CCM presents Bernstein musical 'Wonderful Town' Nov. 21-23

The UC College-Conservatory of Music presents Wonderful Town from Nov. 21-23 in Corbett Auditorium. Directed and choreographed by CCM Musical Theatre Professor Diane Lala, the musical features a Book by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov, Music by Leonard Bernstein, and Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office. 

The Tony Award-winning musical features a beloved score, including highlights "Ohio," "One Hundred Easy Ways" and "Wrong Note Rag." In the summer of 1935, Ruth, an aspiring writer, and Eileen, an actress and dancer, leave rural Ohio to seek success in New York. Due to their limited budget, the sisters wind up sharing a less-than ideal basement apartment in Greenwich Village. Together and individually, they pursue their dreams, overcome heartbreak, encounter a motley assortment of colorful characters, and — ultimately — find love. Below, watch a promotional video for the musical.

Diane Lala directs the musical, with music direction by Ian Axness. The production features performances by CCM Musical Theatre and a CCM student orchestra, along with creative designs by CCM Theatre Design and Production students. After 36 years at CCM, Lala has announced she will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year, making Wonderful Town the last show she directs as a faculty member.

An accomplished director and choreographer, Lala has led many popular productions at CCM, including 42nd Street, Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, Oklahoma!, Carousel, On The Town, and many more. Lala's first show as a choreographer at CCM was A Chorus Line (1989) and most recently she was director/choreographer for CCM's Sweet Charity (fall 2023). 

"When we can’t talk anymore, we sing. When singing isn’t enough, we dance," Lala says. "Moving our bodies is the most expressive form of communication a performer has. It has been my greatest pleasure to teach, mentor, and work with the incredible students in CCM’s Musical Theatre program for the last 36 years."

Book by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov
(Based upon the play “My Sister Eileen” by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov and the stories by Ruth McKenney)
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Sketches of “What A Waste” by Berry Comden and Adolph Green

WONDERFUL TOWN is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concerdtheatricals.com 

• 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21
• 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22*
• 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23
• 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23

*ASL interpreting available during Friday, Nov. 22 performance. ASL viewing seating is available upon request by calling the Box Office at 513-556-4183 or emailing Box Office Manager Matthew Wilson. 

Tickets: $36 adult, $20 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.

Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:

• Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
• Over the phone at 513-556-4183
• In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts

CCM’s Box Office hours are Tue-Fri from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu. 

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations are cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

There's more to explore — view our full performance schedule by month or visit the CCM Box Office website to buy tickets. 

Stay up to date on CCM news and events by subscribing to our Next OnStage email newsletter, which is published every other Wednesday. Visit ccm.uc.edu/subscribe to sign up for email updates.

Interested in early access to CCM's ticket sales? Join CCMpower and gain advanced access to spring ticket sales in November. CCMpower members also receive 10% off general ticket prices for the full year. Learn more about CCMpower membership benefits.

Featured image at top: Promotional artwork for CCM's production of Wonderful Town. Graphic Design/Mikki Graff