By Stephanie Creech Hackett
Photos by Philip Groshong

CCM Musical Theater Showcase

University of Cincinnati President Nancy Zimpher (center) surrounded by this year's graduating CCM musical theater class.

Next stop: New York! The 2004 musical theater class of the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music presented its senior showcase before an audience of 250 at CCM's Robert J. Werner Recital Hall.

The showcase, where the seniors write, choreograph, stage and perform a show, is a spring tradition.

The Friends of CCM, under chairwoman Barbara Hahn, sponsored the preview for the Cincinnati audience prior to a New York performance for Broadway agents and casting directors.

Following the show, guests enjoyed dinner by the bite from food stations, featuring fare similar to that from famous New York spots such as the Russian Tea Room and Tavern on the Green.

Committee members included Mary Ellen Cody, Julie Hill, Billy Inabnitt, Sherie Marek, Danute Miskinis, Carole Rigaud and Shelby Wood. The $18,500 raised at this year's performance will provide Friends of CCM awards to two deserving seniors.

4C's Champions for Children

Channel 12 morning anchor John Lomax (second from left) talks with honorees Jerry Handorf (left) and Betti and Milton Hinton.

Caroll Spinney, the "man behind Big Bird," spoke at 4C's Champions for Children Lecture at the Phoenix, downtown.

Spinney has for more than 30 years been the man inside Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.

The event, "Conversations with Carroll Spinney: The Wisdom of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch," attracted 225 guests and raised more than $32,000 to support the work of 4C, since 1972 a regional childcare resource and referral service.

The evening began with a patrons' reception followed by the lecture and a dessert reception.

The 2004 Champions for Children awards were presented by state Sen. Mark Mallory to Jerry Handorf of Madcap Productions Puppet Theatre, and Dr. Milton and Betti Hinton, longtime educators and children's advocates.

Down Syndrome Association Theatre Party

Board member Katie Maly (left) talks with (from left) Michelle Baxter, Dawn Handorf and DSAGC self-advocacy coordinator Mia Peterson.

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati's 10th annual Theatre Party, coordinated by Debbie Baker, kicked off with a pre-performance cocktail reception.

This year's party, sponsored by Hills Community, was a private benefit performance of Playhouse in the Park's Blue, followed by a dessert reception. More than 500 attended. Tickets ranged $30-$50 for individuals and $125-$1,000 for corporate tables and sponsorships.