Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park swam off-grid to deliver a one-night only opportunity at Newport Aquarium that was more “park” than “playhouse.” They ensured a better appreciation of the performers’ stamina and the challenges of being a bard. Based on Jules Verne’s science fiction classic, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” the Playhouse team delivered a progressive play experience against the darkened backdrop of the aquarium and its mysterious inhabitants. Audience members became part of the story, as they were inducted into the Orka Fleet with the mission to apprehend Captain Nemo while navigating the submarine Nautilus. The clever ensemble cast fully embraced their roles from the first salute to deliver a truly “sub-mersive” experience that left the audience with their own tales to tell (and the desire to see both the Playhouse performers and the Aquarium again in the light of day).

Directed by Daunielle Rasmussen, this underwater adventure stayed true to the classic tale and offered a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes and be part of the action. Props to Playhouse in the Park for being willing to try something different and tackling the challenge of bringing to life a classic in dramatic fashion. Props as well for navigating a large group of people through a low-lit aquarium in a way that delivered a storytelling adventure and an opportunity to see almost every part of the aquarium. While sometimes difficult to see and hear due to the nature of the surroundings, the opportunity to see so many sea critters while experiencing an exciting play was a fun new way to experience the arts.

My tween daughter found it both interesting and fun, reminding me that it was a “two-fer to get a steampunk-esque show and a tour of everything from the stealthy sharks to moody jelly-fish to sleeping penguins.” Her favorite part was getting to cross the shark bridge and then watching Captain Nemo battle against capture while sea monsters loomed below. Cheers to Playhouse and the Newport Aquarium for being willing to try something new and thinking outside the box. Everyone should go off the grid once in a while. NOTE: This show would have been fantastic as a middle-school program as well.

Know Before You Go: The show was about 90 minutes long and was primarily standing/walking, along with some crouching down. Depending on where the next off-grid performance takes place, it is better to know in advance about the audience participation role and the physical expectations.

Christi Geary is the proud mom of two girls (8 and 11), best friend and wife of her husband Brian, and an Associate Director at the Procter & Gamble Company focused on shopper innovation insights and analytics. She enjoys and participates in art of every kind, feeds an insatiable curiosity for learning every day through books and connecting with others, pursues different forms of exercise when she can find the time to balance out her foodie predilection (highly recommend DanceFix and Pilates Reformer), and delights in spending time with family and friends. Writing reviews for the arts is an absolute privilege and one she cherishes every day, with the hope that sharing her perspective will inspire others to embrace the arts.