For a play about depressed people, the Cincinnati Playhouse’s current Shelterhouse show is surprisingly upbeat. Sherry, age 24, is about to start a job as an art teacher at a middle school. She’s been fretting that her degree in art therapy wouldn’t to lead anywhere. As she outlines her life so far, we meet her sister, depressed over a failed engagement and now sleeping on the couch, and hear about their unseen mom, who’s gained so much weight she won’t leave her bedroom. Every character in Tigers Be Still has a demon to wrestle with — or rather a tiger to fear. (There’s actually an escaped tiger in the vicinity that’s making people anxious, too.) Kim Rosenstock’s recent play is performed by a fine ensemble cast with strong direction from Rob Ruggiero. This entertaining slice of modern life is onstage through April 15. $32-$62. 513-421-3888, cincyplay.com.
This article appears in Mar 28 – Apr 3, 2012.
