Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park 2025 - Book Club/Birthday Candles

2024 – 25 SEASON

LEADING LADIES presents with Executive Producer FIFTH THIRD BANK THE MARKLEY FAMILY presents

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

By KAREN ZACARÍAS

BIRTHDAY CANDLES

By NOAH HAIDLE

Season presented by SCHUELER GROUP and THE VONTZ FAMILY

Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre

Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre

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A NOTE FROM BLAKE

WE ROUND OUT THE 2024-25 SEASON WITH A PAIR OF CONTEMPORARY plays that will remind you of what’s most important in your life.

Karen Zacarías’ The Book Club Play is an insightful comedy about books and the people who love them. The play centers around a group of friends whose monthly meetings take a turn when a documentary filmmaker decides to film their discussions. What starts as a lighthearted conversation with wine and cheese grows into a meaningful reminder of the value of friendship. I directed The Book Club Play in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse at the end of my inaugural season in 2013. Since then, the play has gone on to be a sold-out hit at regional theatres all around the country. I’m thrilled to revisit this delightful comedy in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre.

Next door, Birthday Candles by Noah Haidle is a poignant and whimsical exploration of life, love and the passage of time. The play unfolds over 90 years of birthdays in the life of Ernestine, who celebrates each year with a special cake (that she bakes on stage) and invites the audience to share her joys and heartaches. Directed by our Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz, this beautifully crafted piece reminds us to pause, reflect and celebrate life’s most ordinary moments.

As our season comes to a close, I want to thank you for taking the journey with us. The audience is an active and integral part of live theatre. You make it possible for us to share stories, create connections and make memories that last a lifetime.

It won’t be long before we are back together in the fall for a new season that’s full of variety to inspire and entertain you. From a pop-rock musical with Broadway ambitions and an exciting new adaptation of a literary classic to a mystery about Agatha Christie, an August Wilson masterpiece and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. You can see all the productions listed in the center spread of this program. The lineup truly embodies the Playhouse’s mission to bring diverse, engaging works of great artistry to our community and to put Cincinnati’s artistic excellence in the national spotlight.

I hope to see you at the theatre next season.

Cheers!

Blake Robison Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK

OSBORN FAMILY PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Blake Robison

MANAGING DIRECTOR Abby Marcus

PRESENTS WITH EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

BY KAREN ZACARÍAS

DIRECTOR Blake Robison

SET DESIGNER Jo Winiarski

COSTUME DESIGNER Lauren T. Roark

LIGHTING DESIGNER Jorge Arroyo

SOUND DESIGNER/COMPOSER Matthew M. Nielson

PROJECTION DESIGNER Amoirie Perteet

CASTING DIRECTOR Stephanie Klapper, CSA

MARCH 22 — APRIL 20, 2025

MOE AND JACK’S PLACE — THE ROUSE THEATRE

Production Sponsors

Design Sponsor

Artist Sponsors

Amelia and Tom Crutcher Leon and Barb Meyer

Karen and Bill Neyer

Rouse Season Design Sponsor Season presented by

The Book Club Play received its world premiere at Round House Theatre, Blake Robison, artistic director, January-February 2008. It was subsequently presented at Berkshire Theatre Festival, Stockbridge, Mass., Kate Maguire, artistic director, July 13-20, 2008, and at Arena Stage, Washington, D.C., Molly Smith, artistic director, Oct. 9-Nov. 6, 2008.

Development of The Book Club Play was supported by the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center during a residence at the National Playwrights Conference of 2007 and at the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis, Dr. Polly Carl, producing artistic director.

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

CAST

(In speaking order)

Ana Smith Marina Shay*

Lily Louise Jackson/Mrs. Simpson Annalisa D’Aguilar

Robert Novum Smith Jr./Sam Eli Mayer*

Jennifer McClintock/Elsa Kim Wuan*

William Lee Nothnagel/Frank Matthew McGloin*

Alex/Carl Adam Langdon*

Stage Manager Andrea L. Shell*

Assistant Stage Manager Carolyn Fast*

Setting: A living room in the United States circa now.

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY WILL BE PERFORMED WITH AN INTERMISSION.

This production is made possible in part by a generous gift from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees-Local No. 5.

The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.

MEDIA SPONSOR

The Book Club Play

PROGRAM CO-CHAIRS

Catharina Toltzis

Ronna K. Willis

GRANDE DAMES

Jan Bartel

Amelia Crutcher

Kelly M. Dehan

Vickie Buyniski Gluckman

Linda Greenberg

Karlee L. Hilliard

Judy Kenniston

Danute Miskinis

Mary Woode

Morton

Linda Muth

Rosemary Schlachter

Catharina Toltzis

Ronna K. Willis

DIVAS

Janet G. Banks

Randal S. Bloch

Susan Cummings

Brenda Hausterman

Louise Head

Nirvani Head

Patti Heldman

Susan Ingmire

Diane S. Jordan

Margo Kirstein

Patti Myers

Karen Neyer

Jennifer Powell

Betty Prince

Cathie Rothfuss

Digi France Schueler

Maureen Vignola

Patricia J. Wagner

Jane Welling

STARLETS

Anonymous

Shakila Ahmad

Nancy Aichholz

Beverly Allen

Janice Amatulli

Susan S. Anthony

Elizabeth C. Armitage

Athena Avgousti-Bauer

Kathy Bachman

Barbara Banks

Molly R. Barber

Becky Beckstedt

Mary Ann Bell

Sue K. Blaney

Linda D. Brink

Jacklyn Bryson

April A. Cain

Carol Campbell

Nancy B. Carrothers

Fran Christensen

Mary Ellen Cody

Marjorie Compton

Virginia Copley

Cathy Crain

Alva Jean Crawford

2024-25 LEADING LADIES

Judy S. Dalambakis

Debora Del Valle

Kathryn Dierckes

Nancy Steman Dierckes

Marilyn Duke

Kay Eby

Joyce Elkus

Mary Anne Frey

Nancy Gaffney

Nancy Gollobin

Barbara Hahn

Margo Hall

Betsy Hendy

Judy Tondi Herd

Meg Hilmer

Linda R. Holthaus

Kim Howland

Marty Humes

Pat Humphrey

Dr. Linda Huntress

Diane Iseman

Anne Jaroszewicz

Sarah Raup Johnson

Lisa Kagan

Arlene Katz

Molly Katz

Alina S. Khan

Zofeen Khan

Heather Krombholz

Patricia Krumm

Patricia Larsen

Lynn P. Larson

Terry Lemmerman

Donna Lilley

Glenda Lindsay

Nancy Lippincott

Sally A. Lloyd

Jackie Mack

Laurel Markley

Carolyn Ott Martin

Nancy C. Martin

Madelynn Matlock

Evi Banzhaf McCord

Kathy McCord

Maryanne McGowan

Joann Mead

Kathy Merchant

Audrey E. K. Miller

Mary G. Moran

Joy S. Nadler

Jeannie Niebuhr

Debbie Pendl

Marcia C. Philipps

MaryAnn Pietromonaco

Jane Portman

Ildiko Pray

Sherri Adams Remaklus

Margie Rennie

Carol Holland Rentschler

Sara Repenning

Carol Reubel

Danielle Revelson

Carole T. Rigaud

Buffie Rixey

Mary Ellen Roberts

Gigi Robison

Ashley Rothfuss

Karina Rothzeid

Jeanne Schmerler

When amazing women come together, great things happen! Thank you to these 2024-25 season Leading Ladies. This list recognizes members as of February 5, 2025. You don’t have to be a Playhouse subscriber to join Leading Ladies – just be a woman who loves theatre and wants to learn more! Your Leading Ladies membership gives you a backstage pass to exciting events, specially curated for you. Meet the incredible professionals who bring world-class theatre to life and attend a special dress rehearsal of a Playhouse show, sponsored by the Leading Ladies!

Renee Schuler

Susan Schuler

Carol Serrone

Sue Showers

Debbie Renick Sims

Mary G. Skelly

Laura Skidmore

Martha Lowe Steier

Dr. Susan R. Strick

Glenda Suttman

Gretchen Thomas

Linda Trebbi

Dionn Tron

Laura Turton

Susie Tweddell

Ellen G. van der Horst

Nancy A. Virgulak

Lea A. Ward

Judy Wells

Jeannine Winkelmann

Laani A. Wuest

Linda Elam Young

Mary Beth Young

Sue Zimmerman

INGENUES

Lucy Lane Broderick

Helene Herbert

Stacie Miller

Bold indicates Steering Committee Members

more information, contact Director of Donor Relations Kendra Struthers at kendra.struthers@cincyplay.com or 513-977-2024 , or visit cincyplay.com/support/leadingladies.

women come

A THEATRICAL PARTNERSHIP

BY RUSSELL FLORENCE JR.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison and playwright Karen Zacarías have formed a unique artistic partnership that spans multiple plays, cities and decades.

Robison produced the world premiere of The Book Club Play at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2008 where he was Producing Artistic Director. Later, he directed it at the Playhouse during his inaugural season in 2013. Robison has since commissioned Zacarías to write Native Gardens and Shane and directed those world premieres, and he produced her play Destiny of Desire

Robison reflects on his fruitful and rewarding collaborations with Zacarías.

You have been connected with The Book Club Play since its world premiere 17 years ago. What did you find most appealing about the script then and have these feelings deepened? Have you been eager to bring this play back to the Playhouse?

Yes, I have a long history with this play! After I produced its world premiere at Round House Theatre, Karen and I continued to work on it together over the next few years. The version I directed the first time at the Playhouse is now the “published version.” It’s one of those scripts that makes me laugh out loud — and that’s always a good sign. I think that now, more than ever, we need to laugh at ourselves a bit. So, it seems like the right moment to create a new production in Moe and Jack’s Place –The Rouse Theatre to bring the laughs to a widespread audience.

You and Karen have a long-time working partnership. What does having such a familiar working relationship bring to the production process? What do you love most about working with her as a playwright?

Karen and I have been making theatre

together for 20 years. She is my most cherished collaborator and a true friend. I suppose we have a shorthand by now, and it’s built on trust. I think she trusts me with her work because I can hear her voice in the dialogue she writes. It’s a certain rhythm that is buoyant, direct and layered with heart.

Over the years, we’ve become good friends outside of the theatre too. She loves my wife, Connan, and I dig her husband, Rett. We’ve had a bunch of good meals and travels together. And now our youngest kids go to college together in Colorado! It’s rare to have that kind of friendship in this business.

What are some of your favorite books?

A Prayer for Owen Meany, The Great Gatsby and Where the Red Fern Grows.

What do you hope audiences take away from The Book Club Play experience?

Take it easy, lighten up, don’t be so critical. The play reminds you that it’s people who are dearest to you — not what they do, what they say or what they read.

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY READING LIST

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Paradise Lost by John Milton

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

Sounder by William H. Armstrong

Old Yeller by Fred Gipson

Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez

Native Son by Richard Wright

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Beloved by Toni Morrison

The Old Man and the Sea

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Ulysses by James Joyce

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Search for Love by Nora Roberts

Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Return of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

At Clark Schaefer Hackett, we don’t just analyze numbers – we help you

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

ANNALISA D’AGUILAR (SHE/HER) - LILY LOUISE JACKSON/ MRS. SIMPSON

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut. FILM/TELEVISION: Law & Order: SVU. EDUCATION: 2024 BFA from Carnegie Mellon School of Drama and alumna of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for Drama. INSTAGRAM: @annalisadaguilar.

ADAM LANGDON - ALEX/CARL

BROADWAY (tour): The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Helen Hayes Nomination). OFF-BROADWAY: The New Englanders (Manhattan Theatre Club), Timon of Athens (Theatre for a New Audience/Shakespeare Theatre Company). REGIONAL THEATRE: Trouble in Mind (Hartford Stage), Kimberly Akimbo (Barrington Stage Company), I Saw My Neighbor on the Train and I Didn’t Even Smile (Berkshire Theatre Group), and Hapgood and Robin Hood (Williamstown Theatre Festival) FILM/TELEVISION: FBI: Most Wanted, Prodigal Son, Midnight, Texas, The Good Wife, Masters of Doom, Red Oaks, The Path, Difficult People, Peter Has to go to the Doctor, Ventriculus, and Moe and Jerryweather. EDUCATION: The Juilliard School.

ELI MAYER - ROBERT NOVUM SMITH JR./SAM

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Reuven in The Chosen. OFF-BROADWAY: Amid Falling Walls (National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene). REGIONAL THEATRE: The Muny, Arena Stage, McCarter Theatre Center, Milwaukee Rep, Barrington Stage Company and Bay Street Theater. TELEVISION: Power Book II: Ghost. EDUCATION: BFA from the University of Cincinnati College−Conservatory of Music. WEBSITE: Eli-Mayer.com. INSTAGRAM: @elimayermaynot.

MATTHEW McGLOIN (HE/HIM) - WILLIAM LEE NOTHNAGEL/FRANK

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK:  2 Pianos 4 Hands. OFF-BROADWAY: The Hello Girls (Prospect Theater/59E59 Original Cast Recording), Bastard Jones (The Cell Theatre), Casablanca Box (HERE), Tectonic Theater Project, The Brick Theater, Abingdon Theatre Company, and BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. REGIONAL THEATRE: Prayer for the French Republic and Murder on the Orient Express (Pioneer Theatre Company), The Play That Goes Wrong (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (American Stage), Cabaret (Peterborough Players), 2 Pianos 4 Hands (Laguna Playhouse, Northlight Theatre, North Coast Rep and Mayfield Theatre), Beautiful Star (Triad Stage), Murder for Two (Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater), The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Signature Theatre),  Misalliance  and  Cinderella (Olney Theatre Center),  As You Like It (Folger Theatre), and several shows at the Kennedy Center and Virginia Shakespeare Festival. TELEVISION: Law & Order, Investigation Discovery, and the History Channel. EDUCATION: BFA from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. WEBSITE: matthewmcgloin.com. INSTAGRAM: @jackie_of_all_traits.

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

MARINA SHAY (SHE/HER) - ANA SMITH

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley . OFF-BROADWAY: Paradise Lost  (Theater Row). REGIONAL THEATRE: Shakespeare in Love (Cleveland Play House), Great Expectations (Syracuse Stage), Pulse (The Guthrie), Twelfth Night and The Miracle Worker (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Ivanov (Trinity Repertory Company), Pride and Prejudice (Virginia Stage), The Revolutionists (Gulfshore Playhouse), Queen (Geva Theatre), Secret Hour (world premiere, Capital Repertory Theatre), JBKO (a world premiere, Seven Angels Theatre). FILM/TELEVISION: Jules , The Good Fight and Desde el Principio EDUCATION: MFA from Brown/Trinity Rep. AWARDS: Broadway World Central New York Awards (Best Actress nominee) and the SALT Awards (Best Actress nominee). WEBSITE:  marinashay.me. INSTAGRAM: @marinashay.

KIM WUAN (SHE/HER) - JENNIFER MCCLINTOCK/ELSA

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut. OFF-BROADWAY: Henry V (The Public Theater), Henry VI (National Asian American Theatre Company), The Hard Problem (Lincoln Center) and Warrior Sisters of Wu (Pan Asian Repertory Theater). REGIONAL THEATRE: Vietgone (Alley Theatre), King Lear (Guthrie Theater), Much Ado About Nothing (Barrington Stage Company), Hamlet (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Folger Theatre), All’s Well That Ends Well (Triad Stage) and Romeo and Juliet (Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival). FILM/TELEVISION: Black Rabbit (Netflix), Two Sentence Horror Stories (CW), Law & Order: SVU (NBC), FBI: Most Wanted (CBS), Law & Order (NBC), The Deuce (HBO), Wizard of Lies (HBO), Blue Bloods (CBS), Deception (NBC), and Mum’s the Word (short film directorial debut, premiered at Dances with Films 2024 in Los Angeles). EDUCATION: BFA from New York University. WEBSITE: kimwuan.com. INSTAGRAM: @kim.wuan.

BLAKE ROBISON (HE/HIM) - DIRECTOR

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK (Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director): A Christmas Carol, Shane, A Chorus Line, Native Gardens, Alias Grace, Misery, Shakespeare in Love, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Peter and the Starcatcher, Pride and Prejudice, Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers, The Last Wide Open, 4000 Miles, The Book Club Play, Abigail/1702 and Mad River Rising. REGIONAL THEATRE: Guthrie Theater, Arena Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Dallas Theater Center, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Utah Shakespeare Festival, PlayMaker’s Repertory Company, Folger Theatre, Round House Theatre, Clarence Brown Theatre, National Shakespeare Company and Vermont Stage. INTERNATIONAL: English Theatre Berlin and Avignon Festival. AWARDS: Finalist for the 2019 Zelda Fichandler Award from the SDC Foundation honoring extraordinary work in the regional theatre. BOARDS: American Friends of the British American Drama Academy (current) and Theatre Communications Group (alumni board). EDUCATION: Williams College, UNC-Chapel Hill and British American Drama Academy.

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

KAREN ZACARÍAS - PLAYWRIGHT

Karen is thrilled to be back at the Playhouse after Shane, Destiny of Desire, Native Gardens and The Book Club Play revival with her wonderful friend and collaborator Blake Robison. She has been hailed by American Theatre magazine as one of the most produced playwrights in the U.S. She currently has several Broadway-bound shows, including her play Destiny of Desire and a new musical set in Paraguay with superstars Gloria Estefan and Emily Estefan as composers. Her Playhouse commissioned comedy Native Gardens continues to be one of the most produced plays in the nation. Notable productions for 2025 include her explosive adaptation with Blake Robison of the western Shane at Dallas Theater Center and The Oregon Shakespeare Theater, her adaptation of The Age of Innocence at Arena Stage and The Old Globe, her time travel comedy Legacy of Light at McCarter Theater, and Native Gardens at Westport Country Playhouse. Her other plays include The Copper Children, Legacy of Light, Mariela in the Desert, The Sins of Sor Juana, and adaptations of Just Like Us, Into the Beautiful North, How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent and a bilingual Romeo y Juliet. In film, Karen has worked with director Pedro Almodóvar on his first bilingual movie script. She has also been commissioned to write the adaptation of the bestselling romantic comedy You Had Me at Hola and the biopic Ascención. She is core founder of the Latino Theatre Commons and the founder of the award-winning Young Playwrights’ Theater. Karen was voted a 2019 Washingtonian of the Year and awarded the 2019 Sine Fellowship at the American University School of Public Policy, 2019 LeeReynolds-Award for “social, cultural, or political change with theater” and the 2019 Medallion by the Children’s Theater Foundation. She is a 2021 recipient of the United Artists Fellowship. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband Rett, their three children, and two dogs. Represented by the Gersh Agency and published by Concord Theatricals, Dramatic Publishing and has a collection of plays with Oberon Books.

JO WINIARSKI - SET DESIGNER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN PARK: Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, The Last Wide Open and Alias Grace. OFF-BROADWAY: The Fears; HYPROV; Accidentally Brave;  The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey; and  Love, Loss, and What I Wore. REGIONAL THEATRE: Pioneer Theatre Company, Guthrie Theater, Arizona Theatre Company, Utah Shakespeare Festival (49 shows), The Old Globe, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Dallas Theater Center and Geva Theatre. OTHER: Wishes for Disney Cruise Line. TELEVISION: Late Night with Seth Meyers (original art director on episodes 1-844). AWARDS: Art direction for A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All (Emmy nomination).

LAUREN T. ROARK (SHE/HER) - COSTUME DESIGNER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK:  Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash (2023), Million Dollar Quartet (2018) and Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing (2016). REGIONAL THEATRE: Utah Shakespeare Festival, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Milwaukee Rep, Cleveland Play House, Great Lakes Theater, Bucks County Playhouse, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, KC Rep and Clarence Brown Theatre. EDUCATION: MFA in Costume Design and Technology from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. AFFILIATIONS: Associate Professor of Costume Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and proud member of USA 829. WEBSITE: www.laurentroark.com.

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

JORGE ARROYO (HE/HIM) - LIGHTING DESIGNER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut. REGIONAL THEATRE: K-I-S-S-I-N-G (Huntington Theatre Company, Elliot Norton Award), Lend Me a Soprano (Alley Theatre), Party People (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill (Baltimore Center Stage), Into The Woods, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Arden Theatre Company), Unspeakable (Apollo Theater), The Garbologists (City Theatre Company), When Aliens Fall From The Sky (ASU Gammage), A Christmas Carol (Westport Country Playhouse) and The Fantasticks (People’s Light). OFF-BROADWAY: Whisper House (The Civilians), Southern Promises (Flea Theater), Sawbones and The Diamond Eater (HERE). OTHER CREDITS: Alicia Keys (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Eurydice (Boston Lyric Opera), Gabriel Iglesias, BeBe & CeCe Winans, The Wayans Brothers, Jackie Mason, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Toshi Reagon, Kenny Garrett, Stanley Jordan, Stephen Schwartz and The Chieftains (New Jersey Performing Arts Center); Mind+Life (TEDxNew England) and Moments Defined (Stacey Tookey Dance). EDUCATION: MFA from New York University. AFFILIATIONS: Assistant Professor and Co-Chair of Design and Production at Boston University. Member of USA829. WEBSITE: www.jorgearroyo.com.

MATTHEW M. NIELSON - SOUND DESIGNER/COMPOSER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: A Christmas Carol, Shane, The Last Wide Open, Misery, Peter and The Starcatcher, Treasure Island and A Prayer for Owen Meany. OFF-BROADWAY: Lakawanna Blues and Shakespeare’s Villains (The Public Theater), Occupied Territories (59E59) and Where Words Once Were (Lincoln Center). REGIONAL THEATRE: Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Ford’s Theatre, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Signature Theatre, Round House Theatre, Mosaic Theatre Company, The Guthrie Theatre, Denver Center Theatre Co, Portland Center Stage, Milwaukee Rep, Actors Theatre of Louisville and Baltimore Center Stage. FILM/ TELEVISION: Stranger Things, The Adam Project, The Magicians, EPIX Drive-In, Discovery Channel, ABC Sports, NBC Sports and FOX UFC. AFFILIATIONS/AWARDS: Helen Hayes Awards, Film Festival Awards, founding member of Listenably (The Audible Group). WEBSITE: curiousmusic.com.

AMOIRIE PERTEET (SHE/HER) - PROJECTION DESIGNER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut. REGIONAL THEATRE: Trouble in Mind, Hair, The Moors, Anon(ymous), Kinky Boots and Inherit the Wind (Clarence Brown Theatre); and Romeo & Juliet (American Players Theatre). EDUCATION: BA in Music Business and MFA candidate in Sound & Media Design at the University of Tennessee. WEBSITE: amoirie.com.

STEPHANIE KLAPPER (SHE/HER) - CASTING DIRECTOR

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK (13 seasons): Shows include Vietgone, Stew, Clyde’s and Shane. BROADWAY: A Christmas Story, The Musical and Dividing the Estate. OFF-BROADWAY (recent): Distant Thunder (Amas Musical Theatre); Garside’s Career and Sump’n Like Wings (Mint Theater); Dig (Primary Stages); The Night of the Iguana (Off-Broadway); and Henry IV (New York Classical Theatre). REGIONAL THEATRE: Ahrens and Flaherty’s Knoxville  (Clarence Brown Theatre); The Cape Playhouse season; Beautiful (Capital Repertory Theatre); and Shane (world premiere co-production with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Guthrie Theater). AUDIO FILM:

THE BOOK CLUB PLAY

Elf Quest. FILM: The Nature of the Crime; Ranked, the musical and HBO documentary; and many more. AFFILIATIONS/AWARDS: Casting Society Cares member; Casting Society member; multiple nominee and four-time recipient of the Artios Awards for Excellence in Casting; New York University Tisch School of the Arts Women’s Mentorship; Adjunct professor at NYU New Studio on Broadway; teacher and guest lecturer at numerous colleges and universities and a preliminary judge for the Jimmy Awards. WEBSITE: www.klappercasting.com.

ANDREA L. SHELL (SHE/HER) - STAGE MANAGER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: More than 100 productions, including 25 world premieres. FAVORITES: A Christmas Carol (2006-2021); Rutka; Dial M for Murder; Dracula; A Chorus Line; Murder on the Orient Express; School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play; Rooted; Alias Grace; The Last Wide Open; Treasure Island; Mr. Joy; Jane Eyre; Bad Dates; The Revolutionists; I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti; Merrily We Roll Along; As You Like It; Behind the Eye; The Understudy; Blackbird; Durango; Around the World in 80 Days; Altar Boyz; Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming; Reckless; Ace; The Clean House; A Picasso; One; Abracadabra; The Bible … (abridged); and Dark Paradise. CINCINNATI: Ensemble Theatre and Cincinnati Ballet. REGIONAL THEATRE: The Old Globe, Dallas Theater Center, Alliance Theatre, The Second City, and Ingenuity Festival of Cleveland. AFFILIATIONS: Adjunct faculty for Xavier University’s Theatre Program, contributor for Dramatics.org, and a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

CAROLYN FAST - ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Dial M for Murder (Assistant Stage Manager), Rutka (Props Crew) and A Christmas Carol (Wardrobe). CINCINNATI: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (Resident Stage Manager for 35 productions).

REGIONAL THEATRE: Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, The Human Race Theatre Company, Northern Stage, Peterborough Players, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Quintessence Theatre Group and Hope Repertory Theatre. AFFILIATIONS: Central Region At Large Councilor for Actors’ Equity Association.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF

Intimacy Coordinator Erin Carr

Directing Observer Erin Lynch

Assistant Lighting Designer Ashton Karp

Casting Assistants Emma Balk, Joe Piserchio

Assistant to Stephanie Klapper Gracie Guichard

Otterbein Intern Claire Stancy Scenic Artist Ruth Wartman

Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., of Woodstock, Illinois.

Of the culture that the company has built!

We make a difference with our suppliers and customers!

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Ohio, whose name originates from the Iroquoian word ohi-yo, meaning good rivers, is a testament to the deep connection between the land and the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited it for centuries. The Cincinnati region is ancestral land of many Nations, and Indigenous people are still here today. As a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, we recognize and honor the enduring connection these Nations have to this territory. May we reflect on our commitment to understanding, preserving, and celebrating the rich culture of Native Indigenous communities who have shaped and continue to contribute to these lands.

WHAT IS A LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT?

It is the recognition of the Native Americans/First Nations/Indigenous Peoples who cared for these lands prior to removal. Our statement was created with guidance from our partners at the Urban Native Collective. For more information, visit urbannativecollective.org. My work and my suggestions make a difference.

PATRON INFORMATION

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

ADDRESS: 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45202

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: 513-345-2242

WEBSITE: cincyplay.com

BOX OFFICE: 513-421-3888

OH, KY, IN TOLL-FREE: 800-582-3208

PATRONS WHO ARE DEAF, HARD-OF-HEARING, DEAF BLIND OR SPEECH

DISABLED: Dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services

ACCESSIBILITY WITH DIGNITY PROGRAM

The Playhouse is pleased to offer a variety of services to patrons with special needs.

Audio Described and Signed Performances

Live audio description for patrons who are sight-impaired is offered in both theatres and signed performances for those with hearing impairments are offered in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre. These services are for designated performances only. ASL Interpreters are Dawn Caudill and Montez Greer. Audio Describers are Mark DeWitt, Bekka Eaton, Shayne Kennedy and Joe Sackenheim

Hearing Enhancement

Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre and the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre both have a hearing loop system which works with existing T-Coil or Telecoil enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants. For assistance, please see a member of our house staff.

Large Print Program

Large print programs for those with visual impairments are available upon request at every performance.

CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES

Actors’ Equity Association strictly prohibits the use of cameras or recording devices in the theatre during the performance.

CHILDREN

Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted to Playhouse productions unless otherwise advertised. Parents with disruptive children will be asked to leave the theatre.

CONCESSIONS

Al’s Bar serves drinks in two locations – one bar on the main level in the Schueler Lobby and one bar on the upper floor. Casual dining fare and snacks from The Delish Dish are available for purchase on the upper floor. Drinks are allowed in the theatres, however food is not.

FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY

Patrons who are mobility-impaired may be dropped off outside the Playhouse’s main entrance. The walk from the top level of the parking garage to the entrance into the Schueler Lobby to the main level of the Rouse Theatre can be made without having to take any stairs. An elevator is available for access to the balcony level and first rows of the Rouse Theatre and the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre. Accessible seating for wheelchairs is subject to availability and should be requested at the time of ticket reservation.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Need the perfect gift? The Playhouse offers gift certificates redeemable for single tickets or subscription packages. Call the Box Office or stop by at intermission for more information.

PATRON INFORMATION

GROUP DISCOUNTS

Bring your group of eight or more to the Playhouse and receive great benefits and discounts, including special rates for students and seniors. Our popular corporate web discount program allows your employees to book tickets online at a discount whenever they want. Contact the Box Office for more details.

LATECOMERS AND READMITTANCE

Latecomers are seated at the discretion of the house manager, which may be as late as intermission. Latecomers may be denied admission depending on the demands or structure of a particular production. Please allow yourself adequate time to arrive, park and be seated. Should you need to leave the theatre during a performance, readmittance and seating will be at the discretion of the house manager so as not to disturb the audience and actors.

PARKING

The Park Board reminds you that Eden Park officially closes at 10 p.m. As a grace period to the Playhouse, the police will not ticket vehicles until one half hour following the end of a performance. The Playhouse assumes no responsibility for anyone receiving a ticket for illegal parking. Convenient parking is available in the Playhouse garage. Purchase parking in advance to secure a space. Parking can also be purchased from our parking attendant immediately before the performance if available.

Accessible parking for those with disabilities is located in the Playhouse parking garage. Parking for persons with disabilities is limited and must be reserved and paid for in advance. All vehicles using these spaces must display a valid disability placard.

PROHIBITION OF WEAPONS

The Ohio Revised Code (R.C. 2923.126) has established the privilege of carrying a concealed handgun to Ohio citizens who have obtained the proper license. The same law explicitly grants private employers in the state the right to prohibit their employees and visitors from possessing firearms on the employer’s premises. With this notification the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is informing

you that it prohibits weapons of any kind on its premises, and reserves the right to search persons, parcels and vehicles on the same. This policy applies to all employees, patrons and visitors to the facility.

RESTROOMS

There are four types of restrooms: women’s, men’s, all-gender and family. One of each type is available on each level. Restrooms are all wheelchair-accessible.

SMOKING/VAPING

Smoking/vaping is prohibited in the entire theatre complex.

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park acknowledges the following partner companies, foundations and their employees who generously participate in the annual ArtsWave Campaign at the $100,000+ level. altafiber

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Cincinnati Open

The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Cincinnati Reds

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

Duke Energy

The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Howard Foundation

The Enquirer | Cincinnati.com

Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Foundation

GE Aerospace

Great American Insurance Group

Greater Cincinnati Foundation

The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee

The Kroger Co.

Messer Construction Co.

National Endowment for the Arts P&G

Western & Southern Financial Group

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OFFICERS

James C. Leonard President Nirvani Head Vice President

TRUSTEES

Ronald T. Bates

MC Brennan

Julie A. Broadwell

Lucy Lane Broderick

Ron Bunt

Maurice E. Coffey, II

James P. Conway, Jr.

Virginia Copley

Deborah Davis

Mark Dawes

Scott X. Deters

Timothy Douglas

LEGACY TRUSTEES

Victoria Buyniski Gluckman

Thomas M. Keckeis

EMERITUS

Otto M. Budig, Jr.

Chuck Carothers

David Herriman

Andrew MacAoidh Jergens

Judy Ellis

Margo K. Ross Secretary

Vitaly Goldfeder

Ken Goldhoff

Chandra Gravely

Linda Greenberg

Nirvani Head

Bernita McCann

Hightower

Diane S. Jordan

Bet Koeninger

Terry Lemmerman

James C. Leonard

James P. Conway, Jr. Treasurer

Stephen Lett

Jacqueline M. Mack

Kevin N. McMurray

Danute Miskinis

Roy A. Mitchell

Samuel Moore, Jr.

Dean A. Moulas

Patti Myers

Audra Rance

Robert Reifsnyder

Digi France Schueler

Chair

Debbie White Richardson

Margo K. Ross

Jennifer Dorsey Powell

Jack Rouse

Morse Johnson

Lois Rosenthal

Jack Rouse

Howard Tomb

KJ Sanchez

Digi France Schueler

Jerry T. Shroat

Jovoni Trollinger

Julia Wesselkamper

Barbara M. Weyand

Susan Whitman

Ronna K. Willis

Susan B. Zaunbrecher

Ellen G. van der Horst

Larry Vignola

Albert Vontz, III

Albert Vontz, Jr.

Albert Vontz, III

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

Anonymous

David and Traci Alexander

Ron Bates and Randy Lasley

Mark and Lindsay Bibler

David and Elaine Billmire

Ruth and Tom Bobenread

Neil Bortz

MC and Tom Brennan

Susan Brenner and Steven Mombach

Mrs. L.L. Browning, Jr.

Terri and John Byczkowski

Wayne and Fran Carlisle

Mr. Maurice and Lela Coffey, II

James P. Conway, Jr. and Richard D. Robertson, Jr.

Jack and Virginia Copley

Richard and Teddie Curry

Nancy and Mark Dawes

Richard and Lisa Ernst

Sarah and Tommy Evans

Ms. Victoria Buyniski Gluckman

Vitaly and Samantha Goldfeder

The Goldhoff Family

Madeleine H. Gordon

Linda and Gary Greenberg*

Jeb and Nirvani Head

Fred and Patti Heldman*

The David C. Herriman Fund*

Mrs. Andrea and Dr. Edward Herzig

Karen and David Hoguet

Susan Ingmire and Lynn Hailey

Diane and Carl Iseman

Bill and Mary Jane James

Linda Busken Jergens and Andrew MacAoidh Jergens

Don and Frani Jones

The Artistic Director’s Circle (ADC) members provide inspirational annual support for productions, artists, and community programming. In recognition of their contributions, members receive access to exclusive private events hosted by Blake Robison, Osborn Family

Producing Artistic Director, featuring artists and behindthe-scenes topics from the art of theatre making. We extend our sincere gratitude to the ADC members for their generosity!

Patti and Tom Keckeis*

Marilyn Kinne

Bet and Dave Koeninger

Mark and Karen Kremzar

Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Kremzar

Asher and Kelsey Lanier

Terry Lemmerman

Jamie and Jenny Leonard

Jacqueline M. Mack and Dr. Edward B. Silberstein

Craig and Anne Maier

Dick and Sandy Manteuffel

The Markley Family

Ron Matson and Daniel Young

Donna and Neal Mayerson

Barbara and Kim McCracken

Kevin and Frances McMurray

Charles and Joann Mead

Leon and Barb Meyer

Becky Miars

Lauren and James Miller

Ms. Danute M. Miskinis

Diane and Dave Moccia

Samuel Moore, Jr.

David and Judith Morgan

Arthur C. Morrissey and Janet M. Hayes

Dean and Catherine Moulas

Patti Myers and Alan Flaherty

Karen and Bill Neyer*

The Marilyn J. and Jack D. Osborn Fund

Jenny and David Powell

Rob and Gretchen Reifsnyder

Amy and John Rosenberg

Dianne and J. David Rosenberg

The Rosenthal Family Foundation

Jennie Rosenthal

Richard Rosenthal and Kitty

Strauss Rosenthal

Margo and Sam Ross

Moe and Jack Rouse

Susan and Jeffrey Routh

Austin Schiff

Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Schiff, Jr.

Mark and Rosemary Schlachter

Digi and Mike Schueler

Rhonda and Larry Sheakley

Eddie and Pat Sheppard

Julie and Steven J. Shifman

Betsy and Jerry Shroat

Nancy and Tim Sparks

John and Jennifer Stein

Steve and Sarah Steinman

Jennifer and Woody Taft

Marty C. Tomb

Edward Trach

Barbara and Daman Turner

Ellen and Ray van der Horst

Lawrence and Maureen Vignola

The Vista Foundation

Margaret and Albert Vontz III*

Randolph Wadsworth

Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Fund*

Barbara M. Weyand

William J. Weyand

Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis

Susan and Don Zaunbrecher

*Denotes a fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation

List as of February 5, 2025

We are grateful to the following friends who have chosen to honor a loved one through a donation to the Playhouse. The following recognition gifts have been received from January 5, 2024, through February 5, 2025.

IN HONOR OF LINDA GREENBERG

Donald and Franchelle Jones

IN HONOR OF ABBY MARCUS

Lisi and Neil Marcus

IN HONOR OF DR. AMY MURDOCH

Anonymous

IN HONOR OF BLAKE ROBISON

Ms. Madeleine H. Gordon

IN HONOR OF NANCY RUST

Anonymous

IN HONOR OF THOMAS W. AND JENNIFER TAFT

Kenneth T. Mahler

IN HONOR OF MAUREEN VIGNOLA

Anonymous

We are grateful to the following friends who have chosen to remember a loved one through a memorial gift to the Playhouse. The following memorial gifts have been received from January 5, 2024, through February 5, 2025.

IN MEMORY OF KAREN BELL

Edward Lanzit

IN MEMORY OF MARLENE ELIZABETH CRABTREE

Judith Van Ginkel

Leigh M. Primack

IN MEMORY OF BRUCE E. COYLE

Rebecca J. Graham

IN MEMORY OF CHRISTOPHER DURANG

Richard LeComte

IN MEMORY OF GAIL AND SAMUEL HUTTENBAUER, JR.

Larry Weber

IN MEMORY OF SAMUEL HUTTENBAUER, JR.

Fred H. Abel

Gordon Bogdan and June Taylor

The Calonge Family

Joyce Elkus

Albert E. Heekin III

Mr. and Mrs. Bliss Y. Hicky

Margo Itkoff

Joan M. Kaup

Ruth and Dan Kelly

Maryanne and Don Macdonald

Braden Martini

Ethan and Doreen Stanley

Ron and Pam Taegtmeyer

Bill and Mary Ann Taylor

Wendy and Norm Wasserman

Frank and Rosemary Welsh

Erin and Stacey Yeatman

IN MEMORY OF BEVERLY KINNEY

Edward Cloughessy

IN MEMORY OF HONEY ANGELL LEE

David and Phyllis Herzig

IN MEMORY OF LEON A. MEYER

Anonymous

Dr. and Mrs. Hutson

Kandy Attinger Maifeld and Lisa Marcus

Rob O’Brien, Merrill Lynch

Mike Schroth, Visiting Angels

Sue and Ken Sherman

The Wright Family

IN MEMORY OF JACK OSBORN

J. Dwight and Deanna G. Thompson

IN MEMORY OF LOU SCHRODER

Anonymous

IN MEMORY OF ED SHEPPARD

Mr. and Mrs. Don Gilb

David Mentzel and Kate Burroughs

Mt. Adams Business Guild

Cathy and Stan Silverman

IN MEMORY OF HOWARD TOMB

Burton and Susan Closson

IN MEMORY OF DOROTHY “DOLLY” VARLAND

Carolyn and Terry Fox

WELCOME TO THE 2025-26 SEASON

Season presented by SCHUELER GROUP and THE VONTZ FAMILY

MC and Tom Brennan and The David C. Herriman Fund of Greater Cincinnati Foundation present

MYTHIC

Book and Lyrics by MARCUS STEVENS

Music by ORAN ELDOR

SEP. 20 – OCT. 19, 2025

Season Sponsor of New Work: Mark and Nancy Dawes

A new pop-rock musical comedy with Broadway ambitions, Mythic turns the Greek myth of Persephone on its ear and is directed by three-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall.

Fifth Third Bank presents

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT'S LITTLE E WOMEN

Adapted by LAUREN M. GUNDERSON

From the novel by LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

JAN. 17 – FEB. 15, 2026

Sponsored by Johnson Investment Counsel and Clark Schaefer Hackett

Experience the classic novel you adore as it’s being written in this playful and theatrical new adaptation.

Leading Ladies presents

MRS. CHRISTIE

By HEIDI ARMBRUSTER

FEB. 28 – MARCH 29, 2026

Honorary Producer: The Lemmerman Family

The curious, real-life disappearance of Agatha Christie in 1926 sets the stage for this charming comedy as a devoted superfan tries to solve the case 100 years later.

Moe and Jack Rouse and Randolph Wadsworth present

AUGUST WILSON'S THE PIANO LESSON

APRIL 11 – MAY 3, 2026

A clash over the fate of a family’s heirloom piano sets the stage for this explosive Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning masterpiece.

SEASON EXTRAS!

First Financial Bank presents

A CHRISTMA S CAROL

By CHARLES DICKENS · Adapted by BLAKE ROBISON

NOV. 21 – DEC. 28, 2025

The holiday story you love unfolds with dazzling set, costume and lighting designs to create a magical experience for your family!

Your Season, Your Way with Season Tickets. With season tickets, you’ll save money, your seats are guaranteed, you’ll get an exclusive discount and priority access on tickets for A Christmas Carol and Because You’re Mine, plus other exclusive benefits. Four show packages start at $126 - $133.

Our 2025-26 season promises to inspire, entertain, celebrate our differences and lift up our shared humanity. It features stories that feel familiar, that stand the test of time and that are fresh and contemporary.

WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE SEA

Written by JEFF AUGUSTIN

Music by

THE BENGSONS

AUG. 30 – SEP. 28, 2025

Sponsored by Digi and Mike Schueler

Lyrical storytelling and live folk music weave an emotional tale of rediscovering love and the everlasting bond between a son and his Haitian immigrant father.

THE E HEART T SELLERS

By LLOYD SUH

OCT. 25 – NOV. 23, 2025

In this funny and moving new comedy, Asian immigrants Luna and Jane find friendship while preparing a turkey for their first American Thanksgiving in 1973.

MARY'S WEDDING

By STEPHEN MASSICOTTE

FEB. 7 – MARCH 8, 2026

Honorary Producer: The Lemmerman Family

In this poetic romantic drama, a young couple discover the thrill of first love on the eve of World War I.

Ellen and Ray van der Horst present

TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL

Based on the life of ROSEMARY CLOONEY

By JANET YATES VOGT and MARK FRIEDMAN

MARCH 21 – MAY 17, 2026

Sponsored by Huntington Bank

This exhilarating and inspiring musical biography features many signature songs and offers a personal portrait of one of the most beloved entertainers of all time.

Season ticket holders get first access to tickets before the general public!

BECAUSE YOU'RE MINE

Created by MATT CUSACK and ALLISON KELLY

Linda and Gary Greenberg present A celebration of the great loves and love songs of country music featuring songs from Johnny and June, George and Tammy and so many more!

DEC. 3 – 23, 2025

Sponsored by The Markley Family

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NAME NAMERSON

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK

OSBORN FAMILY PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Blake Robison

MANAGING DIRECTOR Abby Marcus

THE MARKLEY FAMILY PRESENTS

BIRTHDAY CANDLES

BY NOAH HAIDLE

DIRECTOR Joanie Schultz

SET DESIGNER Valérie Thérèse Bart

COSTUME DESIGNER Moyenda Kulemeka

LIGHTING DESIGNER Allen Hahn

SOUND DESIGNER/ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS

Thomas Dixon

CASTING DIRECTOR Claire Simon

APRIL 10 — MAY 18, 2025

ROSENTHAL SHELTERHOUSE THEATRE

Production Sponsor Ron Matson and Daniel Young

Honorary Producer Becky Miars

Design Sponsor Marty C. Tomb

Season Sponsor

The Vontz Family

Originally produced on Broadway in 2022 by Roundabout Theatre Company.

Birthday Candles was originally commissioned and produced by Detroit Public Theatre, Detroit MI Producing Artistic Directors: Courtney Burkett, Sarah Clare Corporandy and Sarah Winkler

Developed as part of Chautauqua Theater Company’s New Play Workshop series, 2017, underwritten by the Roe Green Foundation.

BIRTHDAY CANDLES

CAST

(In speaking order)

Ernestine Barbara Chisholm*

Alice/Madeline/Ernie Amira Danan*

Kenneth Bill Timoney*

Matt/William Adam Poss*

Billy/John Will Allan*

Joan/Alex/Beth Mierka Girten*

Stage Manager Brooke Redler*

Assistant Stage Manager Madison Stone*

Setting: A kitchen in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Time: 90 years of birthdays.

BIRTHDAY CANDLES WILL BE PERFORMED WITHOUT AN INTERMISSION.

This production is made possible in part by a generous gift from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees-Local No. 5.

The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.

MEDIA SPONSOR

Birthday Candles

margins—they're also the people who make them go, from the owners and managers to the entry-level employees. That's why our complete business suite offers everything from business loans to employee retirement plans and all the essentials in-between. Reach out today to explore how we can support your success.

BIRTHDAY CANDLES

BAKING A DIFFERENCE – A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BIRTHDAY CAKE

TATIANA GODFREY

Rich vanilla, red velvet, dark chocolate, buttercream frosting, creamy ganache, a stylized fondant: Cake makes us happy. Perhaps that is why the tradition of consuming cake for one’s birthday celebration dates back thousands of years.

While the exact origins are a bit hazy, some believe the ancient Egyptians were early adopters of birthday-adjacent celebrations, marking pharaohs’ “birth” days (coronations, really) with feasts. 1 But it was the ancient Greeks who really got the (cake) ball rolling. They baked moon-shaped treats for Artemis, the goddess of the moon, complete with candles to symbolize lunar glow and, more importantly, to carry wishes heavenward to Mount Olympus. These cakes were made from flour, nuts, leavened yeast, and honey; the cakes presented to Artemis would have been quite different from the cakes we know and love today.

The first actual birthday cakes, as we would recognize them, are believed to have originated in Germany during the Middle Ages. In the 15th century, bakeries started marketing sweet cakes specifically for children’s birthday parties, known as “Kinderfest.” These cakes were simple, bread-like creations, intended for the wealthy. Over time, birthday cakes became more elaborate. The availability of sugar

increased, making cakes sweeter and more decadent. The Industrial Revolution made baking tools and ingredients more accessible, leading to the mass production of cakes and making them affordable for everyone.

And those candles? The tradition of placing them on cakes and making a wish before blowing them out is also believed to have originated in Germany, this time in the 18th century. One of the earliest records of candles being placed on a birthday cake is from 1748 when Count Ludwig von Zinzendorf threw himself a birthday party, complete with a cake that held a candle for each of his years. 2 By the mid-1800s, the use of candles on a birthday cake was a well-documented phenomenon throughout Germany and the rest of Europe.

By this time, industrialization and globalization were changing the way birthdays were celebrated here in the United States. In fact, celebrating birthdays is a relatively new phenomenon in America, with the tradition only taking hold in the early 20th century.3 This development coincided with several societal shifts. As families had fewer children, each child became more valued emotionally, rather than for their labor. This increased focus on individual children contributed to the rise of birthday celebrations. The rise of factories and structured schedules emphasized the

“Celebrating birthdays is a relatively new phenomenon in America.”

importance of time, linking it to the observance of birthdays. These factors combined to make birthday celebrations a significant tradition in American culture. 4

Today, birthday cakes are a blank canvas for creativity. From simple sponge cakes to gravity-defying creations, they reflect individual tastes and cultural influences. They’re a centerpiece of birthday parties, a symbol of joy, and a delicious way to mark another trip around the sun. Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla or prefer a more adventurous flavor, the birthday cake remains a cherished tradition, a sweet reminder that life is worth celebrating.

1 Hagan, Elizabeth. “The Sweet History of Birthday Cakes.” The Sugar Association. March 2022.

2 “The Cake Filled History of the Birthday Candle.” Keap. November 1, 2017.

3 Pinsker, Joe. “The Strange Origins of American Birthday Celebrations.” The Atlantic. November 2, 2021.

4 Santos, Leticia Cezario. “After all, when did celebrating birthdays became a thing?” The Oakland Post. February 15, 2023.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour a 9x9 pan. Cream together the butter and sugar. One at a time, beat in the eggs, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour and baking powder and add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth. Transfer the batter to the pan and bake for 30 minutes. When the cake is done, it should spring to the touch and, when poked with a toothpick, it should come out clean.

BIRTHDAY CANDLES

WILL ALLAN (HE/HIM)- BILLY/JOHN

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut. REGIONAL THEATRE: Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, TimeLine Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theater, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Theater Wit, Milwaukee Rep, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Cardinal Stage, The Human Race Theatre Company, Chicago Children’s Theatre, First Folio Theatre and Strawdog Theatre Company. FILM/TELEVISION: Unfrosted, NCIS: Hawai’i, Chicago Fire, Station 19, Awkafina is Nora from Queens and Chicago Justice. EDUCATION: BA in Theatre Performance from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. AFFILIATIONS: Company Member (and playwright of Campaigns, Inc.) with TimeLine Theatre Company in Chicago. INSTAGRAM: @wellthatwentwill.

BARBARA CHISHOLM (SHE/HER)- ERNESTINE

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Misery and Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. REGIONAL THEATRE: Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End (Arena Stage), Tiny Beautiful Things (Austin Playhouse), Three Quarter Inches of Sky (Playwrights’ Center), Keep Your Forks (Berkeley Repertory Theatre), The Daughter of the Regiment (Austin Opera), The Totalitarians (Theatre en Bloc), Fixing King John (Rude Mechs), The Importance of Being Earnest (St. Edward’s University), Red Hot Patriot (ZACH Theatre), Hamlet (Austin Shakespeare), and The Women (San Diego Repertory Theatre). FILM/TELEVISION: Boyhood (Oscar nomination for Best Picture), Fault Lines (Cannes film selection), Babe Magnet, Daddies (Audible Theater), Fast Food Nation, Mr. Roosevelt (SXSW Audience Award Winner), Flocker, Broke Sky,American Crime and Friday Night Lights. AFFILIATIONS/AWARDS: University of Texas at Austin faculty since 2017, B. Iden Payne Award for Best Actor (2016), Austin Critics’ Table Award for Best Actress (2016), and Austin Chronicle Best of Austin Readers’ Poll Winner for Best Actor (2014).

AMIRA DANAN (SHE/HER)- ALICE/MADELINE/ERNIE

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Origin Story and Sanctuary City. CHICAGO: The Penelopiad, Bernhardt/Hamlet and A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Southern Gothic (Windy City Playhouse); and A Doll’s House (Raven Theatre). REGIONAL THEATRE: Ever in the Glades (Kennedy Center); School Girls (TheatreSquared); and What the Constitution Means to Me (Boise Contemporary Theatre). FILM/TELEVISION: Chicago Med, 61st Street and 4400. EDUCATION: BA from Northwestern University. AFFILIATIONS: Medina Theater Collective, Jackalope Theatre Company, and proudly represented by Gray Talent Group. INSTAGRAM: @amiradanan.

MIERKA GIRTEN - JOAN/ALEX/BETH

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Rooted. OFF-BROADWAY: Mistakes Were Made (Barrow Street Theatre). REGIONAL THEATRE: Simpatico and Gloria: A Life (McCarter Theatre). CHICAGO: The Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, A Red Orchid Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Circle Theatre, Appletree Theatre, Cobalt Ensemble Theatre, Live Bait Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, The Hypocrites and Strawdog Theatre Company. CINCINNATI: Ensemble Theatre and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. DAYTON: The Human Race Theater Company. FILM/TELEVEVISION: The Bikeriders, Eric Larue and Anthony

BIRTHDAY CANDLES

Bourdain. EDUCATION: BFA from Wright State University and DePaul University. AFFILIATIONS/ AWARDS: Ensemble member of A Red Orchid Theatre, Illinois Arts Council Award recipient and 3Arts Award recipient. OTHER CREDITS: National tour of The Secret Garden and a voiceover artist for national and regional commercials.

ADAM POSS (HE/HIM)- MATT/WILLIAM

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Dracula in Dracula. BROADWAY: Patriots. REGIONAL THEATRE: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Writers Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Silk Road Rising, 16th Street Theater, Studio Theatre

D.C., TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Milwaukee Rep, Indiana Repertory Theatre, St. Louis Shakespeare, KC Rep and Denver Center for the Performing Arts. FILM/TELEVISION: Chicago Med, Paper Girls, The Big Leap, Shameless, Empire, Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, The Chicago Code, Mob Doctor, Crisis, NeXt, Another Happy Day and Bar Fight! EDUCATION: BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. WEBSITE: www.adamposs.com. INSTAGRAM: @santaposs.

BILL TIMONEY - KENNETH

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Origin Story. BROADWAY: Our Town; Network; All the Way; and Purlie Victorious, a Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch. OFF-BROADWAY: The Irish Curse (SoHo Playhouse). REGIONAL THEATRE: American Repertory Theater, Penobscot Theatre Company, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Mill Mountain Theatre, Cape May Stage, New Jersey Repertory. FILM/TELEVISON: The Irishman (directed by Martin Scorsese), Last Chance (directed by Bryan Cranston), Gazelle (directed byNadir Saribacak), the Hallmark Channel’s TV movie Broadcasting Christmas, Billions, Law & Order: SVU,12 Monkeys, The Blacklist, Blue Bloods, Person of Interest, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, FBI, Malcolm in the Middle, Hunters, The Good Cop, Mr. Robot, Orange Is the New Black, and All My Children. VOICEWORK: (hundreds of credits, selected): Pokémon, the movie Mission 2 Mars (Disney), Kid-E-Cats (Nick Jr.), and A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (an NBC holiday special)

NOAH HAIDLE - PLAYWRIGHT

Noahis an award-winning playwright whose work has been seen on six continents. For the 2017-2018 season, he was the writer-in-residence at the National Theater of Mannheim, Germany, a position first held by Friedrich Schiller in 1785. A graduate of Princeton and Juilliard, Noah lives with his perfect wife Kelsey, their heaven-sent son Butch, a dog, a bunny, and a blue lobster named Suzanne.

BIRTHDAY CANDLES

JOANIE SCHULTZ (SHE/HER)- DIRECTOR

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Associate Artistic Director and directed Dracula, Origin Story, Frida…A Self Portrait and Vietgone. REGIONAL THEATRE: Everyman Theatre, GEVA Theatre Center, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Studio Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Cleveland Play House, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Philadelphia Theatre Company. AFFILIATIONS/AWARDS: Previously Artistic Director of WaterTower Theatre in Texas and Associate Artistic Producer at Victory Gardens Theater, as part of the Leadership U One-on-One Fellowship funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation administered through the Theatre Communications Group; Drama League Fellow; Goodman Theatre Michael Maggio Director Fellow; SDSF Denham Fellow; and a member of the Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab. EDUCATION: Northwestern University (MFA in Directing) and Columbia College Chicago (BA in Directing). WEBSITE: joanieschultz.com.

VALÉRIE THÉRÈSE BART (SHE/HER)- SET DESIGNER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut.REGIONAL THEATRE: Jane Eyre (costumes, Alley Theatre); Into the Woods and Dial M for Murder (costumes, Guthrie Theater); It’s Christmas, Carol! (costumes, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, world premiere); Wipeout (costumes, Studio Theater); TheSong of Summer (costumes, Trinity Repertory, world premiere); Vietgone (costumes, Alley Theatre and Denver Center); The Great Leap (costumes, Denver Center and Seattle Rep, world premiere); The Invisible Hand (costumes, Cleveland Play House); and POP! (Yale Repertory, world premiere). OFF-BROADWAY: Poor Yella Rednecks (costumes, Manhattan Theatre Club and South Coast Repertory, world premiere); Something Clean (costumes, Roundabout, world premiere); Wives (costumes, Playwrights Horizons, world premiere); Little Women (costumes, Primary Stages, NYC premiere); Too Heavy for Your Pocket (costumes, Roundabout, world premiere); and Vanity Fair (costumes, Pearl Theater, world premiere). OPERA: The Big Swim (costumes, co-production Houston Grand Opera and Asia Society Texas, world premiere); A Thousand Acres (costumes, Des Moines Metro Opera, world premiere); Fidelio and Butterfl y (costumes, Heartbeat Opera); Rigoletto (costumes, Minnesota Opera); Vinkensport and Rocking Horse Winner* (costumes, Opera Saratoga, *U.S. premiere); Listen, Wilhelmina! (costumes/scenic, Wolf Trap Opera, world premiere); She, After (costumes/scenic, Urban Arias, world premiere). OTHER CREDITS: For You, Paige (costumes, TikTok musical, world premiere); Tina Packer’s Women of Will (costume/scenic, national and international tour). EDUCATION: MFA from Yale School of Drama. WEBSITE: valeriebart.com.

MOYENDA KULEMEKA - COSTUME DESIGNER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut. REGIONAL THEATRE: Mosaic Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, Signature Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, Theater J, Roundhouse Theatre and Everyman Theatre. EDUCATION: BA from the University of Maryland. AFFILIATIONS: United Scenic Artists, Local 829, IATSE. WEBSITE: www.moyendadesigns.com.

BIRTHDAY

CANDLES

ALLEN HAHN - LIGHTING DESIGNER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut. OFF-BROADWAY: Juilliard Opera, New York City Opera, Brooklyn Academy of Music and NYU Skirball. INTERNATIONAL: Royal Danish Opera, Helsinki Opera and Bilbao Opera. NATIONAL: Santa Fe Opera, Glimmerglass Opera, Opera Theater of Saint Louis and Portland Opera. CINCINNATI: University of Cincinnati-Conservatory of Music, Opera. REGIONAL THEATRE: Seattle Rep, Portland Center Stage, Alley Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Geva Theatre, Studio Theatre D.C., The Arden Theatre Company and Wilma Theater. FILM/TELEVISION: Breath|Light|Stone (director, designer and co-editor), Immutable Spirals of Ascension (director of photography). AFFILIATIONS: Member United Scenic Artists IATSE local 829 and Contributing artist for The Builders Association. WEBSITE: allenhahn.com.

THOMAS DIXON (HE/THEY) - SOUND DESIGNER/ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Dracula and Frida… A Self-Portrait CHICAGO: A Case for the Existence of God, Birdland and Wastwater (Steep Theatre); A Doll’s House, Part 2 (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); A Doll’s House and A Number (Writers Theatre). REGIONAL THEATRE: Peter and the Starcatcher (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Lot’s Wife (KC Rep); and Queen (Penobscot Theatre Company). EDUCATION: Northwestern University and Interlochen Arts Academy. AFFILIATIONS: Theatrical Sound Designers and Composers Association. WEBSITE: thomasdixonsound.com.

CLAIRE SIMON - CASTING DIRECTOR

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Debut. REGIONAL THEATRE: American Blues Theater, Apollo Theater, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Clarence Brown Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Guthrie Theater, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, KC Rep, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Madison Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, New Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Syracuse Theater, Northlight Theatre, Writers Theatre, Choir of Man and Million Dollar Quartet. FILM/TELEVISION: Dark Matter, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Empire, Boss, Candyman, We Grown Now, Man of Steele, Contagion, Ali and High Fidelity. AWARDS: Recipient of three Artios Awards for Excellence in Casting.

BROOKE REDLER (SHE/HER) - STAGE MANAGER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: Mr. Parent, The Chosen, A Christmas Carol,  Frida. . . A Self Portrait,  Destiny of Desire,  2 Pianos 4 Hands,  Once on This Island,  In The Heights,  Million Dollar Quartet  and  Native Gardens. CINCINNATI: Cincinnati Opera. OFF-BROADWAY:  Breathing Time,  The Faire  and  From White Plains (Fault Line Theatre). REGIONAL THEATRE: Hair: Retrospection, Stillwater ,  The Whipping Man ,  August: Osage County ,  Cabaret  and five seasons of A Christmas Carol (Kansas City Repertory Theatre); Peter and the Starcatcher (Utah Shakespeare Festival); Vanya, Sonya, Masha & Spike (Center Stage Baltimore); The Drowsy Chaperone and Is He Dead? (Creede Repertory Theatre); Hairspray and The Sound Of Music (Starlight Theatre); Stages St. Louis and Heart Of America Shakespeare Festival. OTHER OPERA: Opera Long Beach and Santa Fe Opera. AFFILIATIONS: Lead Producer of The Over The Rhine International Film Festival.

BIRTHDAY CANDLES

MADISON STONE (SHE/HER)- ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK: A Chorus Line, Seven Guitars, Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash, A Christmas Carol, Stew, Rutka and Primary Trust

CINCINNATI: The Coronation of Poppea, Fierce, Castor and Patience, Barber of Seville, La Traviata, Back to the Zoo Concert and Opera in the Park (Cincinnati Opera).

EDUCATION: BFA in Theatre Design and Production (Stage Management) from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. AFFILIATIONS: Proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists and the Actors’ Equity Association.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF

Intimacy Coordinator Torie Wiggins

Associate Set Designer Kim Zhou

Wardrobe Run Crew

Scenic Artists

Lauren Wooten

Taylor Helms, Ruth Wartman

Birthday Candles is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.

SUMMER THEATRE CAMP AND PERFORMANCE ACADEMY

Join us for a summer of theatrical fun with loads of performance opportunities.

• One-week theatre camps for campers entering Grades 1-10

Learn the fundamentals of creating theatre.

• One-week performance showcases for campers entering Grades 6-12

Explore theatrical skills with an emphasis on performance and storytelling techniques.

• Multi-week Performance Academies for campers entering Grades 1-12

Produce a single play or musical from start to finish.

Photos by Mikki Schaffner.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

CORPORATE PARTNERS

For companies looking to make a smaller investment in the Playhouse, the Corporate Partner Program is just the ticket. A gift of $1,000 or more is recognized in our show programs, provides invitations to exclusive events, and entitles your employees to receive a 20 percent online ticket discount throughout the season!

$1,000 - $3,499

Hixson Architecture Engineering Interiors

Prolink

Skyline Chili

For more information about joining these individuals and organizations in support of the Playhouse, call Mary Kay Koehler, Director of Institutional Giving at 513-977-2026.

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

The Blind Lemon

The BonBonerie

Emerge Managed Solutions, LLC

The Geiler Company

Local 12, WKRC-TV

Mt. Adams Bar and Grill

WARM 98

WGRR-FM

WOSL-FM

WVXU-FM

WXIX-TV, Fox 19

The Summit Experience

THE MORSE JOHNSON SOCIETY

Thanks to your vision and commitment, we can set a bold course to secure the future of the Playhouse for generations to come. We are grateful to you for including the Playhouse in your estate plans. This list recognizes members of the Morse Johnson Society as of February 5, 2025.

Anonymous

Romola N. Allen

Roderick and Barbara Barr

Martha L. Bell

David and Elaine Billmire

Thomas J. Breed

Charlin Briggs

Rosemarie Brown

John and Peg Bruggeman

Susan and Burton Closson

Carol C. Cole

Richard and Teddie Curry

Kelly M. Dehan and Richard J. Staudigel

Jan Denton

Marilyn Derfus

Jackie Dieckman and Mike Camery

Mrs. James M. Edwards

Barbara Fitch

In memory of Phyllis A. Followell, my heart

Allison Gerrety

Victoria Buyniski Gluckman

Madeleine H. (Mady)

Gordon

J. Frederick and Cynthia Gossman

Linda and Gary Greenberg

Carol Green

Jan and Herman Groshoff

Cheryl Harden Love

Mrs. Robert J. Hasl

Robert and Judith Heaton

Dave and Betsy Hendy

Andrea and Dr. Edward Herzig

Karlee L. Hilliard

Susan M. Ingmire

Andrew MacAoidh

Jergens

Judith E. Johnson

M. J. Johnson

Jan and Jay Kalagayan

Winifred B. Kessler

David and Janice Klocke

Mike and Marilyn Kremzar

Randolph and Patricia Krumm

Ms. Abby E. Langdon

Donald W. Leedy

Terry Lemmerman

James C. Leonard

Mary V. Lierl

Barbara Lyons

Jacqueline M. Mack

James A. Markley, Jr.

David L. Martin

David Mason

Ron Matson and Daniel

Young

Barbara and Kim McCracken

Charles and Joann Mead

Becky Miars

Lauren and James Miller

David and Diane Moccia

William J. and Mary G. Moran

Patti Myers and Alan Flaherty

Ronald and Debi Nash

Charlotte and Robert Otto

Carolyn Parker

Charles and Tara Pease

Jenny and David Powell

Betty L. Prince

Pamela Reising

Ellen Rieveschl

Richard Rosenthal

Jack and Moe Rouse

Robert and Dell Ann Sathe

Mark and Rosemary Schlachter

Carol J. Schroeder

Digi France Schueler

John L. Shields

Jerry and Betsy Shroat

Ann M. Simsic

Mrs. Paul G. Sittenfeld

Adrienne Angst Smith

Francis and Susan Stanton

Nancy M. Steman

Sidney Thomas

Diane D. Todd

Marty C. Tomb

Ellen and Ray van der Horst

Margaret and Albert Vontz III

Daniel G. Walker

JoAnn and Paul Ward

Dr. and Mrs. Nelson B. Watts

Jim and Jo Ann Weber

Irwin and Barbara Weinberg

Barbara M. Weyand

Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis

Susan and Don Zaunbrecher

POSTHUMOUSLY REMEMBERED

Anonymous

Mrs. Thomas Adler

Robert H. Allen

Henrietta Barlag

Peggy Barrett

Karen H. Bell

Frank and Rosemary Bloom

Peter Briggs

Jack G. Brown

Leland M. Cole

Eva Jane Romaine Coombe

John V. Crable

John F. Curley

Anne Elkins Didrichsen

Mrs. Elizabeth Easley

James M. Edwards

Felix and Weta Mae Elkins

Margaret M. Embshoff

Jerome A. Fey and Robert J. Schlafle

Stona Fitch

William A. and Susan S. Friedlander

Have you included Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in your estate plans? We would love to hear from you. Please reach out to Major Gifts Officer Lynn Smith at Lynn.Smith@cincyplay.com or (513) 977-2067 so we can properly recognize you for your gift and welcome you into the Morse Johnson Society.

Oliver M. Gale

Charles and Caroline Goering

Peter and Mary Hainline

Carlyn G. Hamilton

Dr. Robert J. Hasl

Mrs. Morse Johnson

Stanley M. Kaplan, M.D.

Minor and Dan LeBlond

Keith Lemmerman

Ron Lyons

Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson

Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Morelli

Richard and Julia Okenfuss

Jack and Marilyn Osborn

Maurice E. Oshry

George Rieveschl

Launcey Roder

Lois Rosenthal

Gene F. Santoro

Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Schiff, Sr.

Karl and Roberta Schlachter

Mary Louise Schroth

Marsha Shields

Paul G. Sittenfeld

Louise W. Spiegel

Rick Steiner

Jane K. Steinfirst

Thurza R. Sternberg

Charles and Sue Straus

Charles L. and Joan Thomas, Jr.

Lynda A. Thomas

Dr. Thomas Todd

Howard Tomb

Albert Vontz, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Waite

Stuart and Gladys C. Warshauer

Monte Witte

A CINCINNATI MAGAZINE EVENT

PRESENTED BY

SUSTAINIBILITY PARTNER

SPONSORS

A PORTION OF PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT

THE LEMPICKA

Our lavish four-night dinner series returns to a new venue, and a new format: themed dining evenings, culminating in Friday’s exclusive Grand Savor Experience. Limited tickets available.

ANNUAL GIFTS

Thank you for your support! This list includes all gifts given to the Playhouse from January 5, 2024 to February 5, 2025, not including Endowment and Capital Campaign gifts.

VISIONARY CIRCLE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

($50,000+)

ArtsWave

MC and Tom Brennan

Nancy and Mark Dawes

Fifth Third Bank

First Financial Bank

Linda and Gary Greenberg*

Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation

The David C. Herriman Fund*

The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati

Johnson Investment Counsel

Kerry Automotive

L.I.F.E. Foundation

Terry Lemmerman

L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation

Ohio Arts Council

Moe and Jack Rouse

The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation

Harold C. Schott Foundation

The Schueler Group

Digi and Mike Schueler

The Shubert Foundation

Nancy and Tim Sparks

Ellen and Ray van der Horst

Margaret and Albert Vontz III*

Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Fund*

PRODUCER

($30,000 - $49,999)

Eleanora C.U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee

Clark Schaefer Hackett

The Charles H. Dater Foundation

The Markley Family

The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation

Rockwern Charitable Foundation

The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust

U.S. Bank

Randolph Wadsworth

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

DIRECTOR

($10,000 - $29,999)

BHDP Architecture

David and Elaine Billmire

Neil Bortz

Mrs. L.L. Browning, Jr.

CBRE

Chemed Foundation

Richard and Teddie Curry

Deloitte

Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

eat well celebrations and feasts

Ernst & Young LLP

Sarah and Tommy Evans

Frost Brown Todd

The Geiler Company

The Goldhoff Family

Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Jeb and Nirvani Head

Huntington Bank

Jacqueline M. Mack and Dr. Edward B. Silberstein

Craig and Anne Maier

Dick and Sandy Manteuffel

Ron Matson and Daniel Young

Manuel D. & Rhoda Mayerson Foundation

Charles and Joann Mead

Becky Miars

Diane and Dave Moccia

Arthur C. Morrissey and Janet M. Hayes

Jenny and David Powell

Amy and John Rosenberg

Jennie Rosenthal

Richard Rosenthal and Kitty Strauss Rosenthal

John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust

The Sheakley Group, Inc.

Rhonda and Larry Sheakley

Eddie and Pat Sheppard

Julie and Steven J. Shifman

Betsy and Jerry Shroat

Skidmore Sales & Distributing Co., Inc.

John and Jennifer Stein

Steve and Sarah Steinman

The Sutphin Family Foundation

Jennifer and Woody Taft

Marty C. Tomb

Towne Properties

Edward Trach

Western & Southern Financial Group

Barbara M. Weyand

Mr. William J. Weyand

PLAYWRIGHT

($5,000 - $9,999)

Anonymous

1919 Investment Counsel

David and Traci Alexander

Atkins & Pearce Inc.

Ms. Henrietta Barlag

Ron Bates and Randy Lasley

Mark and Lindsay Bibler

Ruth and Tom Bobenread

Susan Brenner and Steven Mombach

Terri and John Byczkowski

Denise and Martin Chambers

Mr. Maurice and Lela Coffey, II

James P. Conway, Jr. and Richard D. Robertson, Jr.

Jack and Virginia Copley

Amelia and Thomas Crutcher

Richard and Lisa Ernst

Vitaly and Samantha Goldfeder

Chandra and Mel Gravely

Mrs. Andrea and Dr. Edward Herzig

Karen and David Hoguet

Susan Ingmire and Lynn Hailey

Diane and Carl Iseman

Bill and Mary Jane James

Don and Frani Jones

Patti and Tom Keckeis*

Marilyn Kinne

Bet and Dave Koeninger

Mark and Karen Kremzar

Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Kremzar

Asher and Kelsey Lanier

Jamie and Jenny Leonard

Barbara and Kim McCracken

Kevin and Frances McMurray

Leon and Barb Meyer

Lauren and James Miller

Ms. Danute M. Miskinis

Samuel Moore, Jr.

David and Judith Morgan

Dean and Catherine Moulas

Patti Myers and Alan Flaherty

Karen and Bill Neyer*

Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Memorial and Education Commission

Wayne L. Prim Foundation

Prudential - Matching Fund

Rob and Gretchen Reifsnyder

Dianne and J. David Rosenberg

Margo and Sam Ross

Susan and Jeffrey Routh

Mark and Rosemary Schlachter

Elsa M. Heisel Sule Foundation

Robert D. Temple and Sue E. Auerbach

Barbara and Daman Turner

Lawrence and Maureen Vignola

Julia Wesselkamper and Julian Johnson

Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis

The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

Susan and Don Zaunbrecher

PLAYHOUSE

INSIDER’S CIRCLE

PRINCIPAL

($2,500 - $4,999)

Anonymous 25th Hour

William P. Anderson Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Robert O. Banks

Ed and Debbie Birck

Jane and Gary Booth

Thomas J. Breed

The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

Jeff and Gay Bullock

Ron Bunt and Wei Sun

David and Sara Butler

Janet and Bruce Byrnes

Candace Carson

Kassy and Jeff Corken

The Crawford Family Foundation

Marjorie Davis

Allison and Rick Edwards

Amy and Michael Fitzgibbons

Clifford Goosmann and Andrea Wilson

Ms. Madeleine H. Gordon

Chris and Janet Gunn

Betsy and Dave Hendy

Sherrie and Fred Heyse

Sue and William W. Hill III

Ms. Karlee L. Hilliard

Homewood Suites by HiltonCincinnati Midtown in Oakley Station

Ellen and Garrett Jackson*

Dr. Robert Keith and Kathleen Thornton-Keith

Marvin Kolodzik

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen S. Lett

John C. Ludy

David Martin

Stan and Mary Morton

Judy and Thomas Oxman

Tom and Linda Palmer

Stuart and Ildiko Pray

Audra Rance

Gerald D. Rape

Mitch and Karen Rashkin

Richard Reis and Pamela Spangler

Diane and William Rumpke, Jr.

The Louise Taft Semple Foundation

Kathy Shell and Joetta Prost

Rick and Cathy Slack

Sandra and Henry Spitz

Steiner Family Foundation

Joseph B. Steiner

Dr. Susan R. Strick

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation

Thembi Speaks LLC

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Tieke

Mark and Susan Whitman

Jo Ann Wieghaus

Jeff Zipkin and Shelly Gerson

ENSEMBLE

($1,500 - $2,499)

Anonymous (2)

Ms. Kathryn Allred Al-Lamadani

Gordon Allen and Linda Baas

Americana Arts Foundation

Thomas and Susan Anthony

Patricia J. Armstrong

Jan Bartel

Gale and Dave Beckett

Judith and Louis Belli

John A. Berenberg

Lucy Lane Broderick

John and Peg Bruggeman

Jacklyn and Gary Bryson

Eric Burgmann and Linda Vaccariello

Bonnie and Dick Buten

Ramon and Kathleen Cardona

Robert S. Castellini

Rosalind Chaiken

Philip Clayton

Burton and Susan Closson

Leland M. and Carol C. Cole

Robin Cotton and Cindi Fitton

Kelly M. Dehan

Florence and Tom DeWitt

Ms. Joyce Elkus

Eric and Judy Ellis

Paul and Nancy Gaffney

Vickie Buyniski Gluckman

Donn Goebel and Cathy McLeod

Eleanor and Richard Goering

Peggy L. Golden and Kerry J. Klumpe

David and Sheryl Harris

James and Susan Herman

Hixson Architecture, Engineering, Interiors

Carolyn and Michael Hoyt

Patti and Keith James

Sylvia Johnson

Kyle and Sue Jones

Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Keenan

Arleene Keller

Judy Kenniston

Randolph and Patricia Krumm

Mark and Kymberly Kuenning

Jo Ann and George Kurz

Dr. John Larkin

Susan J. Lauf

Donna Lilley

Kay Lynch and Chuck Beckman

Pattianne and Mark Menden

Mr. Roy A. Mitchell

Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.

Linda Muth

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Pardekooper

Betty Prince

Prolink

Jeff and Lori Raser

Ridgeway Foundation

Pete and Debbie Rizzo

Mr. Richard H. Russell

Michael and Jeanne Schmerler

Elizabeth C. B. and Paul G. Sittenfeld

Gerald and Sarah Skidmore

Skyline Chili

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Smith

John and Merrie Stillpass

JoAnn Stamper Thomas

Catharina Toltzis Ph.D.

Water Tower Fine Wines

Sallie Westheimer

Anthony and Sally Woodward

ANNUAL FUND

BENEFACTOR

($750 - $1,499)

Anonymous (6)

Susie Ackermann

Liz and Hank Alexander

Eric and Brenda Armstrong Family Fund*

Bruce and Helene Ault

John and Kathy Bachman

Michael and Shelia Becker

Miss Martha L. Bell

Kit Berger

John Berninger

Jeff and Pam Bernstein

Randal and Peter Bloch

Sandra Bolek

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Borisch

Selena, James, and Justin Bowling

Linda D. Brink

Charlotte Brooks

David and Marybeth Brothers

Dr. Jane Brown and Mr. Paul Beck

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bullock

In Honor of Carolyn Guild Carter

Larry and Julie Chandler

James Cissell

Mr. Rick Coffey

Pearl J. Compaan, M.D.

Marjorie Compton

The Cord Foundation

Susan Cummings

Anne Dagenbach

Judy and Chris Dalambakis

The Daley Family Foundation

Mark Dauner

Jeffrey and Sharon DeRossette

Kathryn Dierckes

DJJ, A Nucor Company

Michael and Kathleen Doherty

Timothy Douglas

Emilie and David Dressler Fund*

Tim and Tina DuMont*

Saralou and Dave Durham

George Fabe Fund*

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Farrell

Matthew Feldman and Julie Baker

Mary and Bob Fitzpatrick

Missy and Brian J. Fox

Mr. and Mrs. John Freeman

Sharon Freyhof

Edward Gemperle

Richard and Kathleen Glaser

Graeter’s Ice Cream Co.

Carl and Joyce Greber

Mary and Phil Hagner

Ham and Ellie Hamilton

Cheryl Harden Love

Teri and Mike Haught

Louise Head

Patti Heldman

Bertie Hertz

Grace and Brian Hill

Noel and Karen Hofmann

Linda R. Holthaus

Timothy and Julie Driehaus Horton

Barbara J. Howard

Dr. Carol Hubbard

Mr. and Mrs. William Ivers

Johnson & Johnson - Matching Fund

Mark and Sarah Johnson

James and Brenda Jones

Peter and Sandy Keiser

Rosalynd Kendall

Beverly Kinney and Edward Cloughessy

Margo Kirstein

Larry and Kathleen Kissel

Mark and Nancy Kleespies

Heather Krombholz

Kathleen B. and Michael C. Krug*

Dr. Carol P. Leslie

Sherwin Little

Sally A. Lloyd

Whitney and Phillip Long

Ellen and Ward Maresca

Ms. Margaret E. Mathile

Raymond and Madelynn Matlock

Susan Matz

Elizabeth Mayfield*

Mark McKillip and Amira Beer

Hope Earls McSwigan

Richard I. Michelman and Karen E. Meyer

Jill and Bruce Mitchell

Jim and Eileen Moon

Terry and Jannelle Moore

Scott and Barb Muhlhauser

National Jewish Theatre Foundation

Michael Nordlund and Lisa Lee

Melissa and John Panzeca

Carl Parrott and Molly Katz Fund*

Kathy and Bob Pellegrino

Diane and Jeff Pfaff

Phillips Family Fund*

Mr. and Mrs. Don Popelar

Leo and Sarah Pulte

Robert and Connie Reed

ANNUAL GIFTS

Alison and Rob Rice

Mr. and Mrs. Gates T. Richards

Louise and Gary Roselle

Cathie Rothfuss

Jim Rubenstein and Bernadette Unger

Debra and Peter Ruehlman

Ann Saluke and Don Yelton

KJ Sanchez

Mark and Jan Rosenbaum Sass

David Savage

Martha and Lee Schimberg

Pat and Paul Schlecht

Roger and Glenda Schorr*

Ivan and Karen Silverman

Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Simon

Robin and Murray Sinclaire

Adrienne Angst Smith

Steven Smith and David Vanderpool

Susan and David Smith

Mary Stagaman and Ron Kull

Elizabeth A. Stone*

Carol Striker

Tom and Keri Tami

Gordon and Mary-Anne Thompson

Sneja H. Tomassian

Jovoni Trollinger

Robert Trusty

Christopher and Nancy Virgulak

Geroge and Julia Wadih

Patricia J. Wagner

Larry Weber

Mary Ann and Ted Weiss

Jane Welling

Carol and Rich Wilson

Susan and Dean Windgassen

Marsha and Robert Wuerdeman

SUPPORTER

($300 - $749)

Anonymous (16)

Ms. Susan Adick

Marjorie and Steven Adler

Admirals Cove Foundation

Shakila Ahmad

Dr. David and Mrs. Nancy Aichholz

Drs. Gordon and Dorothy Air

Janice Amatulli

Mrs. Patricia Anderson

Victor and Dolores Angel

James Anthony and Sarah Corathers

Elizabeth C. Armitage

Charles W. Ashing, III

Athena Avgousti-Bauer

Walter and Barbara Bailey

Joseph Baker

Barbara Banks

Molly R. Barber

Donald Beck and Lawrence E. Eynon, M.D.

Becky Beckstedt

Wayne and Barbara Beimesch

Mary Ann Bell

Doug and Judy Betz

Bradley R. Bevington

Mr. Thomas E. Blackburn

Sue K. Blaney

Rick and Janet Bohne

Phyllis Bossin and Robert Strauss

Mark Bowen

Barbara and Neal Bronson

Dr. Daniel T. Brown, DDS and Mr. Mark Haggard

Mark and Diane Bunte

Jack and Marti Butz

John and Diane Byrne

Jane and Frank Caccamo

April A. Cain

Carol Campbell

Nancy B. Carrothers

Chris and Jim Cartledge

Jo-Ann Casuto

Christine Christen

Fran Christensen

Cincinnati Art Museum

Mary Ellen Cody

Loretta and David Cook

Douglas and Sarah Coons

Dr. and Mrs. Alan Cordell

Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cotcamp

Mrs. Martha S. Crafts

Cathy Crain

Jean and John Croxton

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Cruse

Merida and Rick D’Augustine

Mr. Frank Davis

Michelle de la Vega

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dearth

Debora Del Valle

Jan Denton

Marilyn J. Derfus

Diamond/Wolf Family

Nancy Steman Dierckes

Thomas Donnelly

Marilyn Duke

Bob and Kitty Dunn

John and Liz Dye

Leslie R. Dye, M.D.

Kay Eby

Sharon and Bill Emeigh

Karla Epperson

Delores J. Erby

Dr. and Mrs. William Faulkner

Michael Federle

Barbara Ann Feldmann

Bill Ferring

Dr. Daniella Fisher

James K. and Susan A. Fitton

Maureen Flanagan and Will Groneman

Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Foster

Carolyn and Terry Fox

Patricia Fraley

John and Susan Frank

Mr. and Mrs. James A Fraser

Gregrick A. Frey

Mary Anne Frey

Shirley Gallagher

Sharon and Dennis Geiger

General Electric

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Gerber

Robert Gilmore

Veronica Glogowski

Daniel P. Goetz and Pattie Messmer

Jim and Elaine Goldschmidt

Nancy Gollobin

Goret Family Foundation

Mrs. Sharon Gorman

Pank and Wendy Goulet

Phillip Griggs

Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Gruppo

Barbara Hahn

Jan C. Hall

Margo Hall

Jeff Hanna and Peggy Eberhard

Jerri and Dan Hanus

Jim and Sally Harper

Alice and John Hehman

Gwenn and Mark Heintzelman

Alan and Marion Heitner

Jane E. Henney, M.D. and J. Robert

Graham, M.D.

Helene Herbert

Judy Tondi Herd

Susan Hibbs

Wendy Hill

Meg Hilmer

Dale Hodges and David F. Logan

Daniel J. Hoffheimer

Daniel and Marcia Holden

Mark and Deanna Hollon

Kim Howland

Joseph Huber and Shelli Smith

Marty Humes

Pat Humphrey

Dr. Linda Huntress

Charlie and Janie James

Anne Jaroszewicz

Robert and Tara Jennings

Marilyn S. and Robert C. Johnson

Dr. Amy Johnstone

Lisa Kagan

Dr. Toni and Rabbi Ken Kanter

Amy J. Katz

Arlene Katz

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas T. Keating

Alina S. Khan

Zofeen Khan

Mr. and Mrs. John Kmet

Judith A. Koch

Mary Kay Koehler and Heather Apple

Sandford and Nancy Kopnick

Michael and Paula Kunka

Bill and Evie Landrigan

Mr. Edward Lanzit

Patricia Larsen

Lynn P. Larson

Mary Kay Levesay

Glenda Lindsay

Jim Lippert and Carrie ShortLippert

Nancy Lippincott

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Livermore

Kevin G. Loesch

ANNUAL GIFTS

Dr. and Mrs. Louis B. Louis, IV

Mr. and Mrs. Damon Lynch, Jr.

Ms. Carol MacGregor

Dave and Lee MacKenzie

Kenneth T. Mahler

Mark Mallory

Mark K. Mandell-Brown MD

Lisi and Neil Marcus

Charles and Jennifer Margolis

Laurel Markley

Carolyn Ott Martin

Nancy C. Martin

David Mason

Evi Banzhaf McCord

Kathy McCord

Dennis and Carol McCoy

Maryanne McGowan

Jeff and Debbie McNaul

Kathy Merchant

Audrey E. K. Miller

Steven and Jacqueline Miller Family Foundation

Joel Monteith and Barbara MustoeMonteith

Mary G. Moran

Brian and Katherine More

Mrs. Jane Motz

Joyce and William Mullins

Joy S. Nadler

Jeannie Niebuhr

Andrew J. Nuckols

Bruce and Neda Nutley

J. Brett Offenberger and Douglas Duckett

Kelly O’Neill and Sue Aley

Nan Oscherwitz

The Patel-Curran Family

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Peairs

Alvin and Barbara Pearlman

Debbie Pendl

Alice W. Perlman

Nancy L. Phelan

Marcia C. Philipps

David Piatt Fund*

Les and Molly Polasky

Philip J. Poon

Jane Portman

James and Linda Pretz

Phil and Susan Price

Michael and Nelda Purdon

Jennifer Ramage

Sherri Adams Remaklus

Margie Rennie

Carol Holland Rentschler

Sara Repenning

Carol Reubel

Danielle Revelson

Jeff and Joyce Rich

Kathleen and Tom Riga

Carole T. Rigaud

Buffie Rixey

Mary Ellen Roberts

Gigi Robison

Ashley Rothfuss

Karina Rothzeid

Barb and Rich Ruddy

Josie Russo

James Sanitato

Jane Schaefer

Karen Schilling

Carol J. Schroeder

Chris Schulte

Linda Sears

William and Sandra Selvey

Carol Serrone

Ms. Connie Sheets

John L. Shields

Sue Showers

Dr. Tariq Siddiqi

Debbie Renick Sims

Robert and Linda Singer

Mary Lee and Louie Sirkin

Mary G. Skelly

Laura Skidmore

Jack and Barbara Smith

Nathan and Karen Smith

V. Clark Sole, Jr.

Martha and John Spiess

John and Sarah Spiller

Jeffery and Nancy Stambough

Steelcase Foundation - Matching Fund

Tom and Dee Stegman*

Martha Lowe Steier

Robert L. and Christine J. Steiner*

Stephanie and Joseph Stitt

Joe and Gladys Stolz

Gunther and Sara Storjohann

Gary and Nancy Strassel

Kendra L. Struthers

Glenda Suttman

Lora Swedberg

Ms. Marie H. Sweeney

Carlos and Roberta Teran

Gretchen Thomas

Robert and Marcia Togneri

Torey and Tom Torre

Ann Marie Tracey and Daniel Buckley

Mr. and Mrs. George Trebbi

Dilip and Janet Tripathy

Dionn Tron

James and Susan Troutt

Laura Turton

Susie Tweddell

Doug and Molly Tyger

Ms. Marlena Tyre

Ms. Janis Vogelpohl

Liz and Dave Wallingford

Sarella Walton

JoAnn Ward

Lea A. Ward

Dr. and Mrs. Barry W. Webb

Judy Wells

Steven and Heather Wesloh

Brendan and Julie White

Steve and Patty Wilken

Chris and Diane Williams

Jim and Mary Williams

Mauri J. Willis

Rev. Anne Warrington Wilson

Mrs. Joan R. Wilson

Robert and Judy Wilson

Jeannine Winkelmann

Nancy and David Wolf

Daniel and Jessica Woo

Laani A. Wuest

Dr. Linda Wulff

John M. Yacher

Linda Elam Young

Mary Beth Young

David and Cynthia Zink

*Denotes a fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation

$50,000+

ROBERT AND ADELE SCHIFF FAMILY FOUNDATION

HAROLD C. SCHOTT FOUNDATION

As of February 12, 2025

$20,000 – $49,999

ROCKWERN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

$10,000 – $19,999 THE HAROLD AND MIMI STEINBERG CHARITABLE TRUST

$5,000 – $9,999

$1,000 – $4,999 AMERICANA

ADMINISTRATIVE AND PRODUCTION STAFF

DIRECTORS

Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison

Managing Director Abby Marcus

ADMINISTRATION

Executive Assistant/Board Liaison Stefanie Meyer

Associate Producer Suann Pollock

Company Manager A.J. Ford

Assistant Company Manager/Management Associate Remy Elton-Alexander

Director of HR, Equity and Inclusion Dawn Mundy Payroll/HR Specialist Madalaina Welton

Finance Associate Brian Anderson Office Administrator Kathy Durnell

OPERATIONS

Director of Operations Bridget Siedlecki IT Applications Specialist Scott Youger

Facilities Manager Brian Smith

DEVELOPMENT

Chief Philanthropy Officer Sneja H. Tomassian

Director of Institutional Giving Mary Kay Koehler

Director of Donor Relations Kendra L. Struthers, CFRE

Major Gifts Officer Lynn Smith, CFRE

Grants Manager Camryn Morrow

Development Associate, Giving and Stewardship Jennifer Radisch

Development Assistant Douglas Fries

MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS

Director of Marketing and Communications Kathy Neus

Audience Engagement Manager Piper N. Davis

Multimedia Designer Sean Martin

Interim Digital Marketing Associate Tessa D’Errico

Marketing Data and Website Manager Jacob Krismanick

Content Marketing Associate Deja A. Shanks

Marketing Intern Kit Gladieux

Photographer Mikki Schaffner

PATRON SERVICES

Patron Services Director Don Wong

Assistant Patron Services Manager Julia Hasl Miller

House Managers Joellyn Goos, Kayden Hauke, Ethan Mann

Patron Services Associate Olivia Cremisio

Patron Services Staff Amanda Adams, Tommy Berninger, Grace Caccavari, Katie Collier, Tessa D’Errico, Jenny French, Max Holman, Michelle LaMantia, Francis McGovern, Whitney Menser, Cyrus Newitt, Sarah O’Haver, Alexis Pinto, James Racster, Theresa Richmond, Charlie Rusk, Gina Serger, Jacqueline Smith, Logan Smith, LaCheryl Steele, Janis Tibbs, Catherine Trichell, Monica Williams-Mitchell, Kendall Young

Bar Manager Darren Cox

Bartenders Kathy Burr, Clint Collins, Justin Eckstein, Rachel Ellis, Julia Migliara, Lisa Porter, John Simpson, Niki Sherwood, Kathleen Thorman

ARTISTIC

Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz

Literary Manager Tatiana Godfrey

Associate Artists Wendy C. Goldberg, Karen Zacarías

EDUCATION/ENGAGEMENT

Education Director Ariana Moses

Artistic Engagement Manager Katie Baskerville

Education Associate John Llewellyn

Education and Engagement Coordinator Ariana Hooberman-Piñeiro

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Production Stage Manager Andrea L. Shell

Stage Managers Brooke Redler, Brandon T. Holmes

Artistic Engagement Stage Manager Erin Speno-Stout

PRODUCTION

Director of Production Joshua Escajeda

Technical Director Sam Thompson

Assistant Production Manager Valerie Perez

Assistant Technical Director Ethan Ruhl

Scene Shop AdministrativeAssistant Quinn Morgan

SCENERY

Staff Carpenters Valerie Bramer, Timothy Fowler, Michael Lyons, Brandon Smith, Patrick Wellman

Charge Scenic Artist Jennifer Rhodus

Assistant Scenic Artist Alex Kuntz

Scenic Artist Payton Epperson

Rouse Run Crew Christopher Albaugh, Kara Trusty

PROPERTIES

Properties Manager Liz Lyons

Assistant Properties Manager Katie Kim

Properties Benjamin Adams, Jeff Fowee, Alicia Rhodus

Rosenthal Shelterhouse Properties Running Crew Lead Debra Hildebrand

Rouse Theatre Properties Running Crew Lead Gigi Wendt

COSTUMES/WARDROBE

Costume Shop Manager Gordon DeVinney

Costume and Design Administrative Assistant Joe Kovacs

Interim Cutter/Draper Bridget Kline

Wig and Makeup Artist Amy Whitaker

Wardrobe Lead Amira Rowe

Wardrobe Assistants Grace Hazlett, Lilly Levine

LIGHTING/SOUND

Lead Electrician Samuel Wilson

Rouse Theatre Light Board Operator Alec Schneider

Rouse Theatre Audio Engineer M. Adam Jacob

Rosenthal Shelterhouse Light Board Operator Jonathan Armstrong

Rosenthal Shelterhouse Sound Engineer Samuel Sadler

EMERITI

Managing Director Emeritus Buzz Ward

Space reservation is happening now!

THE CURTAIN IS RISING

Support the local arts community as it takes the stage this fall and reach an engaged, affluent audience.

Cristian Măcelaru Music Director Designate

INVEST ENGAGE INNOVATE LEAD

Investing state and federal dollars, the Ohio Arts Council funds and supports quality arts experiences for all Ohioans to strengthen communities culturally, educationally, and economically.

Learn more about our grant programs and resources, find your next arts experience, or connect: OAC.OHIO.GOV.

Grantee Spotlight: INSPIRATION STUDIOS, INC.

Inspiration Studios, Inc., and Sonny Spot Too are two Southwest Ohio organizations serving people with developmental disabilities. In 2023, they collaborated to create a new mural for Sonny Spot’s computer and technology room. Image courtesy of the organization