Category Archives: Reviews

February 3, 2025 · 5:16 pm

THE GUEST Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE GUEST Review presented by Clifton Players through February 8th. I attended the Second Friday performance. 

Cincinnati native Zina Camblin is ringing in 2025 with Clifton Players by gifting The Queen City the semi-autobiographical script The Guest. It is only fitting that this labour of love (nearly ten years in the making) be told with help of a who’s-who cast of players. The Guest depicts a day in the life of Jessica, a bi-racial documentarist who is eager to explore both sides of how she came to be in this world.

Choosing to stage this story in the playing space below Liberty Exhibition Hall, The Lounge, is a stroke of genius. It’s intimate and cozy – and can feel stifling in exactly the way Jessica must feel overwhelmed by the shower of characters who are suddenly thrust into her sphere. The simple program credits Stage Manager Annette Ouchie and Lighting Designer Stewart Wheaton for the creative set.

Co-Director Kevin Crowley knocks it out of the park in his use of this unusual playing space. (Unsurprisingly, he also does much of the same in his portrayal of Gary, a father and once local sheriff.) In addition to creative use of space, pacing of the show is solid and pushes ahead perfectly.

It is nearly impossible to give any performing artist a bigger shout-out than the other. With a cast that features the likes of Angelique Archer (utterly transparent and the ideal protagonist); Darnell Pierre Benjamin (a brief, but dependable appearance); Carol Brammer (a difficult character arc played expertly); Kevin Crowley (grounded and real); Kyndra Jefferies (auntie energy in a familiar, yet not stereotypical way – perfection!); Justin McCombs (funny and heartbreaking all at once); Cailtin McWethy (impeccable execution of an amusing and sympathetic character); and Patrick Earl Phillips (you may think you know who his character is, but you’ll be surprised), you’d be hard-pressed to argue with me. The chemistry with this group is off the charts. There are both hilarious and touching moments with so many duos and trios within this motley crew and I was living for all of it. No doubt the combination of these actors’ talents along with the talent of our playwright is an exceptional mix.

There are only two more chances to catch this excellent new play and I would say this one gets the very rare Kat “must-see” seal of approval.

Click here for more information about the production.

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December 5, 2024 · 4:17 pm

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynold

ALICE IN WONDERLAND presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through December 30th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

Sara Mackie as the Queen (and King) of Hearts. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Featuring an updated score and fresh new costumes, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is bringing back ALICE IN WONDERLAND to audiences this holiday season. As Director D. Lynn Meyers informed Opening Night attendees, this marks the 25th opening for an ETC show with Book by Joseph McDonough and Music & Lyrics by David Kisor. Based on the beloved, imaginative tale by Lewis Carroll, this modern retelling is the toe-tapping story of a lost girl, a cool cat, a wild hare, and the original “dancing queen.”

Under the solid and capable direction of Ms. Meyers, the cast and crew flourishes. Choreographer Dee Anne Bryll has an incredible knack for the exact movements needed to enhance and never detract from a scene. Costume Designer Cat Schmeal-Swope gives us some excellent lewks (yes, I spelled that correctly) with a strong red-and-white theme throughout. In addition, Wig & Makeup Designer Missy J. White’s vision works seamlessly with Ms. Schmeal-Swope’s designs. The aesthetics are a perfect marriage of contemporary fashion along with edgy, Wonderland-esque garb. Tens across the board, darlings!

It should come as no surprise that this year’s holiday show is jam-packed with star power. Each of the talented performing artists gets wonderful stage moments to highlight their assets; however, here are some of particular note.

Without a doubt, some of the biggest audience reactions are brought to us by the appearance(s) of the Cheshire Cat played masterfully by Brooke Steele. Boasting stellar vocals and enviable physicality, Ms. Steele is the perfect choice to play the mischievous feline misfit of Wonderland.

Adding a sweet side of whimsy to her gorgeous vocals is Kate Wilford as the Dormouse. I could not take my eyes off her any time this veteran graced the stage. In fact, the trio of the Dormouse, the March Hare (Brandi La’Sherrill), and the Mad Hatter (KG Rucker) is an all-out delight with some of the best costumes you’ll see.

Finally, it would be remiss to leave out the phenomenon that is Sara Mackie. Ms. Mackie (who is also dressed to the nines) commands the stage as both the Queen (and King) of Hearts. Serving wonderful puppetry magic (the King sings AND dances) along with show-stopping vocals, she is the belle of the freaking ball. With her laudable skills and attention to detail, all performers should aspire to be just like her.

This production of ALICE IN WONDERLAND carries on the long-standing tradition of ETC’s Fairy Godmother Program which allows students in underserved communities to experience the joy of live theatre and go home with a snack to boot. Couple that with the joy this family-friendly show will bring so many and you won’t dream of regretting this trip to Wonderland.

Click here for more information about the production.

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November 15, 2024 · 12:55 pm

WITCH Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynold

WITCH presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music and The Carnegie through November 17th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

Carson Mehlbauer as Cuddy Banks & Nikolas Gray as Frank Thorney. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

As part of its new artistic partnership with The Carnegie, UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is bringing WITCH by Jen Silverman to audiences this weekend. Described as “an inventive retelling of a Jacobean drama” (aka The Witch of Edmonton), the fable debates how much souls are actually worth when hope seems lost.

Director Lindsey Augusta Mercer has gathered an impressive village to surround an equally impressive group of CCM students. Pacing of the show is strong and the aesthetics are top-notch. Scenic Design by Doug Stock is quite literally worth the price of admission alone (and mad props to Scenic Carpenters Ethan Kuchta, Jack Murphy, Nathan Neorr, and Patrick Earl Phillips for their execution of it). Excellent, detailed work is also done by Costume Designer Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez – she is absolutely one of my favourites in terms of costuming that I have seen in recent years. Finally, particular kudos to Fight Director Gina Cerimele-Mechley for a beautifully choreographed fight scene on stairs. Bra – freaking – va!

WITCH boasts a solid ensemble of performing artists, but this should come as no surprise to CCM fans. Starting the show off strong is Debra Najor as our titular character. Ms. Najor’s delivery of the fresh dialogue is both confident and natural. When I grow up, I’d like to play the role of Scratch – but thankfully until I do, Nico Graves’ iteration of this character will more than satiate your desires. Mx. Graves excels at the physical embodiment of a presumed evil and then just as easily shows us a charming and sensitive side few could resist – excellent work! Finally, special shout-out to Carson Mehlbauer who gives a top-notch turn as Cuddy Banks, an unlikely heir. Mr. Mehlbauer carries out his character’s roller coaster of an arc with the skill envying those of many professionals in the city and beyond. Without a doubt, you will not want to avert your eyes from him when he is present in a scene.

While placed in a very different time period WITCH is ridiculously poignant and significant today, especially in light of some very recent events. The themes of hope and enduring through tough times are ultimately relatable and the play is in turn engaging. Mx. Mercer et al have bestowed a lovely gift upon theatre-goers with this piece and I highly encourage those who were not present for its opening to try and attend before it closes this coming Sunday. What do you do when hope seems lost? For me, theatre helps.

Click here for more information about the production.

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November 11, 2024 · 3:55 pm

THE OREGON TRAIL Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

The Oregon Trail presented by Mount St. Joseph University Theatre Arts through November 16th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

The cast of THE OREGON TRAIL presented by MSJ Theatre Arts.

When my partner in crime and I heard that MSJ Theatre Arts was producing a show called The Oregon Trail by Bekah Brunstetter, we decided that no respectable GenXer could miss this. Vivid memories of us playing the game in our school’s computer labs were too fun to resist. The University’s Director of Theatre Arts (and Director of this show), Cincinnati’s own Lauren Carr brings us the tale of Jane, a middle-schooler whose goal of finally beating the famous game takes down a very unexpected road.

Inside sources shared with us the advantages and challenges of staging the play in MSJ’s intimate Williams Recital Hall versus in the University’s theatre: excellent acoustics, but a blank canvas with much opportunity to fill with set pieces and action. Without a doubt, the unconventional set up is a success. In addition, Ms. Carr has assembled a regal crew (fit for the queen she is) to help bring this script to life. Lighting Design by Matthew Hollstegge is creative and effective; Costume Design by Caroline Stine is spot-on across the multiple time periods covered; and Scenic Construction by Nathan Neorr is realistic yet easily maneuvered by the cast and crew.

Special shout-out to Intimacy and Movement Choreographer Erin Carr for some really seamless work. The Solasta Theatre Lab co-founder expertly navigates some fun and some emotionally difficult scenes throughout Jane’s journey.

Zoe Nienaber plays Jane whose arc is one of the toughest and most relatable of all the characters. Ms. Nienaber does a great job of embodying the spirit of a middle-schooler who is thrust into adulthood rather quickly thanks to the magic of technology. Sarah Barton as Jane’s “perfect” sister Mary Anne has a rather interesting arc of resigned acceptance until she reaches her breaking point. The two actors have a lovely, natural chemistry as they show us the ins and outs of everyday living.

Nathaniel Sweeney is the voice of the game and is a strong and amusing presence. Mr. Sweeney’s sarcastic quips are exactly what most of us probably heard while frustrations set in in playing (and losing) The Oregon Trail. Excellent work!

In watching the show and in reading people’s responses, I noticed a lot of people indicate “this is a show for millennials”. My gut reaction, of course, is to remind people that this is a GenX game and millennials played a later version (in fact named The Oregon Trail II). But the joke was on me as the very first iteration of The Oregon Trail game launched not in the 1980s, but in 1971! Given that the game was designed to teach middle-school aged children about the history of the actual Trail itself, it would have first been played by…Boomers! So along with modern versions of the game, it looks like several generations can find their piece of nostalgia in this love letter of a production. In addition to our similar memories of the experience playing, another common thread that binds us is that adulthood is much different than we had imagined as teenagers. We are all just pretending we know what we’re doing – but we all must remember to continue on the trail.

Click here for more information about the production.

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October 15, 2024 · 5:25 pm

MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B presented by Human Race Theatre Company through Oct. 20th. I attended the opening Sunday matinee performance. 

Shonita Joshi as Sherlock Holmes. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

The Human Race Theatre Company in Dayton, OH opens its 2024-2025 season with MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B by Kate Hamill. Summarized as “cheerfully desecrating the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle”, Holmes & Watson re-examines the stories of the world’s most famous detective with a feminist lens plus an added layer of intrigue due to its being set in 2021.

Director Heather Wilson-Bowlby along with a skilled crew of artists creates some really fantastic stage pictures. Scenic Design by Jeff Heater is exceptional with many layers that continue to surprise the audience. (Semi-spoiler alert: shows at HRTC make me gasp every time a seemingly static set breaks away in some fashion when you least expect it.) Lighting Design by Diane Fairchild is mood appropriate with fun little “Easter eggs” sprinkled throughout. Special shout-out to Costume Designer Janet G. Powell whose vision was spot on for each and every character to cross the threshold of the famous Baker Street address. HRTC does not mess around when it comes to attention to detail and I am here for it.

Holmes & Watson gives us a strong ensemble of four actors: two of whom play our titular characters and two…who play everyone else! Shonita Joshi pilots the ship as Sherlock Holmes (yes, THAT Sherlock Jones). Ms, Joshi excels as the infamous sleuth, keeping the heart of why we love this character alive as she adds her own perfectly crafted nuance. Her energy is contagious and her delivery never fails. As Sherlock’s unwilling mentee, Joan Watson, Maggie Lou Rader brings a very real dose of modern times into play. Ms. Rader is quite possibly the most “authentic” character on stage as Watson is fundamentally relatable and gives us the vibe of someone we have all met. Matthew Sierra, in his HRTC debut, wallops the myriad of characters he plays. Each one is distinctly different and he navigates his changing dialects well.

Kelly Mengelkoch as Irene Adler. Photo by Scott J. Kimmins.

The biggest splash, however, is made by Kelly Mengelkoch in multiple roles. Accompanied by varied physical appearances, Ms. Mengelkoch breathes discriminable life into every beloved persona she embodies. Be on the look-out for a widow she plays beautifully to almost eclipse her fantastic turn as the memorable Irene Adler. Bravx to a cast of consummate professionals!

While I will admit the script could use some editing (some of the exposition seems indulgent), this is certainly a fun take on a classic characters and their stories. There is no doubt a lot to like in this entertaining piece. If you have not made a trip to The Loft at The Human Race Theatre Company, I highly recommend it in the near future. Not only do they offer some of the most enthusiastic theatre you will see, they care about their fellow local businesses (including Rabbit Hole Books who sponsors their Parents’ Day Out program). This is truly a theatre company with a heart as well as a soul.

Click here for more information about the production.

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