By 1812Blockhouse
Have you ever wondered just where Santa Claus came from?
L. Frank Baum knew. The same man who created The Wonderful Wizard of Oz lets us in on his secret: the story of Saint Nicholas as told to him by Necile, the nymph who found Claus and raised him as her own in the world of Knooks, Faeries, Ryls and, yes, even the dreaded Awgwas.
Now you can know as well, as The Mansfied Playhouse presents “The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” beginning this weekend.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is a 1902 children’s book written by L. Frank Baum and illustrated by Mary Cowles Clark.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
One of the most popular shows ever produced at the Renaissance Theatre, Sister Act: The Musical, returns for a special holiday encore production this November and December as part of the Park National Bank Broadway Series.
The company, once again led by the powerhouse Condrea Webber, is directed by Renaissance Artistic Director, Michael Thomas, with Kelly Knowlton, once again taking up the baton as musical director.
All new choreography has been created by former Miss Ohio, Caroline Grace Williams, along with spectacular new costumes, sets, and lights by costume designer Linda Turske, set designer Jason Kaufman, and lighting and sound designer Aaron Nicolas. Sister Act: The Musical is a perfect, uproarious way for your entire family to kick off the holiday season.
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By 1812Blockhouse
Through our “Literary Mansfield” series, we take occasional looks at the lives and careers of those who have called Mansfield home at some point in their lives, and who have become known locally, regionally, or even nationally as authorst, poets, lyricisits, playwrights, or in other literary fields. Other posts in the series can be found here.
Today’s subject is one of those with a national reputation as well as being a native Mansfielder. And, if you have ever heard and enjoyed songs like “Put On a Happy Face” or “Applause,” you are in his debt.
Lee Adams was born in 1924 and grew up locally, graduating from Mansfield Senior before going on to The Ohio State University and Columbia University. More…
Featured, Literary Mansfield, Mansfield Senior High School, Plays and Musicals
Special to 1812Blockhouse
The Mansfield Youth Theatre (“MY Theatre”) will present Seussical, Jr. on the stage of the Renaissance Theatre September 9, 10, and 11 as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Performances will take place at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday. Dauphne Maloney directs the show with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors. Tickets are $15, general admission, and are on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone, and online at rentickets.org.
A free sensory-friendly performance of Seussical, Jr. will be offered Saturday, September 10 at 1 PM for families of individuals with special needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Box Office at (419) 522-2726. A limited number of tickets is available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated.
More…Family Fun, Mansfield Youth Theatre, Plays and Musicals, Renaissance Theatre
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Meredith Willson’s The Music Man has become such a staple of popular culture that a visit to River City, Iowa is like spending time with an old friend.
Boasting such memorable songs as 76 Trombones, Till There Was You, The Wells Fargo Wagon and Trouble!, the show about a traveling salesman who tries to bamboozle naïve Iowans into forming a boy’s band, has been performed continuously since its premiere on Broadway in 1957. Why has it remained so popular? Critics and audiences agree that the expertly structured story, the unforgettable melodies, and hilarious and heartfelt characters combine to make an almost perfect musical comedy. The story and score are so strong, that they allow each generation to offer its own take on the material, to hear these songs and dialogue with a modern voice.
This was the challenge for the Music Man’s creative team at the Renaissance Theatre as they plan for their upcoming production, which opens Saturday, July 30 at 8PM and continues Sunday, July 31 at 2:30PM, Saturday August 6 at 8PM and Sunday, August 7 at 2:30PM.
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NOTE: In a tweet on Monday afternoon, the Renaissance Theatre stated that there are fewer than 150 tickets remain! Reserve your seat today.
Special to 1812Blockhouse
Once, the internationally acclaimed Oscar and Tony-winning musical, is coming to the Renaissance’s Theatre 166 for six performances only, April 22 through May 1.
When compared to other shows in the current repertoire, Once stands alone as a completely unique and original musical theatre production. Its central story – simple, hilarious, heartbreaking yet ultimately empowering and optimistic – tells of a street busker, known only as Guy, who meets a young Czech immigrant, (Girl) on the streets of Dublin. Though both are dealing with their own heartache and emotional brokenness, they discover the healing power of music. The unforgettable score was written by Irish folk rock legend, Glen Hansard, who went on to win the Oscar for best song for the poignant, Falling Slowly, from the 2007 film version of Once.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
It was a night full of excitement and anticipation earlier this week as the Renaissance Theatre held its annual Season Preview Announcement Party to reveal their upcoming season, including Broadway shows, country music, tribute bands, comedians, educational programming, family entertainment and more.
Renaissance Theatre Chairman of the Board, Rand Smith, and President Chelsie Thompson kicked off the night by reminiscing over the past few years and speaking of the bright future for the arts in Mansfield.
With over 400 people in attendance and thousands watching online, it’s clear there is plenty to be excited for in the upcoming season. Here’s what patrons can look forward to in the 2022-2023 season:
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Special to 1812Blockhouse
On April 12 at 7:00 PM, the Renaissance Theatre will host its free annual Season Preview Announcement Party to celebrate and reveal their 2022-2023 season, including Broadway musicals, symphony concerts, famous singers, tribute bands, country music, comedians, educational programming, family entertainment and more.
The event will be held live and in person for up to 1400 guests, with an additional live stream option for at-home viewing.
“We’re very excited for the upcoming announcement,” said Renaissance Theatre marketing director, Ryan Shreve.
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By 1812Blockhouse
In an act of pure defiance to honor a dead brother, one woman stands against the state. Antigone is a timeless play about recognizing the dignity owed to every person – whether we agree with them or not
The gripping tale comes to The Ohio State University at Mansfield this coming weekend. First written in or before 441 BC by Sophocles, the play zeroes in on the dangers of absolute rule. The work has inspired additional plays, paintings, operas, poems, and other works of art.
This is an abridgement and adaptation of the original based on a translation by R.C. Jebb. The work continues the OSUM Theatre Program’s goal of making rights-free, accessible versions of classical texts available to students and teachers everywhere.
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Special to 1812Blockhouse, from Renaissance Performing Arts Association
Spring is finally here, and with it a number of events for families and children are coming to the Renaissance Theatre.
Here’s what’s happening at the Ren in April:
Disney’s Descendants (April 1 – April 3)
Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, Disney’s Descendants: The Musical is a new on-stage musical comedy featuring the beloved characters and hit songs from the film trilogy. Featuring talented local kids including Madison Kearney, Cassandra Kurek, Ian Barnes, James Perry, Hayley Sleek, Kamryn Gill, Darius Darmody, Gillian Donley, Zavier Alterio, Elijah Gates, Isla Donley, Stella Powers, Abby Bechstein, Payne Schwartz, Morgan Bartholomew, Marek Powers, Graycen Stevens, Alex Trolian, Josh Browning, MaKayla Lawrence, and Julia Conner.
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