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A WORLD PREMIERE AND A SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRODUCTION ARE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK’S 2005-2006 ROSENTHAL NEXT GENERATION THEATRE SERIES FOR CHILDREN (CINCINNATI) – A world premiere play and a special holiday show are among the highlights of the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s 2005-2006 Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series for children. The schedule includes 17 productions, beginning in October and continuing until April, that bring some of the nation’s best children’s performers to Cincinnati audiences to engage and excite young people with the magic of live theatre. A world premiere look at modern adolescence, an adventure in wonderland, a dinosaur musical, a Native American Hoop Dance, a one-of-a-kind cello performance and even a fun-filled family concert are all part of this exciting 12th season. The series is made possible by the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Foundation. Each show is performed twice — at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. — in the Playhouse's Rosenthal Plaza, between the Robert S. Marx and Thompson Shelterhouse theatres (unless otherwise noted). All 2:00 p.m. performances are signed for the hearing impaired courtesy of the Cincinnati State Interpreter Training Program. Tickets for all shows go on sale beginning August 25. To ensure the enjoyment of all in attendance, parents are asked not to bring children younger than the ages indicated for each production. The 2005-2006 schedule includes: Featuring Michael Cooper October 1, 2005 — This dazzling one-man show features humorous and poignant stories of courage and wonder, told with breathtaking handcrafted masks, outlandish stilt dancing and a physical repertoire that ranges from the madcap to the sublime. For the past 30 years, renowned performer Michael Cooper has spent most of his time traveling throughout the world, performing for audiences of every age at venues including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Hong Kong International Children’s Festival, The Comedy Store in Los Angeles and the Dublin Theater Festival. Masked Marvels and Wondertales encourages creativity, compassion and a greater sense of self-confidence. For ages 4 and up. DINOSAUR BABIES October 8, 2005 — Popular performers last year, DinoRock Productions returns with a new show that engages youngsters in the world of science with the one subject that captures everyone’s imagination: dinosaurs! Dinosaur Babies makes the very real connection between dinosaur and human babies and gives children a greater understanding of how babies relate to the world around them. Meet Danny Diplodocus, Doris the Stegosaurus and Big Bad Baby Rex who mix lessons on fossils and geography with sibling rivalry and more! A national leader in children’s entertainment, DinoRock Productions has performed for millions nationwide and sold more than 100,000 award-winning recordings all across the world. For ages 4 and up. RAPUNZEL October 22, 2005 — The Paul Mesner Puppets were sold out hits
at the Playhouse with The True Story of the Three
Little Pigs by A. Wolf and Sleeping
Beauty. Now, they return with an updated take on the classic
tale of a long-locked prisoner and the prince who rescues her. Rapunzel
is stolen away from her parents by a witch and forced to live in a tower.
Her future seems bleak until the Prince arrives, and Rapunzel herself
hatches a plan to escape her evil captor … and
live happily ever after, of course. Paul Mesner is known for reinterpreting
stories in a completely new way, using slapstick humor and a breakneck
performance pace. For ages 4 and up. IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE October 29, 2005 — When a polite boy offers a cute mouse a cookie, the mouse naturally asks for a glass of milk to go with it. He also wants a straw, a mirror, some scissors, a place to sleep, crayons and many other things. The boy tries to be a good host, but just when he thinks he’s granted all of the requests, the mouse asks for another glass of milk — and the real fun begins! Based on the popular children’s book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is presented by Lexington Children’s Theatre, one of the best theatres for young audiences in the region. For ages 4 to 8. AESOP BOPS! November 12, 2005 — Aesop Bops! is a fast-paced and funny show featuring a potpourri of the writer’s classic fables including The Lion and the Mouse and The Fisherman and His Wife. This feast of funky, physical storytelling leaves young audiences feeling as though they have just performed, too — and the Yak Yak Band rocks and rolls out the red carpet, inviting kids to join in the fun. David Gonzalez is one of this country’s most talented and sought after storytellers. He has performed to audiences across the globe, including several appearances on Broadway, and has been honored with the Helen Hayes Performing Artist of the Year Award. For ages 4 and up. THE HOOP OF LIFEFeaturing Kevin Locke November 19, 2005 — A virtuoso solo performance by Kevin Locke, a Native American of the Lakota Nation, The Hoop of Life features traditional music, cultural and historical stories and a mesmerizing hoop dance. New material has been added since the show’s appearance at the Playhouse two seasons ago. Kevin Locke has recorded more than a dozen albums and is known worldwide as a visionary hoop dancer and preeminent player of the indigenous Northern Plains flute. He is a past winner of a National Heritage Fellowship. Charles Kurault of CBS News described him as, “a dancer of great distinction … a brilliant Lakota artist.” For ages 5 and up. ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND December 20-23 and December 26-30, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. only — One of the most beloved children’s stories of all time, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland comes to life in this charming theatrical adaptation. Bored and in search of excitement, Alice gets more than she bargains for when she tumbles down an unassuming rabbit hole. There, she discovers a world like nothing she’s ever known, populated with unforgettable characters including the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts and more! Alice finds that little is what it seems in this mixed-up place of fantasy and topsy-turvy fun. For ages 4 and up. THE MARIONETTE VARIETY SHOW January 14, 2006 — This lively and upbeat show features hand puppets and trick marionettes blithely performing songs, dances and comical routines. The Frisch Marionette Company was founded in 1995 and performs in the traditional styles of 19th century European puppetry. Every aspect of a Frisch Marionette production is designed, handcrafted, created and recorded in the company’s own local workshops. Each puppet is hand carved, and every costume is sewn and custom tailored for each character. This care results in excited, twinkling eyes of wonder from young audience members at the end of each performance. For ages 5 and up. GEMS January 21, 2006 — Mesmerizing storytelling combines with masks,
puppets, mime, comedy and music as acclaimed performer Doug Berky presents
these tales of wisdom from around the world. Gems explores
a treasure trove of folklore and mythology from Greece, India, Africa
and the Middle East. Doug Berky has been performing for more than 30
years, touring nationally and internationally with his one-man shows
and appearing in the award-winning NBC television series See
Saw. Using
the antics of a clown, the suspense of a good story and the excitement
of improvisation, his performances transcend age, race and culture, inspiring
both laughter and reflection. For ages 4 and up. THE ARABIAN NIGHTS January 28, 2006 — A master storyteller, three marvelous adventures and a far-away land are the ingredients for The Arabian Nights, which combines actors with live musical instruments. Ali Baba and the Two Industrious Thieves teaches the value of loyalty, while The Ebony Horse shows that creative ideas can be more important than grand possessions. Finally, The Fisherman and the Jinnee is a comedic tale that proves freedom is a gift that cannot be taken for granted. Tales & Scales has brought its “musictelling” to New York City’s New Victory Theater, the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian and has been featured on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition and Talk of the Nation. For ages 5 and up. ANANSI, BRER RABBIT AND THE BARKING MOUSE: February 18, 2006 — The Trickster has a twinkle in her eye, a ruse in his noggin and always a way … if not two! Join LuAnn Adams as she shares rollicking tales from around the world of mischief-makers and wise fools who outwit, outfox and outlandishly prove that brute strength is no match for cleverness, pluck and the power of humor when it comes to thwarting a bully, righting a wrong or just shaking things up. LuAnn Adams is an award-winning storyteller whose recordings have received Parents' Choice, NAPPA Gold and Storytelling World honors. For ages 4 and up. A ONE MAN DETOUR TO HILARITY February 25, 2006 — Pete Geist's brand of physical comedy is an exciting theatrical presentation and a one-of-a-kind phenomenon. Sit back, hold on and experience this multitalented, one-man detour to hilarity. Outlandish visual comedy transforms the stage into a whirlwind of energy as Mr. Geist combines his unique blend of new vaudevillian skills and tons of zany audience participation. He has been featured at the International Children's Festival in Virginia, the National Theater's Family Series in Washington, D.C., and the Goodwill Games in New York. For ages 4 and up. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD March 4, 2006 — A lively Little Red Riding Hood and a comical wolf join forces to share playful lessons about the importance of personal safety, proper diet and good health. Featuring modern sets and costumes, this is a delightful new adaptation of the classic Grimm Brothers fairy tale told with beautiful opera music. This production comes to life thanks to the gifted young singers of the Cincinnati Opera Outreach Company. For ages 5 and up. CELLOMAN March 11, 2006 — Thanks to a phenomenal audience response last season, CelloMan returns again this year in a performance not only of great music, but also great theatrics. From Bach to rock, Grammy Award winner Eugene Friesen has crafted a brilliant concert that uses masked characters, stories, improvisation and comedy to make music accessible to children of all ages. From serious classics to serious fun, CelloMan provides a glimpse of exquisite playing and theatrical innovation rarely seen. Yo-Yo Ma said, “Hooray for CelloMan! I really love the ideas you present, and the creative ways you have stretched the limits of the cello to engage the audience’s imagination.” For ages 4 and up. STIX & STONZ March 18, 2006 — Two men engage in a witty, often non-verbal dispute
over … well, almost everything. Who gets the best chair, who chooses
the television channel, who has the most space and who has the last word.
The wall between them grows, literally, until they both discover that
the grass is definitely not greener on the other side … especially
if you’re all alone. The Metro Theater Company has toured nationally
to 39 states and around the world, serving more than two million people
over 30 years with its unique blend of drama, music, movement and design.
For ages 5 and up. BILL HARLEY — SONGS AND STORIES FOR EVERYBODY March 25, 2006 — A nationally recognized family entertainer, Bill Harley is known for his ability to delight children and adults alike with his unique blend of song and story. He brings insight and humor to his observations about growing up and parenting, and his concerts feature original material that paints a vibrant, humorous and meaningful portrait of American life. Mr. Harley has released more than 25 award-winning recordings, has received two Grammy nominations and a number of Parents’ Choice Foundation Gold Awards and is a regular contributor to National Public Radio’s All Things Considered. Entertainment Weekly called him “the Mark Twain of contemporary kid’s music.” For ages 4 and up. REVIVING OPHELIA April 1, 2006 — Honest and hard-hitting, Reviving Ophelia compassionately chronicles the real stories of young women struggling with parents, relationships, divorce, drugs, alcohol and even suicide as they look candidly at themselves and then with hope and possibility to their futures. The Playhouse is privileged to premiere this exciting new theatrical adaptation by Cherie Bennett of the bestselling book by Dr. Mary Pipher. Regardless of gender, all audiences will relate to this personal, eye-opening and enlightening view of teenage life in America today. Reviving Ophelia is made possible through a generous grant from the Macy’s Fund of the Federated Department Stores Foundation. For ages 12 and up; no one under the age of 12 will be admitted. (Please note: This show runs approximately 75 minutes.) Each performance in the Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series lasts 40 to 60 minutes unless otherwise noted. Ticket prices are $5 for theatregoers 4 to 18 and $6 for adults. For reservations, call the Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888 or toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, 800/582-3208. Tickets also are available online at www.cincyplay.com. Parking is free. Artists fly to and from Cincinnati on Delta Connection Comair. The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the 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. ### |