In 1963, suburban housewives rushed out of their homes to purchase what would quickly become one of the most subversive books of the decade: "The Feminine Mystique," written by feminist author and activist Betty Friedan.
Erma Bombeck Book Club, Featuring Playwrights Allison Engel and Margaret Engel
June 28, 2017
It’s likely no surprise that theatre fans are often avid readers. A good story is a good story, after all. This year some of the best stories in the Playhouse season — from A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY and JANE EYRE to ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT'S END — were all inspired by great books.
Michael Evan Haney discusses the nuances of directing the Playhouse’s holiday production of A Christmas Carol each season.
Bruce Cromer, who returns for his 12th season as Ebenezer Scrooge this holiday season, took a moment before starting rehearsals to reflect on what he enjoys most about the Playhouse production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL.
Cincinnati-based actors Nick Rose and Stephen Skiles — in their roles of Mr. Cupp and Mr. Sosser, respectively — serve as the quasi-narrators for the Playhouse’s production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. They also perform various other roles in the show.
Linda Lombardi, Arena Stage production dramaturg, interviews DISGRACED playwright Ayad Akhtar about the cultural and personal significance of his Pulitzer Prize-winning play.
Audiences across the country have reacted strongly and emotionally to Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize winner DISGRACED. Artistic Director Blake Robison chose to include the show in the Playhouse’s 2016-17 season because of the important conversation it inspires.
Playwright Ayad Akhtar has known he wanted to be a writer for years, but it took him time to find his voice. Once he did, he’s been prolific, winning significant acclaim and the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for DISGRACED, which opens the Playhouse’s 2016-17 Thompson Shelterhouse season.
DISGRACED director Lisa Portes reveals what excites her about this story.
Amin El Gamal makes his Playhouse debut as Abe in the timely Pulitzer Prize-winning play DISGRACED. Meet Amin, and find out what he enjoys most about being an actor, his all-time favorite roles and what excites him about working on DISGRACED.
Actor Maury Ginsberg makes his Playhouse debut this season as Isaac in DISGRACED. Learn about his favorite roles, how he started acting and what he loves most about being on stage.
Discussions of art inform and illuminate the rich tapestry of Ayad Ahktar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama DISGRACED, which continues through Oct. 23 in the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Thompson Shelterhouse Theatre.
Meet Krystel Lucas, who makes her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut as Jory in the Shelterhouse season opener Disgraced. Find out why she became an actor, what role she’s been dying to play and what she enjoys most about working on DISGRACED.
The cast of The Second City's HOLIDAZED & CONFUSED REVUE are masters of sketch comedy and improvisational performance. We asked them a few questions to find out about their favorite games and craziest improv memories.
Director Andel Sudik took a moment during the rehearsal process to discuss The Second City’s HOLIDAZED & CONFUSED REVUE.
This summer, playwright Arlitia Jones visited the Playhouse with Associate Artist Michael Evan Haney for a weeklong workshop of her play SUMMERLAND, which will have its world premiere in the Thompson Shelterhouse in February 2017.
In April 1869, when William H. Mumler entered a New York City courtroom charged with two counts of felony fraud for asserting that he could provide his clients with images of their ghostly loved ones — a story that takes center stage in Arlitia Jones’ world premiere play SUMMERLAND — it wasn’t just his controversial spirit photography business at stake.
Whitney Maris Brown makes her Playhouse debut this season as Mrs. Mumler in SUMMERLAND. She has traveled all across America throughout her regional career, and with SUMMERLAND she's able to check Cincinnati off her list.
Michael Rothhaar returns to the Playhouse, where he most recently appeared in the 2006 production of WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION. He now takes the stage as William H. Mumler in the world premiere production of SUMMERLAND.
Billy Finn, who appeared in last season's MAD RIVER RISING, returns to Cincinnati to portray Joseph Tooker in the world premiere production of Arlitia Jones' SUMMERLAND.
In the mid-19th century, spirit photographer William H. Mumler was the subject of widespread national and even international attention, pitting believers against skeptics in judging whether Mumler’s haunting images were the stuff of miracle or deception.
In today’s world of digital photography, we’ve become so accustomed to modifications that we’re often more surprised to see unaltered images. With this cynical perspective, it can be difficult to imagine the world illuminated in Arlitia Jones’ world premiere SUMMERLAND and the fierce debate William H. Mumler’s spirit
ALL THE ROADS HOME playwright Jen Silverman took time before the show went into rehearsal to talk about her inspiration for the story, the script’s unique structure and when she knew she’d be a writer.
Meet Libby Winters, who makes her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut in the world premiere production of Jen Silverman's ALL THE ROADS HOME.
Meet Tina Chilip, who makes her debut at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in Jen Silverman's ALL THE ROADS HOME.
American Culture from the Glamour of the 1950s to the Community of the 2000s
June 20, 2017
Through Madeleine, Max and Nix, Silverman takes the audience from the 1950s, 1970s and into today. Each of the characters offers a glimpse into how the culture of each time period led them to the life choices they made and, ultimately, their destinies.
Meet Tramell Tillman, who makes his Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut in the world premiere of ALL THE ROADS HOME.
Meet Rebecca S’manga Frank, who makes her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut in the world premiere of Jen Silverman's ALL THE ROADS HOME.
Ten years ago, actor Lawrence Redmond was part of director Blake Robison’s original Round House Theatre production of A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY. This season he makes his Playhouse debut returning to the show as Mr. Meany in John Irving’s classic story. Meet Lawrence and learn why he became an actor, what he loves about performing and what he’s enjoying most about A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY.
Actor Jeremy Webb makes his Playhouse debut this fall as narrator John Wheelwright in A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY. Meet Jeremy and learn how long he’s been acting, what he loves about taking on a new character and what he enjoys most about A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY.
Based on John Irving’s classic novel, A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY tells a fictional story within a realistic setting. Historical references to 1950s and ‘60s American politics, war and pop culture create a familiar world, providing rich context for the story and enhancing our understanding of its unique characters.
Sound designer Matthew M. Nielson returns to the Playhouse this fall to compose music and design soundscapes for the 2016-17 season opener A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY.
Sean Mellott, who has appeared on Playhouse stages in LEVELING UP and PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, returns to the Marx Theatre as the title character in A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY. Prior to the start of rehearsals, Mellott shared his thoughts on his upcoming role.
It’s likely no surprise that theatre fans are also often avid readers. A good story is a good story, after all. This year some of the best stories in the Playhouse season — from A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY and JANE EYRE to ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT'S END — were all inspired by great books.
World-renowned American author John Irving is always insistent that his fiction does not mirror his life. As he told The New York Times in 1989, the year that his bestselling novel A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY was published, “I am not John Wheelwright.”
Learn what drew Artistic Director Blake Robison to direct A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, and find out what he enjoys most about returning to John Irving's classic story for a brand new production.
For the first time since the 2007 production of DRACULA, the Playhouse is exploring new theatrical heights. In A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, the show’s title character literally soars above the Marx Theatre stage.
Set in 1977, August Wilson’s JITNEY evokes vivid images of that late disco era in the clothing worn by the characters. We asked JITNEY costume designer Tracy Dorman about creating the clothing for the cast of the production.
Jefferson A. Russell is a former Baltimore police officer turned professional actor who makes his Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut as Shealy in August Wilson’s JITNEY. Meet Jefferson, and discover why he’s drawn time and again to August Wilson’s acclaimed American Century Cycle.
August Wilson’s play JITNEY follows a group of unlicensed cab drivers hustling to survive in 1970s Pittsburgh. Their jitney station serves a neighborhood — in this case the largely African-American Hill District — that traditional cab operators would not.
Stori Ayers is an actress with a passion for work that challenges social norms and ignites within her generation a spirit of activism. Meet Stori, and find out why she’s excited to make her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut as Rena in August Wilson’s JITNEY.
JITNEY was the first script written in August Wilson's groundbreaking American Century Cycle, in which he explored the experience of black Americans through a series of 10 plays set in each decade of the 20th century.
Cincinnati native Nick Cearley, who portrays a hapless Skid Row flower shop employee in the new Playhouse production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, shares his insights into playing the nerdy Seymour, pawn of the ravenous and mysterious Audrey II plant.
Committed and Scrappy: The Legacy of Roger Corman and His Impact on the Arts
June 13, 2017
As a true Hollywood heavyweight, Roger Corman has produced more than 400 films and directed more than 50 throughout his 60+-year career, including the original film production of THE LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS in 1960.
Gina Milo makes her debut at the Playhouse this season as Audrey in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Find out how LES MISERABLES led to her career in musical theatre and what she enjoys most about acting and singing.
Though the original production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS premiered in 1982, the story vaguely takes place in the 1960s and uses its toe-tapping musical score to invite the audience to examine the pop culture of that era.
Meet David Meyers, who makes his Playhouse debut as Mr. Mushnik in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and find out what he enjoys most about acting and performing across the country.
On Sunday, Jan. 29, fans rushed to grab their complimentary Seymour glasses in preparation to sing along with their favorite tunes from the 1986 movie-musical starring Rick Moranis.
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is a co-production between Portland Center Stage at the Armory in Portland, Oregon, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. The musical features the same touring cast and production crew and reflects the artistic efforts of both theatres.
Nick Cearley makes his Playhouse debut as Seymour in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, but this Ohio-native has been singing and dancing in the Tri-state since childhood. Meet Nick and find out more about how he received his training, why he decided to become an actor and what roles he loves best.
It’s likely no surprise that theatre fans are also often avid readers. A good story is a good story, after all. This year some of the best stories in the Playhouse season — from A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY and JANE EYRE to ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT'S END — were all inspired by great books.
Taking Center Stage: Margaret Ivey's Journey from Internship to Leading Lady
June 13, 2017
This month, actress Margaret Ivey moves into the spotlight as JANE EYRE in Polly Teale’s adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, under the direction of Playhouse Associate Artist KJ Sanchez.
Michael made his Playhouse debut in AVENUE X (2001), and he is thrilled to return this season as Rochester in JANE EYRE.
Christine Toy Johnson makes her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut as Bessie, Blanche Ingram, Grace Poole and Diane Rivers in JANE EYRE.
Rebecca Hirota makes her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut in JANE EYRE as Helen Burns, Adele and Mary Rivers.
Still mesmerized by Polly Teale’s stage adaptation of JANE EYRE? We’ve compiled a list of books for your consideration in case you can’t get enough of Charlotte Brontë’s sweeping romance, Gothic landscape and psychological drama.
Brendon Fox, director of Ken Ludwig’s BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY, discusses how he’s revived a literary favorite while leaving exciting surprises along the way.
The world of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson has been a beloved one for generations, and it comes to life at the Playhouse with Ken Ludwig’s BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY. In this classic mystery, the gloomy and foreboding world of fog, quicksand, moors and monsters combine to create a dizzying web of clues.
Jacob James makes his Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut as Doctor Watson in Ken Ludwig's BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY.
Nisi Sturgis makes her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut as Actress One in Ken Ludwig's BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY.
Brian Owen makes his Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut in Ken Ludwig's BASKERVILLE: A SHERLOCK HOLMES MYSTERY.
Did you leave ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT'S END laughing, reminiscing on your own household comedy hours or feeling an urge to fight for the Equal Rights Amendment? We’ve compiled a list of books in case you’re still wanting more daily life amusement, or if you’re curious about the feminist movement of the 1960s and ‘70s.
“Mommy bloggers,” as they call themselves, make up an online community that sheds light on the world of parenting and motherhood. While some of these blogs focus on new and different ways to care for one’s family, others poke fun at their own misadventures using humor and sarcasm—much like Bombeck did with her columns.
Barbara Chisholm, who plays Erma Bombeck in Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s ERMA BOMBECK: AT WIT'S END sheds light into her character development of this trailblazing woman.