By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
The Book Club Play presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through April 20th. I attended the Opening Night performance.
Kim Wuan as Jennifer McClintock, Adam Langdon as Alex, Matthew McGloin as William Lee Nothnagel, Annalisa D’Aguilar as Lily Louise Jackson, and (foreground) Eli Mayer as Robert Novum Smith Jr.. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
In another production brought to you by Leading Ladies, a diverse group of arts-loving women whose goal is to sponsor a show annually, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is bringing a remounted version of The Book Club Play by Karen Zacharias to The Rouse Theatre aka Moe and Jack’s Place. Director Blake Robison brought this same show to the Playhouse’s Shelterhouse Theatre in 2013, his first season in Cincinnati – and he has brought it back with even more bells and whistles. Summarized as “a comedy about books and the people who love them”, it’s safe to say most of us either know people like these characters or might just be one of them ourselves.
Mr. Robison’s direction on this one is top notch. Pacing is absolute perfection; there is not one lull to be had. At the same time, we as the audience are not rushed and the ride is a pleasant one. I am setting a goal to meet Casting Director Stephanie Klapper in person one of these days because her gift as a CSA is unparalleled. Ms. Klapper has brought together a wonderful ensemble of performing artists whose palpable chemistry complements Ms. Zacharias’ script beautifully. Costume Designer Lauren T. Roark has her work cut out for her in this project which calls for several costume changes – but she nails her assignment. Changes appeared to be seamless (no pun intended) and every costume piece fit the characters both physically and in regard to personality like a glove.
It is next to impossible to cite specific actors over others in this well-oiled ensemble, so I will not even try. The cast boasts the talents of (in alphabetical order) Annalisa D’Aguilar as Lily, the new girl in town who brings fresh energy; Adam Langdon, the “party crasher” member (no spoilers here – you’ll have to see for yourself); Eli Mayer as Rob, the husband who is unwittingly dragged into membership thanks to the meetings being at his home (bonus points to those who saw Mr. Mayer in his tour-de-force performance in The Chosen); Matthew McGloin as William, the hosting couple’s oldest friend (those who remember Mr. McGloin’s turn in 2 Pianos 4 Hands will spot his incredible physicality); Marina Shay as Ana, the uptight self-appointed leader of the book club; and Kim Wuan as Jen, an absent-minded paralegal and OG club member. Each performing artist brings a unique vibe to their character all while making the audience feels that they are just flies on the wall of actual, real-life happenings.
Whether you love books or not, there is something in at least one member of this particular group that will touch you. But make no mistake: while there are sentimental moments, this play is rife with laughter. As you may be able to guess, the book club is about far more than just discussions about books: it is a peek into the everyday lives of people where we see the good, the bad, and the ugly. I found myself audibly reacting to things more than once (but only in my most appropriate, theatre etiquette-approved way, of course). I left the theatre with a smile on my face – and who could ask for more than just good, old-fashioned entertainment from either a book or a play?
Click here for more information about the production.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 