The Cast Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The good news for fans of heist-whodunnits who love surprises is that it's entirely original. In an essay in the Playhouse program, Lakra writes, "Heist was conceived as a play. It's not an adaptation of a movie or a book being shoehorned into this medium. It's meant for theatre audiences, which I think is a big part of the reason it works."

Even before the action begins, upbeat jazz melodies (Matthew M. Nielson is the composer and the production's sound designer) set the tone of taut, suspenseful mystery. Enter Marvin (Brian Vaughn), the matter-of-fact mastermind and boss, as well as the narrator of the fast-moving tale that makes numerous sharp turns. He introduces his team, one by one, as video back-up (the non-stop projections are designed by Joe Payne) floods the back wall of Tim Mackabee's versatile, quick-change set. Jaymi Lee Smith's lighting design uses lots of pinpoint spots to direct the audience's focus (and occasionally divert our attention).

Marvin's quick introductions give us the lowdown on each character who will help him for his final caper, stealing the stunning 6.24 carat Kalakaua Ruby. They have names, but Marvin uses stereotypes to identify them. Ryan (Alex Purcell) is "The Gilligan," Marvin's second-in-command. He's charming and manipulative. Feisty Angie (the uber-flexible and athletic Jessica Fishenfeld) is Marvin's "Mary-Lou, a "kinetic specialist who performs some breathtaking aerial moves. Plus-sized Kruger, "The Popeye," is played by Brian Thomas Abraham. He's the team's heavy, an old-school security ace who towers over the other team members. The fourth member is "The Geek"–Angel Lin as the spunky, foul-mouthed Fiona, who manages the caper's high-tech elements, often from a remote location. Kate Goehring plays the formidable and capricious "Spider," a renowned jewel thief and wine connoisseur, who becomes "The Target."

Each character is fascinating, and their interplay makes Heist all the more entertaining as they fuss and fume and spar with one another, adding a distinctly snarky and humorous quality to the show. Ryan and Angie have an on-again, off-again romance, Fiona and Kruger have generational differences, and Marvin has to do what he can to keep everyone pulling in the same direction despite disputes and distractions.

Playwright Lakra has created a story with many unexpected twists and surprising turns. Director Blake Robison (the Playhouse's producing artistic director) has staged the entire show with exceptional precision, adding tension to its hurtling momentum. Physical action is tightly coordinated with quick scene changes, mostly backed with picture-perfect images representing a dizzying array of locales: an art depository, a boxing gym, a restaurant, a yoga/aerial studio, a gun range, a vast wine cellar, and a Manhattan pub. There's a rock-climbing wall that slides out from stage right and an elegant front door entrance to The Spider's mansion that comes and goes from stage left. Not a second is wasted as the story unfolds.

Lakra's script is augmented with flashbacks, clearly delineated with projected titles ("ONE WEEK EARLIER," etc.) to fill in details after the intermission with a dicey and dangerous second caper. Characters not involved in a flashback simply freeze in their darkened stage area, so they're ready to spring into action when the action picks up where it left off. Again, the production's urgent momentum is well served by these devices, giving it a decidedly cinematic feel.

Heist is a top-notch opener for the Playhouse's season. While it's not yet a well-known show, the title readily piques the interest of a broad cross-section of theatre lovers. Strong, satisfied attendance will generate a ton of positive word of mouth, and that's the kind of foundation Robison has crafted for another successful season. He and his tightly knit, solidly rehearsed cast make sure that everyone watching remains on the edge of their seats, thinking they know the identity of the villain. But as the show ends, there's one more head spin–just what a good caper requires.

Heist runs through October 11, 2026, produced by the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle in Eden Park, adjacent to Mt. Adams, Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please visit cincyplay.com or call 513-421-3888.