Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Launches Season with THE LEGENDARY TALE ROBIN HOOD

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park breathes life into three classic stories from literature in fun, innovative and fresh ways for this season's Off the Hill Series. ROBIN HOOD, which chronicles the exploits of the legendary outlaw, will launch the popular family-friendly series this fall, touring to community centers throughout Greater Cincinnati from Sept. 24 through Oct. 30.

Good and evil take center stage as Robin Hood and his merry band of underground heroes rally to support those who cannot fight for themselves. Full of fights and swordplay, Greg Banks' ROBIN HOOD is a high-powered, action-packed adventure geared to ages 8 and up.

"Being a movement-based director, I loved this script because of the potential for physicality, including a large amount of stage combat and visual storytelling," says Director of Education and Community Engagement Daunielle Rasmussen, who is directing ROBIN HOOD. "I also love that our Maid Marian can hold her own with a bow against Robin Hood. She's no one's damsel in distress, and I'm excited for the effect that will have on our version of the story."

Rasmussen hopes to spark discussion with this decidedly modern adaptation. "Robin Hood isn't just a famous outlaw," she explains. "He is a character who asks us what we are willing to do in the face of injustice. Will you stand by and do nothing? Or will you defend, feed and care for your community? What do we do when it feels as though we are powerless and have no recourse? We are living in a time in which these questions are being asked. What do we learn from ROBIN HOOD that we can exemplify in our own neighborhoods?"

The ROBIN HOOD cast includes Richard Buchanan (Sheriff/King Richard/Soldier 3), George Bull (Prince John/Will Scarlett/Soldier 1/Little John/Friar Tuck), Candice Handy (Much/Maid Marian) and Taha Mandviwala (Robin Hood/Marian's Dad/Soldier 2), all members of The Playhouse's 2016-17 Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company. Along with Rasmussen, the production team includes set designer Kenton Brett, costume designer Melanie Mortimore, Sound Designer Trey Tatum and stage manager Tracy Hoida.

In addition to ROBIN HOOD, The Playhouse's 2016-17 Off the Hill season features AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, adapted by Toby Hulse from the Jules Verne classic, and THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, based on the story by C.S. Lewis and dramatized by Le Clanché du Rand.

"What I love about these adaptations is how accessible they are for a wide array of ages," says Rasmussen. "I am constantly looking for scripts that have something for everyone who might be watching, from toddlers to older siblings and parents."

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS embarks with Phileas Fogg this winter on the world's most amazing race by rail, boat - and even elephant - featuring just three actors portraying 19 characters to create a spirited, highly imaginative and hilariously entertaining comedy. Recommended for ages 8 and up, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS travels off the hill fromJan. 21 through Feb. 12, 2017.

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE will close the Off the Hill season in the spring, transporting audiences through the wardrobe to the magical realm of Narnia - a land of talking animals, mythical creatures and eternal winter where the White Witch holds power over all. The tour-de-force, two-actor adaptation, recommended for ages 5 and up, will tour Greater Cincinnati from April 8 through May 21, 2017.

For more information about The Playhouse's education and outreach programs, contact the Education Department at513-345-2242 or visit www.cincyplay.com.

Off the Hill is supported by the Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation, ArtsWave and the Ohio Arts Council. The Cincinnati Playhouse season is presented by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation and Heidelberg Distributing Co. The season sponsor of new work is The Lois and Richard Rosenthal Foundation.

The Playhouse is supported by the generosity of more than 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.

ROBIN HOOD PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (as of Sept. 6, 2016)

Saturday, Sept. 24, 2 p.m., Artsville (Madisonville)
Saturday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m., Ft. Wright Civic Club

Saturday, Oct. 8, 2 p.m., Campbell County Library (Carrico-Ft. Thomas Branch)

Sunday, Oct. 9, 2 p.m., Blue Ash Recreation Center

Sunday, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m., Cedar Village Retirement Community (Mason)

Sunday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m., Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum

Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m., Woman's Art Club of Cincinnati (Mariemont)

Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m., Oxford Community Arts Center

Friday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m., Springfield Township at Grove Banquet Hall
Saturday, Oct. 29, 2 p.m. Sunset Players at Dunham Recreation Center

Saturday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. District A at Woodford Paideia

Note: Details vary by location. Contact the individual sites for tickets and prices. Contact information is available on The Playhouse website at www.cincyplay.com.