Tag Archives: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

October 27, 2021 · 10:28 am

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Reimagines SNOW WHITE With Virtual Off the Hill Production Now through Nov. 14

PIP_Snow White promoCINCINNATI – The Playhouse’s Off the Hill touring series begins its season of fairy tales and fables with SNOW WHITE, a free virtual production for children ages 6 and up and their families. In this fun-filled and fantastic retelling, Snow White and her most trusted companion, Dwarf #4, discover the true meaning of happily ever after: friendship, family and a whole lot of laughter. The tour will be streamed virtually on weekends from now through Nov. 14.

SNOW WHITE is adapted by Greg Banks, plays are familiar to Playhouse audiences. He also created contemporary versions of classics like Robin Hood and The Jungle Book that delighted students and families in previous seasons.
“Greg Banks is a playwright that I love to program,” says Daunielle Rasmussen, Playhouse Director of Artistic Engagement and the director of the show. “His adaptations of classic tales are vibrant, funny and give female characters agency over their participation in the story.”

While princes and magic wands are left to “save the day” in some stories, Snow White and Dwarf #4 discover what it means to share one’s truth in full in this new tale. Together, the two characters retell the story we all know — in which Snow White finds refuge with seven dwarfs after the evil queen tries to have her killed — but relay it from their own perspective. Two actors put their performance skills to the test by embodying all the characters themselves. With twists and tweaks from the original, Banks’ script reimagines the classic fairy tale as Snow White takes ownership of the story named after her and becomes a brave and adventurous heroine.

“I connect to her resiliency, and I love how Snow White creates an entire world for herself that reflects the love she gives to those around her,” says Rasmussen. “It is that love, and her found family, that save her — versus a prince coming to the rescue.”

SNOW WHITE will be available virtually on weekends through Nov. 14, with each performance hosted by a community organization. The Playhouse will also present two additional Off the Hill performances this season: Hare and Tortoise will be available both virtually and in person this winter and The Little Mermaid will be performed in person during the spring.

Seasonal support of education and outreach is by The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation. Off the Hill Sponsors are Key Bank and John C. Griswold Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 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.

Dates for each production are below. For additional details on each production visit https://cincyplay.com/tickets/off-the-hill.
Off The Hill 2021-22 Touring Schedule

SNOW WHITE (ages 6 & up)
By Greg Banks
Now available virtually every weekend through Nov. 14 — (Click on the host link to reserve tickets)

Oct. 29-31
Kennedy Heights Arts Center
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park 

Nov. 5-7
Artsville
ArtsWave

Nov. 12-14
The Barn
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
ASL Performance Hosted by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Hare and Tortoise (ages 3 & up)
By Brendan Murray
Live, Weekends of Jan. 22 to Feb. 20, 2022
Virtual, Weekends of Feb. 18 to 27, 2022

Meet two competing friends in this fantastic adaptation of Aesop’s fable. Hare and Tortoise tells the sweet story of opposites and friendship. From sun-shining spring to snow-falling winter, this much-loved tale is brimming with ideas, characters, live music and wonderful physicality – all leading up to their famous race and its nail-biting, medal-winning end.

The Little Mermaid (ages 5 & up)
By Mike Kenny; based on the tale by Hans Christian Andersen
Live, weekends of April 9 to May 7, 2022

Far below the crashing waves of the ocean’s surface lives a young mermaid. Enthralled by the unknown world above the sea, the Little Mermaid finds herself falling in love with a mysterious human. After a vicious storm throws him from his ship, she saves him but must make a deal with the evil sea witch. Will she break the spell and find true happiness? Young theatregoers will delight in this magical, charming adaptation.

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October 21, 2021 · 10:55 am

World Premiere NEED YOUR LOVE Adds New Musical Chapters in the Life of R&B Singer Little Willie John

Follow-Up to the Hugely Popular CINCINNATI KING Begins Oct. 30

PIP_Need Your Love promo

Photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park continues its season with a second world premiere: NEED YOUR LOVE by writer-director KJ Sanchez. The production, beginning Oct. 30 continues the unforgettable story of R&B singer Little Willie John, the King Records star who was first featured in the 2018 world premiere production Cincinnati King. Made possible thanks to support from the Rosenthal Family Foundation, NEED YOUR LOVE runs through Dec. 12. Official opening night is Thursday, Nov. 4.

With live performances of “Fever,” “My Love Is,” “Shakin'” and “Need Your Love So Bad,” the musical docudrama will please audiences who enjoy R&B renditions of some of music’s greatest songs as will fans of prior shows like Cincinnati King, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, Million Dollar Quartet and Low Down Dirty Blues.

“From the first day of auditions for Cincinnati King, we could tell that Little Willie John was going to be an exciting character, and then our first preview proved how much the audience was connected with him — especially when he sang!” Sanchez says. “There was always a deep interest in Willie, and I always had a passion for spreading the word about his brilliance.”

Like Cincinnati King, NEED YOUR LOVE features an onstage band for John’s musical performances. Musicians Richard Livingston Huntley, Ralph Huntley and Cincinnati’s own Terrell Montgomery return for musical accompaniment along with Joel Greenberg. Richard Livingston Huntley also returns as Music Director.

“The story of Little Willie John is so powerful and compelling, and his music is so engrossing and current that I’m very excited to be able to share his music and story with more people,” says Livingston Huntley.

In addition to the music, NEED YOUR LOVE tells the story of Little Willie John’s childhood in Detroit, how he got his first record with Syd Nathan’s King Records, and much more about his time and life before his tragic death at age 30, including stories from his sister, Mable John, who Sanchez interviewed for the play.

“He was one of the finest singers to have ever lived. He could sing anything, and he should still be alive today,” says Sanchez, who noted his performances inspired the likes of James Brown.

Sanchez began writing NEED YOUR LOVE when the Black Lives Matter movement swept across social media in 2020, and she thought of his own life cut short – with songs unsung and stories untold – resulting in a production that’s relevant to our lives today.

“Each and every day we should be asking, what are we doing with our talent? What are we passionate about? How do we honor those that have fallen between the cracks? Who tells our story?” Sanchez explains.

CAST
Antonio Michael Woodard (Antonio/Little Willie John)

PRODUCTION 
KJ Sanchez (playwright/director); Richard Livingston Huntley (music director); Josafath Reynoso (set designer); Rachel Anne Healy (costume designer); Amber Whatley (lighting designer); Lindsay Jones (sound designer); Stephanie Klapper, CSA (casting director); Brooke Redler (stage manager); Suann Pollack (second stage manager)

TICKETS
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.

Performances on Tuesdays through Saturdays will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. There is one Wednesday matinee at 1 p.m. on Nov. 17. Individual tickets start at just $35. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show for all other performances. Discounted ticket prices for teens are available for all productions and are $30 to $45, depending on show and seat location.

ADVISORY: Recommended for adults and teenage audiences. This musical docudrama celebrates the life of a talented R&B singer, whose behind-the-scenes tales feature some mild adult language and mature themes.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Patrons will need to be masked and fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test to attend an indoor performance. Visit the Health & Safety page for details.

SPONSORS
Production Sponsors are Digi and Mike Schueler and Jennifer and Woody Taft. Honorary Producers are Linda and Gary Greenberg and Barbara M. Weyand, with additional support from the Harold and Mimi Weinberg Charitable Trust. Rosenthal Shelterhouse Season Sponsor is Heidelberg Distributing Company. Season Sponsor of New Work is the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 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.

ACCESS
The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs, and complete wheelchair access are available.

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October 18, 2021 · 2:27 pm

Overhire Run Crew Needed for A CHRISTMAS CAROL at 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.

Position: A Christmas Carol Overhire Run Crew

Reports to: Production Stage Manager and Director of Production

Position Contract Dates: Nov. 16 – Dec. 30, 2021 with possible extension to Jan. 2, 2022. 

Salary: $12/hour

Position Overview:
Responsible for running various technical elements on our 30th production of A Christmas Carol during performance at the direction of the Playhouse house staff. Physical locations for this job are all of the various levels of the Marx Theatre, and the accompanying backstage and support areas. This is a temporary position that will span 7 weeks, and will require work mostly outside normal business hours, including, but not limited to, evenings and weekends.

Position Responsibilities:  

  • Props Run Crew:
    • Preparing the stage for rehearsal and performance, according to instructions from Stage Management, and Props Run Crew.
    • Presetting and tracking set pieces or props during rehearsals and performances, making sure items are in proper position, at the proper times.
    • Moving set pieces and handing off both props and set pieces during rehearsals and performances.
    • Cleaning up onstage and backstage as needed after rehearsal and performance.
    • Making crew leads aware of needed updates to paperwork.
    • Additional specific duties as assigned.
  • Wardrobe Run Crew:
    • Assisting the actors with dressing pre- and post-show. This may include assisting with hair styling and/or prepping and securing wigs.
    • Presetting and tracking costume pieces before, during and after rehearsals and performances.
    • Executing costume changes throughout the performance, as assigned.
    • Repairs and maintenance to costume pieces that may include hand sewing, machine sewing, as well as painting and/or polishing and other “touch-ups” as needed.
    • Nightly laundry, including ironing, steaming, de-linting and distributing costumes.
    • Minor touch-up to existing wig styles.
    • Create wardrobe track paperwork as needed. 

Essential Skills and Attributes:

  • Self-motivated team player that handles pressure well while working in a deadline-oriented industry and embracing a safety-oriented work environment.
  • The ability to self-critique and correct their work while maintaining sensitivity to the overall artistic vision is paramount.
  • 1-2 years’ experience in technical theatre or entertainment industry equivalent.
  • Good communication skills.
  • A basic knowledge of technical theatre terms.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • For Wardrobe Positions – Basic Sewing Skills.
  • Works well with others or independently
  • Exceptional attention to detail with strong organizational and time management skills

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk (sometimes quickly), talk, hear and speak.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Work is often performed in dimly lit areas.
  • Ability to lift and carry 20-30 lbs.

All employees are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination unless a reasonable accommodation has been approved.

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.

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 reasonable accommodation. 

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.

To Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and references to Jessica Lucas, Associate Production Manager, at jessica.lucas@cincyplay.com by Oct. 25, 2021. No phone calls, please.

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October 4, 2021 · 1:19 pm

Babysitter Sought by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

PIP_logoThe Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park seeks a babysitter for day time (and possible evening) sitting for a 13-month old. Sitting would take place either at the Playhouse or at the designer’s apartment in Mt. Adams. Sitting is needed while the designer is working on the current show and care could start as soon as Tuesday, October 5. You must be in good health and be fully vaccinated.

If interested/available please contact Associate Producer, Suann Pollock, suann.pollock@cincyplay.com

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September 30, 2021 · 10:23 am

NEED YOUR LOVE Runs Oct. 30-Dec. 12

PIP_Need Your Love promo

Photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

NEED YOUR LOVE
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Oct. 30-Dec. 12
Available for streaming through Dec. 13-26
Shelterhouse Theater [Eden Park]

Written and Directed by KJ Sanchez

From the creator of Cincinnati King comes the life and times of King Records star Little Willie John. You love the music, now hear his personal story. This intimate and captivating world premiere recounts his meteoric career and turbulent life in the music industry fast-lane. The show features hits from the King Records catalog – including “Fever,” “My Love Is,” “Shakin'” and, of course, “Need Your Love So Bad.” An extraordinary portrait of one of the most talented, influential and underrated R&B singers of all time. Advisory: Recommended for adults and teenage audiences. This musical docudrama celebrates the life of R&B talented singer, whose behind-the-scenes tales feature some mild adult language and mature themes.

9/30/21 Covid-19 Policy 

  • In preview Sat, Oct. 30 at 7:30pm
  • In preview, Tue-Wed, Nov. 2-3 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Fri, Nov. 4-5 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 6 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 7 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Nov. 9-12 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 13 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 14 at 2pm
  • Tue, Nov. 16 at 7:30pm
  • Wed, Nov. 17 at 1pm & 7:30pm
  • Thu-Fri, Nov. 18-19 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 20 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 21 at 2pm
  • Tue-Wed, Nov. 23-24 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Nov. 26 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 27 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 28 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Nov. 30-Dec. 3 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Dec. 4 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec 5 at 2pm
  • Wed-Fri, Dec. 8-10 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Dec. 11 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 12 at 2pm

Official page |

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