Cincinnati Playhouse Stages FAKE FLOWERS DON'T DIE, Now thru 11/2

FAKE FLOWERS DON'T DIE, winner of this year's Macy's New Play Prize For Young Audiences, opens the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's 2013-14 Off the Hill season with performances at more than a dozen Tristate community centers from tonight, Sept. 28 through Nov. 2. The script, by nationally acclaimed playwright John Yearley, is the 12th recipient of the Macy's New Play Prize, for which national playwrights are chosen by The Playhouse to create new work specifically for younger audiences.

Yearley's comedy Leap received its world premiere on the Thompson Shelterhouse stage during The Playhouse's 2004-05 season. "I'm delighted and honored that FAKE FLOWERS DON'T DIE is the recipient of this year's Macy's New Play Prize," Yearley said. "I am a huge fan of the work that the recipients of the prize have produced thus far and only hope to keep up the standard of excellence that they, in conjunction with Playhouse Education Director Mark Lutwak, have established. My previous history with The Playhouse makes my return to Mt. Adams that much sweeter."

FAKE FLOWERS DON'T DIE is the story of four children who discover a magic lamp that may or may not grant three wishes. Their initial excitement over the discovery is tempered when it is measured against the needs of real-life wishes and the tensions of friendship.

The world premiere play is geared to children ages 7 and up. "It's a great play for those beginning their transition to adulthood, those in the midst of that transition and those who have been there before," Lutwak said. "The circumstances are humorous, quirky and ultimately believable."

Jon Kovach (JJ), Meggy Hai Trang (Barky), Justin Weaks (Eugene) and Britian Seibert (Anna) from The Playhouse's Bruce E. Coyle Intern Company will appear in FAKE FLOWERS DON'T DIE. Education Director Mark Lutwak will direct the production and serve as the sound designer. Other production team members include Veronica Bishop (Technical Director), John Ford (Set Designer), Jonathan Waters (Costume Designer), Anna Goller (Props Designer) and Tracy Hoida (Stage Manager).

For more information about The Playhouse's education and outreach programs, contact the Education Department at 513-345-2242 or visit www.cincyplay.com.

COMMUNITY CENTER PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Saturday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m., The Tall Institute (Oakley)

Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 p.m., Lebanon Theatre Company

Saturday, Oct. 5, 3 p.m., Circus Mojo (Ludlow, Ky.)

Sunday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m., Woman's Art Club Cultural Center (Mariemont)

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m., Sharonville Fine Arts Council

Friday, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m., Oxford Community Arts Center

Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m., Sunset Players at Dunham Recreation Center (Price Hill)

Friday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Blue Ash Recreation Center

Saturday, Oct. 26, 3 p.m., The Drama Workshop (Cheviot)

Saturday, Oct. 26, 7 p.m., Baker Hunt Art and Culture Center (Covington, Ky.)

Sunday, Oct. 27, 1 p.m., Mayerson JCC (Amberley Village)

Friday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m., Grove Banquet Hall (Springfield Township)

Saturday, Nov. 2, 7 p.m., District A at Bi-Okoto Cultural Institute (Pleasant Ridge)

Details vary by location. Contact the sites for tickets and prices.

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