters we were about to meet.

The breadth of talent on the stage is incredible. That is why I am writing this short entry – just to encourage all of you to get over to CCM and see a production, because I highly doubt you will be disappointed. From the set design, to the lighting, music, and costumes, all of it has the sheen of a premiere theatrical production. And the talent. That’s the real crux of going to see a performance at CCM. Last evening I was blown away by the voices of the actors, the commitment to their roles, and the flawlessness of the blocking and feel of the show. There was not an awkward moment, I thought, during Hair that would remind me I am watching CCM students in performance. The whole show, to me, was a real story occurring before my eyes. The musical performances must be partially the reason – their voices blend perfectly together or reach amazing heights during the solos, giving the auditorium a tangible electricity.

I realize you have other options in Cincinnati to see musical theatre or drama, but the truth is there is so much excitement in watching the next Broadway, film, or theatre stars perform as though their lives depended on it. Kudos to CCM, the actors, performers, the rock band/musicians, the stage crew of Hair, and Aubrey Berg, CCM’s Musical Theatre Chair. It just so happens to be the 40th anniversary of Hair AND the 40th Anniversary of CCM Musical Theatre. Hair runs through this Saturday at CCM.

I cannot wait for the next performance I am able to see at CCM!
-Amanda

History Detectives Names New Host

Calling all History Detectives fans...

A new host will be joining the popular PBS history series next season. PBS tells us that Dr. Eduardo Pagan, who some of you may have seen as a guest on several cases this past summer, will be joining Wes Cowan and crew full time in season 8 ( kicking off late spring/early summer 2010).

Apparently, Pagan is a historian, History Detectives fan and a professor at Arizona State University. Did anyone see him on the show this summer? If so, what were your thoughts?

Also, be sure to submit your stories to PBS and the History Detectives crew now while they are looking for cases for next summer. You may just end up being selected for the show! Last summer, two cases had Cincinnati ties... one of which you can learn more about here.

Top 5 Videos on CETconnect

Here are the top five most viewed videos for last week on CETconnect.org:
1) MUSE presents Hope Sings Eternal: The Women Gather (Arts & Culture)
2) CCM Drama presents: “You Can’t Take It With You” (Arts & Culture)
3) CET Express - Lorna Luft, Star of ''Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical'' (Around Our Communities)
4) The New Metropolis: ''A Crack in the Pavement'' (Around Our Communities)
5) The New Metropolis: “A Crack in the Pavement” - A Local Follow-Up Conversation (Around Our Communities)
-Amanda

Top 5 Videos on CETconnect

Here are the top five, most viewed videos of the past week on CETconnect.org:
1) Publisher’s Beat 10/2/09 - Ron Keating, Contech Construction (Current Affairs)
2) MUSE presents Hope Sings Eternal: The Women Gather (Arts & Culture)
3) CCM Drama presents: “You Can’t Take It With You” (Arts & Culture)
4) Riding History to the Limits - The Concept (http://www.cetconnect.org/KingsIsland/videos.aspx)
5) Riding History to the Limits - Rivertown (http://www.cetconnect.org/KingsIsland/videos.aspx)
-Amanda

Top 5 videos on CETconnect

Here are the top five, most viewed videos of the past week on CETconnect.org:
1) CCM Drama presents: “You Can’t Take It With You” (Arts & Culture)
2) Living Among the Orangutans (History & Science)
3) Dr. Will Handwashing (Kids & Families)
4) Fifth Third Business Beat 10/23/09 (Current Affairs)
5) Riding History to the Limits - The Concept (http://www.cetconnect.org/KingsIsland/videos.aspx)
-Amanda

Top 5 Videos on CETconnect

Here are the top five, most viewed videos of the past week on CETconnect.org:
1) Dr. Will Handwashing (Kids & Families)
2) CCM Drama presents: “You Can’t Take It With You” (Arts & Culture)
3) Foreclosure Prevention Phone-A-Thon - October 2009 (http://www.cincymortgagecrisis.org/feedback/?cat=1)
4) Riding History to the Limits - The Concept (http://www.cetconnect.org/KingsIsland/videos.aspx)
5) City Council Candidates ’09 - Amy Murray (http://www.cetconnect.org/Election2009/City_Council_Videos.aspx)
-Amanda

Top 5 Videos on CETconnect

Here are the top five, most viewed videos of the past week on CETconnect.org:
1) Riding History to the Limits - The Concept (http://www.cetconnect.org/kingsisland/)
2) Dr. Will Handwashing (Kids & Families)
3) Riding History to the Limits - Breaking Ground (http://www.cetconnect.org/KingsIsland/)
4) Riding History to the Limits - Rivertown (http://www.cetconnect.org/KingsIsland/)
5) Riding History to the Limits - Coney Mall (http://www.cetconnect.org/kingsisland/)
-Amanda