Category Archives: Reviews

Review by Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

Lester Purry as Wining Boy & James T. Alfred as Boy Willie.

THE PIANO LESSON presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through May 3rd. I attended the opening night performance. 

This spring Moe and Jack Rouse, Randolph Wadsworth, and your Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park are celebrating the words of August Wilson with a production of his play The Piano Lesson. This co-production with the Milwaukee Repertory Theater takes us to the time of the Great Depression and tells the story of a dispute between two siblings over a family heirloom – and garnered Mr. Wilson his second Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Director Lou Bellamy does an excellent job keeping up the momentum of this lengthy drama. Scenes do not fall stagnant and pacing is solid. Set Design by Vicki Smith is rich and layered; however, stage left could have benefitted from some extra touches (a runner on the household steps or a rug on the inside of the door). But make no mistake: the set is easy for the actors to navigate and complements Mr. Bellamy’s vision. Costumes designed by Mathew J. LeFebvre are bold, colourful, and a fine contrast against the home’s modest décor.

The group of artists chosen to perform Mr. Wilson’s timeless text is an embarrassment of riches. James Craven is exceptional as Doaker Charles, the uncle trying to referee the disagreements between his niece and nephew. Mr. Craven brings a deep understanding to his role and gives us a masterclass on how to convey the complicated emotions of being human with ease. Nubia Monks plays Berniece, Doaker’s niece who lives with him along with her young daughter. Berniece is a single woman of colour in the 1930s who is raising a daughter, working ungodly hours, and trying to figure out how to take care of her own peace in the little time she has left to even consider it. Ms. Monks’ talents are boundless and her portrayal of the strong yet sensitive heroine will leave you speechless. (Plus I need her to sing to me daily.)

Special shoutout to La’Tevin Alexander in the role of Lymon. Mr. Alexander is delightfully likable as the genuine, rough-around-the-edges family friend who finds himself caught up in the disagreement in ways he could not have envisioned. He brings an expert physicality to his role along with a special something which can make one blush and want to embrace Lymon, flaws and all.

This is a difficult call to make, but I do believe The Piano Lesson is my favourite August Wilson play I have seen to date. Most people can relate to the heightened emotions which tend to accompany items considered family heirlooms – especially if not everyone is on the same page about them. Ghosts from our past can be friendly or can haunt us mercilessly and it is up to us to figure out how to live with them in harmony. Suffice it to say, I believe this might be one of those times where the ending we witness on stage gives the audience exactly what is needed.

Click here for more information about the production.

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.