Tag Archives: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

March 17, 2025 · 3:34 pm

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY, A Play About Books and the People Who Love Them, Begins March 22 in the Rouse Theatre

CINCINNATI – A hit play by Playhouse favorite Karen Zacarías returns March 22 through April 20 to Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre. Presented by the Leading Ladies with Executive Producer Fifth Third Bank, THE BOOK CLUB PLAY is a comedy about books and the people who love them. It returns after a previous sold-out run at the Playhouse in 2013 and selling out theatres across the country.

The inspiration for THE BOOK CLUB PLAY derives from Zacarías’s own experiences. She explains, “I’ve been in a fabulous co-ed book club for 25 years. It’s a sanctuary to talk, laugh and connect to deeper themes with friends. It also can manifest some drama and intense group dynamics.”

In the story, the members of a devoted book club become the subjects of a documentary filmmaker, and their intimate discussions of life and literature take on new meaning with the camera rolling. A provocative new member who arrives unexpectedly leads to the inclusion of questionable book titles. Hilarity ensues.

“It’s one of those scripts that makes me laugh out loud — and that’s always a good sign. I think that now, more than ever, we need to laugh at ourselves a bit. So, it seems like the right moment to create a new production in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre to bring the laughs to a widespread audience,” says Blake Robison, Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director and director of THE BOOK CLUB PLAY.

The 20-year creative collaboration of Blake Robison and Karen Zacarías includes the world premiere of THE BOOK CLUB PLAY at Round House Theatre, where Robison previously served as artistic director. Robison then staged a new production of THE BOOK CLUB PLAY during his inaugural season at the Playhouse in 2013. Since then, he has since commissioned Zacarías to write Native Gardens and Shane, both world premieres that he directed at the Playhouse. Robison also produced Zacarías’s play Destiny of Desire.

Along with the laughs, Robison hopes audiences will take away this message, “Take it easy, lighten up, don’t be so critical. The play reminds you that it’s people who are dearest to you — not what they do, what they say or what they read.”

CAST

  • Annalisa D’Aguilar – Lily Louise Jackson/Mrs. Simpson
  • Adam Langdon* – Alex/Carl
  • Eli Mayer* –  Robert Novum Smith Jr./Sam
  • Matthew McGloin* – William Lee Nothnagel/Frank
  • Marina Shay* – Ana Smith
  • Kim Wuan* – Jennifer McClintock/Elsa

PRODUCTION

  • Playwright – Karen Zacarías
  • Director – Blake Robison
  • Set Designer – Jo Winiarski
  • Costume Designer – Lauren T. Roark
  • Lighting Designer – Jorge Arroyo
  • Sound Designer/Composer – Matthew M. Nielsen
  • Projection Designer – Amoirie Perteet
  • Casting Director – Stephanie Klapper, CSA
  • Stage Manager – Andrea L. Shell*
  • Assistant Stage Manager – Carolyn Fast*

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

TICKETS
Tickets begin at $35.00. Prices vary depending on performance. Preview performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on March 22, 25 and 26. 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 take place April 9 at 1 p.m. An audio-described performance is offered on April 12 at 2 p.m. and a signed ASL performance will take place April 13 at 2 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., March 22 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Tue., March 25 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Wed., March 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night
Share the excitement of Thursday opening nights!

  • Thu., March 27 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., March 30 at 2 p.m.
  • Thu., April 3 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Wed., April 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Read Between the Wines Book Club
Join us in reading and discussing the same books that spark spirited debate in the play at our pre-show Read Between the Wines Book Club events. Each one includes wine, hors d’oeuvres and a fun book discussion facilitated by a member of the Playhouse staff. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the discussion runs 6:15 to 7 p.m. in the Kaplan Lobby. Cost is $25 per person, per event, which includes the hors d’oeuvres, two glasses of wine and doesn’t include tickets to the play (sold separately).

  • Moby Dick by Herman Melville: Wed., April 2
  • The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton: Tue., April 8
  • Twilight by Stephenie Meyer: Fri., April 11
  • The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: Thu., April 17

To purchase a Book Club event as an add on only (without a ticket to the show) click here.

To purchase both tickets to the play and a Book Club event, choose your date below. The Book Club will be offered as an add-on after you choose your tickets to the play.

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN-PERFORMANCES
Pay-What-You-Can performances are an additional way we try to make live theatre accessible to those who otherwise might not be able to attend our shows. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 513-421-3888 or in person beginning at noon, day of the performance only. Tickets are subject to availability.

  • Wed., April 2 at 7:30 p.m.
    Wed., April 9, at 1 p.m. (Tickets available for purchase at 11 a.m.)

ADVISORY
THE BOOK CLUB PLAY is recommended for older teenager and adult audiences. Using only mild adult language, some (very funny) book discussions reference identity, sex and maybe … sparkly vampires?

SPONSORS
THE BOOK CLUB PLAY is presented by the Leading Ladies. Executive Producer is Fifth Third Bank. Production Sponsors are Johnson Investment Counsel and Clark Schaefer Hackett. Design Sponsor is Skidmore Sales & Distributing. Artist Sponsors are Amelia and Tom Crutcher, Karen and Bill Neyer, Eat Well Celebrations and Feasts, and Leon and Barb Meyer. The 2024-2025 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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March 7, 2025 · 6:23 pm

THE HELPERS Staged Reading at Playhouse on March 17

THE HELPERS Staged Reading
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
March 17
[Eden Park]

Written by Maggie Lou Rader

The Helpers is a new perspective from the other side of the most famous bookshelf in history. Miep Gies, an immigrant and secretary for Otto Frank’s famous Opekta company, leads a group of helpers to preserve the residents of the Secret Annex and the spirit of goodness and survival during World War II. The Helpers is a tale of joy, hope, friendship and resistance during one of history’s darkest moments.

  • Mon, March 17 at 7pm

Tickets required |

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March 7, 2025 · 6:22 pm

THE BLACKFACE PROJECT Staged Reading at Playhouse on March 10

THE BLACKFACE PROJECT Staged Reading
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
March 10
[Eden Park]

Written by Isaiah Reaves

A complete revision of the critically acclaimed Fringe production, Isaiah Reaves’ new Blackface Project takes another look at the Bert Williams story through fresh eyes, genre and hope. Bert Williams, the first Black man on Broadway, is at the center of this new, satirical piece.

  • Mon, March 10 at 7pm

Free with on registration required |

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March 7, 2025 · 2:51 pm

ENGLISH Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynold

ENGLISH presented by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park through March 30th. I attended the Opening Night performance. 

Neagheen Homaifar as Marjan, Leyla Modirzadeh as Roya, Fady Demian as Omid, Aryana Asefirad as Goli & Sanam Laila Hashemi as Elham. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

This March, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is bringing audiences another Pulitzer Prize for Drama winner (2023): English by Sanaz Toossi. Staged in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre, English is set in a classroom in 2008 Iran where four adult students gather to prepare for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). What happens is an evocative glimpse into the unifying human desire to feel like they belong.

Director Kimberly Senior tries hard to keep the pace going on a script which has frequent “scene changes”; while they are more indications of passages of time, they do tend to break up the momentum quite a bit. I feel it would be better not to go “lights down” on each and every transition in the interest of keeping the audience’s attention. Set Designer Afsaneh Aayani offers a comprehensive classroom setting with a lot of options for natural movement and Ms. Senior’s blocking works well with it.

One of the major stars of the production would have to be Dialect Coach Sade Namei. With a show about students who are learning English as a foreign language, I was curious as to how the characters’ speaking in their native tongue would be handled. Without spoiling too much, dialects are key in how this plays out on stage. Ms. Namei’s work with the performing artists is to be commended and is a shining fifth character.

I have often sung the praises of Casting Director Stephanie Klapper and they are well-deserved sentiments. The chemistry between this group of five performing artists is cohesive and palpable. It is nearly impossible to cite any individual’s talents without mentioning each of them. Neagheen Homaifar as Marjan (the teacher) excels at dancing the fine line between conveying her genuine interest in imparting knowledge with her character’s own struggles as an Iranian. Aryana Asefirad breathes life into Goli: a sweet, genuine young woman who is clearly in love with the English language and sees it as a way to gain confidence in her proverbial voice. Fady Demian (Omid) glides effortlessly through the motions – both in physicality and sensibility – and you wonder what turmoil must inevitably lie beneath. Sanam Laila Hashemi (Elham) gives a masterclass in believability. Ms. Hashemi’s portrayal breeds empathy on a rich level and her quick navigation of both “languages” is enviable. Leyla Modirzadeh (Roya) is not only beautiful as far as aesthetics, but in her execution of a mother and grandmother who longs to be an important person in the lives of her progeny. (Semi-spoiler: I was not a fan of the way Roya’s story ended as it seemed dismissive.)

While many of us who will witness this exceptional production have an inherent privilege which bars us from empathizing with every aspect of the characters’ struggles, there are more than enough common bonds to which we can utterly relate. English is an ideal combination of the specific and more common struggles human beings share in this life. It addresses themes of being made to feel insignificant (or outright stupid) if we do not do things like “everyone else” along with complicated family dynamics and goals for the future. Whether you speak Farsi, English, or any other tongue, this is a well-written and well-told piece of art which will leave you feeling hopeful as you exit the theatre.

Special Note: The program contains an insert encouraging support of Persian-Owned Businesses. Please visit https://cincypacs.org/ to see how you can patronize such establishments.  

Click here for more information about the production.

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March 3, 2025 · 7:57 pm

2025-2026 Season Announced by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

Our 2025-26 season promises to inspire, entertain, celebrate our differences, and lift up our shared humanity. It features stories that feel familiar, that stand the test of time and that are fresh and contemporary. The lineup truly embodies the Playhouse’s mission to bring diverse, engaging works of great artistry to our community and to put Cincinnati’s artistic excellence in the national spotlight.

Moe & Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre
Season presented by Schueler Group 

MC & Tom Brennan and
David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation present

MYTHIC
Book and Lyrics by MARCUS STEVENS
Music by ORAN ELDOR

Directed and Choreographed by KATHLEEN MARSHALL

Sept. 20 – Oct. 19, 2025

 new pop-rock musical comedy with Broadway ambitions, Mythic makes its U.S. premiere in Cincinnati. The ancient Greek myth of Persephone is turned on its ear, with the gods as chart-topping pop stars, power hungry politicians and attention-seeking influencers. Starstruck by Olympian celebrity, Persephone rebels against her mother Demeter’s expectations and decides to forge her own path. When she sneaks into a party at the Acropolis and meets brooding bad-boy Hades, her life takes an unexpected turn into the Underworld. Mythic played to critical acclaim in London and in a sold-out run in Montreal. This new production will be directed and choreographed by nine-time Tony Award-nominee and three-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall. If you’ve ever been a teenager or a parent, you’ll love this entertaining, coming-of-age tale.“Each song could be a hit single in its own right. Just heavenly.” – The Stage, UK

Season Sponsor of New Work MARK AND NANCY DAWES

SEASON EXTRA! Subscribers get first access to tickets before the general public!

FIRST FINANCIAL BANK presents

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

By CHARLES DICKENS
Adapted and Originally Directed by BLAKE ROBISON
Directed by BRIDGET LEAK

Nov. 21 – Dec. 28, 2025

The holiday story you love unfolds in spectacular fashion in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre! In Charles Dickens’ classic tale, Ebenezer Scrooge is a greedy curmudgeon who finds his heart changing when three spirits and the ghost of a long-lost friend show him the errors of his ways. Across one fateful Christmas Eve night, Scrooge recalls the warmth and generosity of past loved ones, learns the value of kindness through Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family and glimpses a terrifying future should his heart remain the same. Featuring dazzling set, costume and lighting designs, A Christmas Carol promises a magical holiday experience for your family.”No humbug – just joy to the world!” – Talkin’ Broadway

Fifth Third Bank presents

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S
LITTLE WOMEN

Adapted by LAUREN M. GUNDERSON
From the novel by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

Directed by JOANIE SCHULTZ

Jan. 17 – Feb. 15, 2026

Experience the classic novel you adore as it’s being written in this playful and theatrical new adaptation that puts the author in the spotlight. Louisa May Alcott plays Jo March as she recounts how she wrote her famous novel for her real-life sisters who play the characters inspired by them. As they come of age during the Civil War under the loving guidance of Marmee, ambitious Jo, traditional Meg, gentle Beth and spirited Amy balance their sisterly bonds with their distinct personalities. Captivating readers for generations, this beloved story shines anew onstage with an energetic and novelistic approach using dialogue, description and interior thoughts just as Alcott wrote them. Relive this timeless tale of family, resilience and a determined young writer finding her way in the world.“The wit and complexity of Alcott’s characters come alive.” – NewCity Chicago

Sponsored by JOHNSON INVESTMENT COUNSEL & CLARK SCHAEFER HACKETT

Leading Ladies presents

MRS. CHRISTIE

By HEIDI ARMBRUSTER

Directed by JOANIE SCHULTZ

Co-produced with MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER

Feb. 28 – March 29, 2026

A mystery about Agatha Christie! The curious, real-life disappearance of Agatha Christie sets the stage for this charming and heartfelt comedy that celebrates writers and the stories that shape our lives. In 1926, after the recent death of her mother and with her marriage on the rocks, 37-year-old Agatha Christie vanished for 11 days, then reappeared without explanation. The reasons behind her disappearance remain unknown. A century later, devoted superfan Lucy, who is going through her own life crisis, attends an Agatha Christie Festival. There, she follows the clues left by Agatha and might finally crack the case. As we follow their parallel timelines and journeys of self-discovery, we experience the thrill of good old-fashioned mystery.“Fun, poignant and clever enough to earn the Christie name, this is a show that everyone will enjoy.” – Theater by the Bay

Sponsored by THE LEMMERMAN FAMILY

Moe & Jack Rouse and
Randolph Wadsworth present

AUGUST WILSON’S
THE PIANO LESSON

Directed by LOU BELLAMY

Co-produced with MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER

April 11 – May 3, 2026

August Wilson’s explosive, award-winning play is a gripping story of family, legacy and the choices that define us. During the Great Depression, Berniece and her brother Boy Willie clash over the fate of the family’s cherished, heirloom piano. Decorated with intricate carvings done by their enslaved ancestor, she treasures the piano’s storied history, and he sees it as the means to a more prosperous life. The ghosts of the past collide with the promise of the future in this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece from August Wilson’s epic American Century Cycle that explores the complexities of identity and belonging.“Like other Wilson plays, it seems to sing even when it is talking.” – The New York Times

ROSENTHAL SHELTERHOUSE THEATRE
Season presented by THE VONTZ FAMILY 

WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE SEA

Written by JEFF AUGUSTIN
Music by THE BENGSONS

Directed by TIMOTHY DOUGLAS

Aug. 30 – Sept. 28, 2025

A poignant, beautiful story of parallel journeys. After he learns of his estranged father’s death, Jonah recreates the cross-country trip his Haitian immigrant parents took before he was born. As he traces their journey across America and bonds with the music his father adored, time blurs and erases the distance between them as Jonah seeks to understand his father’s life and legacy. Lyrical storytelling and live folk music weave an emotional and evocative tale of rediscovering love and the everlasting bond of a father and son.“Heartfelt and deeply resonant. It’s easy to get lost in the music and mystery.” – Theatremainia

Sponsored by DIGI & MIKE SCHUELER

THE HEART SELLERS

By LLOYD SUH

Directed by DESDEMONA CHIANG

Oct. 25 – Nov. 23, 2025

A funny and moving new comedy about finding direction in the land of opportunity. When Luna and Jane meet at the supermarket on Thanksgiving Day in 1973, the two women discover they have much in common. They are both Asian immigrants new to American and are spending the day alone while their medical resident husbands work long shifts on the holiday. As Luna and Jane attempt to cook a frozen turkey in two hours and drink a little too much wine, they find solace and companionship in each other. Dreams of Disneyland, disco dancing and learning to drive lead to intimate discussions as they share their hopes and fears for making a new home in a new land.“A love letter to friendship” – BroadwayWorld

SEASON EXTRA! Subscribers get first access to tickets before the general public!

Linda & Gary Greenberg present

BECAUSE YOU’RE MINE

Created by MATT CUSACK and ALLISON KELLY

Dec. 3 – Dec. 23, 2025

This celebration of the great loves and love songs in country music features the return of Matt Cusack and Allison Kelly. They wowed Playhouse audiences in Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash with their versatile, multi-instrumental performances and now bring their passion for country music and their amazing talent to this intimate, musical revue. From iconic duos to contemporary torch songs, Because You’re Mine features singers and songwriters you know and love like: Johnny Cash and June Carter, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, John Prine and Iris Dement, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves and so many more! This limited-run ode to county music is sure to be an entertaining and popular night out during the holiday season.“Musical sparks fly off the stage.” – floridaweekly.com

Sponsored by THE MARKLEY FAMILY

MARY’S WEDDING

By STEPHEN MASSICOTTE

Directed by BLAKE ROBISON

Feb. 7 – March 8, 2026

In this poetic romantic drama, Mary and Charlie discover the thrill of first love. But the year is 1914, and the world is collapsing into a brutal war. On the night before her wedding, Mary reminisces about meeting Charlie, a farm boy in rural Canada, during a thunderstorm. Their story is told with dream-like interweaving of scenes from their budding relationship, Charlie’s time in the trenches of France and Mary’s present anticipation of her big day. Both tender and suspenseful, Mary’s Wedding is a stunning and unforgettable story of love, loss, hope and the resilience of the human spirit.“This deeply romantic dream-play goes straight to the heart.” – The Seattle Times

Sponsored by THE LEMMERMAN FAMILY

ELLEN & RAY van der HORST present

Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical

Based on the Life of Rosemary Clooney
By JANET YATES VOGT and MARK FRIEDMAN
Directed by MICHAEL MAROTTA

March 21 – May 17, 2026

One of the most beloved entertainers of all time comes home in this exhilarating and inspiring musical biography. Rosemary Clooney’s journey starts with her humble beginnings in Maysville, Kentucky, and Cincinnati and follows her rise to Hollywood stardom. With her signature songs woven throughout, trace the story of her amazing successes on film, radio and TV, her personal battles with addiction and depression, and her triumphant comeback. And through it all, she topped the charts for nearly five decades. A sold-out hit around the country and during its previous extended run at the Playhouse, Tenderly offers a remarkably personal portrait of the woman whose unparalleled talent and unbridled personality made her a legend.“Touching, affecting and greatly entertaining.” – Cincinnati Enquirer

Sponsored by HUNTINGTON BANK

SEASON TICKETS are on sale now!

Season tickets guarantee your seats and get discounted tickets to A Christmas Carol and Because You’re Mine (not included in any season ticket package). You’ll also enjoy exclusive benefits like the best prices, easy ticket exchanges, payment installments, discounted parking and more.

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