FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 7, 2008
Contact: Emma F. Caro
Public Relations Director
513-345-2242, ext. 2071

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK CONTINUES SHELTERHOUSE SEASON
WITH CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, FEBRUARY 2 – MARCH 2

(CINCINNATI) – The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will continue its Thompson Shelterhouse theatre season with a stark, bracing and stunningly theatrical re-visioning of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s timeless masterpiece, CRIME AND PUNISHMENT. This heart-racing 90-minute production, adapted by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus, begins public previews on February 2 and continues through March 2.

The play follows the story of Rodion Romanovich Raskolnikov, a young student who plans, commits and is conscience stricken for the murder of two elderly women. As the show begins, Detective Porfiry Petrovich questions Raskolnikov about the death of a pawn broker with whom he had left several pieces.

They discuss an article Raskolnikov had written for a periodical explaining his theory on the thought processes of a criminal both before and after a crime. From Raskolnikov’s perspective, there are both ordinary and extraordinary men in the world. An extraordinary man has the right to commit crimes if doing so would benefit the greater humanity.

Porfiry must rely on the information provided by prostitute and Raskolnikov’s penniless neighbor, Sonia, to solve the investigation and guide Raskolnikov to confession.

Dostoevsky began writing CRIME AND PUNISHMENT in 1865 after the deaths of both his wife and brother the previous year. Devastated by these losses, his increasing business debts and an obligation to provide for his remaining family, he sank into a deep depression. The novel was first published in the literary journal The Russian Messenger in twelve monthly installments in 1866 and was later published in a single volume.

Playhouse Associate Artistic Director Michael Evan Haney, who will direct CRIME AND PUNISHMENT, was amazed at how the novel has been distilled and stripped down to its most essential moments and themes. According to Mr. Haney, “The adapters, Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus, have really streamlined the 700-page novel and boiled it down to the main action that Dostoevsky was concerned with in his writing — the power of spirituality in the world and how that affects a human being.”

Returning to the Playhouse in the role of Sonia is Deborah Knox, who portrayed Susan Smith in last season’s chilling production of 1:23. Debuting at the Playhouse in this production are Nick Cordileone as Romanovich Raskolnikov and John Campion as Detective Porfiry Petrovich.  

Other members of the production team are Kevin Rigdon (set designer), Trish Rigdon (costume designer) and Fitz Patton (sound designer/composer). The stage manager is Wendy J. Dorn.

Tickets to CRIME AND PUNISHMENT are on sale now. Prices range from $44.50 - $54.50, depending on day and seat location. All tickets are $38.50 for the preview performances at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 2; 7 p.m. Sunday, February 3; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 5; and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 6. The official opening night is Thursday, February 7, at 8 p.m.

Any unreserved tickets are half-price every day when purchased between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the show (for performances Tuesday through Saturday) and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.

For tickets to CRIME AND PUNISHMENT or for more information, call the Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888 or toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800/582-3208. Call 513/345-2248 for TDD accessibility. For single tickets purchased by telephone through the Playhouse box office there is a $3 convenience fee per call. Tickets also can be purchased on the Playhouse web site at www.cincyplay.com.

Artists fly to and from Cincinnati on Delta Connection Comair, the Playhouse’s official airline.

The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund.

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 City of Cincinnati and The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation.

Special Performances

Meet the Artists
These free programs allow audiences to interact with cast members and others associated with the production following the show.

2 p.m. Sunday, February 10
2 p.m. Sunday, February 17
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 20
8 p.m. Thursday, February 28

Dining Options

Karlo's Bistro at the Playhouse offers full-service dining prior to most evening performances. Dinners include salad, entrée and dessert. Reservations are required by noon on the day of the show. The price is $25, which does not include gratuity. Karlo's Casual Fare offers busy theatre patrons an alternative light, quick bite prior to the show. Options include salads, sandwiches, soups, pasta and desserts. No reservations are required.

Sponsors

Production Sponsor:
United Medical Resources, Inc.

Honorary Producers:
James A. Markley and Daughters Three

Design Sponsor:
The Geiler Company

Fine Arts Fund Partner:
Western & Southern Financial Group and Cincinnati Bell

The 2007-2008 Shelterhouse Theatre Series is presented by
Heidelberg Distributing Co.

The Shelterhouse Season Design Sponsor is
The Sheakley Group of Companies

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