Tag Archives: Beechmont Players Inc

A STEADY RAIN Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

A STEADY RAIN presented by Beechmont Players through November 8th. I attended the Opening Saturday performance.

Rick Grant and Dan Cohen. Photo by Kiya Fix.

This fall, Beechmont Players is bringing audiences A Steady Rain by Keith Huff. Described in short as “a gripping psychological drama exploring loyalty, morality, and the thin line between right and wrong”, this two-hander packs quite the emotional punch. Mr. Huff’s talent for writing great dialogue is extraordinary with the ideal mix of humour, suspense, and grit. The tale of two policemen who have been friends since childhood is a testament to the playwright’s skills as a storyteller.

Fortunately for the audience (and his performing artists), Director Ed Cohen is no slouch as a storyteller, either. His veteran leadership only helps to amplify the differences between the characters while staying true to the common bonds they share. The set is brilliantly simple; the characters are and should be the focus without any unnecessary distractions. Lighting Design by Kiya Fix and Michael Yarick (who wears many hats for this production including Technical Director) complements the simplicity of the set and contributes to the feeling of intimacy as we bear witness to the story unfolding before us.

Kudos to Stage Manager and Assistant Director Kate Collins for offering an additional point of view on Ed’s vision – the two come together nicely. (Please note I am not trying to be overly familiar with our director – but there are two Mr. Cohens of which I will be speaking. Besides, I know he wouldn’t mind.)

Under the capable direction of his father (and due to his own talents, of course), Dan Cohen hits his turn as Denny out of the park. His carefully chosen and executed mannerisms correlate seamlessly with his dialogue in telling you exactly who his character is. Yet, we see the vulnerability of a human who really does want to “protect and serve” those for whom he has a soft spot. Mr. Cohen has a command of the stage any actor would envy.

Going toe-to-toe with Mr. Cohen is Rick Grant as Joey. Joey is a character from the same beginnings as Denny and is no saint himself but has made some changes and is keeping an open mind. Mr. Grant’s handle on the complicated emotional journey his character takes is nothing short of excellent, balancing admittance of his flaws with acceptance of the facts as they are. It is a privilege to see how he embodies a character with perceived ease.

The chemistry between Mr. Cohen and Mr. Grant is the thing of which dream casts are made. Each masters the fine line between evoking sympathy for an unsympathetic act and truly hitting home that they are not always good guys. Thus, together these two actors are an untouchable team; they make it easy to believe everything they are telling you even when you know you should not. Bravo to two fine artists!.

I am a sucker for a show which has universal appeal. On the face of it, how many people can relate directly to being a cop in the not-so-hot spots of Chicago? But a good play isn’t just about that: it is about the shared emotions and struggles and even laughs to which anyone can relate. This one is no exception. In short, A Steady Rain is an emotional journey – but it is worth every moment.

A Steady Rain presented by Beechmont Players runs now through November 8th at Gabriel’s Corner in OTR. Run time is approximately 90 mins with no intermission.

For more information about the show, please visit this site.

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A STEADY RAIN Runs Oct. 31-Nov. 8

A STEADY RAIN
Beechmont Players Inc.
Oct. 31-Nov. 8
Gabriel’s Corner [Over-the-Rhine]

Directed by Ed Cohen

Cast: Dan Cohen as Danny & Rick Grant as Joey

A dark duologue filled with sharp storytelling and biting repartee, A Steady Rain explores the complexities of a lifelong bond tainted by domestic affairs, violence, and the rough streets of Chicago. Joey and Denny have been best friends since kindergarten, and after working together for several years as policemen in Chicago, they are practically family: Joey helps out with Denny’s wife and kids; Denny keeps Joey away from the bottle. But when a domestic disturbance call takes a turn for the worse, their friendship is put on the line. The result is a harrowing journey into a moral gray area where trust and loyalty struggle for survival against a sobering backdrop of pimps, prostitutes, and criminal lowlifes.

  • Fri-Sat, Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 2 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri,  Nov. 6-7 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 8 at 2pm

Official page |

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Cast Announced for IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A Live Radio Play! at Beechmont Players

Beechmont Players is thrilled to announce the cast of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play!

  • Keith Cassidy: Freddie Filmore
  • Scott Unes: Jake Laurents
  • Laura Berkemeier: Sally Applewhite
  • Jeff Carter: Harry Heywood
  • Katherine Anderson: Lana Sherwood
  • David Levy: Sound Engineer

Join us this holiday season as we step back into the golden age of radio and bring Bedford Falls to life with heart, humor, and holiday spirit.

December 11–14, 2025
Epiphany United Methodist Church

Come see this timeless classic reimagined as a 1940s radio broadcast—complete with live foley sound effects and plenty of Christmas cheer.

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ALL THINGS CONSIDERED: A Historical Farce Runs Aug. 15-23

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED: A Historical Farce
Beechmont Players Inc.
Aug. 15-23
CASA at Essex Studios [Avondale]

Directed by Kiya Fix
Produced by Dan Cohen

Cast: Mary Jo Bissmeyer as Leslie Silva, Shelby Carter Collins as Jordan Greer & Gabi Homonoff as Avery Harrington

A satirical historical farce that critiques the fallacy of justifying missteps by pointing to worse incidents from the past. The play follows three frantic White House consultants as they attempt to defend a fictional president’s behavior by presenting a “history lesson” filled with presidential blunders — from Andrew Jackson’s foul mouthed parrot to Taft’s infamous bathtub mishap. Through absurd humor and sharp dialogue, the show exposes the flawed logic of excusing current problems simply because history has seen worse, ultimately challenging audiences to rethink the standards by which we judge our leaders.

  • Fri-Sat, Aug. 16-16 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Aug. 17 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, Aug. 21-22 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Aug. 23 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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Cast Announced for MISCAST CABARET at Beechmont Players, Inc.

Beechmont Players is thrilled to announce the cast of our upcoming MISCAST CABARET — a night where the usual rules of casting go right out the window. From unexpected showstoppers to dream roles turned upside down, this talented group is ready to deliver a night of unforgettable performances!

Featuring:
  • Dan Cohen
  • Corbin DeSpain
  • Ana Harrison
  • Caren Harrison
  • Stella Harrison
  • Dez Hutchens
  • Rachel Mabry
  • Ken Macke
  • Erica Mann
  • Arielle Hope Mantel
  • Jeff Weinkam
  • Maddy Weinkam
THE MISCAST CABARET runs October 3-5, 2025 at Epiphany United Methodist Church!

Tickets available now!
beechmontplayers.org

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