Cincinnati Playhouse Tours BIRD BRAIN, Now thru 5/23

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's popular Off the Hill series for families wraps up its 2014-15 season with Vern Thiessen's BIRD BRAIN, a charming and funny fable full of laughs and the lesson that strange behavior isn't always foolish. Recommended for ages 5 and up, BIRD BRAIN will tour to community venues throughout the Tristate from tonight, April 10 through May 23.

Based on the story Vogelkopp by Albert Wendt, BIRD BRAIN tells the tale of a kindhearted woodcutter who finds a nest of freezing baby birds and decides to give them a warm home under his hat. The problem is that he lives in a world where tipping your hat to others is not only a courtesy, but also the law, with severe punishments for disobeying. The woodcutter finds himself torn between doing what he feels is right and following the social norms.

"I am so looking forward to this delightful play for this most delightful of audiences," says Playhouse Education Director Mark Lutwak, who will direct the production and serve as the sound designer.

"BIRD BRAIN begins in a forest and returns there a couple of times, so I wanted an environment that set the mood for this cold, wooded land," says set designer Christopher Boone. "I realized we didn't need any graphics to tell this story, just panels of fabric, a couple of hat stands to hold hats and costume pieces, and a lot of imagination, which is perfect for younger elementary students." Both the set and costumes feature simple bits of fabric that get folded, twisted and used in multiple ways. The music and sound effects will be created vocally by the actors.

"It's very simple, but beautiful and fantastical," adds Lutwak. "As with a lot of theatre for this age group,we celebrate the imagination of the story by engaging the imagination of the viewers."

The BIRD BRAIN cast includes Alex Purcell, Claire Simba, Kelsey Torstveit and D'Amante M. Wilson, all members of the Playhouse's 2014-15 Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company. In addition to Lutwak and Boone, production team members include costume designer Melanie Mortimore and stage manager Tracy Hoida.

BIRD BRAIN will tour to nearly 20 community venues (see schedule below). Admission is free or inexpensive and is available at the door. Contact the center near you for ticket information.

For more information about the Playhouse's education and outreach programs, contact the Education Department at 513-345-2242 or visit www.cincyplay.com.

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