Tag Archives: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT Quick Review

THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT presented Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through Nov. 16. I attended the opening night performance. 

PIP_The Lifespan of a Fact promo1

JuCoby Johnson as Jim Fingal, Kate Rigg as Emily Penrose & David Whalen as John D’Agata. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

At what point does literary license become libel?

This argument is central to the plot of the thought-provoking play THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT running through Nov. 16 at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

LIFESPAN follows the extreme and laugh out loud funny pursuit of the truth by young and over-achieving fact-checker Jim Fingal (JuCoby Johnson). Actor David Whalen (author Paul Sheldon in last season’s MISERY) returns as John D’Agata, a talented and respected old school wordsmith who argues the truth of his writing is not beholden to fact. Literally caught between the two is magazine editor Emily Penrose (Kate Rigg) who’s love for the written word is tempered by the realities of the struggling print industry in our online, click-obsessed, social media dominated world.

Director Wendy C. Goldberg displays a deft hand with her talented cast in tackling a show that is essentially three people talking…a lot. The humor of the script and the humanity of the three characters is brought to the forefront. It is not three people arguing to be right, but three individuals trying to do the best work they can.

PIP_ Lifespan_05

David Whalen as John D’Agata. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Todd Rosenthal’s clever, two-sided set believable takes us from a New York skyscraper to suburban Las Vegas. It was also a wise move to not utilize the entire play area available.

There are some now-expected generational jokes and the fact-checking debate does briefly stall the forward momentum of the play, but on the other side is one of the most profound moments I’ve experienced in a theater. A perfect example of the power of the written word from the “pen” of a talented writer.

PIP_Lifespan3

Kate Rigg as Emily Penrose & JuCoby Johnson as Jim Fingal. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Nowadays any yahoo can start a blog and become a media influencer. The internet is full of people eager to nitpick and point out minuscule failings (like how did D’Agata’s elderly mother, who needed a walker to get around, manage to get herself up and down the stairs without a bedroom or bathroom on the first floor?).

But none can duplicate the investment of the opening night audience in those closing minutes of this play or the thoughtful discussion that follows after the stage goes dark.

My rating: 4.75 out of 5.

Click here for more information on the production.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Runs Nov. 27-Dec. 29

PIP_A Christmas CarolA CHRISTMAS CAROL
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Nov. 27-Dec. 29
Marx Theatre [Eden Park]

Directed by Michael Evan Haney

The Playhouse’s version of A Christmas Carol combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic to bring to life its familiar story of a sinner given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts. Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a miraculous Christmas Eve transformation as he views with new eyes his past, present and the possibilities of the future. As he witnesses all those who have improved his life — his first love Belle, his kindhearted employer Fezziwig, his nephew Fred and his heartily abused clerk Bob Cratchit — he realizes that it’s never too late to change his miserly ways. A Christmas Carol’s heartwarming message, hundreds of costumes and thrilling special effects help to make the show one of the Playhouse’s most popular productions each year. 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. 

  • In preview Wed, Nov. 27 at 7pm
  • Fri, Nov. 29 at 7pm
  • Sat-Sun, Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Thu-Fri, Dec. 5-6 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 7 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 8 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, Dec. 12-13 at 7pm
  • Sat-Sun, Dec. 14-15 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue-Fri, Dec. 17-20 at 7pm
  • Sat-Sun, Dec. 21-22 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Mon, Dec. 23 at 7pm
  • Thu, Dec. 26 at 7pm
  • Fri-Sat, Dec. 27-28 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 29 at 2pm

Official page |

Leave a comment

Filed under Family-Friendly, On Stage

2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS Runs Nov. 9-Jan 12

PIP_Two Pianos Four Hands promo

Promotional photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Nov. 9-Jan 12
Shelterhouse Theatre [Eden Park]

Directed by Thomas Frey

Cast: Jefferson McDonald as Ted & Matthew McGloin as Richard

12/16/19 – Run extended. Four performances added.

Piano wizardry and laugh-out-loud comedy come together to tell the story of Richard and Ted’s life-long pursuit of becoming concert pianist superstars. They work tirelessly to master legendary music from Beethoven and Bach to Billy Joel, enduring endless practice, stage fright and agonizing competition along the way. Two performers tickle the ivories (and your funny bone) while portraying dozens of characters like their naïve childhood selves, the eccentric piano teachers who guide them and the demanding parents who push them. Laughter and music abound in this riotous show about Richard and Ted’s humbling quest for musical greatness. Suitable for audiences ages 12 and up. Richard and Ted’s passionate quest for musical stardom includes mild adult language and other mature themes, which are often addressed through the characters’ angsty, teenage versions of themselves.

  • In preview, Sat, Nov. 9 at 8pm & Sun, Nov. 10 at 7pm
  • In preview, Tue-Wed, Nov. 12-13 at 7:30pm
  • Thu, Nov. 14 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Nov. 15 at 8pm
  • Sat, Nov. 16 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Nov. 17 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue-Thu, Nov. 19-21 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Nov. 22 at 8pm
  • Sat, Nov. 23 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Nov. 24 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue-Wed, Nov. 26-27 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Nov. 29 at 8pm
  • Sat, Nov. 30 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 1 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Tue, Dec. 3 at 7:30pm
  • Wed, Dec. 4 at 1pm & 7:30pm
  • Thu, Dec. 5 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 6 at 8pm
  • Sat, Dec. 7 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 8 at 2pm
  • Tue-Thu, Dec. 10-12 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 13 at 8pm
  • Sat, Dec. 14 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 15 at 2pm
  • Tue-Thu, Dec. 17-19 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 20 at 8pm
  • Sat, Dec. 21 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 22 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Mon, Dec. 23 at 7:30pm
  • Thu, Dec. 26 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Dec. 27-28 at 8pm
  • Sun, Dec. 29 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Mon, Dec. 30 at 7:30pm
  • Thu, Jan. 2 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Jan. 3 at 8pm
  • Sat, Jan. 4 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Jan 5 at 2pm
  • Fri, Jan. 10 at 8pm
  • Sat, Jan. 11 at 4pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Jan. 12 at 2pm

Official page |

1 Comment

Filed under On Stage

2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS Will Tickle the Ivories and Funny Bone

PIP_Two Pianos Four Hands promo

Promotional photo by Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates.

Award-winning musical comedy begins Nov. 9 in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre

CINCINNATI – Two pianists’ quest for larger-than-life dreams takes the stage in 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS, beginning on Nov. 9 in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre. Audiences are invited to experience the side-splitting musical comedy through Jan. 5, with opening night on Nov. 14.

The show, which has been called “tears-streaming-down-your-face-funny” by the Ottawa Sun, tells the story of playwrights and performers Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, who shared a childhood dream of growing up to be superstar concert pianists. In the two-person show, we meet semi-autobiographical characters Ted and Richard. In a series of short, rapid-fire scenes, Ted and Richard transform into parents, teachers, coaches and even themselves at various ages. Memories of their music careers come to life onstage, from touching arguments with Richard’s father (who once fancied himself a bit of a pianist as well) to side-splitting glimpses of the characters that helped instruct Ted and Richard at the piano.

At the heart of this production is two men with comedic chemistry telling the story of all our childhood dreams of being a movie star, astronaut, or NFL-quarterback. The musicians bring relatable nostalgia to life as they work to master everything from Bach and Beethoven to Billy Joel.

“Part of what makes 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS so enduring is that in addition to being incredibly entertaining, audiences see themselves in it whether or not they ever wanted to play the piano,” says Tom Frey, who serves as both director and music director for Playhouse’s production.

2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS has been produced on five continents in over 4,000 productions during its 24-year history. The production inspires audiences to think about their passions and reminds us all not to give up on our dreams.

“As a director, I love to watch the audience take in a play and see what seems to resonate with them,” says Frey. “2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS delivers more moments of connection than almost any play I’ve worked on.”

For more information on 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS, visit cincyplay.com.

CAST
Matthew McGloin (Richard); Jefferson McDonald (Ted)

PRODUCTION
Tom Frey (Director and Music Director); Steve Lucas (Scenic Designer); James Sale (Lighting Designer); Dale Brown (Casting Director); Brooke Redler (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. Call 513-345-2248 for Telecommunications Device for the Deaf accessibility.

Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, at 8 p.m. Fridays, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays. Individual tickets start at just $35. Tickets to all 7 p.m. Sunday performances are priced at just $10 for college students with a valid school ID. Student tickets are just $15 on the day of the show for all other performances. Discounted ticket prices for children and teens are available for all productions and are $30 to $50, depending on show and seat location. 2 PIANOS, 4 HANDS is suitable for ages 12 and up.

SPONSORS
Production Sponsors are The Carol Ann and Ralph Haile, Jr./ U.S. Bank Foundation. The Steinway Piano Sponsor is the Willis Music Company. The design sponsor is Bartlett Wealth Management. Artist sponsor is provided by BHDP. The Daley Family Foundation is an honorary producer. Season Sponsor is Heidelberg Distributing Company. Season Sponsor of New Work is the Rosenthal Family Foundation.

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.

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

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Payroll & Benefits Specialist Sought by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

PIP_logoCincinnati Playhouse in the Park is an equal opportunity employer and encourages inquiries about this position from a broad spectrum of candidates reflecting the diversity of the community we serve.

Job Title: Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Position Overview
The Payroll & Benefits Specialist administers the activities relating to the payroll and benefits processing including implementing and monitoring (e.g., performing internal audit and control procedures to ensure that all wages and taxes are accurate). This position reports to the Human Resources Manager. The Payroll & Benefits Specialist is a full-time, full-year, exempt salaried position.

Position Responsibilities

  • Process multi-dimensional weekly payroll (hourly, salary, union), including administering regulatory requirements, e.g., garnishments, tax levies, support orders, union deductions, and other adjustments to pay as necessary.
  • Implement and maintain payroll best practices to improve efficiency and consult with Human Resources Manager to improve payroll and benefits processes.
  • Assists employees and managers with timekeeping questions and issues.
  • Process accurate and timely year-end reporting when necessary (W-2, W-2c, ACA etc.)
  • Produces scheduled and ad-hoc reports.
  • Prepare weekly posting batches and integrate date into the General Ledger.
  • Administer all employee benefit programs including enrollments and terminations.
  • Assists with annual open enrollment, including preparation (or revision) and distribution of materials, scheduling meetings to communicate changes to employees, and overseeing changes within deadlines..
  • Fulfills all governmental regulatory mandates and ensures filings are performed as required.
  • Plans, conducts and reports results of audits to ensure all enrollments are accurate and that dependent information is correct for each employee. Works closely with Finance for quarterly and year end audits (payroll, Workers Comp, 401(k), etc.).
  • Addresses benefit inquiries to ensure timely and accurate resolutions. Maintains contact with employees to facilitate proper and complete utilization of benefits for all employees.
  • Processes monthly billings from carriers. Reviews billings for accuracy and approves for payment in a timely manner. Resolves discrepancies with carriers and payroll.
  • Administers online COBRA and FSA enrollments/changes.
  • Responds to and manages unemployment claims.
  • Manages payment of workers compensation cases in the 15K Program.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

  • 3-5 years, preferably at least 5+ years of experience administering payroll and benefits processes required. Work experience should include knowledge of basic accounting and human resources practices, payroll practices, benefits administration, and compliance. Bachelors Degree and CPP preferred.
  • Must have strong knowledge of payroll and benefits software applications. Paycor experience is preferred.
  • Must have a high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations..
  • Strong understanding of Human Resources processes and terminology, payroll and benefit processes and procedures, including eligibility and enrollment rules and benefit procedures.
  • Demonstrate exceptional analytical skills and ability to create useful and actionable reports from data.
  • Possess strong written and verbal communications skills.
  • Possess strong organization skills and ability to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to edit and proofread..
  • Possess a creative outlook with a problem-solving attitude.
  • Excellent time management, organizational, and follow-through skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests for data or information.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications: Excel, Word, and Outlook.
  • Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality requirements and exercise good judgment.
  • Communicate using English language.
  • Experience working in the not-for-profit sector and an appreciation for the performing arts and theater in particular is preferred.

Physical Demands:

  • The employee is frequently required to stand and walk, and occasionally stoop or kneel.
  • The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.
  • This position is partially sedentary, and the employee is required to regularly talk and hear.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

To Apply:
Submit your cover letter and resume with three references to:
Sharon Weber
Human Resources Manager
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
962 Mt. Adams Circle
Cincinnati, OH 45202
sharon.weber@cincyplay.com
No phone calls, please.
Deadline to apply: October 20, 2019

Leave a comment

Filed under Casting Call