Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park — Attraction in Cincinnati

A Disheartening Decline in a Beloved Tradition

After eagerly anticipating the return of a cherished holiday tradition at the newly renovated Playhouse, I left profoundly disappointed. The multi-million-dollar renovations are undeniably stunning, showcasing modern amenities and a beautifully reimagined venue. Unfortunately, The Christmas Carol itself failed to live up to the same standard, feeling more like an afterthought than the centerpiece of this grand revival.

One of the most glaring disappointments was the play’s lack of attention to detail and storytelling. Past productions dazzled audiences with intricate scene changes that transported us to Victorian London. This year, the playset remained stagnant and uninspired, undermining the immersive experience that once made this performance iconic. Key scenes, like the joyful gathering at Fezziwig’s, were diminished by the casting of a much lower-quality actor who failed to capture the character’s warmth and exuberance.

Small but significant touches that once enchanted the audience were noticeably downgraded. For example, the haunting visage of Marley’s face on the door knocker—previously a chilling and effective moment—was replaced with a cheap-looking light projection that fell flat. Even more cringeworthy were the props, such as the fake birds and a laughable rendition of the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, reduced to a Home Depot-esque puppet clumsily manipulated by two visible handlers. The absence of a costumed actor in this pivotal role stripped away much of the menace and drama the scene demands.

The one silver lining was the new actor portraying Scrooge, who delivered a commendable performance. Still, even his efforts couldn’t overshadow the fact that his predecessor set a bar that remains unmatched. Other casting choices seemed based on appearances rather than talent or relevance to the story, further detracting from the production’s overall quality.

It is deeply disheartening that the leadership of the Playhouse allowed this once-iconic production to regress so significantly, especially after investing so much in its physical surroundings. While the renovations promise a bright future for the venue, the play itself felt like a hollow shell of its former glory.

After years of making this performance a treasured part of our family’s holiday season, we have decided to seek out new venues that prioritize artistic integrity and storytelling. It’s a bitter farewell to what was once a...

Did not give me the option to give zero stars. Let me just start by saying I hope this doesn't reflect on the actors because Steel Magnolias was amazing. With that being said I surprised my best friend spent $205 for our tickets when we arrived there I asked at the box office if I could upgrade because my friend had never been there so I paid an additional $107 to get front row. Because of their mask policy although both of us brought our vaccination cards even though it is not state-mandated and the masks that people were wearing and the ones that they provided have been proven to not even be effective with that being said my friend fell down the stairs because her mask fogged up her glasses and they don't have a handrail on both sides which is bewildering to me because 75% of the patrons are elderly. At intermission which is only 20 minutes at full capacity of about 600 people it is completely impossible to use the restroom and get a snack and of course the snacks are separate from where the cold sodas are so you have to wait in three different lines, obviously my friend who was still injured did not leave her seat I was trying to get us some water and a snack and use the restroom myself it is just not enough time and once I returned apparently I was 20 seconds too late and was told I could not re-enter after spending over $300. A few seconds later manager at the door let me go back in once the show is over I helped my friend up and a rude Usher told her to put on her mask and my friend refused she said she was already injured and I was trying to help her up the stairs she just wanted to be able to see this time and the Usher responded "WOW". All I could think is wow to this place. I don't know how this place is OSHA approved. I took my friend home the show itself and actors were amazing but we will see tomorrow if I need to take her to...

Attended play on second night of new Playhouse being opened. Other than getting a new shiny building, not much else to like. Very disappointing. Old playhouse was more comfortable, interesting, and had better circulation for patrons. They should have simply remodeled and upgraded it. New playhouse feels claustrophobic and cramped. There are two main aisles on primary seating level with seats feeling like they are on top of one another. No leg room. Feel like you are trapped. Stage looks like it belongs in a high school - flat with no depth. Old stage was multi-dimensional. Poor space planning in entrance. Bar is located in the front lobby and people in the bar que line block entrance doors to theater. Restrooms are hidden on each the side of the theater, with no signage as to where to find Men's or Woman's restroom. The que line to enter the theater also blocks the entrance hall to the restrooms. Having attended many plays at the old playhouse I was very disappointed in the new facility, overall a thumbs down. About the only thing they seem to have done was improve the ADA accessibility to the building. Which of course is important and should not be under emphasized however it seemed like that's the only thing they were able to improve upon from the...