Category Archives: Reviews

Review by Rob Bucher

MARY’S WEDDING presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through March 8th. I attended the opening night performance. 

Aaron Schilling as Charlie & Britian Seibert as Mary. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Playhouse in the Park transforms the Shelterhouse Theatre into an early 1900s barn for an intimate love story opening just in time for Valentine’s Day. Set during and after World War I, Mary’s dream on her wedding day chronicles the love story of Mary and Charlie, who’s romance and resolve are tested by the realities of a world at war.

Actors Aaron Shilling as Charlie and Britian Siebert as Mary have great chemistry together and easily draw the audience into their romance. At times, Siebert also takes on the additional role of Flowers, Charlie’s commanding officer while in France. The script itself has been described as poetic, as the actors re-live their journey from their initial meeting, through the trials of war, until their story returns full circle to Mary’s wedding day.

The set by Lex Liang paired with lighting design by Michelle Habeck serves as a beautiful and dynamic backdrop to the story. Liang also serves as Costume Designer for the production, using added costume pieces to alter the actor’s looks throughout the intermission-less performance. Director Blake Robinson allows the story to unfold naturally, with expert pacing and great use of the entire stage.

Overall, a satisfying love story expertly told.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Click here for more information on the production.

By Katrina “Kat” Reynold

LITTLE WOMEN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through Feb. 15. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

In a co-production with Portland Center Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park brings audiences Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, a stage adaptation by Lauren M. Gunderson. This particular take on the classic novel takes us behind-the-scenes, so to speak, as Ms. Alcott pens her famous tale of family and resilience. But rest assured: you still get to see the lives of the March sisters play out before your very eyes.

Director Joanie Schultz (who serves as Playhouse’s Associate Artistic Director) makes excellent use of the playing space provided by Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre. The actors are mobile throughout – and still when warranted – which can also be partially credited to Movement Director Vanessa Severo. Complementing the physicality displayed is Set Design by Chelsea M. Warren, with the glaring exception of the split steps center stage. These felt awkward and inhibited natural movement from one stage level to the next. However, the coordination of set pieces being moved on and off stage offers its own choreography and creates beautiful stage pictures. Kudos also to Lighting Designer Sarah Hughey for their contribution to the mixed media set; the highs and lows of the character arcs are mirrored by the illumination levels.

The Cast (and Set) of Louisa May Alcott’s LITTLE WOMEN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

In one of their best performances to date, Beasley is a force of nature as Louise May Alcott/Jo March. Seamlessly toeing the line between falling into expected Civil War-time female etiquette and loudly questioning it, they make Louisa/Jo plucky and lovable. Kieran Cronin, who plays love interests of two of the March sisters, masters the ideal balance of strong characterizations while knowing this story should not be focused on the men. I defy audiences not to fall in love with him – twice! Finally, Brianna Woods gives us a stunning performance as Beth March. Ms. Woods’ portrayal embodies all the words used to describe the fated sister: angelic, tranquil, and perfect.

For those who know, I am rather hot and cold about Ms. Gunderson as a playwright and felt both ways within the confines of this script. I wished she had pushed the envelope: adaptations can be mediocre copies of another (hu)man’s genius if they do not offer fresh, new perspectives. In addition, the “asides” as spoken by the actors initially felt both unnatural and overused; but when used more sparingly in Act II, I found them endearing and impactful. Fortunately, luck is on Ms. Gunderson’s side: Ms. Alcott’s tale is timeless and just about any re-telling of it should prove to be engaging. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s production of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women is no exception and is rife with talent, sentiment, and will leave you feeling a wee bit warmer this cold winter.

Click here for more information about the production.

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

A Christmas Carol presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through December 28th. I attended the Opening Sunday matinee performance. 

Andrew May as Ebeneezer Scrooge and the cast. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The holiday season is upon us – and what better way to kick it off than to see A Christmas Carol at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre? With the classic Charles Dickens tale Adapted (and Originally Directed) by Blake Robison, Bridget Leak takes the helm once again to direct this timeless story of keeping your heart open all year long.

Direction by Ms. Leak is seamless, paced beautifully, and makes creative use of the playing space. She somehow manages to wrangle a large cast of actors into impressive stage pictures and traffic patterns which is no small feat! Set Design by Wilson Chin is exceptional and delightfully reflects the mood of each scene. Complementing the moods and visuals are Jaymi Lee Smith with Lighting Design and Matthew M. Nielson with Sound Design and Composition. Once more, Costume Designer Bill Black brings us period-appropriate garb which runs the gamut across the “classes” of characters we come to know and love.

Carol boasts an impressive ensemble of both local and guest performing artists. I imagine it must be fun for audiences to see some of their favourite Cincinnati actors grace the Rouse Theatre stage each Christmas season. (I know I personally love seeing my friends everywhere and anywhere they share their talents.) While I can not name them all, each performer is gifted with a solid amount of stage time with plenty of things to do – and that kind of ensemble work is an actor’s dream.

Andrew May returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge and brings his A-game to the park. Also returning is Kenneth Early in his turn as two fun and very different characters: Mr. Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Present. Spoiler alert: Mr. Early can read the phone book and give you the feels. Ryan Wesley Gilreath is endearing as Bob Cratchit; Maggie Lou Rader is luminous and commanding as the Ghost of Christmas Past; and Rupert Spraul elicits a beautiful sympathy as Young Scrooge.

It is fun to be reminded of the things which can surprise or draw other reactions from new audience members and, of course, from the children. The iteration of the Ghost of Christmas Future is a spooky choreography of an imposing figure handled by several puppeteers (shout-out to Puppetry Director Betsy Rosen and Puppeteers Jared Earland, Dina Monk, Aaron Schilling, and the amazing Tess Talbot). Tis a dark scene, of course – and the audible reactions.

While obviously a Christmas-themed show, the story told of this particular Christmas Eve is one for the ages. As one who celebrates Chanukkah versus anything to do with St. Nick, I look forward to many iterations of the Dickens masterpiece each December. And yes: my favourite is The Muppet Christmas Carol – but with a rock-solid cast, unmatched aesthetics, and nothing but heart-warming sentiment, the Playhouse production is also at the top of my list. If you have the opportunity, Blake Robison’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol is not to be missed.

Click here for more information about the production.