Tag Archives: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

VIETGONE, a Reinvention of the Romantic Comedy Will Capture Hearts and Laughs Beginning April 27

PIP_VietgoneCINCINNATI (APRIL 11, 2024) – An all-American love story about two very new Americans opens in previews on April 27 at the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre. Presented by Ellen and Ray van der Horst, VIETGONE is a reinvention of the romantic comedy. Opening night is May 2. The production runs through June 2.
It’s 1975. Saigon has fallen. He’s lost his wife, she’s lost her fiancé, and home as they’ve known it will never be the same. But this is not a war story. It’s a love story. Based on playwright Qui Nguyen’s family, VIETGONE tells the partially true tale of how his parents, Quang and Tong, met in a refugee relocation camp in Arkansas during the Vietnam War. They navigate their new lives as new Americans amidst family pressure, the challenges of migration and a culture full of motorcycles, cowboys, fast food and dreams.

“This is my origin story not only as a human being but as an artist as well,” Nguyen said. “I don’t think I would’ve become a writer if it wasn’t for my grandmother, who told me when I was very young, maybe 8 or 9, why she told me so many stories. She said when she escaped Vietnam, she left very fast without packing her bags, carrying jewelry or money, or (bringing) photos from home. All she had was her stories. And honestly, I think stories are the only thing anyone has of value.”

Qui Nguyen is an Emmy-Award-winning TV writer, filmmaker, playwright, and co-founder of the pioneering geek theatre company, Vampire Cowboys. Notable plays include Vietgone, Poor Yella Rednecks, Bike Wreck, and the acclaimed Vampire Cowboys productions of She Kills Monsters (recently awarded a 2024 Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival Gold Medallion Award). For TV/Film, he’s written for Marvel Studios, Netflix, AMC, SYFY, and PBS. He recently penned Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon (nominated for a 2022 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature) and co-directed and wrote Disney’s Strange World.

One unique aspect of VIETGONE is the use of original hip-hop and rap music to elevate the inner thoughts of the characters. The music in the play is composed by Shane Rettig.

“It’s not a musical, but the music is important to the piece,” said Joanie Schultz, who directs the play and serves as the Playhouse’s Associate Artistic Director. “The songs work like arias in an opera and give the characters an opportunity to explore an emotional state, but by using contemporary pop music styles, they are even more relatable to us as a modern audience.”

Nguyen added, “I hope people just enjoy a good love story. I hope they long for Quang and Tong to get together. And I hope in the final scene they get a new perspective on what being American and being Vietnamese means.”

CAST

  • Tong – Sami Ma
  • Thu/Huong – Olivia Oguma
  • Playwright/Giai/Bobby – Julian Remulla
  • Quang – Hyunmin Rhee
  • Nhan/Khue – Viet Vo

Production

  • Playwright – Qui Nguyen
  • Director – Joanie Schultz
  • Set Designer – Chelsea M. Warren
  • Costume Designer – Jessica Wegener Shay
  • Lighting Designer – Jennifer Fok
  • Original Music/Sound Designer – Shane Rettig
  • Fight Director – Rod Kinter
  • Associate Director – cara hinh
  • Casting Director – Stephanie Klapper, CSA
  • Stage Manager – Andrea L. Shell
  • Assistant Stage Manager – Shelby Scaffidi

TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35.00. Prices vary and seating location and performance day. Preview performances take place on April 27, April 30 and May 1 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night is May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on May 15 at 1 p.m.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888 (toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana at 800-582-3208) or visit http://www.cincyplay.com. Patrons who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services.

EVENTS

Preview Performances:
Be among the first to see the show before opening night and save! Preview performance tickets are discounted.

  • Sat., Apr. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Tue., Apr. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Wed., May 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night:
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights with a lively post-show cast party.

  • Thu., May 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Art Talks
(Formerly Meet the Artists), stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.

  • Sun., May 5 at 2 p.m.
  • Sun., May 12 at 2 p.m.
  • Wed., May 15 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thu., May 23 at 7:30 p.m.

ADVISORY
VIETGONE is recommended for older teenage and adult audiences. In this hopeful, funny and irreverent story about love, the characters sometimes express their emotions through rap music, use very strong language and make sexual references. The play includes descriptions of violence, discrimination and the aftermath of the war in Vietnam.

SPONSORS
Presented by Ellen and Ray van der Horst. Production Sponsor is Roto-Rooter. Design Sponsor is Geiler. Season Sponsor is the Vontz Family.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of almost 40,000 contributors to the ArtsWave Community campaign. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.

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Summer Camp Teaching Artist Training Fellowship Program/Summer Camp Counselors Sought at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

PIP_logoCincinnati Playhouse in the Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion in all areas of its work, both on and offstage. Qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and life experiences to the workplace are especially encouraged to apply.

Job Title: Teaching Artist Training Fellowship Program/ Summer Camp Counselors

Department: Education and Engagement
Reports to: Education Director
FLSA Classification: Full time, Seasonal, non-exempt
Start Date: May 28, 2024
Salary: $12.00/hour

Position Overview:
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park seeks Teaching Artist Fellowship Program/ Summer Camp Counselors for our 2024 Summer Theatre Day Camp.

The Teaching Artist Training Fellowship at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is designed to provide pedagogical training in a practical environment for emerging artists interested in pursuing work as a teaching artist. During the summer, fellows will serve as camp counselors for Playhouse summer camps, which includes working as teaching assistants and group leaders. They will learn by observing, assisting, co-teaching and then leading – all while receiving supplemental training throughout the summer.

The beginning weeks of camp focus on learning the processes and procedures of the day-to-day operations of a large-scale education program like summer camp, practicing classroom management skills and observing different teaching styles, followed by weekly online learning, analysis, and discussion. In weeks following, fellows will begin the transition from assistant teacher to co- and lead teachers. As Teaching Artist Fellows/counselors, participants in the training program will help to facilitate all aspects of camp, including
serving as role models who assist and motivate campers. Throughout the day counselors facilitate their group’s activities, complete check-in and check-out of students, proctor camper breaks, and support Teaching Artists as teaching assistants during classes, among other projects as assigned.

Ideal candidates have completed or are working towards a college degree in theater or education, or possess relevant experience, have experience working with children and are enthusiastic about teaching theatre to youth. Previous experience teaching is a plus but is not required.

Camp dates run June 3 – June 28, 2024, and July 8-August 2, 2024. Shifts will be assigned between the hours of 7:45 AM and 5:45 PM. Shifts may change per week within that window. Total hours will typically run 25-40 hours per week including any trainings that occur during the camp week, not to exceed 40 hours per week. Selected candidates will also need to be available for training and preparation May 28-31, 2024, 9:00 am – 5:00 pmand July 1-2, 2024, 9:00am – 4:00pm

Program Schedule:
Orientation/Prep Week: May 28-May 31, 2024, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Camp dates:

Weeks 1-4: June 2 – June 28
Holiday (unpaid) Days Off: June 19 and July 3-5
Camp Prep and Trainings: July 1-2, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Weeks 5-8: July 8-August 2

Weekly Trainings: during weeks 1-8, Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m., online or in person

This position requires travel to camp locations including Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ignite Institute, and Mason Community Center/Middle School. Qualified candidates must be flexible and able to work at whichever location is needed by the camp administrative team; therefore, candidates must possess reliable transportation.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Group Leader for one group each week or floater as needed
  • Lead morning warm-up and afternoon group activities
  • Escort students to each class & assist Teaching Artists during classes
  • Proctor all student breaks and lunch
  • Coach students one-on-one and in small groups
  • Support students in the Launchpad Accessibility program as needed
  • Co-teach and lead teach as assigned within the Fellowship program
  • Perform administrative duties, as needed for group management
  • Provide assistance with room and administrative prep
  • Help meet CDC COVID-19 safety/cleaning requirements
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Ideal Qualifications and Requirements:

  • Experience working with children, particularly in a large group setting preferred
  • Ability to interact and build relationships with people of diverse backgrounds, personalities and working styles.
  • Organized and able to solve problems quickly and positively
  • Good email communication skills
  • Experience with customer service
  • Experience with administrative processes preferred
  • Completed or are working towards a college degree in theater, or possess relevant experience

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

  • Frequent sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling
  • Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 10 lbs. and occasionally up to 25 lbs.
  • Ability to speak clearly and to hear/listen to campers and other staff via phone or in person
  • Position may require local travel to other worksites
  • Housing is not available at this time.

The physical demands and safe working expectations described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park continues to monitor the pandemic situation. Qualified candidates will be expected to comply with Playhouse’s health and safety plan – while at work and outside work – that continues to be updated per latest state and Federal guidelines.

While this description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, it is not necessarily exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or expectations of this position. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park reserves the right to revise or amend this description based on business needs or changes to the work environment.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

To apply: Qualified candidates should submit a resume and references to Ariana Moses, Education Director, at Ariana.Moses@cincyplay.com. No phone calls please. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the positions will be filled as soon as the successful candidates are identified.

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VIETGONE Runs April 27-June 2

PIP_VietgoneVIETGONE
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
April 27-June 2
Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre

Directed by Joanie Schultz

An all-American love story about two very new Americans. It’s 1975. Saigon has fallen. He’s lost his wife, she’s lost her fiancé, and home as they’ve known it will never be the same. But this isn’t a story about war: It’s a story about falling in love. Based on playwright Qui Nguyen’s family, Vietgone tells the partially true and endlessly entertaining tale of how his parents, Quang and Tong, met in a refugee relocation camp in Arkansas during the Vietnam War. They navigate their very new lives as very new Americans amidst family pressure, the challenges of migration and a culture full of motorcycles, cowboys, fast food and dreams. With irreverent humor, hip-hop and heightened theatrical storytelling, this original story reinvents the romantic comedy genre and captures your heart. Recommended for older teenage and adult audiences.

  • In preview Sat, April 27 at 7:30pm
  • In preview Tue-Wed, April 30-May 1 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Fri, May 2-3 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 4 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 5 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, May 7-10 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 11 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 12 at 2pm
  • Tue, May 14 at 7:30pm
  • Wed, May 15 at 1pm
  • Thu-Fri, May 16 & 17 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 18 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 19 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, May 21-24 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 25 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 26 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, May 28-31 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, June 1 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, June 2 at 2pm

Official page |

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THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE Runs April 5-May 5

PIP_The Lion the With and the Wardrobe promo

Promotional photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Off the Hill Series
April 5-May 5
[Various]

In Narnia — a land of talking animals, mythical creatures and eternal winter — the White Witch holds power over all. Any who dare dissent are turned instantly into stone. But one day, a little girl named Lucy enters this magical land through an enchanted wardrobe, and her fantastical adventure signals the fulfillment of a prophecy and great change to come. Step through the wardrobe with Lucy, Peter, Susan and Edmund in this tour-de-force, two‐actor adaptation of the beloved and heroic tale of good’s triumph over evil.

Updated 03.20.24 – Visit the official page for the latest list of performances.

  • Fri, April 5 at 7pm | Lebanon Theatre Company – 10 S Mechanic St, Lebanon, OH 45036
  • Sat, April 6 at Noon | Artsville – 5021 Whetsel Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45227
  • Sat, April 13 at 10am | Blue Ash Rec Center – 4433 Cooper Rd, Blue Ash, OH 45242
  • Sat, April 13 at 2pm | Memorial Hall – 1225 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202
  • Sat, April 20 at 7pm | Bell Tower Arts Pavillion – 3270 Glendale Milford Rd, Cincinnati, OH
  • Sun, April 21 at 1pm | Carnegie Center of Columbia-Tusculum – 3738 Eastern Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45226
  • Sun, April 21 at 7pm | Bi-Okoto Cultural Center – 5601 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45212
  • Fri, April 26 at 7:30pm | Fitton Center for Creative Arts – 101 S Monument Ave, Hamilton, OH 45011
  • Sat, April 27 at 10am | ARCO Price Hill Will – 970 Purcell Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45205
  • Sun, May 5 at 2pm | Kennedy Heights Arts Center – 6546 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45213

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THE CHOSEN Runs April 13-May 12

PIP_The Chosen

Danny Saunders as Hillel Rosenshine & Reuven Malter as Eli Mayer. Photo from Milwaukee Repertory Theater by Mark Frohna.

THE CHOSEN
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
April 13-May 12
The Rouse Theatre [Eden Park]

Directed by Aaron Posner

Cast: Eli Mayer* as Reuven Malter, Hillel Rosenshine* as Danny Saunders, Steve Routman* as David Malter & Ron Orbach* as Reb Saunders

How can two directly opposing ideas exist together? Chaim Potok’s classic novel intimately explores such complex and thought-provoking questions in a moving adaptation for the stage. It’s 1940s Brooklyn where two Jewish boys, Reuven and Danny, are both immersed in the religious instruction of their fathers and the traditions of their disparate communities. They live five blocks from each other but are a world apart. However, fate plays its hand, in the strangest of ways, and forges a life-changing friendship as they grow into adulthood. This hugely popular adaptation — often selling out theatres across the U.S. — is a heartfelt exploration of Jewish culture and the human ability to reach out across differences. THE CHOSEN is recommended for teenage and adult audiences. As Reuven and Danny navigate adolescence and young adulthood, they and their fathers discuss complex themes and ideas regarding the Jewish faith, world affairs of the 1940s and other mature issues.

  • In preview Sat, April 13 at 7:30pm
  • In preview Tue-Wed, April 16-17 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Fri, April 18-19 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, April 20 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, April 21 at 2pm
  • Wed-Fri, April 24-26 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, April 27 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, April 28 at 2pm
  • Tue, April 30 at 7:30pm
  • Wed, May 1 at 1:30pm
  • Thu-Fri, May 2-3 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 4 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 5 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, May 7-10 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 11 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 12 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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