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Dare to defy gravity

D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director

CORNER OF THE SKY:

THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ Conceived & Created by SCOTT COULTER Directed & Choreographed by VINCENT DeGEORGE† Musical Arrangements by JOHN BOSWELL & SCOTT COULTER

September 5 – 27, 2026 Scenic & Lighting Designer BRIAN c . MEHRING

Music Director JOHN BOSWELL

Vocal Director & Arranger SCOTT COULTER

Costume Designer CAT SCHMEAL-SWOPE

Co-Sound Designer JAKE TILLMANN

Co-Sound Designer DANIELLE LOBELLO

Projections Designer BECCA SCHALL Technical Director JACOB DOWELL

Properties Curator & Design Associate SHANNON RAE LUTZ Production Stage Manager MARGOT WHITNEY*

Assistant Stage Manager LEXI MULLER*

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION IS A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW AND AN ACTIONABLE FEDERAL OFFENSE.

CORNER OF THE SKY: THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ is presented with special permission by Stephen Schwartz. Produced in partnership with Spot On Entertainment.

*Member belongs to Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. This theatre operates under an agreement between Actors’ Equity Association, Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States. Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.

†

PREMIERE SPONSORS

Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard DESIGN SPONSORS Chip & Jane Gerhardt

SPARK OF CREATION SPONSORS

J. Brett Offenberger & Douglas Duckett

MUSIC SPONSORS

Damon, Holly, & Deej Ragusa

LYRICS SPONSOR L. Timothy Giglio

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Your passion shines brilliantly. The arts make us think, make us feel, and make us wonder. PNC is proud to support Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Thank you for helping to make our community more brilliant.

pnc.com

WHERE TO NEXT? After you’ve experienced Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, find your next stop on the ArtsWave App, your one-stop calendar for arts, entertainment, sports and more across the Cincinnati region. Grab the ArtsWave Pass on the app and you’ll unlock 50% off arts tickets, plus dozens of restaurant and shop offers too!

D O W N L OA D FOR

T O DAY

FROM THE CREATOR Stephen Schwartz is an extraordinary artist and a musical wizard. In 1976, at age twenty-eight, he became the youngest composer to have three musicals playing on Broadway at the same time—a record that still stands. In 2024, his musical Wicked became the highest-grossing movie musical of all time. For five decades (and counting) he has been at the forefront of musical theatre, giving the world a treasure trove of songs. Several years ago, I asked him for permission to create the first musical revue based on his songbook. He said that if I found a concept that worked then I had his blessing. This is that concept, and it came from one intriguing question: What if five decades of musical storytelling could be traced back to the very beginning? What if “Corner of the Sky,” the “I want” song from his first Broadway musical, contained the seeds of all that came after? Wouldn’t that be magical? This show is the answer to that question, and it contains all the wisdom, humor, yearning, hope, and grace found in all of Stephen’s work. He is a master of his craft and one of the few composer/lyricists we have. While he occasionally writes lyrics for others (Alan Menken and Charles Strouse, for example), he primarily writes both the music and the lyrics, which makes this collection of material even more extraordinary. As you experience this evening, keep in mind that this all came from the brilliant mind of one man—a man who started out looking for his corner of the sky over fifty years ago. I’d say he’s found it, and so much more. —Scott Coulter

LET’S THEATRE TOGETHER @ EnsembleCincy 6 |

From the Creator

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CAST & CREW CAST Singer.......................................................................................................................KLEA BLACKHURST* Singer...................................................................................................................................... CHRIS BLEM* The Songwriter........................................................................................................... JOHN BOSWELL Singer.............................................................................................................................KENNETH EARLY* Female Swing............................................................................................................... JESSICA HENDY* Singer...................................................................................................................... CHANDUNI HERATH Singer...............................................................................................................JORDYN AMANI JONES Singer.........................................................................................................................GAVIN PORONSKY Singer.............................................................................................................................. SYDNEY SHORT^

RUNNING CREW Libretto Assistant Stage Manager................................................................. MADDI O'CONNELL Sound & Lighting Supervisor & Sound Mixer.................................................. JAKE TILLMANN Light Board Operator & Singer Understudy..................................... TIERRA LONDON RUSH Run Crew.....................................................................................................................KENNY RAYBORN Spot Light Operator & Singer Understudy...........................................KATELYN JOY MOORE Spot Light Operator & Singer Understudy..................................................................AVA WARD

PRODUCTION TEAM Associate Production Manager & Associate Technical Director................. JACK MURPHY Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician................................... CHRIS LIPSTREU Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate...............................................RAE MACK KUHN Costume Shop Manager.............................................................................. HANNAH PLESSINGER Wardrobe Supervisor......................................................................................... SARAH MALARNEY Intimacy & Movement Choreographer................................................................................E. CARR Automation Technician & Shop Carpenter....................................... JEREMIAH PLESSINGER Carpenter & Load-In Technician........................................................................... NATHAN NEORR

*Member belongs to Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance. ^Dance Captain

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Cast & Crew

FROM THE DIRECTOR What I really want to say here is thank you. Thank you to Scott Coulter for sharing his idea for a Stephen Schwartz musical revue with me so many years ago, and then trusting me to help bring his vision to life on the stage. Thank you to my colleagues at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music—Elaine Cox, Annie Bloemer and Pete Jutras—who created a space for us to workshop and showcase a portion of this review during the 2026 CCM Moveable Feast. Thank you to Brett Offenberger and Douglas Duckett for supporting that workshop in January and continuing to support this project as we move down the hill to Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Thank you to Lynn Meyers, who created such a welcoming and dynamic environment in which to continue the development of this show. Thank you to all of the theatre artists, technicians, and production and administrative staff here at ETC who have poured their time, talent, and resources into making this world premiere a reality. Thank you to this incredible cast of singing actors and musicians; to the cast of the original workshop in New York; and to the student actors in the CCM workshop. All of you bring ideas to life with such skill, tenacity, and joy. Each of you has played an invaluable part in this show's development. And finally, thank you to Stephen Schwartz for spending your lifetime capturing and expressing our lifetimes in words and music. —Vincent DeGeorge

This production will be performed with no intermission. Approximate running time is 90 minutes.

PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES. NO TEXTING. From the Director

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SONG LIST

(IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER) GODSPELL (1971) "Prepare Ye" "Day by Day" "O Bless The Lord" "We Beseech Thee" "Beautiful City" PIPPIN (1972) "Corner of the Sky" "No Time At All" "Morning Glow" "Extraordinary"

THE MAGIC SHOW (1974) "Lion Tamer" "West End Avenue" THE BAKER'S WIFE (1976) "Chanson" "Meadowlark" WORKING (1977) "It's an Art" "Fathers and Sons" RAGS (1986) "Wanting" CHILDREN OF EDEN (1991) "The Spark of Creation" "Stranger to the Rain" "In Whatever Time We Have" POCAHONTAS (1995) "Just Around the Riverbend" "Colors of the Wind" THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (1996) "Out There" RELUCTANT PILGRIM (1997) "Dreamscape" "Boy on the Roof" THE PRINCE OF EGYPT (1998) "When You Believe" WICKED (2003) "Popular" "Defying Gravity" "As Long As You're Mine" "For Good" HOUDINI (2012) "It'll Be Me" THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES (2025) "Caviar Dreams"

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CAST & CREW

FOR THE JOY OF DISCOVERY Materials inspired by Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz, courtesy of our friends at The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.

BOOKS

MOVIES

Score by Kennedy Ryan

Wicked: For Good Godspell

On the Record:

Music That Changed America

by Anna Harwell Celenza

Piece by Piece: How Stephen Sondheim Made Musical Puzzles Come Alive by Erin Frankel Making Mary Poppins:

The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the Creation of the Classic Film

by Todd James Pierce

MUSIC The Prince of Egypt Pippin

Borrow these and other show-inspired materials online or at your nearest library branch.

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2026–2027 SPONSORS

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR

SEASON FUNDER

OPERATING SUPPORT

FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSORS

SEASON TICKET SPONSOR

EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SPONSORS

The Family of Dr. Peter Reuhlman

APPRENTICE PROGRAM SPONSORS Gale & Dave Beckett SEASON SUPPORT Greater Cincinnati Foundation Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Mitchell S. and Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation The Shubert Foundation IN-KIND SUPPORT Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, Interpreter Training Program Clovernook Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

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2026–2027 Sponsors

EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SUPPORT Anonymous (3) Eleanora C. U. Alms Trust, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee Arts Midwest William P. Anderson Foundation Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation Hamilton County Mr. & Mrs. David E. Moccia The Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation Charles Scott Riley III Foundation The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation The Thaman Family Fund Jennifer Verkamp

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ABOUT US OUR MISSION Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences. OUR HISTORY From its founding in 1986, ETC has focused on providing an artistic home for local theatre professionals, including serving as a training ground for young artists. Each season, ETC produces a lineup devoted to the newest in contemporary theatre that attracts a diverse audience of 30,000 to more than 220 performances. Our work also includes education and engagement programs centered on introducing the performing arts to students from underresourced schools and children with disabilities. Combined, our productions and educational programs strive to fulfill ETC’s vision of creating an urban arts district that is accessible to all.

(513) 421–3555 1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 www.ensemblecincinnati.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Mark Haggard, President Kali Hacias Boecher, Treasurer Holly Brians Ragusa, Secretary DIRECTORS Amy Bixel Erica Bock Otto M. Budig, Jr. Kwesi Calliste Zina Camblin Tom Carothers Denise Esteves-Hicks Charles H. Gerhardt, III Tim Giglio Beverly A. Grant Stephen M. King Andrew Maloney Anthony McNamara D. Lynn Meyers, ex officio Shekhar Mitra Chris Ramos Maura Schilling Jeffrey Schloemer Alex Schutte Meghan Simonson Ashlee Young DIRECTORS EMERITI Skip Hickenlooper Edward G. Marks FOUNDERS' CIRCLE Ruth D. & John Sawyer Ken & Mary "Murph" Mahler Dr. Charles O. Carothers Mitchell S. Meyers

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. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre. INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING?

Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.

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Contact our team at Cincinnati Magazine for information: advertise@CincinnatiMagazine.com

ABOUT ETC

OUR STAFF LEADERSHIP

D. Lynn Meyers, The Ruth Dennis Sawyer/Mary Taft Mahler Producing Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer Michael R. Zimmer, CPA, CGMA, Chief Financial & Operations Officer

ARTISTIC

Brian c. Mehring, Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer Shannon Rae Lutz, Properties Curator, Design Associate, & Director of Apprentice Programming Rae Mack Kuhn, Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate Torie Wiggins, Artistic Associate Professional Apprentices: Katelyn Joy Moore • Kenny Rayborn Tierra London Rush • Ava Ward

STAGE MANAGEMENT

Margot Whitney, Production Stage Manager Lexi Muller, Assistant Stage Manager Maddi O'Connell, 2nd Assistant Stage Manager

EDUCATION

Emily Mathews, Director of Education Emmy Rice, Accessibility & Education Programs Coordinator

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Amy J. Barbian, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Annie Jennings, Digital Marketing Manager Becca Schall, Creative Media Producer

OPERATIONS

Jared D. Doren, Programming & Events Manager Nick Ligon, Head of Security Michael Carr, General Manager

PATRON SERVICES

Box Office Associates/House Managers: Anson Battoclette • Beasley • Jasimine Bouldin Abigail Dirr • Elliet Malatesta • KG Rucker Becca Schall • Belle Scholles

PRODUCTION

Jacob Dowell, Technical Director Jack Murphy, Associate Production Manager & Associate Technical Director Chris Lipstreu, Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician Hannah Plessinger, Costume Shop Manager Jake Tillmann, Lighting & Sound Supervisor Jeremiah Plessinger, Shop Carpenter Nathan Neorr, Carpenter & Load-In Tech

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati acknowledges that we gather on the unceded and stolen territories of the Hopewell, Adena, Myaamia (Miami), Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), and Wazhazhe Ma'zha' (Osage) peoples. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it since time immemorial.

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PLAY IN PROGRESS Scott Coulter & Company

Klea Blackhurst & John Boswell

Vincent DeGeorge & Company

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Play in Progress

Chanduni Herath & Jordyn Amani Jones

PLAY IN PROGRESS Vincent DeGeorge & Company

Vincent DeGeorge & Company

Scott Coulter & John Boswell

Vincent DeGeorge & Company

Play in Progress

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BIOS KLEA BLACKHURST (Singer) has performed in legendary halls from The London Palladium to Carnegie Hall, The Royal Albert Hall to Jazz at Lincoln Center and with symphony orchestras from Atlanta to Philly, Ravinia to Tanglewood. She starred in Goodspeed Musicals’ 50th anniversary production of Hello, Dolly!, Marvin Hamlisch’s last musical The Nutty Professor, directed by Jerry Lewis, and the title role in Hazel at Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago, where she also headed a critically lauded production of Gypsy. She’s brought her brand of comedy to the development of many new works, most recently Deaf West’s Elephant Shoes directed by Jeff Calhoun at Two River Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. Klea is a distinguished alumna of the University of Utah. Website: kleablackhurst.com CHRIS BLEM (Singer) is an actor and vocalist whose career has taken him around the world performing with leading symphonic orchestras, including the Tokyo Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony, Evergreen Orchestra (Taipei), Metropolitan Orchestra (Singapore), and Neverland Orchestra (Tokyo). His voice can be heard on three Disney on CLASSIC recordings, Disney Channel Japan, and Disney+. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, Chris's Off-Broadway and regional credits include A Dog Story, Matilda, Beauty and the Beast, Hair, and Into the Woods, for which he received the League of Cincinnati Award. In addition to performing, Chris works as a creative producer developing live entertainment and immersive experiences. Instagram: @TheChrisBlem JOHN BOSWELL (The Songwriter & Music Director) is an acclaimed pianist, composer, arranger, musical director, and vocalist whose career spans Broadway, television, concert halls, and symphony stages. He has served as musical director for artists including Judy Collins, Andy Williams, Bob Newhart, Sheena Easton, Scott Coulter, Faith Prince, Carmen Cusack, and Jason Graae. His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include Crazy for You, The Secret Garden, Liza: Stepping Out at Radio City, and Back to Bacharach and David. John has also appeared on The Tonight Show, Today, and General Hospital. A recipient of UCLA's Frank Sinatra Award for Popular Instrumentalists, he has released eight albums of original solo piano music. KENNETH EARLY (Singer) is honored to be a part of this production at Ensemble Theatre, where he was last seen in I Need That by Theresa Rebeck, as well as Who All Over There?, Pipeline, Red Velvet, Around the World in 80 Days, Alice in Wonderland, The Whipping Man, Grey Gardens, The Dancing Princesses, The Frog Princess, and Snow White. Other regional productions include The Color Purple, Jitney, Once on This Island, Misery, To Kill a Mockingbird, A Christmas Carol, Of Mice and Men, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Amen Corner, Macbeth, Taming of the Shrew, Pluto, and The Adding Machine.

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Bios

BIOS JESSICA HENDY (Female Swing) is thrilled to be back at Ensemble Theatre, where she was last seen as Diana in the 2025 production of Next to Normal. Her autobiographical one-woman musical, Walking with Bubbles, premiered Off Broadway, earning her a Drama Desk nomination and an Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Solo Show. The cast album is available on all streaming platforms. Her credits span four Broadway shows, Off-Broadway shows, national tours, regional theatre, and symphony concerts across the country. Her work on Sondheim Unplugged Vol 3 earned a 2023 Grammy nomination. Follow her at @JessHendy, JessicaHendy.com, and WalkingWithBubbles.com.

CHANDUNI HERATH (Singer) (she/her) is beyond excited to be making her first appearance at the Ensemble Theatre! She is a Cincinnati native and a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, where she is pursuing a BFA in musical theater with a minor in speech therapy. Having performed in the workshop of Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz at CCM’s Moveable Feast gala fundraiser in January, she is thrilled and grateful to continue her journey with the project. Chanduni would like to express her deepest gratitude to both her family and friends for their endless love and support!

JORDYN AMANI JONES (Singer) (they/she) is a Washington DC native and a rising senior at the University of Cincinnati’s CollegeConservatory of Music pursing a BFA in musical theatre. Jordyn is so excited to be back at Ensemble Theatre after playing the role of Joy in The House on Watch Hill. Favorite credits include Celie in The Color Purple and Dear Evan Hansen, The Carnegie; Lorraine in Hairspray, The Cape Playhouse; Jutta in In the Green, CCM; and ensemble in 30 Years of Stephen: The Music of Stephen Flaherty, Carnegie Hall. Jordyn is also an upcoming solo pop artist with original music on all streaming platforms under the artist name, JØRDYN. They would like to send love to their sisters and mom for inspiring them every day! Instagram: @jrdynofficial.

GAVIN PORONSKY (Singer) (he/him) is so excited to return to Ensemble Theatre, where he was just seen as Tim in The House on Watch Hill. Some of his other recent credits include Sweeney Todd, The Shards of an Honor Code Junkie, and the original workshop of Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz. He could not be happier as he begins his sophomore year at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music pursuing a BFA in musical theatre. He would like to thank his family and friends for all of their endless support! Instagram: @gavinporonsky

Bios

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BIOS SYDNEY SHORT (Singer) is originally from Wilmington, NC and is a senior at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music pursing a BFA in musical theatre. Some of her credits include Les Misérables, The Muny and Lexington Theatre Company; Grease, The Carnegie; and Seussical, CCM. She would like to thank Lynn, Vincent, Scott, and the rest of the ETC team! Instagram: @sydneysh0rt

STEPHEN SCHWARTZ (Composer & Lyricist) wrote the music and lyrics for the current Broadway hit Wicked and has also contributed music and/or lyrics to Godspell, Pippin, The Magic Show, The Baker’s Wife, Working (which he also adapted and directed), Rags, and Children of Eden. He collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on the English texts for Bernstein’s Mass and wrote the title song for the play and movie Butterflies Are Free. For children, he has written songs for two musicals, Captain Louie and My Son Pinocchio. He has also worked in film, collaborating with Alan Menken on the songs for Disney’s Enchanted as well as the animated features Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and writing the songs for the DreamWorks animated feature The Prince of Egypt. His first opera, Séance on a Wet Afternoon, was produced at Opera Santa Barbara and New York City Opera. A book about his career, “Defying Gravity,” has been released by Applause Books. Mr. Schwartz has been inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Awards include three Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, and a tiny handful of tennis trophies. Website: stephenschwartz.com

SCOTT COULTER (Creator, Producer, Vocal Director & Arranger) is one of New York's most honored vocalists, having received five MAC Awards, five Bistro Awards, and two Nightlife Awards for Outstanding Vocalist, as well as Emmy and Grammy nominations. Scott was the director and star of A Christmas Carol: The Symphonic Concert in its world premiere with the Baltimore Symphony and reprised his performance in the Emmy-nominated PBS production. He is an Emmy nominee for his performance in American Song with composer Stephen Schwartz, who said, “One of the greatest things that can happen to a composer is to have his music interpreted by Scott Coulter.” Scott is founder/owner of Spot-On Entertainment, which produces and performs concert events around the world, and the executive and artistic director of the Palm Springs Pops Orchestra. He is a very proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music (2010 CCM Young Alumni Award, 2020 CCM Distinguished Service Award, and 2026 CCM Alumni Guest of Honor).

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Bios

BIOS VINCENT DeGEORGE (Director & Choreographer) is a professional stage and film director, choreographer, theatrical researcher, and artist educator. He is the Patricia A. Corbett Distinguished Chair of Musical Theatre and the Joseph Weinberger Chair of Acting for the Lyric Stage at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Vincent has developed The Theatrical Awareness Practice, a somatic and experiential approach to actor training that has become the cornerstone of his teaching and directing. The practice invites actors to cultivate a deeper awareness of the mind/body relationship and to engage more fully with their lived, embodied experience. Vincent has directed and choreographed more than 40 productions throughout his career. Over the past four years, his creative work has focused primarily on the development of new works for theatre, musical theatre, and live performance. Most recently, Vincent collaborated with writer and composer Blake Allen on the world premiere staging of Allen’s musical The Shards of an Honor Code Junkie. Vincent and Blake are continuing their collaboration on a new project, which will receive its first developmental workshop at CCM in the spring of 2027. Vincent currently serves on the faculty of the Trentino Music Festival’s Musical Theatre Performance Studio. Vincent is a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, Actors’ Equity Association, the American Massage Therapy Association, Theatre Movement Educators, Musical Theatre Educators, and Opera America. D. LYNN MEYERS (Producting Artistic Director) (she/her) has been with Ensemble Theatre for over thirty years, having directed more than a hundred world and regional premieres, including Hands on a Hardbody, Fun Home, Morning Sun, The Wolves, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, I Am My Own Wife, Next to Normal, and the world premiere of The Dancing Princesses. She began her career as the associate artistic director at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, has directed off-Broadway at the York Theatre, and has directed extensively throughout the US and Canada. As a member of the Casting Society of America, Lynn's recent feature credits include The Bikeriders, Shirley, Dark Waters, and Wildcat, in addition to serving as the location casting director for The Shawshank Redemption. Lynn recently directed the world premiere of Fierce for the Cincinnati Opera. She was named a finalist for the Zelda Fichandler National Award in 2011, is a past recipient of the YWCA Career Woman of Achievement Award, and received the 2019 Rosa F. and Samuel B. Sachs Fund Prize for regional arts impact and leadership. BRIAN c. MEHRING (Scenic & Lighting Designer) (he/him) is incredibly thankful to have served as the resident scenic and lighting designer at Ensemble Theatre for over two decades. Some of his favorite productions include Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Your Negro Tour Guide, Next to Normal, An Iliad, Sweat, and Fun Home. His regional favorites for set design include The Last 5 Years and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Henry IV, Part 1, The Georgia Shakespeare Festival; and I Am My Own Wife, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Peterborough Players, and Florida Studio Theatre. Brian would like to thank D. Lynn Meyers for her endless support and dedication to ETC.

bios

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BIOS CAT SCHMEAL-SWOPE (Costume Designer) is a costume designer and technician based in the Greater Cincinnati area. Cat is also the costume shop manager and an adjunct professor at Northern Kentucky University’s Theatre & Dance Program. Various regional costume design credits include Hands on a Hardbody, Ensemble Theatre; Beautiful: The Carol King Musical, The Carnegie; Howard Crabtree’s When Pigs Fly and The African Company Presents Richard III, NKU; Looped and Around the World in 80 Days, The Human Race Theatre Company; Daddy Long Legs, CATCO; and Othello, The Ohio State University/Royal Shakespeare Company. Cat has also worked as a cutter/draper for numerous companies, including Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She holds an MFA in theatre design from The Ohio State University and a BFA in theatre from NKU. JAKE TILLMANN (Co-Sound Designer) is a percussionist, sound designer, audio engineer, and technician from the Cincinnati area. He has performed in and designed many productions over his twelveyear career including Godspell, The Producers, Next to Normal, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, tick, tick... BOOM!, Ride the Cyclone, and more. Jake found theater during his studies at Valparaiso University, where he obtained a degree in music industry. He has consulted and designed for many theatres, venues, studios, and other organizations across the country. Outside of music and theater, Jake can often be found traveling with his wife, Ashley, and Goldendoodle, Charlie. DANIELLE LOBELLO (Co-Sound Designer) makes her Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. She is the director of production for The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. She was previously the director of production for the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. She began her career as the production manager at Six Flags Great America, where she developed and managed several IAAPA award-winning theme park shows and parades. Danielle has designed sound for several shows locally, including La Cage aux Folles, Dear Evan Hansen, The Color Purple, and more at The Carnegie and How to Train Your Dragon Jr., Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr., and more at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Danielle received her BA in theatre from Winona State University in Winona, MN. BECCA SCHALL (Projection Designer) is always excited to be part of the Ensemble Theatre team! She is a freelance videographer and editor in the Cincinnati area and also works with ETC’s marketing team as the creative media producer. Alongside the incomparable D. Lynn Meyers, she is an associate casting director for the various movies that film in Cincinnati and surrounding regions. Becca’s favorite ETC projection design credits include I Shall Not Be Moved, Your Negro Tour Guide, and August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned.

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Bios

BIOS SHANNON RAE LUTZ (Properties Curator & Set Design Associate) (she/her) earned her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music in 1996 and became the properties curator at Ensemble Theatre. Trained as a performer, she first appeared on ETC’s stage during the 1988-1989 New Works Festival. In 1991, she was granted an ETC internship. Now the director of apprentice programming, she is honored to co-manage ETC’s Professional Apprentice Company with Torie Wiggins. Shannon would like to thank D. Lynn Meyers, Ruth Sawyer, and the Cincinnati theatre community and patrons for their generous, supportive, and tenacious spirit.

JACOB DOWELL (Technical Director) (he/him) is thrilled to be in his fifth season at Ensemble. He received a BA in theatre from Morehead State University. Some previous technical direction credits include The House on Watch Hill, The Match Game, Fiona: The Musical, Hands on a Hardbody, Kinky Boots, The Who’s Tommy, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Jacob would like to thank his family, friends, his wife, Colleen, and cats, Ronnie and Stan, for their continued support.

MARGOT WHITNEY (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is thrilled to be back at Ensemble Theatre! Her previous credits include Sweat on Broadway and the first national tours of Clue, Mean Girls, Come From Away, Bright Star, The King & I, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and War Horse. She has worked with The Public Theatre, Signature Theatre Company, New York Stage and Film, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, La Jolla Playhouse, Virginia Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati during the 2012-2013 Season, and Cincinnati Ballet. Margot received her BFA from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. She would like to send love and thanks to family and friends!

LEXI MULLER (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/her) is thrilled to return for her eighth season with Ensemble Theatre. Some of her ETC credits include The Wolves, Fun Home, Pipeline, Sweat, Morning Sun, and Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Regional work includes Fiddler on the Roof, Sweeney Todd, and The Full Monty at The Human Race Theatre Company. A proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and a Wright State University BFA graduate. Lexi lives by spike tape, snacks, and Sharpies. She is especially thankful to her family for always supporting her love of theatre.

Bios

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I I t c A

Act I of the Pillars Campaign raised an incredible $3 million! Now the intermission has ended and Act II has begun, bringing us one step closer to closing the curtain when we reach our remaining goal of $7 million.

Your support of this campaign will . . .

Sustain ETC’s operations to rebuild our patrons and donor base from the 18-month shutdown

* * *

Increase programming for local professionals to perform, produce, and create the theatre of tomorrow

Maintain our historic, beautifully renovated buildings as the gateway to OTR

Maintain our essential education programs, currently serving 17 area schools every week Invest in seeding an endowment so ETC will stand as a beacon for the next 40 years

Lead Investors Harry & Linda Fath

Our Impact • 40 years of productions that enlighten, energize, and inspire • 276 regional and world premieres produced • 4,128 actors employed • 40% of our apprentices remain in the Greater Cincinnati region • 97% subscription renewal rate • Nearly 2,000 student attendees of Fairy Godmother performances annually • 11,000 students served each year by our education and engagement initiatives

Invest in our milestone campaign to ensure ETC can thrive for generations to come!

WAYS TO GIVE $

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Give through your Donor-Advised Fund

If you are over 70 ½, you can make a tax-free Qualified Charitable Distribution from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to ETC. Please direct your administrator to make the gift for Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati (Tax ID: 31-1220252)

Scan now to support the Pillars Campaign!

@ EnsembleCincy For more information, contact us at (513) 421-3555 x4 or development@ensemblecincinnati.org.

WAYS HEADER A TO GIVE From playwrights to apprentices and every role in between, your tax-deductible gift enables us to enliven, enrich, and inspire audiences, as well as create a thriving urban arts community accessible to all through our world and regional premiere productions and award-winning education, engagement, and inclusion programs.

ONLINE

Make your gift online at ensemblecincinnati.org/support

IN PERSON

Make a gift at our box office via cash, check, or credit card.

BY PHONE

Please call (513) 421–3555, option 4.

BY MAIL

Send a check payable to Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati to: Attn: Development 1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

THROUGH YOUR IRA

Are you over 70 ½? You can make a tax-free Qualified Charitable Distribution from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Direct your administrator to make the gift for Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati (Tax ID: 31-1220252), including “of,” as that is our legal name.

STOCK

For stock transfers instructions, email development@ensemblecincinnati.org

HONOR & MEMORIAL GIFTS

Giving a gift in honor or memory of someone is a wonderful way to pay tribute to their life.

THE 1986 CLUB

ETC’s Monthly Giving Program The 1986 Club celebrates the legacy of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s founding year and provides an opportunity for you to make an ongoing impact on the future of our arts community. By becoming a monthly donor, you directly contribute to the growth and sustainability of our programming, productions, and outreach efforts. Each gift makes an immediate impact on ETC’s productions and educational programs. Why Give Monthly? Your monthly investment allows us to build a sustainable future and continue creating the high-quality theatre experiences our community loves. Monthly donors provide ETC with consistent, reliable support, and each gift makes a lasting difference. Join The 1986 Club today and help us shape the future! Visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org/support

GIVE WHILE YOU SHOP

Designate ETC as your nonprofit beneficiary through the Kroger Community Rewards program, and Kroger donates a portion of your purchase amount directly to ETC. Register your Kroger Plus Card and select ETC–organization BM374.

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WAYS TO GIVE

THE PREMIERE SOCIETY The Premiere Society recognizes the extraordinary individuals, families, and organizations whose generosity makes it possible for ETC to present world-class new works and award-winning education, engagement, and inclusion programming for our community. The following list includes donors whose gifts were received between August 18, 2025 and August 18, 2026.

PLAYWRIGHTS ($20,000+) ArtsWave Henrietta Barlag David & Gale Beckett Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Elizabeth & Brian Coley Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Carothers Charles H. Dater Foundation Debra Chisolm Ruehlman Lucy Davis Friedlander Family Fund Tim Giglio Lauren Hannan Shafer Betty Huck William & Mary Jane James LKC Foundation Louise Taft Semple Foundation Ken & Molly Mahler Eliot Meyers Anu & Shekhar Mitra David & Diane Moccia Ohio Arts Council PNC Foundation Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez Procter & Gamble Company The Shubert Foundation The Thomas J. Emery Memorial* Dale Uetrecht Ginger Warner PRODUCERS ($10,000-$19,999) Lisa Borland Otto M. Budig Jr. Jeffrey & Gay Bullock Sue Cohen & Rob Schmuelling Clayton & Meredythe Daley Dudley S. Taft Foundation Charles Gerhardt III Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola Ellen & Ray van der Horst Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton-Keith Steven & Carol Reubel Norma Skoog Joseph & Nancy Stratman Carol Talbot Tamara White DIRECTORS ($5,000-$9,999) Andrew Jergens Foundation* Amy Bixel Kali Boecher Denise & Martin Chambers Kelly Dehan & Rick Staudigel PJ Fischesser Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick Beverly A. Grant

Tim Haney Dale Hodges & David Logan Home City Ice Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski Steve King & Lynne Miller Molly North J. Brett Offenberger & Douglas Duckett Damon & Holly Ragusa Barbara Reaman Jeffrey Schloemer & Marcia Banker Shelly Shor Gerson Meghan & Dan Simonson Joey Steiner Elizabeth Stone The Unnewehr Foundation Maureen & Larry Vignola Jo Ann Wieghaus DESIGNERS ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous William P. Anderson Foundation Robert Banks David Brashear Jacklyn & Gary Bryson Kathy Burklow Shirlee Cassidy Marjorie Davies Robert & Elizabeth Ehrsam Sandi Gans Dr. & Mrs. Richard Glaser Suzanne Hasl Rhonda Haugabook Johnson Charitable Gift Fund Kristin Orr Chris Ramos Moe & Jack Rouse Rosemary & Mark Schlachter Alex Schutte Betsy Sittenfeld Allison Tepper STAGE MANAGERS ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous Gordon Allen & Linda Baas American Endowment Fund Americana Arts Foundation Mary Ann & Edwin Weiss Louis & Judy Belli Allen Bernard Erica Bock Christopher Bolling Wini Bruening Doug & Dawn Bruestle Kwesi Calliste Stephen Cole Carothers Barbara Carr & Bren Blaine Fran Christensen Philip Clayton

Please bring any errors or omissions to our attention by contacting us at development@ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555 x4.

* A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

the premiere society

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STAGE MANAGERS CONT. Alfred Closson Burton Closson Margaret Conway Mark Dauner Amy Diamond & Eddie Wolf Mary & Scott Donaldson Allison & John Edwards John Ellmore Brock Dalton Jimmy Antia Richard & Carol Fencl Lydia Fitzpatrick Edward Freeman Nancy & Thomas Gilman Kurt & Joanne Grossman Deanna Hengge Emily Hodges & Charles Spencer Patti & Keith James Johnson & Johnson Amy Katz & Robert Cohen LaMacchia Family Foundation David Lee & Susan Smith Carol Leslie Alicia Bond-Lewis Edward & Anita Marks Frederick Martens Sophia McAllister Cathy McLeod Jenny McManus Carol Meibers D. Lynn Meyers Jill & Bruce Mitchell Shenan Murphy Patricia Myers & Alan Flaherty Neda & Bruce Nutley Hera Reines Gates & Margy Richards Blake Robison & Connan Morrissey Kira Rucker Kim Salit Betsy Schwartz Elizabeth Selnick Signet Love Inspires Foundation Kenneth & Kathleen Skau Patricia Smitson Jim & Tammy Stephens Richard & Kathleen Strenk Glenda Suttman Gordon & Mary-Anne Thompson Joseph Tilford Valerie Trentman Robert & Sue Trusty Elizabeth Warner Richard Weisenberger Susan Wilke Richard Wilson CAST ($500-$999) Sarah Aitken Lucy Allen Scott Allgyer Benevity Malcolm & Glenda Bernstein Sharon Butler Kathleen Cail Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra Carol C. Cole Anne & Philip Cone David Crotty & Joan von Handorf Dennis Dunwoodie Denise Esteves-Hicks Joanne Fiorini Rachel & Bernard Foster Lynne Friedlander Dennis & Rita Geiger

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THE PREMIERE SOCIETY

Michael Gelfand Kathryn Gibbons Greater Cincinnati Foundation Amit Gupta & Tana Kirkbride Lenore Horner & Stuart Wheaton Joseph Huber Jim & Robin Huizenga Dan & Karen Hurley Sam & Pinky Kocoshis Janet Schultz Louie & Mary Lee Sirkin Warren Leight Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein Michael W Mason Minda Matthews-Smith Anthony & Emily McNamara Steven & Jacqueline Miller William & Ruth Morley Kathleen O'Connell & Dr H Kenneth Peterson Whitney Owens Alice Perlman David Piatt Stephen & Helen Rindsberg Ellen Rittgers Richard Roebuck Robert Roesbery & Nancy Helwig JR Rulon Sanford S. Osher Estate Susan & Clint Schertzer Maura Schilling Kate Spencer & Doug Morriss Ric Sweeney Barry Thomas Dr. & Ms. Thompson Meggan Thompson Barry & Karen Webb Terry & Pann Webb Michael & Susan Whitehead James & Ronna Willis Robert & Jean Willis Kathryn Wright Ashlee Young David Zink Drs. Nora Lee Zorich & Tom Filardo RUNNING CREW ($250-$499) Janice Bauer Mary Ann Bender Bill & Janet Berger Richard Block John & Peg Bruggeman Rebecca Campbell David Clary Cooper Murphy Family Fund Barbara & Gary Cummins Earthward Bound Foundation Brock Dalton Barbara Feldmann Maureen Flanagan & Will Groneman Larry Freeman Linda Goldenhar Connie Graham Bob & Judith Heaton Jordan Heser Shirley Huwel Farrah Jackson James R. Kelly Lyle Kelly Carmen Kovarsky Judy Kraus Kroger Community Rewards Virginia Kuertz Mary LaBolt John Lin Dick & Barbara Males Charles & Jennifer Margolis

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS! To join our family of contributors with a donation of any size, please contact us at (513) 421-3555 x4

David Martin John McAuliffe Julia Meister Michael & Rebecca Gumbleton Roy & Cheryl Newman Rosalie van Nuis Victoria Parlin Adam Porter Janet Reynolds Al Roane Ross Royce Pamela Schall & Christopher Philpotts Carol Shore Michael Siegrist William Slutz & Linda Roomann Smith Randall Teresa Chapman Anne & Fred Straus Linda Tache Bruce Tepper Gregory Terhune & Rob Wachendorf Marty C. Tomb Sheryl Vice Priscilla Walford Buzz Ward Victor Warner Neal Watzman Joseph & Patricia Witson Jeff Wysel & Caren Theuring APPRENTICES ($125-$249) Maria Saldivar Paule Asch Rhoda Brooks Michele & Kevin Cain Janet Callif Jim Courter Mary Anne Curtiss Raymond Diedrichs Michael Dimaggio Igor & Jane Dumbadze Emilie & Dave Dressler Jo Anne Gibbons & John Getz Madeleine Gordon Michael & Cathy Heizman Ann Hicks Wendy Hill Daniel Hoffheimer Marilyn Hurrell Ken & Toni Kanter Robert Arlinghaus Angela Lipsitz King Madelyn Levy Mark Bittner Andrew Maloney Norah & Joe Mock Deborah & John Moffatt Annette Orella Phil Paradis & Marjorie Hull Chrissy Parten Gloria & Alter Peerless John Racadio Holly Riffe & Sue Roth Cheryl & David Risher

Betty Robertson Rebecca Sarver Ruth Schwallie Barbara Seiver Grace Sferra Rachel Sinclair Tim Smith & Penny Poirier Robert Streicher Sue & Tom Terwilliger Daniel & Lynn Ticotsky U.S. Bancorp Foundation Howard & Nancy Weinberg Jane Whalen Anne Warrington Wilson Anthony Winski TRIBUTE GIFTS In honor of Evelyn Alter and Janice White In honor of William P. Carney, MD In memory of Charles Carothers, MD In honor of Sara Clark and Patricia Ryan In memory of Elizabeth Coley (9) In memory of Jeff Dalton In honor of Linda Erpelding In honor of The Fairy Godmother Program In memory of Susan Friedlander In honor of The Front Desk Staff In honor of Winston K. Harvey In honor of Nancy Helwig In honor of Linda Holthaus In honor of Sara Mackie In memory of Mary Taft Mahler In honor of Emily Mathews In honor of Lynn Meyers (4) In honor of Lynn Meyers and Becca Schall In honor of My Theatre Family In memory of Richard Postler In memory of Sanford Osher In honor of Mark Silbersack In honor of Robert L. & Mary C. Weisebnberger Ensemble Theatre acknowledges the following Partner Companies, Foundations, and their employees who generously participate in the Annual ArtsWave Community Campaign at the $100,000+ level. Your support helps make our community vibrant and connects people all across our region through the arts. Thank you! P&G Fifth Third Bank and the Fifth Third Foundation GE Aviation Cincinnati Bell Western & Southern Financial Group Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center The Cincinnati Insurance Companies City of Cincinnati Enquirer Media Great American Insurance Group Ohio National Financial Services U.S. Bank The H.B., E.W., and F. R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank and Narley L. Haley, Co-Trustees Macy's Cincinnati Business Courier The Kroger Co. PNC The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Howard Foundation Duke Energy HORAN Cincinnati Reds * A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

THE PREMIERE SOCIETY

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PATRON INFORMATION ETC BOX OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm, and 2 hours prior to curtain. Weekend hours vary. CAMERAS & RECORDING DEVICES Actors’ Equity Association strictly prohibits the use of cameras or recording devices (including camera phones) in the theatre. ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS ETC offers audio-described performances, ASL-interpreted performances, wheelchair accessible seating, large-print programs, braille programs, assistive listening devices, and sensory sensitivity items such as noisecanceling headphones and fidgets. RELAXED PERFORMANCES Select performances are offered for those with sensory sensitivities and developmental disabilities and their families to enjoy the production with lighting and sound adjustments and other accommodations. SALES POLICY Single-ticket purchases are final sale with no refund. If a patron is a no-show for their reserved performance, ETC is under no obligation to reschedule their tickets. LATECOMERS & ADMITTANCE Latecomers are seated at the House Manager’s discretion and may be denied admission depending upon the demands or structure of a particular production. Should you need to leave the theatre during a performance, readmittance is not guaranteed. ETC reserves the right to deny admission and/ or remove any disruptive patrons from the theatre at any time. PARKING Patrons may park at the Gateway Garage (accessible via 12th Street) or at the surface lot, both conveniently located at the corner of Vine and 12th Streets. Parking is also available at Washington Park Garage and Mercer Commons Garage.

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patron information

1127 Vine Street circa 1927 Image courtesy of Fifth Third Bank archives.

CHILDREN Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted to productions unless otherwise advertised. Parents with disruptive children will be asked to leave the theatre. GROUPS & DISCOUNTS Groups of 8 or more can save on single-ticket prices. Student and under 18 rates, rush discounts, Public Radio Perks Card, AAA, ArtsWave Pass, and educator and military member discounts are available for select shows (please consult your appropriate membership(s) for details and exclusions).

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: TOLEDO ALLIANCE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Two Toledo Ballet dancers performing in their April 2023 production of Prokofiev’s Cinderella, accompanied by the Toledo Symphony conducted by Jonathan McPhee. Image Credit: Robert Cummerow