Author Archives: robbucher

A new comedy by Karen Hartman
Funny things happen in the woods…

On the porch of an almost-charming cabin in the Catskills, two New Yorkers reckon with the moment when Plan A fades away but Plan B has not emerged.

In other words: they’re turning forty.

Janelle’s a teacher in crisis. Martin’s a computer programmer who’s aged out of being a wunderkind. Both come to the cabin for an escape – but are they ready for what they’ll find?

A comedy in the classical sense – wherein broken people head to the forest to be restored – SUPERTRUE is a new play with a great big heart that features snappy dialogue a la your favorite sitcoms and a message of redemption that will ring true to anyone who feels disconnected in our overly connected world.

Know Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of this bold new comedy, right here in Cincinnati. Know Theatre first encountered the script through the community resources of the National New Play Network. And SUPERTRUE was part of The Kilroys list in 2015, an annual compilation of the most promising unproduced new scripts by women and trans playwrights. This list highlights fearless, audacious plays that have thrilled readers, but have yet to make it to the stage in a full production – and the Know is proud to do our part to bring scripts like this to Cincinnati audiences.

SUPERTRUE stood out to Producing Artistic Director Andrew J. Hungerford because, “This is a very timely play that centers around dealing with a world that hasn’t turned out the way one expected: how do you cope when plans have gone awry or when confronted with trauma? There are lessons of acceptance and coping in this script that I think are incredibly valuable for the world in which we’re living. And it helps that it’s super funny and delightfully theatrical.”

And to bring to life this story of aging Gen-Xers grappling with a world gone mad, Know is delighted to bring back one of our favorite guest directors, Holly L. Derr.

Holly was at the helm of 2014’s smash-hit Harry & The Thief, the no-holds-barred comedy about a petty thief sent back in time to arm Harriet Tubman and help her start a revolution. Holly’s political savvy, ear for snappy dialogue, and deep empathy for these flawed-but-human characters make her an ideal match for this modern spin on the pastoral comedy.

Joining her are Know Theatre veteran Derek Snow and Nicole Jeannine Smith, making her Know MainStage debut!

Derek plays Martin, a programmer whose first great innovation got swallowed by the corporate machine – and who, at the edge of 40, isn’t the golden boy he once was. Nicole plays Janelle, an idealistic educator whose illusions about the world were smashed when she witnessed a terrible act of violence – and she’s decided that everything now rests on her ability to calm her life in a quiet cabin so she can get pregnant and start over.

The woods to which they’ve retreated may be lovely, dark and deep…but they also hold more than a few surprises for Martin & Janelle (supplied by puppeteer Elizabeth Molloy & puppet designer Erika Kate MacDonald).

And the Know technical team will be transforming our Underground space into an immersive, expressionistic forest environment for you to enjoy this funny, heartfelt story – lead by designer Sarah Beth Hall, whose scenic work thrilled audiences in November’s record-breaking hit, Neverwhere.

Expect the unexpected at this funny, heartfelt, and moving story of redemption and rediscovering compassion in our messed-up world. Because sometimes, you need to get lost in the woods to find your way back home.

Cast

• Nicole Jeannine Smith – Janelle
• Derek Snow – Martin
• Elizabeth Molloy – Puppetry

Production Team

• Director – Holly L. Derr
• Lighting Designer – Andrew J. Hungerford
• Scenic Designer & Prop Designer – Sarah Beth Hall
• Costume Designer – Noelle Johnston
• Sound Designer – Douglas Borntrager
• Puppet Designer – Erika Kate MacDonald

Calendar Listing

Production:   SSUPERTRUE by Karen Hartman

When:          8:00pm Jan 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31; Feb 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 & 10 3:00pm  Jan 21, 28*; Feb 4

*A pre-show brunch is available on this date with purchase of $35 “Brunch + Show” tickets in advance. Deadline for brunch reservation is January 22. Brunch provided by Water Tower Fine Wines

Where:         Know Theatre of Cincinnati. 1120 Jackson Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202.

Tickets:

• $25 regular Price
• $15 Rush tickets at the door 10 minutes prior to curtain (when available)
• FREE walk-up tickets are available on Wednesdays, as part of Know’s Welcome Experiment initiative. Advance reservations to Welcome Experiment performances are $5.00.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting knowtheatre.com or calling 513.300.5669 (KNOW).

Know Theatre is Cincinnati’s Theatrical Playground. The Know showcases unexpected voices, new works, and plays that embrace the inherent theatricality of the live experience. Know Theatre seeks to be a place where artists and audiences feel welcome to take artistic risks, creating work that is cutting edge and accessible.

Know Theatre’s work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

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

Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network.

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