Tag Archives: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

CINCINNATI (Jan. 10, 2024) – A bold and theatrical re-telling of DRACULA will sweep Cincinnati audiences into the dark and mysterious world of pop culture’s most iconic vampire beginning Feb. 3. Presented by the Leading Ladies, the world premiere runs through March 4. Opening night is Feb. 8.

In DRACULA, the classic vampire tale pulses with humor, humanity and blood-curdling thrills. Every character harbors secrets of their own, and each dramatic turn of events threatens their exposure – leaving the audience in suspense until the show’s final moments.

Writer-actor Vanessa Severo in collaboration with Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz adapted the classic 1897 novel into a thrilling dramatic production for live theatre. They previously collaborated on Frida…A Self Portrait, which charmed Playhouse audiences last season and continues to captivate on stages around the country.

“We started with Bram Stoker, but we are making a play for this audience now, something that spoke to us as artists, and like every Dracula you’ve ever seen on film, TV, or theater, this takes some twists in the spirit of the source material but that will speak to today,” Schultz, who also co-directs the production with Severo, said of the new adaptation.

Theatrical magic, stylized movement and surprise special effects crafted by a team of artists including an illusion designer transform the stage in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre into Count Dracula’s lair.

“It will feel like a place you maybe shouldn’t be, but you also don’t want to walk away from,” explained Severo. “Dangerous and alluring, and somewhat familiar…a design that will make you unsure of what you just saw and leave you asking how it was done on the drive home.”

DRACULA’s well-known ensemble of characters – including Lucy, Mina, Dr. Van Helsing and Renfield – are on hand for the story and viewed through a new lens and with a fresh perspective.

CAST
Van Helsing – Rin Allen
Mrs. Westerna – Andrea Cirie
Renfield – Harmon dot aut
Lucy – Mia Hutchinson-Shaw
Jonathan/James – Torsten Johnson
Mina – Mi Kang
Dracula – Adam Poss
Dr. Seward – Julian Remulla
Arthur – Donovan Woods

UNDERSTUDIES
Van Helsing/Mrs. Westerna – Liz Comstock
Mina/Lucy – Hannah Gregory
Arthur/Jonathan/James – Aaron Schilling

PRODUCTION
Playwright/Co-Director – Vanessa Severo
Playwright/Co-Director – Joanie Schultz
Set Designer – Yu Shibagaki
Costume Designer – Kathleen Geldard
Lighting Designer – Pablo Santiago
Sound Designer/Composer – Thomas Dixon
Magic/Illusion Designer – Nate Dendy
Casting Director – Stephanie Klapper, CSA
Stage Manager – Andrea L. Shell
Assistant Stage Manager – Brooke Redler
Assistant Stage Manager – Mary Kathryn Flynt

TICKETS

Tickets begin at $35.00. Prices vary and seating location and performance day. Preview performances take place Feb 3, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. Opening night is Feb 8 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 Feb. 21 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 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., Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Tue., Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m.

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

Thu., Feb. 8 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., Feb. 11 at 2 p.m.
Thu., Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Pre-performance Talks:
Come early and hear about this world premiere production from Joanie Schultz, co-director of Dracula and Playhouse Associate Artistic Director. The pre-performance talks are free and last approximately 20 minutes. No reservation or additional ticket is required.

Tue., Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Tue., Feb. 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Tue., Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Wine Pairing Dinner:
Join us before selected evening performances of Dracula for a special wine pairing dinner, including a short sneak peek at the production from Joanie Schultz, co-director of Dracula and Playhouse Associate Artistic Director.

Four-course dinners are $75 per person and start at 6 p.m. in the Kaplan Lobby. For a detailed menu and to reserve your dinner, visit cincyplay.com or call the Playhouse Box Office at 513-421-3888. Tickets to the performance are not included in the wine pairing dinner price and must be purchased separately. Reservations close eight days prior to each wine pairing dinner. Space is limited.

Fri., Feb. 9 at 6 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 14 at 6 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 22 at 6 p.m.
Fri., March 1 at 6 p.m.

Audio-Described Performance
Trained volunteers describe the visual elements of the production via a hearing enhancement system, allowing patrons to hear dialogue, music and other sound effects. The description is timed to avoid interfering with dialogue. Before the show and during intermission, show and actor information are shared.

Sat., Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

Signed ASL Performance
Each Rouse Theatre production offers one signed ASL performance during the show’s run.

Sun., Feb. 25 at 2 p.m.

ADVISORY

DRACULA is recommended for ages 13 and up. This theatrical re-telling features the most famous vampire of all time, so it’s no spoiler to say there are some sexual situations and violence – although mostly presented in an implied or stylized fashion – and, of course, blood is depicted on stage. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be DRACULA.

SPONSORS

Presented by Leading Ladies. Season Sponsor of New Work is Mark and Nancy Dawes. Artist sponsors are Frost Brown Todd and Towne Properties. Honorary Producers are Julie and Steven J. Shifman. Moe and Jack’s Place — The Rouse Theatre Season is presented by Schueler Group. Season Design Sponsor is Kerry Automotive.

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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CINCINNATI (Nov. 9, 2023) – LATE NITE CATECHISM, one of the longest-running shows in Chicago and U.S. theater history, will extend its run at Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre through Dec. 23. The production features Beth Ward as Sister and is presented by Entertainment Events, Inc.

More than 10 million people worldwide (in 410 cities and 6 countries) have experienced the phenomenon of LATE NITE CATECHISM, and now Cincinnati audiences will have seven additional opportunities to see the show that The Hollywood Reporter called “a laugh-filled evening for all cultures, classes and religions.”

In this playful and compassionate send-up of Catholic culture, audience members are students in Sister’s catechism class, where she is subbing in for Father Murphy. Sister rules with an iron fist and teaches the class however she wants. Sister weaves stories into a hilarious tapestry that laughs at the quirks of the church while simultaneously embracing them. Meanwhile, she’s not afraid to stop class to call out her misbehaving students.

“A strong nun is a strong teacher,” Vicki Quade, who co-wrote the play with Maripat Donovan told Loyola Press. “Women will say that by example, nuns showed them how to be a strong woman, how to be in charge, that it’s not a man’s world. You can do whatever you want to do in life. Many women saw nuns as positive influences in their life.”

The performance blends quick-witted stand-up comedy and improvisational crowd work, ensuring that every show is a unique experience. The Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre’s intimate seating arrangement further enhances the feeling of immersion into Sister’s world.

LATE NITE CATECHISM boasts an impressive 30 years of performances, surpassing the longevity of The Lion King in New York City. It was originally conceived and produced at the Live Bait Theatre in Chicago written by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan. The show has spawned 8 sequels, including holiday specials for Christmas, Easter and Halloween.

CAST/PRODUCTION

• Beth Ward – Sister
• Maripat Donovan – Playwright
• Vicki Quade – Playwright
• Marc Silvia – Director
• Jennifer Rhodus – Set Designer
• Marly Wooster – Lighting Designer
• Andrea L. Shell – Stage Manager
• Entertainment Events, Inc. – Producer

TICKETS

Tickets begin at $35.00. Child and teen tickets begin at $33.50. Prices vary depending on performance. Opening night is Nov. 9 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 Nov. 22 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 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

Opening Night:
Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. (SOLD OUT!)
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights with a lively post-show cast party.

ART TALKS (Formerly Meet the Artists)

• Sun, Nov.12 at 2 p.m.
• Sun, Nov.19 at 2 p.m.
• Wed, Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
• Thu, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Stay after select performances for a behind-the-scenes discussion with members of the artistic team.

ADVISORY
LATE NITE CATECHISM is appropriate for audiences 12 and up and contains no strong language. It does include some audience interaction and promises lots of fun.

SPONSORS
Artist Sponsor is 1919 Investment Counsel. Honorary Producer is Charles and Joann Mead. 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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ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS, INC. (Producer) is based in New York City.  EEI has made its mark on the theatrical touring industry by offering a variety of new and exciting plays and musicals to an ever growing list of professional presenting organizations throughout the country. In addition EEI has performed over 1500 fundraising events for schools, church groups, and private parties. EEI brings all aspects of producing under one roof: sales, production, casting, creative and technical. EEI productions have been produced and presented in all 50 states as well as in Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. Since 1999 EEI has produced; Late Nite Catechism: The Series, Maybe Baby, It’s You, The Yiddish Are Coming, The Yiddish Are Coming!, Shout! The Mod Musical, Tony N Tina’s Wedding, Defending the Caveman, We’re Still Hot! The Musical and are former producers of Jeanie Linders’ Menopause The Musical. EEI is now proud to present Girls Night: The Musical, ‘Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical, Dishing With the Divas, Help! My Husband Has Gone Missing: My Daughter is Getting Married & I Am Having Hot Flashes!, Panties In A Twist, Cuff Me: The Fifty Shades of Grey Musical Parody, Late Nite Catechism, Sister Strikes Again!: Late Nite Catechism 2, ’Til Death Do Us Part: Late Nite Catechism 3, Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold, Sister’s Easter Catechism: Will My Bunny Go To Heaven?, Late Nite Catechism Las Vegas: Sister Rolls the Dice!, Sister’s Summer School Catechism: God Never Takes a Vacation!, Sister’s Back to School Catechism: The Holy Ghost and Other Terrifying Tales!

CINCINNATI (Nov. 1, 2023) – The Christmas classic and Cincinnati family tradition of A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens returns to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park with a new adaptation specifically for Moe and Jack’s Place  — The Rouse Theatre.  Audiences can experience the dazzling new set, costume and lighting designs beginning Nov. 24. The new production, presented by First Financial Bank, runs through Dec. 30. Opening night is Nov. 30.

“I love A Christmas Carol,” says Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director, who wrote a new adaptation specifically for the Rouse Theatre and directs the production. “I love seeing so many families of multiple generations come to the theatre together. You have grandparents, parents and kids all attending. I think it centers us as a community. It reminds us of what’s important in life.”

In addition to Robison’s new adaptation, which features additional scenes from Dickens’ classic novella, A CHRISTMAS CAROL includes theatrical staging made possible with the technology in the new theatre that was not possible in the old facility. And Andrew May, who audiences will remember as Hercule Poirot from last season’s Murder on the Orient Express, plays Ebeneezer Scrooge in the new production.

Robison began work on the new adaptation more than a year ago, beginning with a fresh read of the original work by Dickens. His script remains faithful to the story that continues to be part of audiences’ holiday traditions.

“It’s about redemption, and the joy of the season, and finding peace and purpose in the service of others,” Robison explained. “It’s this wonderful parable about a person who is at odds with all the humanity around him. He has carved out a life of loneliness and defensiveness. He’s put his walls around himself. Then, he has a chance to make amends and reconnect with the world. A timeless message, to be sure, but perhaps an especially timely message in our current social environment. It’s a reminder of the better parts of the human soul and spirit and appreciation for the things that make us human.”

CAST

Andrew May – Ebenezer Scrooge
Burgess Byrd – Mrs. Fezziwig
R. Ward Duffy – Topper and Others
Kenneth Early – Mr. Fezziwig, Ghost of Christmas Present
Annie Fitzpatrick – Charwoman and Others
Ryan Wesley Gilreath – Bob Cratchit
Shonita Joshi – Belle, Mrs. Dilber
Zane Kramer – Tiny Tim
Taha Mandviwala – Fred
Grace Manning – Martha Cratchit and Others
Justin McCombs – Solicitor and Others
Kelly Mengelkoch – Mrs. Cratchit and Others
Dina Monk – Fezziwig Guest, Fred Guest
Maggie Lou Rader – Ghost of Christmas Past, Debtor Wife
Jefferson A. Russell* – Jacob Marley and Others
Aaron Schilling – Dick Wilkins and Others
Rory Sheridan – Debtor Husband and Others
Sierra King – Fan and Others
Zach Stone – Young Scrooge, Undertaker
Oscar Syroney – Peter Cratchit and Others
Tess Talbot – Rose and Others
Claire VanderMolen – Belinda Cratchit and Others
Robert Zahniser – Boy Scrooge and Others
Jared Earland – Understudy
Kent Sokolis – Understudy
Lila Rogers – Understudy
Sean P. Mette – Understudy
Yodeet Nymberg – Understudy

PRODUCTION

Playwright/Director – Blake Robison
Set Designer – Wilson Chin
Costume Designer – Bill Black
Lighting Designer – Jaymi Lee Smith
Sound Designer/Composer – Matthew M. Nielson
Puppetry Director – Betsy Rosen
Puppet Design and Fabrication – Daniel Tristan Cupp
Choreographer/Intimacy Coordinator – Casey Sams
Music Director – Steve Goers
Assistant Director – Bridget Leak
Stage Manager – Brooke Redler
Second Stage Manager – Brandon T. Holmes
Second Stage Manager – Andrea L. Shell
Assistant Stage Manager – Shelby Scaffidi

TICKETS

Tickets begin at $35.00. Child and teen tickets begin at $33.50. Preview performances take place Nov. 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 26 at 2 p.m. Prices vary depending on performance. Opening night is Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Regular performances will take place on Tuesday-Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. A weekday matinee will be offered on Dec. 20, 22 and 26 at 2 p.m. No performances on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. 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
Opening Night:
Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

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

ADVISORY
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is suitable for all general audiences, including children ages 5 and older. Due to the full-length nature of the show, children younger than 5 cannot be admitted.

SPONSORS

Presented by First Financial Bank. Additional support provided by the Harold C. Schott Foundation. Design Sponsor is Skidmore Sales & Distributing. Artist Sponsors are Bahl & Gaynor and Frost, Brown Todd. Honorary Producer is Barbara M. Weyand. Media sponsors are WCPO and WARM-98.5. Moe and Jack’s Place — The Rouse Theatre Season is presented by the Schueler Group. Season Design Sponsor is Kerry Automotive.

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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