Author Archives: robbucher

Promotional photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

CINCINNATI, OH – September 27, 2017 — The Free Family Fun Series returns to the Arts Center at Dunham with the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Off the Hill THE LAST FIREFLY on Saturday, October 7 at 2 p.m.

Courtesy of a grant from Price Hill Will Arts CAT, THE LAST FIREFLYy is the mythical story of Boom, the son of Thunder, who sets out to discover his true self. After his stepfather forces Boom from his home, he begins a search for his real father, which takes him on a journey of self-discovery where he must courageously battle forces of nature. THE LAST FIREFLY is recommended for ages 8 and up.

“This show is a fun adventure that will engage the imaginations of children and parents alike,” says Daunielle Rasmussen, director of education and community engagement at the Playhouse.

Noted playwright Naomi Iizuka’s script is an evocative and kabuki-influenced play geared towards young audiences. Kabuki theatre is a Japanese form of stage drama that is characterized by elaborate costumes, lively storytelling, music, movement and dancing.

Traditionally, kabuki theatre explores themes of good and evil through nature and spirituality. Characters include Lightning, Monkey, Tree and Spider, and Boom must also battle fierce elements of nature. These fantastical characteristics call for an especially innovative approach to set design, props and costume, all of which are crafted by Playhouse artisans.

THE LAST FIREFLY is performed by members of the 2017-18 Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company, under the direction of Playhouse Associate Artist Timothy Douglas. As Associate Artist, Douglas has directed many productions for the Marx and Shelterhouse stages, including Jitney, Buzzer, Clybourne Park, The North Pool, Mothers and Sons and the world premiere of Safe House. THE LAST FIREFLY marks his first production for the Playhouse in which he directs young and emerging artists for children’s theatre. Off the Hill is supported by The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation and John C. Griswold Foundation.

“The Free Family Fun Series has a growing following, and we are excited to bring it back for another season at The Arts Center at Dunham,” said Carrie Mees, who supports programming at the Arts Center at Dunham. “The series allows people of all ages to experience the arts for free and inspire them to get involved in the performing arts.”

All Free Family Fun Series performances are on Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. The remaining series includes:

• February 17, 2018 – PINOCCHIO by Toby Hulse and performed by the Playhouse in the Park’s Off the Hill Productions. Courtesy of a grant from Price Hill Will Arts CAT. The much-loved tale about a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy is packed with magical characters, cartwheels, circus antics and dollops of fun for the whole family starting at age 6 and up.
• March 3, 2018 Cincinnati Ballet Dancers from the prestigious Cincinnati Ballet will provide an exciting peek into the typical day in the life of professional dancers. Audience members will learn the fundamentals of the art of ballet and gain an understanding of the discipline and athleticism required for a professional career in ballet. A dance demonstration with audience participation and a question and answer discussion are included.
• April 7, 2018 ROKCincy Opera for Children: TRIP JONES AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING MUSIC
  Join Trip Jones for a choose-your-own adventure opera with ROKCincy as he tried to solve the mystery of the Diva’s missing music before the curtain goes up and the show…can’t go on. This action-packed, interactive story takes audiences behind the scenes to learn what it takes to put on grand opera. The performance is 40 minutes in length and is appropriate for grades K-6 and their families. ROKCincy is a non-profit program with a mission to introduce young people to the thrill of live, fully staged opera and to give developing professional musicians an opportunity to hone their performance skills through experience.
• May 19, 2018 RAPUNZEL by Mike Kenny and performed by the Playhouse in the Park’s Off the Hill Productions. Courtesy of a grant from Price Hill Will Arts CAT. Rapunzel lives in tower with her loving, yet very overprotective Nan after her mother left across the big sea. Year after year, Nan builds their tower higher and higher to protect them from the disgraceful, scary world. Every year, Rapunzel’s hair grows longer and so does her curiosity about the outside. It isn’t until she meets a local boy, Rafi, who finally gives her the courage to be free. Recommended for all ages.

Reservations for performances in the ACAD FREE Family Fun Series can be made online (www.sunsetplayers.org) or by calling 513-588-4988.

The Arts Center at Dunham is a fine arts center for the west side of Cincinnati and its vision is to provide affordable creative and performing arts for Price Hill and surrounding communities. Housed in one of the three remaining buildings of what was the first municipally owned tuberculosis sanatorium in the United States, the Arts Center includes a 350-seat performance venue as well as extensive studio and programming space. The Arts Center is located in the Dunham Recreation Complex. See what is happening at the Arts Center at Dunham on Facebook.

###