By: Taylor Roberts ~Staff Writer~

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park launches its 2015-16 “Off the Hill” series with the world premiere of Allyson Currin’s “High School Alien.”

Those ages seven and up are welcome to join Maddie as she navigates her way through her freshman year of high school. In the shows, he decides to reinvent herself in the hopes of joining the popular crowd.

However, her plans are thrown out of orbit when she meets Renata, an alien from outer space who enrolls in Maddie’s high school.

“Maddie looks forward to starting over as she transitions into her first year of high school. High school is difficult for everyone and you see that through the eyes of Maddie and the alien. Both feel out of place and everything feels foreign to them,” Bridget Leak, a former Playhouse directing intern, who also directed last season’s touring production of Theory of Mind, said.

The entire “High School Alien” cast consists of members of Playhouse’s 2015-16 Bruce E. Coyle Acting Intern Company. The performers include Serena Ryen as Maddie, Kyle Powell as Charlie, Erin Ward as Robyn, Lilian Wouters as Renata and Law Dunford as Rex.

Other production team members include set designer Veronica R. Pullins-Bishop, costume designer Melanie Mortimore, sound designer Trey Tatum and stage manager Tracy Hoida.

“I am thrilled to be directing “High School Alien” because it is so relatable for everyone. We all want to be liked and to find a group of people that you connect with, we all want to fit in, whether it’s middle school or middle age,” Leak said.

This family-friendly performance will debut at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Playhouse, and continue its tour at other tristate community venues until Oct. 30.

In addition to “High School Alien,” the 2015-16 “Off the Hill” season features “Antigone” by John Yearley, an inventive, accessible world premiere based on the timeless Greek legend that explores the choice Antigone must make between the laws of men and loyalty to her family.

The season closes with “The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi,” a fun, free-flowing adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved classic about sharing and cooperation by Y York.

Tickets for Playhouse in the Park productions are available for $5 at the Park’s box office.

For more information about Playhouse’s education and outreach programs, contact the education department at 513- 345-2242 or visit http://www.cincyplay. com.