The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Off the Hill family series production of Vern Thiessen’s Bird Brain, recommended for ages 5 and up, will be performed at the Blue Ash Recreation Center. The show is open to the public and will take place on Saturday, April 11 at 6:30 PM. For more information, call (513) 745-8550.

Bird Brain, based on the story Vogelkopp by Albert Wendt, is a charming and funny fable full of laughs and the lesson that strange behavior isn’t always foolish. It tells the tale of a kindhearted woodcutter who finds a nest of freezing baby birds and decides to give them a warm home under his hat. The problem is that he lives in a world where tipping your hat to others is not only a courtesy, but also the law, with severe punishments for disobeying. The woodcutter finds himself torn between doing what he feels is right and following the social norms.

“I am so looking forward to this delightful play for this most delightful of audiences,” says Playhouse Education Director Mark Lutwak, who will direct the production and serve as the sound designer. “It’s very simple, but beautiful and fantastical. As with a lot of theatre for this age group, we celebrate the imagination of the story by engaging the imagination of the viewers.”

The Bird Brain cast includes Alex Purcell, Claire Simba, Kelsey Torstveit and D’Amante M. Wilson, all members of the Playhouse’s 2014-15 Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company. In addition to Lutwak, production team members include set designer Christopher Boone, costume designer Melanie Mortimore and stage manager Tracy Hoida.

For more information about the Playhouse's education and outreach programs, contact the Playhouse’s Education Department at 513-345-2242 or visit www.cincyplay.com. Off the Hill is made possible by the Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation, ArtsWave and the Ohio Arts Council.