Know Theatre of Cincinnati is starting off the season with the Regional Premiere of Make Believe by Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Bess Wohl. It is a story of how the “ghosts” of one’s childhood can leave a lasting imprint on our adult lives. It is told from the point of view of four siblings, both as they experience it in their youth and then how they see it with the altered eyes of adulthood.
The Production Team
Know’s Producing Artistic Director Bridget Leak takes the reigns on this production and its execution is up to her usual brilliance. Without spoiling anything, the story takes place in the playroom/converted attic of the Conlee family home, yet the blocking does not feel stagnant. Scenic Designer Samantha Reno is also on her usual A-game with this incredibly detailed A-frame set. Complementing Ms. Reno’s work are Properties Designer Rebecca Armstrong’s mad skills; there are so many nostalgic nuggets to see. (Particular kudos for having the OG My Little Pony Figures versus the newer ones.)
Special shout-outs to Lighting Designer and Assistant Lighting Designer Marly Wooster and Mary Johnston-Medina for some delightful highs and lows. And to Trey Tatum, Sound Designer & Composer, for excellent original music as well as some fantastic flashbacks to my youth like “Kajagoogoo”.
The Performing Artists
A show where young actors do some of the heavy lifting can be a challenge to cast much less a challenge to pull off. Fortunately, some very bright young performers play the roles of the Conlee siblings as children: Ryker Sohmer, Layla Rowley, Giselle Aagard, and Bennett Kreit. These rising stars each offer consistent, stable portrayals of children who must navigate the roles of sibling, child, and dreamer. Bravx to all of them!
Xavier alum Leo Jenkins is one of those actors who never comes across as reciting memorized dialogue; he is utterly believable at every choice. Merritt Beischel’s turn as Adult Kate is some of the best work I’ve seen her do. It feels as though this role was written with her in mind. Ms. Beischel’s delivery and manner provide some of the best moments in the play. Tess Talbot, another artist who is consistently impressive, plays a role unlike any other I recall seeing. She has a lovely mastery of tough cookie and sensitive soul as Adult Addie. Finally, Nathan Tubbs crushes the role of Adult Carl. This is a character of few words, but every single one of them counts, thanks to Mr. Tubbs’ acting chops.
The Sweet and Lowdown
It must be said: this Bess Wohl script seems rather weak and feels unfinished to me. It has some wonderful opportunities to be like nothing one has seen before with surprising twists and turns (which are deliberately being withheld by this reviewer). But it loses its way and ends up being about nothing – and not in the good kind of way “Seinfeld” was about nothing. Things are implied or even said, but not enough time is given to flesh them out.
However, Know’s execution of even a poor script is skillful and enthusiastic. With pleasing aesthetics, solid performances, and plenty of nostalgia, Know’s interpretation of this script serves as reminder that childhood is never really entirely gone.
Tickets for Make Believe
Know Theatre’s Make Believe runs now through September 26th, 2026. For more information about the production and to purchase tickets, please visit here.
