Native Gardens

By Karen Zacarías

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park 2016

Director:  Blake Robison
Scenic Designer: Joe Tilford   
Costume Designer:  Bill Black
Lighting Designer:  M.L. Geiger
Sound Designer:  Joe Payne

“Gardens and cultures clash, turning friendly neighbors into feuding enemies in this funny world premiere by the author of The Book Club Play. Pablo, a high-powered lawyer, and doctoral candidate Tania, his very pregnant wife, are realizing the American dream when they purchase a house next door to community stalwarts Virginia and Frank. But a disagreement over a longstanding fence line soon spirals into an all-out war of taste, class, privilege and entitlement. The hilarious results guarantee no one comes out smelling like a rose.”

This was definitely an enjoyable collaborative process which included input from director, playwright, actors, and designers.  We chose popular music befitting character and emotion, ranging from Latin Pop to ’70s hits, and Frank Sinatra to Stevie Wonder.

“Zacarías has written a witty, contemporary script, and Blake Robison, the Playhouse’s artistic director, stages it in 80 quick, sharp minutes, separating scenes with amusing musical snatches that capture or distill emotions” – Rick Pender, CityBeat

Design Collage

_{Photos by Mikki Schaffner}