A Historic Night at the Playhouse in the Park
"Welcome home," Artistic Director Blake Robison said to the inaugural audience in the newly built space.
I was fortunate enough to purchase a ticket to the first preview performance of “A Chorus Line” in the new “Moe & Jack’s Place,” formally known as “The Rouse Theatre” tonight. While I don’t review preview performances (as they are technically final dress rehearsals, and I don’t think it’s fair), I did want to share my experience with my readers - especially if you’re heading to the Playhouse for this or any other productions soon.
First, know that construction is still happening, including the restrooms on the second floor. This means there is a long line for the women’s bathroom on the first floor as there are just two solo options - one marked “Family” and another marked “Gender Neutral.” The men’s restroom is spacious, and I felt terrible as man after man walked in, cutting through the line of women waiting for their chance to relieve themselves. This is a temporary problem, but one you should be aware of, especially if you’re seeing “A Chorus Line,” which runs two hours and five minutes with no intermission.
Second, there is no outside aisle, so if you have a seat on the end (mine was E 309), you must climb over 301-308 to get to your seat. I assumed I’d walk in and plop down, but while it’s a spacious seat against the wall, there’s no aisle on that side of the theatre. I also thought the sightlines were 99% fine from that spot, even though the ticket price was lower than what it would have been just a few seats closer to the center. I’d sit there again.
From what I could tell, there’s not a bad seat in the house. There are fewer seats than the old theatre had, but that’s OK as rarely was the house full. And I prefer a more intimate space anyway. It feels like a bigger version of Cincy Shakes. That’s a good thing, as I’ve thought their renovation was one of the most innovative designs in town.
The lobby is vast and spacious, and open. It’s two levels featuring two bars. This will be awesome when both theatres are operating, for sure. And the design is full of neutral colors, dark woods, and classic choices. I’m a fan. I may have heard that not all the furniture has arrived yet, too, so we’ll see how things shape up as the year progresses.
The preview house was nearly full. Drew Lachey was ill, so understudies stepped in, and the cast had to shuffle a bit from their original plan. They handled that well, and given that this is the first time anyone has ever had an audience in the space, I expected some issues with technology and whatnot. The audio could be a little louder, but it was OK. There are some standout performances already, this early in the run - especially the acting of “Paul” (Diego Guevara is heartbreaking!) and the vocals of “Diana” (Courtney Arango is sincere and pitch-perfect). The dancing, though, makes this show such a draw, and it does not disappoint.
Finally, it was fun to see some local performers on stage. The Playhouse has done an excellent job of utilizing local talent when it can, and I enjoyed seeing Christopher Wells, a former Peter Cratchit in “A Christmas Carol,” get a chance to go on as “Roy.” Recent CCM graduate Sammy Schechter is in the cast, as is current senior Jenna Bienvenue. Finally, Steve Goers, one of Cincinnati’s go-to stalwarts, is in the pit as the Associate Music Director and keyboardist.
Overall, I’d say that the first performance in the new space was a success! I can’t wait to go back and discover new work, new artists, and new emotions in this space. After all, I was so comfortable in the new lobby after the show that my friend and mentor, legendary arts journalist David Lyman, and I were escorted out by some very weary - and gracious - Playhouse staff because we were standing around talking too long.
It’s the kind of place that you could hang in all night. That might be the best compliment I can give.
A CHORUS LINE opens next Thursday and runs through April 15th at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Tickets - the few that remain - can be found here.