FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 1, 2003
Contact: Christa Skiles
Public Relations Director
513-345-2242, ext. 232

THERE'S STILL MAGIC LEFT TO BE MADE THIS SUMMER AS THE CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK PRESENTS ABRACADABRA, AUGUST 14-17

(CINCINNATI) – It’s not too late to create a few magical memories yet this summer. The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has several surprises in store as it plays host to the thirteenth annual production of Abracadabra, presented by Fidelity Investments. The Playhouse's weekend of jaw-dropping illusion, Abracadabra returns August 14-17 with fun for the entire family.

Featuring the “Twisted Cabaret” of Kevin James, the grand illusions of Aaron Radatz, the sophisticated magic of Dale Salwak and the laughter of emcee Kerry Pollock, Abracadabra will be performed six times in the Playhouse's Robert S. Marx Theatre. The complete schedule of events includes:

The casual fun of the Preview House Party on Thursday, August 14, featuring strolling magicians, free food provided by Karlo’s Bistro at the Playhouse and live music by wild carrot prior to the show. The party starts at 6 p.m. with the full show following at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced the same as the weekend performances, from $36.50 to $44.50 for adults and from $15 to 20 for children ages five to 12.

The summer elegance of the annual Gala Event on Friday, August 15. Guests can choose to participate in a complete evening of activities including a cocktail reception, gourmet dinner by Elegant Fare and strolling magicians in addition to the Abracadabra performance. The evening will be capped with dancing under the stars, with music provided by AirWaves. The Gala begins at 5:30 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $150 to $250 per person.

Weekend performances of Abracadabra on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $36.50 to $44.50 for adults depending on show and seat location. All tickets are from $15 to $20 for children ages 12 and under. The full-length nature of the show makes it inappropriate for children under the age of five.

Tickets for all Abracadabra performances (with the exception of the Gala) can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888 or toll free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800/582-3208. Performance tickets also can be purchased online through the Playhouse web site at www.cincyplay.com.

Tickets for the Abracadabra Gala only are available by calling the Playhouse development office at 513/345-2242.

All proceeds from Abracadabra events benefit the not-for-profit Playhouse's artistic, educational and outreach programs. Fidelity Investments is the show’s sponsor for the third straight year. Corporate Wizard Sponsors include Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc., Atkins & Pearce, Inc. and The Procter & Gamble Co. The Saturday evening performance is sponsored by Thompson Hine LLP. They lead a host of generous businesses that, along with a volunteer planning committee led by event chairs Nirvani Head and Maureen Vignola, make this summertime tradition possible.

Artists fly to and from Cincinnati on Delta Connection COMAIR, the Playhouse’s official airline.

The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Playhouse also receives funding from the City of Cincinnati.

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