Off the Hill – Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

One of the reasons I love Cincinnati is the amazing access we have to the arts.  While we enjoy seeing quality productions at some of our local live theaters, sometimes it just doesn’t work into a family budget.  That is why we are so fortunate that Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has their Off the Hill touring group.  Off the Hill brings live productions to you by performing the shows in your local communities.  The price for admission varies at each community arts organization but prices have ranged from free to a minimal charge per person.

This year, Off the Hill has two touring productions. The first is currently in production, Joan the Girl of Arc. It  is touring now through Feb. 22, 2014.  The show is best for ages 11 and up.  Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park sums it up best:

Joan the Girl of Arc By Darrah Cloud Off The Hill | Jan. 17 – Feb. 22, 2014

How does a teenage girl decide to stand up for what she believes? Based on the famous story of the young woman who helped save France, this powerful and dramatic world premiere adaptation starts with Joan as a young girl, just starting to examine her own beliefs. As she begins to understand herself and the world around her, she learns to inspire and lead others. Her journey remains resonant and relevant for today’s teens.

Photo Credit:Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates

Here is the schedule of 2014 upcoming performances from Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.  Check with the local community arts organization for cost of admission.

• Friday, Jan. 31, 7 p.m., Grove Banquet Hall (Springfield Township)
• Saturday, Feb. 1, 2 p.m., Hosted by Sweet Sistah Splash at Carl H. Lindner YMCA (West End)
• Saturday, Feb. 1, 7 p.m., College of Mount St. Joseph (Delhi)
• Sunday, Feb. 2, 2 p.m., Lebanon Theatre Company
• Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m., Boone County Library (Burlington, Ky.)
• Friday, Feb. 7, 7 p.m., Circus Mojo (Ludlow, Ky.)
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m., Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, part of Macy’s Arts Sampler presented by ArtsWave (Eden Park)
• Saturday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m., Blue Ash Recreation Center
• Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m., District A at Nativity School (Pleasant Ridge)
• Saturday, Feb. 22, 1 p.m., The Tall Institute (Oakley)

In the spring, look for their second production, “The Short Tree and the Bird That Could Not Sing“. Touring dates are April 8-May 24, 2014 and the show is best for ages 5 and up. Here is a synopsis from Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park:

A wacky and charming fable of an unlikely friendship between a tree that resents its roots and a spunky, unflappable bird with a horrible singing voice. As their relationship builds around the joys of music, storytelling, the weather and the stars, the friends must navigate the ups and downs of getting to know one another, growing closer and suddenly finding themselves apart. An entertaining and original story for children.

Check with the local community arts organization for cost of admission. Show dates from Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park:

• Sunday, April 13, 2 p.m., Oxford Community Arts Center
• Friday, April 18, 7 p.m., Grove Banquet Hall (Springfield Township)
• Saturday, April 19, 2 p.m., Sunset Players at Dunham Recreation Center (Price Hill)
• Friday, April 25, 7:30 p.m., Dramakinetics/North Presbyterian (Northside)
• Saturday, April 26, 2 p.m., Sharonville Fine Arts Council
• Saturday, April 26, 7 p.m., Evendale Cultural Art Center
• Sunday, April 27, 1 p.m., Tall Institute (Oakley)
• Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., Miami University Middletown
• Saturday, May 10, 10:30 a.m., Boone County Library (Burlington, Ky.)
• Saturday, May 10, 7 p.m., District A (Pleasant Ridge/Kennedy Heights, location to be announced)
• Sunday, May 11, 2 p.m., Clifton Cultural Arts Center
• Friday, May 16, 7 p.m., Silverton Paideia Academy
• Saturday, May 17, 7 p.m., Baker Hunt Art and Culture Center (Covington, Ky.)
• Sunday, May 18, 2:30 p.m., The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum
• Saturday, May 24, 3 p.m., Hosted by Sweet Sistah Splash at Carl H. Lindner YMCA (West End)

 Feature image photo credit:Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates

When not blogging for Family Friendly Cincinnati, you can find Kristin writing on her personal blog, MasonMetu (from me to you).