Under the helm of a new Artistic Director (who also happens to be directing the first show of the 2024-2025 season), Know Theatre of Cincinnati is presenting the Regional Premiere of Camp Siegfried by Bess Wohl. With a description as simple as it is hard-hitting (“First love. Third Reich.”), Camp Siegfried is a story of two teenagers who meet at a summer camp on Long Island in 1938. Did we mention the camp is exclusively for America youth of German descent?
The Production Team for Camp Siegfried
New Artistic Director Bridget Leak takes command of this two-person show and does not miss a beat. From her casting choices to the fluid and effective blocking, she deftly engages the audience from minute one. In addition, her direction of the scene changes and the implied passage of time are creative and keep the momentum up throughout. Ms. Leak remains one of the best directors in the area, full stop.
Lighting Designer Marly Wooster has some big shoes to fill with Andrew Hungerford’s departure, but she is more than qualified to do so. Incorporating both the familiar lighting associated with camp (cozy fires, sunsets, and bright sunny days) with the evolving mood from scene to scene, Ms. Wooster makes us feel like we are deep in nature right along with the teenagers. With his usual brilliance, Sound & Projections Designs Doug Borntrager also enhances the evolution of the journey with smart and solid choices from start to finish.
A much-deserved shout-out to Intimacy Choreographer E. Carr. There are some beautiful moments between the characters and the physicality must be in place for the audience to be on this journey of a growing affection between them. Given the short length of the show itself, it could be easy to rush it and lose something in the process – but Ms. Carr is an expert and does no such thing. Their relationship is indeed similar to a dance and it works seamlessly with Ms. Leak’s directing vision.
The Performing Artists
In this cast of two individuals, chemistry is key – and it is unequivocally present and palpable. In the role of Her, Katie Scarlett gives a tour-de-force performance. Ms. Scarlett’s embodiment of a tentative young woman who is more worldly than she appears is nothing short of perfection. Matching his co-star point for point is Aaron Schilling as Him. At first, the character of Him is almost the exact opposite of Her in that he is seemingly confident and commanding whereas she starts out very quiet and unsure. The juxtaposition of Mr. Schilling’s vulnerability and shame to his bravado is real and believable. Both actors work well together and both give us a very clear arc of growth and change within the run of the 75 minute play. Bravx to the stellar cast!
Overall
It is always an intriguing journey when you create an untold story which takes place during a very real historical period. The backdrop of the looming Second World War certainly sets a grim tone, but there is no shortage of touching moments and smiles as the audience joins these young people on their trip to summer camp. Make no mistake: Camp Siegfried is a piece which crescendos into some intense and bitter moments. But it is a journey worth taking.
Tickets to Camp Siegfried
Camp Siegfried presented by Know Theatre of Cincinnati runs now through September 28th. Tickets can be purchased by click on the Box Office here.
