Notes from Blake Robison

THE STAGES ARE SET, THE CASTS AND crews are ready, and the lights are up again on your Playhouse in the Park! We’re elated to be back onstage as a theatrical community, presenting amazing stories in the Marx and Rosenthal Shelterhouse theatres. Words can’t express how grateful we are to see you again as we gather together and experience the unique joy that you only get from live theatre.

You may have noticed things look a little different around here! We’ve broken ground on the construction of the Rouse Theatre for a once-in-a-generation project. A new era of Playhouse theatre is on the horizon, bringing with it more patron comfort, enhanced accessibility and the technology to wow theatregoers from Tristate audiences to Broadway producers.

That also means this season will be the last we spend in the Marx Theatre — join us for an eclectic lineup of shows that celebrates the Marx’s rich history and artistic legacy. We open with a world premiere drama by Keith Josef Adkins, The West End. This Playhouse commission tells an authentically Cincinnati story, steeped in history and emotionally compelling characters. Under the direction of Associate Artist Nicole A. Watson, The West End sheds light on those who forged new lives here during the Great Migration.

In the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre, we return to the stage with another Queen City story that’s sure to please. Need Your Love explores the life and times of singer Little Willie John in a continuation of KJ Sanchez’s Cincinnati King musical docudrama. With more stories to tell and a catalog of soulful R&B, we dive deeper into the life of this King Records Studio legend.

We’re eager to show you what else we’ve got in store this season: familiar favorites like A Christmas Carol, presented by First Financial Bank, and Steel Magnolias, presented by Leading Ladies; entertaining new comedies like Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play; Rooted, a world premiere by Be Here Now playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer; and the inspiring one-woman show, Becoming Dr. Ruth, presented by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati.

Since you’ve been gone, we’ve been hard at work to ensure your safety and well-being, and we’re following the ongoing guidance of the CDC, the State of Ohio, the Hamilton County Department of Health and the City of Cincinnati. Learn more about how we’re making your visits here healthy, safe and comfortable at cincyplay.com/safety.

Blake Robison Producing Artistic Director