Playhouse Associate Artist Karen Zacarías’ lifelong love of books gives credence to her aptly titled The Book Club Play. A humorous tale of entangling opinions startled by a new voice, the play brings renewed focus to the importance of reading and putting reading into action. The Washington D.C.-based playwright shares reflections on her play, including how impactful it has been to be in a book club for more than 20 years.

Have you always had a fondness for books? What are some of your favorite books?
I loved reading as a child. In fact, Charlotte’s Web was my favorite book because that beautiful spider became a good writer and a good friend … my life goal. Other books that had a profound effect on me: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, A Hundred Years of Solitude, My Brilliant Friend, The Age of Innocence and Shane.

What inspired you to write a play about a book club? Have you been in any book clubs? If so, what were they like?
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.

Is there a particular character in the play you feel most connected to?
I think all three of the women characters embody a part of me.

What was the impetus for the documentary framework? Why did you choose such a framing device?
I love physics and am fascinated by the notion that a particle changes its behavior and course when being watched. The idea of people being aware that they are being watched and then forgetting allows for greater vulnerability and chaos and comedy. Throughout the play the characters reveal many fascinating layers. For example, Alex, who shares insights on his views of what a "cultured person" should be.

In what ways did you enjoy being able to showcase varying facets of the characters?
I love each and every character in this play… and I love that audience members tend to identify with one. This play has had a great following over the years, and I will have people come to me in the lobby and say “Oh, I’m the Ana in my group. Or I’m Rob.” It really does feel like they are people we all know.

How does it feel to have had so many well received productions of The Book Club Play over the years? Why do you think it resonates so universally?
I think it’s because it celebrates friendship and connection. It’s a comedy, but it’s also a celebration of the small pleasures that we hold dear. After COVID, the idea of being able to sit with friends in a living room and really talk is something to treasure.

You and Blake Robison have a long-time working partnership. What does having such a familiar working relationship bring to the production process?
I love working with Blake. He is so supportive and yet pushes me to go beyond my comfort zone. I am so grateful to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for being my artistic home and a playground for new stories and ideas. I am so proud to be a part of this theatre.

What do you hope Playhouse audiences take away from The Book Club Play experience?
How important it is to talk about art and stories with people you love. The Book Club Play is really an ode to live theatre.