BWW Spotlight: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's 2014-2015 season is just over a month away which made me think back on last season and how fantastic it was. Like any local theater company there are going to be hits and misses but when it comes to the Playhouse, their hits were grand slams and their misses are like a double. It was the most enjoyable season of all companies in Cincinnati because it offered a nice variety of big, elaborate productions to small, two person productions.

The first show that I saw (I missed Fly, which I heard was very good) was Seven Spots on the Sun. This was a world premiere by Martín Zimmerman. To just say I loved this show would be the understatement of the year. Everything about this production was fantastic. It felt like I was watching a movie yet it was live theater. I go into more detail about this show in my review.

I wasn't sure how I was going to like shows in the Shelterhouse because it's small and there are times when the actors have their backs to a certain section of the audience because of the stage layout. Then, I saw Seven Spots on the Sun and thought I would only like shows in that small of a setting from now on. The next show of Cincy Playhouse's season was their musical, Cabaret, in Marx Theater (which is much bigger than the Shelterhouse). Although I wasn't a fan of many aspects of this production, I loved watching this musical on a big stage but also with an intimate feel that Marx Theater brings.

We all know Clybourne Park is a great play and the Playhouse's production is no different and the same can be said for Pride and Prejudice. While I preferred Clybourne Park more, I wasn't disappointed in Pride and Prejudice by any means.

4000 Miles was a show I knew nothing about going into it and my expectations weren't that high but this show was like an emotional punch in the gut at times. If you were able to get through the scene where Leo tells the story of what happen on his bike trip (the catalyst for the whole show) without at least tearing up, I'm convinced you must have been asleep during the show.

A Delicate Ship was probably my least favorite play of the season but it wasn't bad by any means. It was just up against some very well done/written/directed/acted shows. Including my second favorite production of the whole season, The North Pool. The North Pool snuck up on me with how good it was because the description of the show didn't do it justice. The show is so complicated and has so many levels that I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster. If this upcoming season is even half as good as the 2013-2014 season, then I will be first in line for every production. Please do not miss out the wonderful theater that is going on at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.

Information about their new season can be found at http://www.cincyplay.com/