Category Archives: Reviews

March 4, 2026 · 5:27 pm

ANYTHING GOES Review

Review by Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

ANYTHING GOES presented by The Carnegie through March 8th. I attended the opening Sunday matinee performance. 

The Cast. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I am a sucker for tap dance. Had I been allowed to take tap at the same time I was Irish dancing competitively, I don’t think there would have been any stopping me. So when it was announced that The Carnegie would again partner with University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music to produce Cole Porter’s Anything Goes, I knew I was all in. This screwball comedy is rife with mistaken identities, romance, and – of course – dancing!

Director Eric Byrd expertly navigates his talented cast’s paths across a magnificent set designed by Tyler Gabbard. Choreographer Jessica Harris fully understands the highs and lows of movement and knows exactly when to crescendo. Group numbers in particular are beautifully staged and executed. Particular shoutout to Costume Designer Clara Jean Kelly for some of the best period costumes seen on a Cincinnati-area stage. To have found the perfect balance between functional (dancer-wise) and aesthetically pleasing is a tall order and she exceeds expectations. P.S. I want to commission Ms. Kelly to make one of the gorgeous dresses the Angels and Hope wear in both the “De-Lovely” and final scenes. Stun-ning!

This strong ensemble of CCM students boasts nearly immeasurable levels of talent. Josh Devine is rock solid as Billy Crocker, the lovesick would-be Wall Street employee. Monique Churchill is effervescent as Hope Harcourt, the target of Billy’s affections. Dominic Carroll’s handle on maintaining correct and steady dialects is beyond impressive – but as much as I appreciated the subtleties of his characterization of Moonface Martin, this is a show where bigger is better. Joey Baciocco is sensational as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh: flawless accent, wonderful physicality, and vocal chops to boot! Last but certainly not least we have Indya Lincicome as Reno Sweeney. My goodness, Ms. Lincicome is a powerhouse performer with a prowess to deliver beyond her years! Keep your eyes on this one, folx: we shall be seeing her name in lights. 

With something for everyone, Anything Goes is one of those feel-good shows guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a pep in your step. Whether you come for the timeless Cole Porter score, the upbeat dancing, or just for the laughs you will have a good time on the S.S. American.

Click here for more information about the production.

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February 17, 2026 · 5:17 pm

ROPE Review

Review by Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

ROPE presented by University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music through February 14th. I attended the final matinee performance. 

Homage to Stu by student cast members of ROPE presented by CCM.

What screams “Valentine’s Day Weekend” better than a murder mystery? In a limited engagement, audiences were able to see ROPE by CCM alum Amy Berryman and CCM educator Brant Russell adapted from the Patrick Hamilton play. The plot is simple: two college classmates decide to commit the “perfect murder” and then host a party while the victim’s body remains tucked away, but in plain sight.

Mr. Russell also serves as the production’s Director with the help of student Assistant Directors Kiki Hellerman and Bryce Nevison. Pacing was rather uneven, with some moments of uncontrolled chaos (i.e. talking over one another so that no one was properly heard or understood) countered with some slower cadence. In addition, blocking felt rather stagnant at times – and with such a grand set by Scenic Designer Charlie Calvert, opportunities were missed. However, one set of stage pictures in particular tickled me as someone who was in college in the Y2K era herself: the physical homage one of the killers paid to Stu Macher from the 1996 film Scream. Kudos to Costume Designer Julia Schillaci for mirroring Stu’s “final look” from the movie to bring that home.

In truth, I think the script is problematic and missing some key elements: the so-called motive to kill their classmate is never discussed and no character is fleshed out enough for the audience to have any proverbial skin in the game. Other than basic human decency, I am not sure why we are supposed to care about any of the partygoers or the victim herself. In addition, I do think it was problematic to change the victim to a female. It is evident the authors were trying to make a point (there are references to the “Final Girl” trope), but I do not believe they hit the mark on that one.

Due to the vagueness of the script, the actors did not have much with which to work. Performances were certainly fine as we have come to expect from CCM students, but lacked depth due to the 2-dimensional arcs they were given. However, the energy of the performing artists was cohesive and they acted as a true ensemble.

In summary, the production had potential – and while it didn’t resonate with me personally, the audience was almost entirely enthusiastic and supportive. While I do think some re-writes to up the suspense would be helpful, the execution of the text currently in place was certainly satisfactory.

Click here for more information about future CCM productions.

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February 17, 2026 · 5:14 pm

MARY’S WEDDING Review

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.

 

 

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January 27, 2026 · 5:14 pm

LITTLE WOMEN Review

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.

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December 8, 2025 · 6:09 pm

IT’S FRITZ Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

It’s Fritz presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through December 31st. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

The cast of It’s Fritz! presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati carries on its tradition of producing a family-friendly offering during the holiday season with the premiere of It’s Fritz! with book by Zina Camblin and Music & Lyrics by David Kisor. A sequel to 2023’s Fiona: The Musical, audiences go on a journey with world-famous Fiona’s little brother as he tries to find what makes him special in the wonderful world of zoo animals.

Director D. Lynn Meyers fills the experience with familiar touches from the first part of this musical expedition as many of the characters have returned for a second time around. Scenic & Lighting Designer Brian c. Mehring features a beautifully colourful set with all sorts of places to play. Costume Designer Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez adds such a creative spin on each character, morphing the players’ human figures with distinctively animal-specific touches. (The UC jacket on the bearcat is a fire choice.) Dee Anne Bryll’s choreography excellence is center-stage on this one, offering a proficient range of dance styles to complement not only the music, but the characters’ arcs as well.

Per usual, ETC’s large cast of performing artists is enthusiastic and versatile. In no particular order, Michael G. Bath delivers as a “street-wise” sparrow named Hugh; Montez Jenkins Copeland serves and then some as Raffe/Dr. Cornelius; and KG Rucker offers a nearly unrecognizable version of themselves as Audrey/Reporter. And not to be overlooked, Brooke Steele knocks it out of the park as Colobus Monkey/Diana. I want to be her when I grow up (Brooke, that is – not Diana.)

While the story is a bit weak and the songs end right as they seem to get off the ground, it is important for us to remember this show is geared toward being inclusive of all audience members’ attention span. There are some goofy laughs, touching moments, and the lesson told is timeless: you will discover your special gifts if you practice patience, muster up the courage to jump in, and accept the support of your family. It’s Fritz! reminds us that a feel-good piece is always in style.

Click here for more information about the production.

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