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Rutka at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Dates: 10/13/2024 - 11/10/2024
📍 Theatre: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Think Systems Entertainment; Executive Producer Cody Lassen; Co-Producers are Eliot Horowitz, David S. Stone, Todd Rosen and Greg Steinbruner & Tami Stronach. General Management by KGM Theatrical
952 Mount Adams Circle
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Phone: 513-421-3888
Tickets: $35.00 - $81.00
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RUTKA is a contemporary rock musical based on the internationally acclaimed "Rutka’s Notebook: A Voice from the Holocaust", the diary kept by the, then, 14-year-old Rutka Laskier, in which she documented her thoughts and experiences during a three-month period in 1943 while living in the Jewish Ghetto in Bedzin, Poland during the Nazi's occupation.
Rutka’s world is consumed by the usual teen concerns, like friendships, gossip, a new haircut, and the flickers of first love — all of which she documents in her diary. But the world at large is far from usual. It’s 1943 in war-torn Poland, as Rutka and her friends are trying to live life as normally as possible while confined in the Jewish Ghetto. With their futures and fates uncertain, they reach for hope, resilience, and resistance. This all-new musical is a compelling drama and a shining example of how even one small voice can make a difference in the world. RUTKA is brought to life by an extraordinary ensemble of young performers and with a raw and emotional sound, promising an unforgettable musical experience.
Starring Ben Cherry (Broadway: Indecent, Fiddler on the Roof) as Yaacov, Lana Schwartz (Off-Broadway: Endangered) as Rutka Laskier and Zoe Siegel (Off-Broadway: In Corpo) as Micka.
Featuring Jacob Ben-Shmuel (National Tour: The Book of Mormon) as Mordechai; Delaney Brown (National Tour: Jagged Little Pill) as Stasia; Yael Chanukov (Off-Broadway: Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish) as Tusia; Julia Ty Goldberg (Off-Broadway/Regional: Gallery Players, Bedlam, Barrington Stage Company) as Nina; Dillon Klena (National Tour: Jagged Little Pill) as Lolek; Sabrina Koss(Regional: Alley Theatre, Lincoln Center) as Linka; Bex Odorisio (National Tour: Hadestown) as Dvorah; 2023 Jimmy Awards Semi-Finalist Ayden Weinstein as Janek; David Whalen (Regional: Cincinnati Playhouse, Guthrie Theater) as The Soldier; and Jacob (Kov) Zelonsky (National Tour: Billy Elliot The Musical) as Mulek.
With Luka Ashley Carter, Hannah Ervin, Sara Mackie, and Tai Rosenblatt serving as The Understudies
RUTKA features music and lyrics by recording artists Jocelyn Mackenzie and Jeremy Lloyd Styles formerly of the Brooklyn-based indie-rock band Pearl and the Beard. Book is by award-winning playwright and multiple Emmy Award nominee Neena Beber (Executive Producer and Writer on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”). The production is directed by Wendy C. Goldberg, the distinguished former Artistic Director of The National Playwrights Conference at The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, and a two-time Chair of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama jury.
Set design is by Tony Award winner Todd Rosenthal (Broadway: August: Osage County), costume design is by Jen Caprio (Broadway: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Spamalot), lighting design is by Josh Epstein (Regional: Cincinnati Playhouse, Guthrie, Goodman, Steppenwolf), sound design is by Connor Wang (Broadway: How to Dance in Ohio, Hadestown), and projection design is by Yee Eun Nam (Broadway: Yellow Face). Choreography is by Patrick McCollum (Broadway: The Band’s Visit, Angels in America). Music director is Sharon Kenny (Broadway: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Beetlejuice). Orchestrations and arrangements are by Nathan Koci (Broadway: Illinoise). Stage Manager is Andrea L. Shell. Casting Director is Daryl Eisenberg.
Rutka at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Schedule
SUNDAY OCT. 13, 2024. 2:00PM -PREVIEW PERFORMANCE-
TUESDAY OCT. 15, 2024. 7:30PM -PREVIEW PERFORMANCE-
WEDNESDAY OCT. 16, 2024. 7:30PM -FINAL PREVIEW PERFORMANCE-
Performances Run OCT. 17-NOV. 10, 2024
THURSDAY OCT. 17, 2024. 7:30PM -OPENING PERFORMANCE-
FRIDAY OCT. 18, 2024. 7:30PM
SATURDAY OCT. 19, 2024. 2:00PM
SATURDAY OCT. 19, 2024. 7:30PM
SUNDAY OCT. 20, 2024. 2:00PM
TUESDAY OCT. 22, 2024. 7:30PM
WEDNESDAY OCT. 23, 2024. 7:30PM -PAY WHAT YOU CAN PERFORMANCE-
THURSDAY OCT. 24, 2024. 7:30PM
FRIDAY OCT. 25, 2024. 7:30PM
SATURDAY OCT. 26, 2024. 2:00PM
SATURDAY OCT. 26, 2024. 7:30PM
SUNDAY OCT. 27, 2024. 2:00PM
TUESDAY OCT. 29, 2024. 7:30PM
WEDNESDAY OCT. 30, 2024. 1:00PM -PAY WHAT YOU CAN PERFORMANCE-
THURSDAY OCT. 31, 2024. 7:30PM
FRIDAY NOV. 1, 2024. 7:30PM
SATURDAY NOV. 2, 2024. 2:00PM -AUDIO DESCRIBED-
SATURDAY NOV. 2, 2024. 7:30PM
SUNDAY NOV. 3, 2024. 2:00PM -SIGNED ASL-
WEDNESDAY NOV. 6, 2024. 7:30PM
THURSDAY NOV. 7, 2024. 10:00AM -STUDENT MATINEE-
THURSDAY NOV. 7, 2024. 7:30PM
FRIDAY NOV. 8, 2024. 7:30PM
SATURDAY NOV. 9, 2024. 2:00PM
SATURDAY NOV. 9, 2024. 7:30PM
SUNDAY NOV. 10, 2024. 2:00PM -CLOSING PERFORMANCE-
Cast and Creative Team for Rutka at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Cast
Jacob Ben-Shmuel
Mordechai
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. National Tour: The Book of Mormon (Elder Cunningham Standby). Off-Broadway: Amid Falling Walls (National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene). Regional: Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Paper Mill Playhouse), Godspell (Pittsburgh CLO), An American in Paris (Argyle Theatre), Rock of Ages (Forestburgh Playhouse). Playwright/Composer: Brad Knows Nothing (New York Musical Festival), One Million Musicals Podcast. Education: BFA from UC Irvine. Website: jacobbenshmuel.com Instagram/TikTok: @jacobwritessongs.
Delaney Brown
Stasia
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. National Tour: Jagged Little Pill. Education: Current Senior at Pace University, BFA in Musical Theatre. Website: delaney-brown.com. Instagram: @d3laneybrown.
Hannah Skokan
Tusia
CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut. REGIONAL THEATRE: Rent (Paper Mill Playhouse) and Into the Woods (Quisisana). DEVELOPMENT: Tangled (Disney Theatrical Productions) and The Greatest Showman (Disney Theatrical Productions). EDUCATION: Pace University (BFA in Musical Theatre). INSTAGRAM: @htskokan.
Ben Cherry
Yaacov
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Mothers and Sons. Broadway: Indecent, Fiddler on the Roof. National Tour: Mary Poppins. Off-Broadway: Goldstein. Select Regional: The Repertory Theatre of St Louis: Angels in America, Part 1 and 2; Pioneer Theatre Company: Oslo, The Lifespan of a Fact, What the Constitution Means to Me; The Guthrie, Arena Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Kansas City Rep, Center Theatre Group: Indecent; Alabama Shakespeare Festival: The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Flint Repertory Theater: The Fantasticks, Ragtime; The Arden: Passion; The Hangar: Ragtime; Utah Shakespeare Festival (four seasons); Milwaukee Repertory Theatre: Route 66; Delaware Theatre Company: The Nerd, 10 Months. Television: “The Equalizer,” “The Following,” “Smash,” “I Love You...But I Lied.” Awards: MAC Award, Best Debut. Training: University of Michigan, North Carolina School of the Arts. Website: bencherry.com.
Julia Ty Goldberg
Nina
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. Regional: Outside the Lines x Next Stop Creatives at the Alliance of Resident Theatres - New York, The Gallery Players, Bedlam and Barrington Stage Company. Film/Television: Eucalyptus (MuleDog Productions); It Isn’t Easy (Morningside Productions); Upended (Five Parent Productions). Education: BFA from Boston University. Affiliations/Awards: Director of Photography of internet show Recess Therapy. Bucks Fever Festival 2023 Winner for Outstanding Achievement in Acting for “It Isn’t Easy.” Website: juliatygoldberg.com. Instagram: @therealmandypatinkin.
Dillon Klena
Lolek
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. First National Tour: Jagged Little Pill. Regional: Newsies (Musical Theater West), Mamma Mia! (McCoy Rigby Entertainment), The Story of My Life (Chance Theater), Spring Awakening (Malibu Playhouse), The Little Mermaid (Off Broadway Theater Corona), The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (Fox Theater). Awards/Affiliations: Starry: A New Musical. Education: BFA in Musical Theater from California State University Fullerton. Website: dillon-klena.com. Instagram: @dillon_scott_klena.
Sabrina Koss
Linka
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. Regional: The Alley Theatre, Lincoln Center, New London Barn Playhouse, Winnipesaukee Playhouse, Barnstormers Theatre, White Plains Performing Arts Center, and Gloucester Stage Company. Film/Television: About Fate (starring Emma Roberts), Evil Lives Here: Shadows of Death. Education: BFA in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Website: sabrinakoss.com. Instagram: @sabrinamkoss.
Bex Odorisio
Dvorah
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. Touring: Hadestown (First National). Off-Broadway: The Visitor (The Public Theater). International: Natasha, Pierre, & The Great Comet of 1812 (Shanghai Grand Theatre). Film/Television: “Law & Order: SVU,” Dickinson. Education: BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Affiliations/Awards: Silver Medalist in the American Traditions Competition. Website: bexodorisio.com. Social: @benditlikebexy.
Lana Schwartz
Rutka
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. With Rutka: Performed the role of Rutka in the Lincoln Center concert presentations as well as developmental presentations. Off-Broadway: Endangered (Davenport Theater). Film/Television: 5 Teenagers Walk into a Bar and Tracks (opposite LaKeith Stanfield). Education: Currently a sophomore at Harvard University, and a graduate of the Professional Performing Arts High School in NYC. Affiliations/Awards: Founder/Artistic Director of Nxt Generation Theatrics, where she produced and directed Off-Broadway productions of Next to Normal, Violet and Fun Home. 2023 Broadway World Off-Broadway Award nominee for Best Director of a Musical and Best Production of a Musical. Website: lana-schwartz.com. Instagram: @_LanaSchwartz_.
Zoe Siegel
Micka
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. Off-Broadway: In Corpo (Theatre Row). Television/Web Series: Living With Lily. Education: BFA in Drama from New York University. Instagram: @zoemsiegel.
Ayden Weinstein
Janek
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut.
With Rutka: NYC developmental workshop June 2024 (Janek). Regional: Pippin (Historic Lockport Palace Theater). Education: Currently a Sophomore BFA Musical Theatre Major at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Affiliations/Awards: Semi Finalist at the 2023 National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmys), Best Male Actor at the 2023 Kenny Awards. Instagram: @ayden_weinstein.
David Whalen
Soldier
Returns to CPIP for the sixth time. Favorites include Shakespeare in Love, Misery, and The Lifespan of a Fact. NY Theatre: Roundabout Theatre Company. Selected Regional: Guthrie Theater (five productions), South Coast Rep (10 productions), Pittsburgh Public (12 productions), City Theatre Company (seven productions), PICT (23 productions), Alley Theatre, Philadelphia Theatre Company, Center Stage in Baltimore, Arden Theatre, Folger Theatre, Hartford Stage, Everyman Theatre, Round House Theatre, Huntington Theatre, Laguna Playhouse, McCarter Theatre, Syracuse Stage, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, People’s Light, Playmakers Rep, Virginia Stage, Gulfshore Playhouse (four productions), barebonesproductions (five productions) & Kinetic Theatre, where he is an Associate Artist. Awards: PPG Performer of the Year, Kevin Kline. Barrymore, Helen Hayes Awards. Selected Film/Television: “The Loudest Voice,” “FBI: Most Wanted,” American Pastoral, Southpaw, The Last Witch Hunter, The Fault in our Stars, Jack Reacher, Cyril, Unsinkable, Checkmate, “61*,” The Christmas Tree, Black Dahlia, My Bloody Valentine, “Without Warning,” Indictment: The McMartin Trial, “Three Rivers,” and George Washington in “1787: The American Constitution,” releasing Fall, 2024. Up next, Sherlock Holmes in A Sherlock Carol at kinetictheatre.org. Website: david-whalen-actor.com.
Jacob (Kov) Zelonky
Mulek
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. National Tour: Billy Elliot The Musical. Regional: If I Forget (The Fountain Theatre, directed by Jason Alexander), Zanna, Don’t! (Chromolume Theatre), Dramatis Personae (The Joan). Film/Television: Ted, “Modern Family,” Jennifer Falls, “Funny or Die.” Education: London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art, Upright Citizen’s Brigade. Awards: LA Theatre Award 2022, Best Young Actor. Social: @kov_zelonky.
Luka Ashley Carter
Male Understudy
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. Cincinnati: Grease (Jersey Productions); Oklahoma! (The Showboat Majestic); Robin Hood (Cincinnati Children’s Theatre); The Baker’s Wife (New Edgecliff Theatre & The Carnegie); Guys and Dolls, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (The Covedale); Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson (The Know Theatre); Murder Ballad (Stone on a Walk Theatre); Frankenstein (Falcon Theatre); Hairspray, A Chorus Line, Billy Elliot The Musical, Love is Love, The Musical of Musicals and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Cincinnati Music Theatre); Visions of Us (SingOut Cincy); West Side Story (La Comedia). Regional: Short North Stage, Playhouse On Park, and Evolution Theatre. National: Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. Film: Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, The Bike Riders, Dandelion, and The A Frame. Education: Trained/Studied at Ohio Northern University, University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and Northern Kentucky University School of The Arts. Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn: @LukaAshleyCarter.
Hannah Ervin
Female Swing
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts: Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Arista), Escape to Margaritaville (Tina). Chanhassen Dinner Theatre: The Music Man (Zaneeta Shinn). Old Log Theatre: Escape to Margaritaville. Awards: Hennepin Theatre Trust Triple Threat Award. Education: University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music BFA Musical Theatre Class of 2026. Instagram: @nothannahervin.
Sara Mackie
Female Understudy
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. Cincinnati/NKY: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Carnegie Theatre, New Edgecliff Theatre. Regional: Human Race Theatre Company, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Porthouse Theatre. Film/TV: The Public, Dark Waters, The Bikeriders, The Christmas Spirit. Education: BFA Acting Wright State University. Website: saramackie.com.
Tai Rosenblatt
Male Swing
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: The Velveteen Rabbit. Cincinnati: Meet Me in St. Louis, The Addams Family, Bye Bye Birdie (Cincinnati Landmark Productions). Regional: New Works Festival (Actors Theatre of Louisville); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Julius Caesar, Hamlet (Kentucky Shakespeare Company); Number the Stars, Last Stop on Market Street (Stage One Family Theatre); Legally Blonde (Oregon Cabaret Theatre); She Loves Me (Kincaid Regional Theatre). Film/TV: Saint Clare. Education: BFA Northern Kentucky University. Instagram: @tairosenblatt_.
Creative Team
Jocelyn Mackenzie
Music and Lyrics
Brooklyn-based musician, maker, and medium. A singer, songwriter, songwriting coach, artist, stylist, and psychic, she released her debut solo album PUSH on Righteous Babe Records in early 2021. Arranged entirely for string quartet about healing through radical self-love, PUSH was co-created by an all-star team of collaborators including Franz Nicolay, Adam Schatz, Jo Lampert and more. Originally the singing drummer from indie-pop trio Pearl and the Beard, alongside Rutka co-composer, Jeremy Lloyd-Styles and cellist Emily Hope Price, the group released six studio albums in their tenure and boasted an extensive touring history across the US, UK and Canada with noteworthy artists such as Ani DiFranco, Neko Case, Iron & Wine, Ingrid Michaelson, Lucius, Dar Williams, and Lady Lamb. Jocelyn’s first solo EP features a song co-written by Ani DiFranco, and her music and voice-over talent have appeared in film, theater, commercials, and television. On stage, she has been involved in The Bengson’s Hundred Days and as a performer and devising member of Trusty Sidekick Theater Company’s Mendelssohn Electric. Mackenzie holds a BFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art (2005) and is skilled in makeup, costume making, knitting, crochet, graphic design, and fabrication. She is also a psychic medium. At her core, Mackenzie's extra-sensory skills inform her songwriting and visual art, integrating media and meaning to create work that is both sensual and personal.
Jeremy Lloyd-Styles
Music and Lyrics
Brooklyn-based songwriter/producer. He is best known for his work writing, performing, and touring with the folk trio Pearl and the Beard, sharing the stage with such acts as Ani DiFranco, Neko Case, Iron & Wine, Ingrid Michaelson, Bastille, Dar Williams, Lady Lamb, The Drums, Matt + Kim, Sharon Van Etten, Laura Marling and more. He's had his music featured in national commercials, the films Hello, My Name Is Doris, Spoiler Alert, and Unicorn City, the television shows "Lucifer," "The Royals," and the Hannah Gadsby Special, "Douglas." In addition to these works, he records solo material under his name and provides vocals for the 80s darkwave synth-pop band NoNight on Lost Future Records. "From his bearded greatness that generally stands at six months of growth, to the reassuring and friendly tone in his voice, he comes across like a long-lost buddy from high school." - Urban Beardsman.
Neena Beber
Book Writer
a playwright, screenwriter and lyricist who was born and raised in Miami, Florida. Current plays: Kate Suspended, workshopped at The O’Neill Center’s National Playwright’s Conference, and A Mother, co-conceived with Jessica Hecht and slated to be presented next year at Hartford Stage and the Baryshnikov Arts Center. Other plays include the Obie Award-winning Jump/Cut, as well as The Dew Point, Tomorrowland, A Common Vision, and Misreadings, all published by Samuel French. Neena is a recipient of a Lilly Award, the L. Arnold Weissberger New Play Award, and Sloan and Amblin Commissions, and was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. She is the author of librettos for the operettas Ulysses, Home; Kassandra; and most recently Iphigenia (composer Anthony Brandt). A member of the BMI Lehman Engel Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop, other musical collaborations include book and lyrics for Jade Alaska (composer Ben Diskant) and lyrics for the new musical Finding Frida (composer Jaime Lozano). She wrote the screenplay for How to Deal and the short Bad Dates. She most recently received an Emmy nomination for writing on “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (co-EP). Other TV credits include episodes of “Ballers,” “Imposters,” and adapting “Little Bear” for TV with Maurice Sendak. Neena holds a B.A from Harvard University and an M.F.A from N.Y.U.'s Tisch School of the Arts, where she was a Paulette Goddard Fellow. An alumna of New Dramatists, Neena has taught at Columbia University and mentors for Reel Works.
Wendy C. Goldberg
Director
Associate Artist, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Lifespan of a Fact, Circle Mirror Transformation, Leveling Up, Durango, Doubt. Regional: Eugene O'Neill Theater Center (Artistic Director 18 seasons), Arena Stage (Associate Artistic Director 2000-2005), Alliance, Baltimore Center Stage, Goodman, Guthrie, Hartford Stage, Philadelphia Theater Company, Playmakers Rep, Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Film/Television: Executive Producer and Creator of Uninterrupted's Top Class Tennis, Amazon Prime Video. Performance Director, Rockstar Games. Education: MFA from UCLA's School of Theater, Film and TV. BA University of Michigan. Affiliations/Awards: Pulitzer Prize in Drama Jury Chair 2019 and 2020. President of TheFrontOffice Media Development and Foundation, Head of MFA Directing Program, Boston University. Instagram: @wgoldberg.
Patrick McCollum
Choreographer
Credits as choreographer/movement director: The Band’s Visit (Tony Award for Best New Musical, 2018), Angels in America (Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play 2018). Other Broadway credits include Wicked as North American Dance Supervisor; The Shark is Broken; The Lightning Thief; Oh, Hello! starring Nick Kroll and John Mulaney. Off-Broadway and Regional: The Tempest (LA Philharmonic/Old Globe); Unknown Soldier (Playwrights Horizons, Arena Stage, Williamstown Theatre Festival); To My Girls, Man from Nebraska (Second Stage); A Case for the Existence of God (Signature Theater), A Marvelous Order (Opera). As associate choreographer for Broadway/Off-Broadway: The Last Ship (composed by Sting), Peter and the Starcatcher, Rocky, Murder Ballad.
Sharon Kenny
Music Director
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut.
Broadway: (Pianist) Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Beetlejuice, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mean Girls, Paradise Square, The Music Man. Off-Broadway: (Music Director) Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. Regional: (Composer/Lyricist) Dragons Love Tacos: The Musical, What Do You Do with an Idea? (Stages Theatre Company), Ice Queen, The Tempest, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (92NY). Film/Television: (Composer/Lyricist) “Dance Moms” (Lifetime), “Diary of a Gigolo” (Netflix). Education: BFA, The Hartt School of Music. Affiliations/Awards: Composer in Residence (92NY), Musical Director for Abby Mueller. Website: sharon-kenny.com. Instagram: @sharonkennymusic.
Todd Rosenthal
Set Designer
Cincinnati Playhouse: Doubt, The Lifespan of a Fact. Select Broadway: August: Osage County (Tony and Laurence Olivier Award); The Motherf**ker with the Hat (Tony, Outer Critics Circle nomination); Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; Of Mice and Men (filmed by National Theatre Live); This is Our Youth; Straight White Men; Linda Vista and the upcoming Eureka Day and Purpose. Off-Broadway world premieres: Red Light Winter (Barrow Street); Clean (Atlantic Theatre Company), Domesticated (Lincoln Center); King James (Manhattan Theatre Club); Qualms and Downstate (Playwrights Horizons) and Swing State (Amazon Audible at the Minetta Lane). International: August: Osage County (London, Australia); The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Madama Butterfly (Ireland) and Nice Fish, Downstate (London). Set designer for Big Apple Circus for six years. Regional theaters include: The Goodman Theatre (30 productions), Steppenwolf Theatre (over 30 productions), Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Alliance Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Guthrie Theater, Lyric Opera, Chicago, and many others. Other awards include Distinguished Achievement Award (USITT), Helen Hayes, Ovation, Bay Area Theater Critics, Joseph Jefferson (21 nominations) and the Michael Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and a full professor at Northwestern University.
Jen Caprio
Costume Design
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: The Lifespan of a Fact. Broadway: The Heart of Rock and Roll, Spamalot (2023 revival), Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. National/International live entertainment and Tours: PHISH’s New Year’s Eve at Madison Square Garden (2022, 2023), Clue, Mystic Pizza, Falsettos, Joseph…, The Lion (West End/US Tour), …Spelling Bee (US Tours) and various rock revues for Norwegian and Celebrity Cruise Lines, Hershey Park and the IBEROSTAR resorts in Mexico. New York: City Center Encores!, Audible/Minetta Lane, Second Stage, Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout, Primary Stages, Cherry Lane, LaMama, ETC and others. Regional: Over 150 LORT and Opera productions including collaborations at The Kennedy Center, The Guthrie Theater and her hometown theater, Paper Mill Playhouse. TV: “The Pigeon Explains” (YouTube), “Tiny Time Travel” (PBS Kids) “Falsettos” (PBS Great Performances) “Sesame Street” (seasons 47-54), “The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo” (Seasons 1-2), “Book Drop” (Twin Cities PBS), “Manhunt” (Apple TV+). 2019, 2020, & 2021 Daytime Emmy Nomination, 2020 Daytime Emmy Winner for Sesame Street. Website: jencaprio.com. Instagram: @jencapriocostumedesign.
Josh Epstein
Lighting Design
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: The Lifespan of a Fact, Circle Mirror Transformation, Leveling Up, Durango, Doubt. Regional: Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Guthrie Theater, Goodman Theatre, Arena Stage, Mark Taper Forum, Alliance Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Geffen Playhouse, South Coast Repertory Company, Paper Mill Playhouse, Trinity Repertory Company, Kansas City Repertory, Baltimore Center Stage, Long Wharf Theatre, Actor’s Theater of Louisville, Geva Theatre Center, Playmakers Repertory Company, Philadelphia Theater Company, Syracuse Stage. Awards/Affiliations: Knight of Illumination Award, Los Angeles Ovation Award, Helen Hayes Award nomination. Josh is the creator of Cuelist Software and is on the faculty at Chapman University in Southern California. Education: BA, University of Chicago; MFA, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Website: joshepsteindesign.com.
Connor Wang
Sound Design
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: Debut. Broadway: How to Dance in Ohio, Hadestown (assistant), The Cher Show (assistant), Off-Broadway: Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares (Minetta Lane); An Evening with Amber Iman (Minetta Lane); An Evening with Ali Stroker (Minetta Lane); Sorry For Your Loss (Minetta Lane); Jason Gotay: Where You’ll Find Me (Minetta Lane). Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, American Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Kansas City Rep, Theatre Squared, Syracuse Stage, Alliance Theatre, and Steppenwolf Theatre. Education: BFA from DePaul University. Affiliations: IATSE USA829. Website: connorwangdesigns.com.
Yes Eun Nam
Projection Design
A visual artist and a theater designer for live performances. Opera: X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X at Metropolitan Opera. Broadway: Yellow Face. Off-Broadway: Once Upon a (korean) Time (Ma-Yi Theater Company); Long Day's Journey into Night (Audible Theater). Regional: Mark Taper Forum (CTG), A.C.T, South Coast Rep, Pasadena Playhouse, Geffen Playhouse, Goodman Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, Kansas City Rep. Awards: two nominations for The Lucille Lortel Awards; winner of LADCC Theatrical Excellence for CGI/Video. Upcoming: Hamlet (CTG). Website: yeeeunnam.com.
Nathan Koci
Musical Arrangements and Orchestrations
Illinoise on Broadway
Daryl Eisenberg
Casting Director
Artios-nominated full-service casting office for theatre, film, television, and new media. Highlights include Broadway: Gettin’ The Band Back Together. Off-Broadway: Bedlam, WP Theatre, Predictor, That Parenting Musical, Love & Science, White Rose, and more. Regional: Dallas Theater Center, Hester Street (Theater J), Florida Georgia Line’s May We All (TPAC), Heartbreak Hotel (Broadway in Chicago), Folger Theatre, Cape Cod Theatre Project, WaterTower Theatre, Norwegian Cruise Line, Ivoryton Playhouse, Tenors of Rock, Wheelhouse Theatre Co, countless developmental works. Film/Television: “The Cathedral” (MUBI), “Menorah in the Middle” (Hulu), “The MisEducation of Bindu” (Peacock), “Shadows” (HBO), Angry Neighbors (Lionsgate), Hey Viktor, Hands That Bind, Project Pay Day, Hungry Dog Blues, Regarding Us, Kendra and Beth, The Short Game, Bound, Herd. Festivals include Sundance, Venice, Tribeca, TIFF, SXSW, San Diego, Cleveland, Atlanta, Soho, DWF. Audio: Both seasons of the critically acclaimed series “Limetown,” “The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station,” “Shipworm,” “City of Ghosts,” “Falling in Love With Mr. Dellamort,” “Verdict,” “High-Risers,” “Chutzpah.” Education: BFA from Tisch School of The Arts/New York University and Playwrights Horizons Theater School. Affiliations: Member of Casting Society of America. Chair of the Somerset County Film Commission and former Watchung Borough Councilmember. Website: ebcastingco.com. Instagram: @EBCastingCo.
Think System Productions
Producer
SP’s mission is to create bold and innovative works for all entertainment platforms. TSP was formed by producers Amy Langer and David Schwartz. David is a 25+ year veteran of the entertainment industry, including 17 years at The Walt Disney Company, where he was Assistant General Counsel, and 3 years at MGM, where he was Senior Vice President. Amy spent many years as a professional performer, touring the world in national and international productions before launching into producing. They are proud to have the opportunity to help bring Rutka Laskier’s powerful and important story to audiences across the country and around the world. Website: thinksystemproductions.com.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Producing Theatre
committed to bringing diverse, engaging works of great artistry to the community and to putting Cincinnati’s artistic excellence in the national spotlight. Founded in 1960 and a recipient of two Tony Awards — the 2004 Regional Theatre Tony Award and the 2007 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical for Company — the Playhouse is nationally known for its excellence and commitment to new works and as an artistic home for America’s best actors, directors, and designers. For more than 30 years, the Playhouse has produced at least one world premiere each season. Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison and Managing Director Abby Marcus oversee a full-time staff of 80. In spring 2023, the Playhouse celebrated the grand opening of its $50 million theatre complex, featuring an all-new mainstage: Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre. Visit cincyplay.com.
News About Rutka at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
December 29, 2025
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December 15, 2025
December 08, 2025
December 01, 2025
Video: Go Inside the Recording Studio with 'The Match' From RUTKA
October 30, 2024 The critically acclaimed RUTKA, a powerful new musical adapted from Rutka's Notebook, has released “The Match,” performed by the show's songwriters Joceyln Mackenzie and Jeremy Lloyd-Styles. “The Match” is available today from Rialto Records on all streaming platforms. Check out video of the show's composers performing the song in the recording studio below.
Video: RUTKA: A New Musical at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park First Look
October 25, 2024 Get a firstt look at RUTKA, a new indie-rock musical adapted from Rutka’s Notebook: A Voice from the Holocaust, making its world premiere at Ohio's Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
Cast Set For World Premiere of RUTKA At Cincinnati Playhouse in The Park
September 04, 2024 Full casting has been announced for RUTKA, a powerful new indie-rock musical adapted from Rutka's Notebook. The production will have its World Premiere at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park this fall.
RUTKA Will Make World Premiere at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
March 04, 2024 RUTKA, a new indie-rock musical adapted from Rutka’s Notebook: A Voice from the Holocaust, will make its world premiere at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Check out all the details on the new musical here.About the Theatre
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Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
Where is Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park located?
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is at 952 Mount Adams Circle, Cincinnati, OH.
What shows have played recently at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park?
Murder for Two (05/05/18-06/10/18)
Ken Ludwig's Treasure Island (04/21/18-05/19/18)
Sooner/Later (03/24/18-04/22/18)
Marie and Rosetta (03/03/18-03/31/18)
Be Here Now (02/09/18-03/11/18)
Million Dollar Quartet (01/20/18-02/18/18)
A Christmas Carol (11/22/17-12/30/17)
An Evening with Groucho (11/04/17-12/17/17)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (10/14/17-11/11/17)
Mr. Joy (09/23/17-10/22/17)
Ken Ludwig's Treasure Island (04/21/18-05/19/18)
Sooner/Later (03/24/18-04/22/18)
Marie and Rosetta (03/03/18-03/31/18)
Be Here Now (02/09/18-03/11/18)
Million Dollar Quartet (01/20/18-02/18/18)
A Christmas Carol (11/22/17-12/30/17)
An Evening with Groucho (11/04/17-12/17/17)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (10/14/17-11/11/17)
Mr. Joy (09/23/17-10/22/17)
What is the history of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park ?
Nestled on a hill and commanding a superb view of downtown Cincinnati, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has been offering audiences the finest in professional theatre for 60 years. Nationally known for its excellence and commitment to new works and as an artistic home for America's best actors, directors and designers, the Playhouse always keeps its primary role at center stage — to serve the Tristate by producing the finest in classic and contemporary works: musicals, dramas, comedies and recent hits. Simply put, the Playhouse strives to celebrate the live theatrical experience in superlative fashion, in a setting that is second to none.
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Cinderella Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (12/09-12/30) |
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The Children Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (1/30-2/21) |
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Paradise Blue Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (3/20-4/11) |
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Hadestown (Non-Equity) Aronoff Center (5/12-5/16) |
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Places We Can No Longer Go Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village, University of Cincinnati (9/17-9/17) |
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DR. SEUSS’S HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL The Emery Theater (12/04-12/20) |
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Bad Dates: End Game Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (5/08-5/30) |
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Journeys Through Time Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village, University of Cincinnati (4/23-4/23) |
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Mahler Five Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village, University of Cincinnati (3/10-3/10) |
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Star Wars X The Planets Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village, University of Cincinnati (4/06-4/06) |