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Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park facts for kids

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Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (night view, 2004)
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park at night

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is a well-known theatre in the United States. It was started in 1959 by a college student, Gerald Covell. This theatre was one of the first of its kind in the country. It is located in Eden Park in Cincinnati. The very first play shown here was Compulsion on October 10, 1960. The Playhouse has become famous for bringing important plays to Cincinnati. It has even hosted national and world premieres. For example, Coyote on a Fence premiered here in 1998.

The Playhouse has two main stages. These are the larger Robert S. Marx Theatre and the smaller Shelterhouse. The Playhouse is a member of the League of Resident Theatres. This is a group of professional theatres. Besides a full season of plays, the Playhouse also offers acting classes. They have special programs for children too.

In the 1970s, Harold Scott became the first professional regional theatre director at the Playhouse. After him, Michael Murray was the artistic director until 1985. Murray was important in starting the regional theatre movement.

Edward Stern and Buzz Ward led the Cincinnati Playhouse from 1992 to 2012. Ward later became the managing director. In 2012, Blake Robison became the artistic director. Buzz Ward retired in the summer of 2021.

Awards and Recognition

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has won some big awards. In 2004, the Playhouse received a Tony Award. This award was for Best Regional Theatre. This is a very high honor in the theatre world.

In 2007, the Playhouse won a second Tony Award. This was for their new version of the musical Company. This production won Best Revival of a Musical. It was directed by John Doyle. The show also won other important awards. These included the Drama Desk and Outer Critic's Circle Awards.

Who Leads the Playhouse

The Playhouse is led by talented directors.

  • Blake Robison is the Artistic Director. He has been in this role since 2012.
  • Buzz Ward was the Managing Director from 1992 until 2021.
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