Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison and playwright Karen Zacarías have formed a unique artistic partnership that spans multiple plays, cities and decades. Robison produced the world premiere of The Book Club Play at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2008 where he was Producing Artistic Director. Later, he directed it at the Playhouse during his inaugural season in 2013. Robison has since commissioned Zacarías to write Native Gardens and Shane and directed those world premieres, and he produced her play Destiny of Desire.

Robison reflects on his fruitful and rewarding collaborations with Zacarías.

You have been connected with The Book Club Play since its world premiere 17 years ago. What did you find most appealing about the script then and have these feelings deepened? Have you been eager to bring this play back to the Playhouse?
Yes, I have a long history with this play! After I produced its world premiere at Round House Theatre, Karen and I continued to work on it together over the next few years. The version I directed the first time at the Playhouse is now the "published version.” 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.

You and Karen have a long-time working partnership. What does having such a familiar working relationship bring to the production process? What do you love most about working with her as a playwright?
Karen and I have been making theatre together for 20 years. She is my most cherished collaborator and a true friend. I suppose we have a shorthand by now, and it’s built on trust. I think she trusts me with her work because I can hear her voice in the dialogue she writes. It's a certain rhythm that is buoyant, direct and layered with heart.

Over the years, we've become good friends outside of the theatre too. She loves my wife, Connan, and I dig her husband, Rett. We've had a bunch of good meals and travels together. And now our youngest kids go to college together in Colorado! It's rare to have that kind of friendship in this business.

What are some of your favorite books?
A Prayer for Owen Meany, The Great Gatsby and Where the Red Fern Grows.

What do you hope audiences take away from The Book Club Play experience?
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.