Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Presents THE GARDEN OF RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park's production of THE GARDEN OF RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI adapted by Y York from Rudyard Kipling will perform "Off the Hill" at 15 community arts centers across the region from March 27 through April 25. It will also be part of the Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series at The Playhouse on March 27 and April 3.

This free-flowing comic brawl is a loose adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic children's tale Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Darzee, the diva tailor bird, is incensed when Rikki Tikki Tavi, a young mongoose, washes up in her pristine garden. Darzee and her friend, Chuchu, pull out all the stops in their attempt to run off the pesky mongoose until they see that Nag, a cobra and the garden despot, runs in fear at the sight of a mongoose on the loose. This comedy about sharing and cooperation has received numerous productions across the country. Award-winning playwright Y York is known for her adaptations of contemporary children's classics.

"In this production of THE GARDEN OF RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI, we hope to instill in each child the valuable life lessons that come with this classic tale, in a way that they can understand, have fun with and laugh at," says Playhouse in the Park Education Director Mark Lutwak. "We are very excited to introduce The Playhouse to a new generation and make professional live theatre more accessible to our neighborhoods across the region."

Kelly Pekar (Darzee), Kristen Jackson (Rikki), Landree Renee Fleming (Chuchu) and Anthony Vaughn Merchant (Nag/Teddy) from the Bruce E. Coyle Intern Company will appear in THE GARDEN OF RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI. Education Director Mark Lutwak will direct. Other members of the production team include Jacqueline Raposo (Assistant Director), Veronica Bishop (Technical Director), Tamara L. Honesty (Set Designer), Melanie Burgess (Costume Designer), Anna Goller (Props Designer), Chuck Hatcher (Sound Designer), Karie-Lee Sutherland (Choreographer) and Grace Briner (Stage Manager).

THE GARDEN OF RIKKI-TIKKI-TAVI will also tour area schools for grades Kindergarten

through third grade this spring from March 30 to April 30. For more information about The Playhouse's education and outreach programs, contact the Education Department at 513/345-2242 or visit www.cincyplay.com.

Off the Hill is made possible by the Ohio Arts Council and The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee.