Tag Archives: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

DIAL M FOR MURDER presented by Playhouse in the Park through September 15th. I attended the opening night performance. 

Photo by by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

2024 marks the 70^th anniversary of the classic Alfred Hitchcock film DIAL M FOR MURDER – so what better way to celebrate than by seeing a stage adaptation by the same name? Playhouse in the Park’s 2024-2025 season opener (and co-production with Alley Theatre) at Moe and Jack’s Place (The Rouse Theatre) brings audiences the tale of a man who carefully plots the murder of his wealthy wife. Frederick Knott’s screenplay on which the film was based has received a slight makeover by playwright Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation, but his choices are keen and all of the key factors have been kept intact.

Not enough great things can be said about the series of beautiful stage pictures director Tatiana Pandiani creates for DIAL M. It should come as no surprise that she is also an accomplished choreographer as the blocking is very much like a suspenseful ballet. Ms. Pandiani’s understanding of the text is remarkable and perfectly complemented by the impressive set designed by Marcelo Martinez Garcia. Short of the less-than-ideal happenings in the home in which the story takes place, I would gladly live in the opulent apartment if for no other reason than the gorgeous Art Deco French doors.

Lighting Design by Yuri Nakase Link and Costumer Design by Rodrigo Munoz seem to serve as additional characters to this tale. Lighting choices are smart and decisive and paint the mood very clearly in each moment. The costumes are perfectly tailored to each actor and the spectator immediately knows who each character is by their style. The choice of colours in both lighting and costume design is the crème de la crème.

With a cast of five incredibly talented artists, it is virtually impossible to choose a favourite. Playing the role of Tony Wendice, a charming failed writer who decides to plot some dastardly deeds, is Brandon Hearnsberger. Mr. Hearnsberger embodies the role of a seemingly distinguished English gentleman who has a dark side. With a spot-on dialect and expressive facials, you may find yourself so eager to know what he’ll be doing next that you’ll forget to hate him.

As Tony’s wealthy wife Margot, Teresa Zimmerman is extraordinary! Aesthetically the picture-perfect blonde bombshell of Hitchcock’s dreams, Ms. Zimmermann does not give us typical “damsel in distress” energy. Her execution of this role is enviable and I quite fell in love with her, almost exactly at first sight. Ms. Zimmermann shows us that Margot’s ability to keep secrets is perfectly matched with Tony’s ability to do the same. Tens across the board!

In addition to our failed couple, the stage boasts the talents of Geena Quintos as Maxine Hadley, a no-nonsense New York crime writer who speaks her mind quite plainly and dazzles in the period wardrobe. We are also graced with Cincinnati acting royalty by the casting of Justin McCombs as Lesgate and Barry Mulholland and Inspector Hubbard. Mr. McCombs owns the stage every moment he is on it and is able to elicit both disdain and pity from the audience with seemingly little effort. Mr. Mulholland is exactly the kind of inspector the good guys want and the bad guys fear – and like his Cincinnati colleague, he dons a hat like he was made for it.

In summary, DIAL M FOR MURDER is an excellent time at the theatre for both those who have seen the 1954 film and for those who have not. With top-notch directing, an incredibly well-written story, and superb performances, you will not want to miss out on this thrilling ride.

Click here for more information about the production.

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE CHOSEN presented by Cincinnati in the Park through May 12th. I attended the opening night performance. 

The cast of THE CHOSEN presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Photo credit to Mikki Schaffner.

Way back when I was a practicing Catholic and before I was Jew-ish, I was assigned to read a book in a high school religion class. In all honesty, The Chosen by Chaim Potok did not really pique my interest. I am uncertain if it was my age or my undiagnosed ADHD that served as the culprit, but I was not the book’s biggest fan. Make no mistake: I was thrilled to learn more about the Jewish faith through this story of an unlikely friendship formed between two boys who practiced different types of Judaism – but even after so much time had passed, I was of two minds about attending a stage adaptation. Fortunately for me (and for all of us), Aaron Posner’s adoption of the original text (not to mention his direction of the play itself) is nothing short of perfection.

Set Designer Daniel Conway gifts us with one of the most beautiful and functionally diverse sets ever seen. Complemented with creative and thoughtful lighting designed by Noele Stollmack, the stage is easily transformed from the homes of the boys to a baseball diamond to Reb Saunders’ shul (Yiddish for “synagogue”) and several other settings. Costume Designer Helen Q. Huang perfectly captures the orthodox garb of a Hasid in addition to the era-appropriate clothing of the modern orthodox members.

Mr. Posner’s direction of this extraordinarily talented ensemble of four performing artists is to be commended. Both pacing and use of the playing space are optimal. Further, we as the audience are emotionally invested from very nearly the first moment. In speaking with the lovely patron next to me who asked me at intermission if I was enjoying the show, she offered such a spot-on comment on how she felt about it: “It is as if you can feel the emotions coming off the stage right at you.” I agreed with her and enjoyed this description as it was a palpably impassioned experience.

As our narrator of sorts, Eli Mayer as Reuven Malter does an excellent job at aging right before our eyes by simply altering the way he carries himself throughout the production. Mr. Mayer is relatable and an excellent storyteller. In the role of Daniel “Danny” Saunders, Reuven’s would-be rival and eventual friend, Hillel Rosenshine delivers a top-notch performance of a brilliant yet socially awkward Hasid whose mind seems to be both a blessing and a curse. Mr. Rosenshine matches Mr. Mayer’s physicality in his own character’s journey and it is magical.

Not to be outdone by their on-stage progeny, Steve Routman is affable and paternal as David Malter, Rueven’s empathetic and kind father who encourages the boys to be friends. I do not believe there is a person out there who would not want a father as portrayed by Mr. Routman and I sincerely hope the poor man isn’t accosted by too many hugs after his performances.

While it is difficult to focus on any one actor above the other (truly, they are that good), particular praise must be paid to Ron Orbach as Reb Saunders, the consummate leader of his congregation. Reb’s emotional journey is perhaps the most dramatic of all, even when there are times you may wonder if you can possibly find the character at all sympathetic. So many of the audience’s audible reactions from laughs to “oohs” to tears are due to Mr. Orbach’s impeccable execution. (Fun fact: be sure to read his bio to find out which one of my favourite films from when I was a teen boasts his talents.)

Click here for more information on the production.