FIONA: THE MUSICAL book by Zina Camblin music & lyrics by David Kisor
Fiona illustration courtesy of Loren Long.
Bunnell Hill Construction A Division of the Schueler Group
D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director
FIONA: THE MUSICAL Book by ZINA CAMBLIN | Music & Lyrics by DAVID KISOR Directed by D. LYNN MEYERS†
November 29 – December 29, 2023 Scenic & Lighting Designer BRIAN c . MEHRING
Music Director STEVE GOERS
Choreographer DEE ANNE BRYLL
Choreographer DARNELL PIERRE BENJAMIN
Sound Designer EMILY PORTER‡
Associate Sound Designer MIA CATHERINE TEBOE
Wig & Makeup Designer KELLY YURKO
Projection Designer BECCA SCHALL
Costume Designer MARIA FERNANDA ORTIZ LOPEZ Technical Director JACOB DOWELL
Properties Curator/Design Assistant 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.
FIONA: THE MUSICAL has been commissioned by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. All rights are retained by Zina Camblin, David Kisor, and Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.
*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. ‡ Production
member belongs to Associated Designers of Canada, Local ADC 659, a registered National Arts Service Organization and a labor union representing designers and artists in the entertainment industry. It is a nationwide autonomous Local of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
†
PREMIERE SPONSOR
ARTIST SPONSOR Linda R. Holthaus
OPENING NIGHT SPONSORS
The Grant & Ross Family in honor of Fred & Sondra Ross
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2023–2024 SPONSORS
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
SEASON FUNDER
OPERATING SUPPORT
FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSOR
SEASON SUPPORT City of Cincinnati Susan Friedlander 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
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2023–2024 sponsors
SEASON TICKET SPONSOR
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SPONSOR
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SUPPORT Anonymous (3) 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
THANK YOU TO Fur and Feathers Sponsor Annette Carothers Ears and Tails Sponsor Thomas Carothers
PROVIDING FINANCIAL PEACE OF MIND SINCE 1965
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1212 Jackson St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 artacademy.edu
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CAST & CREW CAST Lesser Kudu/Dudley.............................................................................................. MICHAEL G. BATH* Swing............................................................................................................................................. BEASLEY Annie............................................................................................................................ HANNAH BEAVEN Giraffe/Dr. Cornelius........................................................................DARNELL PIERRE BENJAMIN* Bearcat/Wanda.......................................................................................TaSHAUNA AJOI JENKINS Zoe......................................................................................................................... BRANDI La'SHERRILL Bibi........................................................................................................................................ SARA MACKIE* Pelican/Zander....................................................................................................ANDREW MALONEY*^ Fiona...............................................................................................................................ERIN McCAMLEY Cal.............................................................................................................................. MADDI O'CONNELL Ostrich/Teen........................................................................................................................... EMMY RICE DJ............................................................................................................................................... KG RUCKER^ Yellow Oxpecker/Sam...............................................................................................ELEXIS SELMON Henry........................................................................................................................ R. DeANDRÉ SMITH Colobus Monkey/Diana............................................................................................BROOKE STEELE* Cris.........................................................................................................................JORDAN WHITTAKER Red Oxpecker/Pam..................................................................................................... KATE WILFORD*
RUNNING CREW 2nd Assistant Stage Manager...................................................................................DANITZA PIPER Sound Mixers.....................................NICK KOEHLKE, RAE KUHN, MIA CATHERINE TEBOE Running Crew.......................................................................................CHAR ADAMS, SAM DEVLIN Light Board Operators.....................................MORGAN ABERCROMBIE, BECCA HOWELL, STEVEN STAPLETON
UNDERSTUDIES Fiona/Zoe.................................................................................................................. HANNAH BEAVEN Bibi/Red Oxpecker/Pam................................................................................... MADDI O'CONNELL Pelican/Zander.................................................................................................JORDAN WHITTAKER
*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
CAST & CREW PRODUCTION TEAM Assistant Stage Manager............................................................................................... LEXI MULLER* Associate Technical Director..................................................................................... JACK MURPHY Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician................................... CHRIS LIPSTREU Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate........................................... MELISSA BENNETT Costume Shop Manager.........................................................................HANNAH DRINGENBURG Wardrobe Supervisor......................................................................................................EMILY MISALI Sound Technician.......................................................................................................... NICK KOEHLKE Intimacy Choreographer.................................................................................................... ERIN CARR Carpenter & Load-In Tech...................................................................................... NATHAN NEORR Scenic Artist Overhires......................................................... RAE KUHN, SANDRA MATTINGLY, DANIELA NONOVA, ASHLEY THOMAS
MUSICIANS Keyboards............................................................................................................................ DAVID KISOR Saxophones............................................................................................................................JOSH KLINE Drums/Percussion.......................................................................................................BRIAN MALONE Trumpet.......................................................................................................MICHEAL MAVRIDOGLOU Guitars...................................................................................................................................BRAD MYERS Euphonium, Tuba.............................................................................................................JOSH OMAITS Banjo, Mandolin, Violin.......................................................................................... PAUL PATTERSON Upright Bass, Electric Bass..........................................................................................MIKE SHARFE Trombones.....................................................................................................................BRIAN STEVENS Bass Clarinet, Clarinet, English Horn, Flute, Oboe..............................JAMES WIEDERHOLD
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thane Maynard
Loren Long
Michelle Curley
Graeter's
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Kathy DeLaura
Jeff Monroe
Nick Picarsic
Group Effort Sound Studio
Veronica Sanford
This production will be performed with one intermission. Approximate running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes.
PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES. NO TEXTING.
cast & crew
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SONG LIST ACT ONE "She’s Gonna Make It"............................................................................................................. Ensemble "A Hippo in Love"................................................................................................................Bibi & Henry "Zoo Baby, New Baby"............................................................................................................ Ensemble "What the Animals Say to Me"........................................................................................................ Zoe "Bibi".............................................................................................................................................. Ensemble "Born on Land".......................................................................................................................... Ensemble "Underdog".............................................................................................................................Fiona & Zoe "Saving Babies"...................................................................................................................... Pam & Sam "Back to the Water"............................................................................................................................. Bibi "Some Catchin’ Up to Do"..................................................................................................... Ensemble "I Want My Fans Back".......................................................................... Giraffe & Yellow Oxpecker "Headline News".................................................................................................................Zoe & Zander "Bonafide Animal".................................................................................................................... Ensemble
ACT TWO "Oo Oo Ah Ey"........................................................................................................................... Ensemble "Dear Fiona"..................................................................................................Woman, Old Man, & Teen "Underdog (Reprise)"..........................................................................................................Fiona & Zoe "Dear Fiona (Reprise)"............................................................................................................ Ensemble "Dream Date".............................................................................................................................. Ensemble "I Want My Fans Back (Reprise)"...............................................................................................Giraffe "The Cincinnati Way"............................................................................................................... Ensemble "Move Reprise"........................................................................................................................... Ensemble "Oxpecker Battle Rap"............................................................ Red Oxpecker & Yellow Oxpecker "Being Brave".........................................................................................................................Fiona & Zoe "Back to the Water (Reprise)"......................................................................... Bibi, Fiona, & Henry "Fiona the Hippo"..................................................................................................................... Ensemble
SETTING
The Cincinnati Zoo.
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Song List
CREATIVITY CENTER Family Programming
FREE ADMISSION W-F 10am-7pm Sa-Su 10am-4pm
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Youth Programming
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Teen Programming
| Event Rentals
44 E 6th Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 www.cincycac.org
CURATED EVENTS & ELEVATED DINING DESIGNED TO ENGAGE, ENLIGHTEN, AND INSPIRE, THE SUMMIT PROMISES A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY FROM EVERYDAY TO EXTRAORDINARY. WWW.THESUMMITHOTEL.COM
T (513) 527-9900
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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 under-resourced 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 Kathy DeLaura, Chair Jeffrey Schloemer, President Linda Holthaus, President-Elect Kathy Burklow, Vice President Alex Schutte, Vice President Mike Schueler, Treasurer Holly Brians Ragusa, Secretary DIRECTORS Erica Bock Otto M. Budig, Jr. Kwesi Calliste Tom Carothers Charles H. Gerhardt, III Beverly A. Grant Mark Haggard Stephen M. King Anthony McNamara D. Lynn Meyers, ex officio Shekhar Mitra Erica Osborn Maura Schilling Mary Stagaman 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 Josh Neumeyer, Managing Director
ARTISTIC
Brian c. Mehring, Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer Shannon Rae Lutz, Properties Curator, Design Assistant, & Director of Apprentice Programming Melissa Bennett, Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate Torie Wiggins, Artistic Associate
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Jocelyn Meyer, Director of Marketing & Communications Amy J. Barbian, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Rachel Kazee, Digital Marketing Coordinator Becca Schall, Creative Media Producer
OPERATIONS
Jared D. Doren, Programming & Events Manager Nick Ligon, Head of Security Anna Sheridan, Administrative Coordinator
PATRON SERVICES
Amy Weinstock, Box Office Manager Patrick Bayne, Lead House Manager
Professional Apprentices: Hannah Beaven • Sam Devlin TaShauna Ajoi Jenkins • Maddi O'Connell Danitza Piper • KG Rucker • Jordan Whittaker
Box Office Associates/House Managers: Ezra Burgin • Gabby Casto • David Ludwig Mack Martindale • Emmy Rice Sharisse Santos • Becca Schall
DEVELOPMENT
PRODUCTION
Jennifer Joplin, Director of Development
EDUCATION
Victoria Aslanides, Director of Education Emily Bush, Education Associate Daniela Nenova, Education Associate Emmy Rice, Education Associate Elexis Selmon, Education Associate
Jacob Dowell Technical Director Jack Murphy, Associate Technical Director Chris Lipstreu, Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician Hannah Dringenburg, Costume Shop Manager Emily Misali, Wardrobe Supervisor Nathan Neorr, Carpenter & Load-In Tech
STAGE MANAGEMENT
Margot Whitney, Production Stage Manager Lexi Muller, Assistant Stage Manager
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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THE ULTIMATE RIDE THROUGH HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! FEATURES ARTIST INSTALLATIONS AND LIGHT PROJECTIONS SET IN OUR 2 MILE ART AND NATURE FILLED ROUTE
INTERACTIVE GAMES
UNIQUE LANDSCAPE
ART INSTALLATIONS
CURATED SOUNDTRACK
Happy Holidays
NOVEMBER 17 – DECEMBER 31, 2023 TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY: 6PM – 9PM FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY: 6PM – 10PM CLOSED ON MONDAYS PYRAMIDHILL.ORG
REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA
August Wilson’s
HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED
co-conceived by Todd Kreidler
FEB 17 – MAR 10
Photo of August Wilson by David Cooper.
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DIRECTOR'S NOTES What better way to celebrate the tenacious spirit of our city than by sharing the story of the little hippo who could and honoring those who made that triumph possible! Many months ago, Zina Camblin walked into the lobby. Not only had I worked with her as a terrific actor here at ETC in String of Pearls and Detroit ’67, but I was also aware of her gifted playwriting skills. Having seen workshops of some of her earlier plays, I was not at all surprised to learn she was in L.A. writing for hit television series and creating shows of her own, a career that is absolutely well earned. What I did not expect is that in addition to the joy she brought me by stopping by, she also had in hand a one-page description of a musical, a big idea about a living embodiment of hope. I called Thane Maynard at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden that day—after all, no zoo, no Fiona. Then I said yes to Zina immediately and connected her with David Kisor, our resident composer, and the two set off to create the show you’re here to see. And Fiona: The Musical began! Following ETC’s decades-long tradition of creating and presenting nondenominational musicals for audiences of all ages to enjoy during the holiday season, Fiona now gets her turn on stage. It’s difficult to describe our connection as humans to the animal world, but David Kisor phrases it beautifully in a line from the show: “It’s what the earth says to the rain.” We are all together on this planet, and though we may not speak the same language, there is still understanding, love, and healing. Here’s to the Cincinnati Zoo, who gave inspiration to the world with their perseverance and who allows us to connect with animals that are attentively cared for and protected. Here’s to the amazing team at ETC, who not only built a zoo on stage but also brought what seemed impossible to life. And here’s to you, who are here to celebrate this truly astonishing hippopotamus story. May Fiona inspire each of us in the new year and for years to come! —D. Lynn Meyers
For more content about this production, including behindthe-scenes photos, videos, interviews, and more, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org
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Director's Notes
Awwwsome Gift Idea Membership Sale Ends Dec. 31st
Official Membership Sponsor:
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
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FOR THE JOY OF DISCOVERY Materials inspired by Fiona: The Musical courtesy of The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.
Visit CinLib.org/fiona for more! BOOKS
MOVIES
Saving Fiona
The Falconer Our Zoo
The Story of the World's Most Famous Baby Hippo by Thane Maynard
You've Got This, Fiona A Book About Change by Richard Cowdrey
MUSIC Time/Life (Songs for whales and other beings) by Charlie Haden
Glowing Bunnies!? Why We're Making Hybrids, Chimeras, and Clones by Jeff Campbell
The Leopard Is Loose
Borrow these and other show-inspired materials online or at your nearest library branch.
by Stephen Harrigan
BECOME A FAIRY GODPARENT! Help ETC bring thousands of students to Fiona: The Musical for FREE with our
Fairy Godmother Program Scan the QR code
or text ETCFG to 44-321 to donate today! Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
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PLAY IN PROGRESS
The cast of Fiona: The Musical.
Brooke Steele, Hannah Beaven, & TaShauna Ajoi Jenkins.
Michael G. Bath & Emmy Rice.
The cast of Fiona: The Musical.
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Play in Progress
Cincinnati!
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Br “S L o a d u r on wa e f do y ire n’ an Hs d it ! ” ai
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Mar 12 – 24, 2024
Dec 5 – 17, 2023
CincinnatiArts.org | 513.621.ARTS | Aronoff Center
HOLIDAY POPS DEC 8-10 Music Hall
Capathia Jenkins vocalist
— cincinnatipops.org • 513.381.3300
Concert Sponsor
Digital Access Partner
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FIONA & FRIENDS Dive deep and discover more about Fiona and the other animals in the show, all of which can be visited at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden! Even though they’re mammals, hippos spend most of their time underwater, and their eyes, nose, and ears are on the top of their head so they can still see and breathe while most of their body is submerged. But they can’t swim or float! Instead, they get around by hopping or walking along the bottom of a river, and they even sleep underwater with a reflex that lets them come to the surface, take a breath, and descend back underwater without waking up.
A giraffe's beautiful 6-foot-long neck only has 7 bones—the same as human necks! The vertebrae in giraffe necks though are about 10 times as large as ours. They also have huge 18-inch-long tongues that they use to grasp leaves and avoid thorns, and unlike most creatures, they only need between 5 and 30 minutes of sleep a day, which they usually get in quick naps.
Also called binturongs, bearcats climb like cats and walk on flat feet like bears, but they’re neither! Instead, they’re part of the same family as civets and genets, closely related to meerkats, mongooses, and hyenas. Like monkeys, they have a prehensile tail that can act as a limb, but under this tail, they have a gland that gives off a unique scent wherever they go: buttered popcorn! They’re also one of few animals where the females are the dominant sex.
Angolan colobus monkeys are famous for their black and white hairstyle. These monkeys spend almost all their time in trees and rarely come to the ground. They leap from tree to tree, using branches as trampolines to gain momentum that helps them leap up to 50 feet. Their hair actually works as a sort of a parachute to help them jump! Colobus monkeys are one of two monkeys without thumbs, but that helps them form their hands into a hook to better swing through the trees.
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fiona & friends
Ostriches have the biggest eggs of any animal—about 6 inches tall, 5 inches wide, and weighing 3 pounds (that’s the same as 2 dozen chicken eggs)! They notoriously don’t fly. Instead, their wings help them balance as they run up to 40 miles an hour, and they can cover up to 10 feet in a single stride. Contrary to popular myth, ostriches don’t stick their heads in the sand! If they sense danger, they sometimes lie down and press their necks into the sand to hide, which makes it look like their heads have disappeared.
There’s some question as to whether oxpeckers are helpful or harmful. They live on hoofed animals (including rhinos and hippos) and eat all the ticks, bugs, and parasites off them. But they also like to snack on their host’s earwax as well as their blood, usually from wounds the oxpeckers open when pecking for bugs!
Lesser kudus are a beautiful and shy type of antelope with white stripes on its torso, and the males have spiraled horns that get up to 3 and a half feet tall! They have large ears that make them fantastic at listening for predators, and if kudus sense any danger, they go completely still for as long as needed, perfectly blending into the bushes and landscape of the safari.
The pointed beak of pink-backed pelicans has a skin pouch underneath that swells to fill with more than a gallon of water. When they see fish in the water, they dip their heads under to scoop up the fish in their beaks. They then drain the water out to swallow what they caught. Although these pelicans are heavy compared to most birds, they can fly for 24 hours straight! Red pandas are another animal that spend most of their time in the trees! They’re incredible acrobats with sharp claws that help them climb, long tails that help them balance, and ankles that turn 180 degrees, which means they can climb headfirst down trees. About 90% of their diet is made up of bamboo, like giant pandas—though the two aren’t closely related. Red pandas are more closely related to raccoons, and they even drink water the same way by dipping their paws into water and licking their paws.
fiona & friends
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CAST MICHAEL G. BATH (Lesser Kudu/Dudley) was last seen in at Ensemble Theatre in The Dancing Princesses and Tiny Beautiful Things, as well as Crabble in Fly By Night, Eddie in The Legend of Georgia McBride, Ian Smithton in The Other Place, and Adam in Next Fall. He also played Duke Salinus and Dr. Pinch in The Comedy of Errors at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Michael is a graduate of Wilmington College and is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association. Much love to his wife Tricia and dog Misha.
BEASLEY (Swing) (they/them) is a performer, director, and teaching artist originally from Texas. In Cincinnati, they have been seen as Dario in The Dancing Princesses and Minerva in MLM Is for Murder (Or, Your Side Hustle Is Killing Us) at Ensemble Theatre and Adriana in The Comedy of Errors and Swing in Wrecking Ball at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Other credits include Esther in Intimate Apparel, #25 in The Wolves, Angel in Marisol, and Vampire in Mad Forest. They are excited to entertain Cincinnati audiences once more in ETC’s annual holiday show. They’d like to thank their family, friends, and everybody for all the love and support.
HANNAH BEAVEN (Annie) graduated from Northern Kentucky University in May 2023 with a BFA in musical theatre. Some of her favorite credits include Feste in Twelfth Night, Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher, Poppy in Noises Off, Irina in Three Sisters, Mistress Page in The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Ursula/Messenger in Much Ado About Nothing. Hannah is so excited to be member of ETC’s Professional Apprentice Program this year!
DARNELL PIERRE BENJAMIN (Giraffe/Dr. Cornelius) (he/him) is a creative, educator, and community builder from southern Louisiana. He earned his MFA from the University of Houston’s Professional Actor Training Program. Darnell’s work lives at the intersection of art and activism, which is apparent in his film 13th & Republic, found at www.13thandrepublic.com. He was last seen at Ensemble Theatre in The Dancing Princesses and Cinderella. Some of his other recent credits include Wrecking Ball and The Importance of Being Earnest with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Darnell is also a professor in the arts programs at Northern Kentucky University, and Xavier University. He is a certified educator and performer in the Michael Chekhov Technique and is also a recipient of Cincinnati’s ArtsWave 2020 and 2021 “Truth & Reconciliation” grants.
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Cast
Claire Slemmer, Ginny Hoffman, & Ophelia Kelly Azariah in The Sleeping Beauty, 1990. Photo by Sandy Underwood.
CAST TaSHAUNA AJOI JENKINS (Bearcat/Wanda) was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, and is a senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a BA major in general theatre. Some of her most recent roles include Narrator in The Calling: The Story of Judge U.W. Clemon and Sarah in Pink Clouds at Red Mountain Theater Company, as well as Kayla in Coin, Vanessa in Significant Other, and Kendall in Disconnect at UAB. She is a current member of ETC's Professional Apprentice Program.
BRANDI La'SHERRILL (Zoe) has dedicated her life’s work to telling stories that must be told. Her most recent credits include the jazz icon Billie Holiday in The Carnegie's Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (directed by Darnell Pierre Benjamin) and Dorothy in The Wiz Jr. (directed by Broadway’s Zhailon Levingston) at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati, for which she was awarded best performer in a musical in the 2022 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards. In 2024, she will tour Harriet Tubman: Straight Up Outta’ the Underground, a one-person interactive storytelling experience she wrote. She was awarded Cincinnati Magazine’s 2020 Best of the City Award for interactive theater and the 2021 BroadwayWorld Regional Awards for best play, best interactive play, and best performer in a play. Brandi will always be most proud of her role as wife to Michael and mom to Jordan, Tyson, and Kennedi.
SARA MACKIE (Bibi) is just tickled whenever she’s asked to put a voice to new works—thanks, Lynn, Zina, and David! Some of her favorite Ensemble Theatre credits include Fun Home, Hands on a Hardbody, all three Wonderettes iterations, Rabbit Hole, Mauritius, and many holiday offerings with immense joy and gratitude. Some of her regional credits include This is Tom Jones!, An Act of God, and Family Ties, Human Race Theatre; Pump Boys and Dinettes, The Carnegie; Wrecking Ball, The Taming of the Shrew, and Pride and Prejudice, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; and Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, New Edgecliff Theatre. You can also catch her briefly in some of the great feature films shot in Cincinnati, such as The Bikeriders, The Public, and Dark Waters. Thank you for supporting live theatre and new works!
LET’S THEATRE TOGETHER @ EnsembleCincy Cast
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CAST ANDREW MALONEY (Pelican/Zander) is thrilled to be returning to the Ensemble Theatre stage, where he was last seen at ETC in The Dancing Princesses, as well as Violet, First Date, Alice in Wonderland, and many other holiday shows. Andrew appeared as Action in the Ecuadorian premiere of West Side Story at the Teatro Nacional Sucre in Quito, Ecuador. Some of his other credits include Rent, Assassins, The Little Mermaid, and A Chorus Line. Andrew would like to thank Lynn, Zina, David, and the ETC family for giving him this unbelievable opportunity to originate this role; the cast for making this experience one for the books; and his family and friends for their continued love and support! He has BFA in musical theatre from NKU and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. Instagram: @maloneya1 ERIN McCAMLEY (Fiona) (she/they) is excited to make her Ensemble Theatre debut! She is a multifaceted performer, music director, singer/ songwriter, and educator who believes strongly in the healing, transformative power of the arts. Some of her favorite credits include Siren in Lizard Boy and One/Six/Bronner’s Second Wife/Oldest Child in All One, Know Theatre; Sir Oliver Martext in As You Like It, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; Rumpelstiltskin in Rumpelstiltskin, Clearstage; Susan in [title of show], Warsaw Federal Incline Theatre; Ruth/Henri/Orphan in And Baby Makes Seven, Queer Theatre Collective; Steph/Snickers in SALTY, The Tank NYC; Anya in The Cherry Orchard, Columbia NYC; and more. Erin is the co-creator and performer of She’s Crazy, which has toured for seven years. She also has three albums of original music, one released this year called The Other Side of This. Erin thanks her wife Lindsey, their pup Paloma, and her family for being her rock. MADDI O'CONNELL (Cal), a Cincinnati native, is thrilled to be back in their hometown working as a Professional Acting Apprentice at Ensemble Theatre for the 2023-2024 Season! They are a recent summa cum laude graduate and received a BFA in acting and minor in music from Baldwin Wallace University, where their credits include Julius Caesar in Julius Caesar, Mary Warren in The Crucible, Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, Hawkins in Men on Boats, Usher/God/Understanding in Everybody, Berthe in Boeing Boeing, and Marya in Uncle Vanya. Favorite regional credits are Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Heather Chandler in Heathers, and Ilse in Spring Awakening. As always, much love to Kim, Dan, and Jack for the never-ending support and fun. Visit www.maddioconnell.com for more! EMMY RICE (Ostrich/Teen) (she/her) is excited to be back on stage at Ensemble Theatre! She graduated from Xavier University with degrees in theatre performance and English and is a proud alum of ETC’s Professional Apprenticeship Program during the 2022-2023 Season. Some of her recent credits include Jeanie in Leveling Up, Xavier University; Sienna Ross in MLM Is for Murder (Or, Your Side Hustle Is Killing Us) and Natayla/Young Asa in The Dancing Princesses, Ensemble Theatre; and various shows in the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. Emmy sends thanks and love to her family, friends, Luke, and everyone at Ensemble.
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Cast
CAST KG RUCKER (DJ) is so excited to be making their official ETC debut! Most recently, they understudied for What the Constitution Means to Me as the Debater. KG is a Muhlenberg College graduate with a BA in theatre and dance. Some of their favorite credits include Bacchae Chorus in The Bacchae, Mary in A List, Angel Chastity in Anything Goes, and Ensemble in Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind. They were a member of Muhlenberg’s tap ensemble, Copacetic Rhythms, and a founding member of the choreographic collective, Threading 3. KG also studied commedia dell’arte, clowning, and other forms of physical theatre at the Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy. KG strives to make theatre that is stimulating, ephemeral, and accessible to all.
ELEXIS SELMON (Yellow Oxpecker/Sam) is a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans where she majored in theatre arts and psychology. Some of her recent credits include Gidela in The Dancing Princesses, Ensemble Theatre; Maude Lynn in The House That Will Not Stand, Le Petit Theatre; and Mercy in School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play, The NOLA Project. Elexis is very excited to be a part of this production! She would like to give a special thanks to God, D. Lynn Meyers, Victoria Aslanides, and her friends and family for all their support and love.
R. DeANDRÉ SMITH (Henry) makes his mainstage debut at Ensemble Theatre with this production. In addition to performing locally, he has performed both nationally and internationally with companies based in Indiana, Montana, Ohio, and Virginia. DeAndré believes that all around us there are stories to be told, and as an ambassador of theatrical art, it’s his mission to help bring those stories that resonate with him to life. He hopes that you enjoy this story about America’s favorite hippo. His favorite credits include Once on This Island, A Wrinkle in Time, Bat Boy: The Musical, All-One! The Dr. Bronner’s Play, Jerry Springer: The Opera, and I Have a Dream: The Life and Times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He would like to thank everyone for all their support.
BROOKE STEELE (Colobus Monkey/Diana) is so happy to be spending the holiday season with Ensemble Theatre, where she was last seen as Tiva in The Dancing Princesses. Some of her favorite ETC credits include Cinderella in Cinderella, Vasilisa in The Frog Princess, Miriam in Fly By Night, Violet in Violet, and Suzy in The Marvelous Wonderettes. Brooke lives in Kennedy Heights with her husband, two daughters, one bunny, and their little black dog.
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CAST JORDAN WHITTAKER (Cris) (he/him) is originally from Morehead, Kentucky, and moved to the Greater Cincinnati region to pursue his passion for theatre. He recently graduated with a BFA in musical theatre and a BA in public relations from Northern Kentucky University, where some of his credits include Malvolio in Twelfth Night, Gabriel Utterson/Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde, Jimmy in New Year’s Eve at the Stop N’ Go, Ensemble in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, and Ferapont in Three Sisters. Other recent credits include understudying Antipholus of Syracuse for Comedy of Errors at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and appearing in Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig’s Holiday Party and Ersatz Express for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s “Off the Grid” productions. He is immensely excited to be working with the fabulous people at ETC! KATE WILFORD (Red Oxpecker/Pam) is delighted to be part of this world premiere with these multi-talented creators! She was last seen at Ensemble Theatre in The Dancing Princesses and other holiday productions such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White. Some of her favorite ETC credits include Good People, Becky’s New Car, Hands on a Hardbody, and Women of Lockerbie. She has worked at every professional theater here in Cincinnati and has taught theater arts for over thirty years. Kate is working on her yoga teaching certificate and loves gardening, kayaking, and her talented painter husband Jay. She has been a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association for over forty years and hopes for forty more!
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Cast
Annie Fitzpatrick & Becca Howell in Morning Sun (2023). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
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CREATIVE TEAM ZINA CAMBLIN (Playwright) is a playwright and television writer. Her most recent TV writing credits include WU-TANG: An American Saga (Hulu), Almost Family (FOX), The Right Stuff (Disney Plus), Big Sky (ABC), and Dear Edward (AppleTV). Her mission as a queer writer of color is to make sure these underrepresented stories are showcased and authentically told through the characters she advocates for and creates. She is represented by Creative Artist Agency and The Shuman Company. She is an alum of Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts, and she completed the playwriting program at The Juilliard School under Marsha Norman and Christopher Durang, as part of the Juilliard Playwriting Fellowship. Her play And Her Hair Went with Her, a comedy about black women and hair, was optioned for a New York production when it caught the attention of actress Whoopi Goldberg. In addition, And Her Hair Went with Her has been produced by theaters around the country including The Phoenix Theater in Indianapolis, New Jersey Repertory Theater, Horizon Theater in Atlanta, The Fountain Theater in Los Angeles, and the Unicorn Theater in Kansas City. She’d like to dedicate this musical to Simone and Minnie—her two longtime furry friends who passed during the process of writing this show.
DAVID KISOR (Composer & Lyricist) is a songwriter, performer, and producer who splits his time between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Spokane, Washington. He has a master’s degree in composition from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music but is a songwriter at heart. He has written extensively for musical theater since 1990, including works for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. His children’s songs, written and recorded for the non-profit music publisher Growing Sound, promote positive socialemotional development in young children. He is proud, humbled, and blessed to be a part of the ETC family. D. LYNN MEYERS (Producing Artistic Director) (she/her) has been with Ensemble Theatre for over twenty-five years, having directed more than a hundred world and regional premieres, including Fun Home, The Wolves, Ripcord, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Hands on a Hardbody, I Am My Own Wife, Next to Normal, Tiny Beautiful Things, 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 Carol, The Old Man and the Gun, and The Public, 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 2018 Rosa F. and Samuel B. Sachs Fund Prize for her regional arts impact and leadership.
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Creative Team
PRODUCTION TEAM BRIAN c. MEHRING (Scenic & Lighting Designer) (he/him) has designed more than one hundred productions at Ensemble Theatre. His favorite productions include Thom Pain (based on nothing), Next to Normal, 33 Variations, Freud's Last Session, and I Am My Own Wife. Brian’s 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.
STEVE GOERS (Music Director) is thrilled to return as music director at Ensemble Theatre, where some of his credits include Fun Home, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, and Grey Gardens as conductor and keyboardist. He is a member of the musical theatre faculty at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music and has worked locally with theatres throughout the region, including Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati, The Carnegie, Cincinnati Landmark Productions, and NKU. Steve has composed numerous works for a variety of media including ten feature film scores and twenty internationally produced musicals for young audiences. He has toured the U.S. and Africa with productions of Barnum, Jersey Boys, and Bubbling Brown Sugar and was featured as pianist and session producer on the album Ella Jenkins and a Union of Friends Pulling Together, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Children’s Album. When not doing shows, Steve is a keyboardist and vocalist in several local bands including the Clyde Brown Band, the Ultrasonics, Aja: A Tribute to Steely Dan, and Just Strange Brothers. He is a graduate of the DePaul University School of Music and UC-CCM.
DEE ANNE BRYLL (Choreographer) (she/her) is very pleased to return to Ensemble Theatre, where her credits include The Dancing Princesses, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella: After Ever After, and Cinderella, among others. Additional theatre credits include work directing and choreographing for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Landmark Productions, Northern Kentucky University, The Carnegie, Xavier University, Commonwealth Theatre Company, and Kings Island Entertainment. Dee Anne has had a long career working in educational theatre and is currently the director of NKU Prep’s Mainstage Musical Theatre Company, the director of CCM’s High School Musical Theatre Summer Workshop, and a mentor for the JumpStart Theatre Program at The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati, which brings theatre to underserved middle schools in the tri-state area. She serves on the faculty of Northern Kentucky’s School of the Arts Department of Theatre & Dance.
DARNELL PIERRE BENJAMIN (Choreographer) See bio on Page 24.
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PRODUCTION TEAM MARIA FERNANDA ORTIZ LOPEZ (Costume Designer) (she/her) makes her Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. A native of Mexico City, she studied fashion design in Mexico and earned her MFA in costume design and technology at the University of Cincinnati, where she designed and built garments for period and musical productions. After graduation, Maria worked as a production assistant on the second season of Apple TV’s The Afterparty and designed the costumes for On Earth as It Is in Heaven, an 1800s western short film. She previously worked as first hand for the costume shop at McCarter Theater Center and worked as a stitcher and wardrobe crew for the Texas Shakespeare Festival. She specializes in leather and crafts, having worked for several productions as a freelancer in the New York and New Jersey area.
EMILY PORTER (Sound Designer) (she/her) makes her Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. She has worked on productions across the United States, Canada, and overseas. An award-winning theatrical sound designer, Emily also teaches college and university theatrical sound design and technology. She would like to thank her family for their continued support.
MIA CATHERINE TEBOE (Associate Sound Designer) (she/her) is graduating with a BFA in sound design & technology from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music in April 2024. She recently worked as the Orchestra A2 on A Chorus Line at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, A1 for label•less with Lachey Arts, and audio engineer for Seussical, Jr. at The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. She has a passion for designing accessible systems in the theater, which led her to narrating live audio description feeds. She is the current president of the student chapter of the United States Institute of Theatre Technology at UC-CCM and a recipient of the nationally recognized Pat MacKay Diversity in Design Scholarship.
KELLY YURKO (Wig & Makeup Designer) has been the head of the Wig and Makeup Design program at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music since 2001, where her designs have been seen in several productions including The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Xanadu, and The Marriage of Figaro. She has worked on several productions at Ensemble Theatre, including Violet, (all of) The Marvelous Wonderettes, The Whipping Man, Mrs. Mannerly, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and many more. Her work has been seen at Phoenix Theatre, The Wolf Trap Opera, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Wright State University, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Denver Theatre Center, and Ford’s Theatre.
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Production Team
PRODUCTION TEAM SHANNON RAE LUTZ (Properties Curator/Design Assistant) (she/her) earned her Master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music in 1996 and became 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 guide ETC’s Professional Apprentice Company. 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 second season at Ensemble Theatre, this time as technical director. Jacob is a graduate of Morehead State University where he received a BA in theatre. Some previous technical direction credits include 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, and cat (Ronnie) for their continued support.
MARGOT WHITNEY (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is thrilled to be back at Ensemble Theatre this season! Her previous credits include Sweat on Broadway and the first national tours of Mean Girls, Come From Away, Bright Star, The King & I, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, and War Horse. She has worked with The Public Theater, 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 her love and thanks to family and friends!
LEXI MULLER (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/her) is delighted to be back at Ensemble Theatre, where some of her credits include Fun Home, The Wolves, Skeleton Crew, and Fly By Night. Other regional credits include Sex with Strangers, The House, and 26 Pebbles with The Human Race Theatre Company. She is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and a graduate of Wright State University, where she received her BFA in stage management. Lexi would like to thank her friends, family, and her extraordinary mother for supporting her every step of the way.
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WAYS HEADER A TO GIVE From playwrights to apprentices, and every role in between, your tax-deductible gift to ETC enables us to enlighten, 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. Become a member of our Ensemble today!
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BECOME AN ENSEMBLE SUSTAINING DONOR Join an essential group of donors who contribute on a recurring basis throughout the year, providing a steady and predictable stream of income to support programming and operations. Most choose monthly amounts charged to a credit card, but options can be customized to meet your giving goals and needs. Email development@ensemblecincinnati.org to become a Sustaining Donor today.
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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 awardwinning education, engagement, and inclusion programming for our community. The following list includes donors whose gifts were received between October 30, 2022 and October 30, 2023.
PLAYWRIGHTS ($20,000+) ArtsWave Gale & Dave Beckett Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard The City of Cincinnati Burton & Susan Closson The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Hamilton County, Ohio The Donald C. & Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation* LKC Foundation The Mitchell S. & Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation Ohio Arts Council State of Ohio through the Development Services Agency State of Ohio through the Facilities Construction Commission The Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation PNC Foundation The John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, PNC Bank, Trustee Mike & Digi Schueler The Schueler Group The Shubert Foundation, Inc.
DESIGNERS ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous (2) William P. Anderson Foundation Arts Midwest Marcia Banker & Jeff Schloemer† The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Denise & Martin Chambers Michael Cioffi & Rachael Rowe Family Foundation Fund* Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling Ehrsam Family Fund* Jane & Chip Gerhardt Greater Cincinnati Foundation Marilyn P. & Joseph W. Hirschhorn Fund* Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola Johnson Investment Counsel Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith Kenneth T. & Molly M. Mahler Anu & Shekhar Mitra David & Judith Morgan Fund* Neal Patel & Dr. Avani Modi P&G Fund* Damon & Holly Ragusa Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski Jo Ann Wieghaus
PRODUCERS ($10,000-$19,999) John & Gloria Goering Family Gift Fund Palmer/Graber Family Fund Beverly A. Grant Fund* Betty Huck Millstone Fund Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez Robert & Adele Schiff Family Foundation Mary Stagaman & Ron Kull Dudley S. Taft Foundation Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Dale Uetrecht
STAGE MANAGERS ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous Americana Arts Foundation Nicholas Apanius Laura Atkinson Judith & Louis Belli Malcolm A. & Glenda Bernstein* Michael Berry & Melanie Garner David Brashear Bryson Family Charitable Fund Barbara Carr & Bren Blaine Cissell Family Fund* Philip Clayton Kathy Collins & Joseph Giglia Meredythe G. & Clayton C. Daley, Jr. Family Fund* Kathy DeLaura & Ron Steinhoff† Rick & Allison Edwards Fencl Family Fund* Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick Gilman Family Fund* Dr. & Mrs. Richard Glaser JBVS LLC Keith & Patti James Arleene Keller Chris Lewis & Alicia Bond-Lewis LaMacchia Family Foundation Sophia McAllister Anthony & Emily McNamara Jill & Bruce Mitchell
DIRECTORS ($5,000-$9,999) Anonymous Tom & Annette Carothers Dan Collopy Corky & Rick Family Foundation Crosset Family Fund* William & Mary Jane James The Andrew Jergens Foundation The Markley Family Diane & Dave Moccia Moe & Jack Rouse The Sittenfeld Family Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation
Please bring any errors or omissions to our attention by contacting Josh Neumeyer: jneumeyer@ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555 x2103.
* A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation † Sustaining Donor
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STAGE MANAGERS CONT. Marilyn & Jack Osborn Overbeck Charitable Fund Pepper Family Fund* Steven & Carol Reubel Mr. & Mrs. Gates T. Richards Charles Scott Riley III Foundation Jessica Ruebusch Alex & Kim Schutte Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund* Robert & Eleanor Shott Philanthropic Fund Richard & Kathleen Strenk Glenda Suttman Bob & Sue Trusty Jennifer Verkamp Charitable Fund Maureen & Larry Vignola Richard Wilson Vinkolet Winery Woodward Family Charitable Foundation
CAST ($500-$999) Anonymous (2) Christine Adams Wilma & Herbert Beigel The Elaine & Robert Blatt Fund Richard M Block Family Foundation Erica Bock Neil Bortz Dawn & Doug Bruestle Carol C. Cole Craft Family Fund David Crotty & Joan von Handorf Mark Dauner† Jan Denton Excelsior Accounting Services LLC Barbara Feldmann PJ Fischesser Rachel & Bernard Foster Sandi Gans† Rita & Dennis Geiger Bob Gerding Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Highley Emily M. Hodges & Charles H. Spencer Daniel Hurley Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gifts Program Amy Katz & Robert Cohen Tana Kirkbride & Amit Gupta Anita & Ed Marks Minda Matthews-Smith Joseph & Lori McDonough Carol Miller Meibers John & Deborah Moffatt Bill & Ruth Morley Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty Whitney Owens & David Eslinger Family Fund Alice Perlman Presidential Plaza Associates, LTD Hera G. Reines Peggy Robinson Ann Santen Fund* Jayna & Dan Schimberg Ken & Kathy Skau Susan & David Smith Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Nancy Stratman Thomas Thompson Sonia Wagener Karen & Barry Webb Mary Ann & Edwin T. Weiss, Jr. Kathryn Wright Wuerdeman Family Fund*
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the premiere society
RUNNING CREW ($250-$499) Anonymous (4) Tricia & Michael G. Bath Allen Bernard David & Elaine Billmire Mark Bowen† Peg & John Bruggeman Ann & Lee Bulger Jeff & Gay Bullock Brenda & Steve Carter Nancy Cisneros Brian & Elizabeth Coley Rev. Dr. Robert W. Croskery & Beverly Croskery, Ph.D. Kelly M. Dehan Paul & Bev Diamond† Jessica Dovel Dennis & Catherine Dunwoodie† Keith Faber Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod William Groneman & Maureen Flanagan Charitable Fund Kurt & Joanne Grossman The Gumbleton Family Marilyn Harris Bob & Judy Heaton James & Robin Huizenga Barbara A. Jennings Carmen & Rich Kovarsky Kroger Community Rewards Program Warren Leight Limestone Fund* Anna Lovekin Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein Richard & Barbara Males Charles & Jennifer Margolis The McCready-Shore Family Dr. Ralph R. Meyer Steven & Jacqueline Miller Family Foundation Norah & Joe Mock Neda & Bruce Nutley Brett Offenberger & Douglas Duckett Chris Philpotts & Pam Schall David M. Piatt Fund* Caroline Richards Holly Riffe & Sue Roth† Al Roane† Marianne R. Rowe Ross Royce J.R. Rulon† Dick & Chris Russell Maria Saldivar Maura Schilling Schimberg Family Foundation Eli E. Shupe, Jr. & Toby Ruben† Michael Siegrist Linda Tache Marty C. Tomb Anita Trotta Rosalie P. van Nuis Priscilla S. Walford Buzz Ward Ann & Victor Warner Pann & Terry Webb† Robert & Jean Willis Ronna & James Willis Jeff Wysel Ashlee Young Dr. David & Cynthia Zink Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund*
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS! To join our family of contributors with a donation of any size, please contact Josh Neumeyer: (513) 421-3555 x2103
APPRENTICES ($125-$249) Anonymous (11) Mary Accorinti Henrietta Barlag Robert Bloom & Alison Kamine Fund* Rosemary Bloom Gifting Fund* Dee Anne Bryll & Ed Cohen Denny & Mindy Burger† Michele & Kevin Cain† Rebecca Campbell Jo-Ann Casuto Anne E. Charles Angela Chong & Harold Schuck Patricia & Robert Clary Barbara Cummins Charles & Lois Deitschel Rick & Tracy Diehl Igor & Jane Dumbadze Ken Eckert Michael Ehrensberger Linda Erpelding Carl Fiora Vanessa Freytag Melinda Gilbert Deborah R. Grayson Leslie Gregg-Jolly Dr. Irene Hamrick Ann Hicks Karlee Hilliard Daniel Hoffheimer Lyle & Jennifer Horvath Shonita Joshi John Kaine Judith Kenniston Priya Dhingra Klocek Madelyn Levy David Logan & Dale Hodges Audrey Luna & Dan Nelson David L. Martin Anne McAdams John McDonagh Audrey Meyers Kathie Morbitzer & Mary Ann Meyer The Honorable Norbert & Linnea Nadel Patricia & James Neidhard Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson Paul & Mary Ann Odegard Timothy & Joanne Oppelt Nancy L. Phelan Nicola Pietoso David & Deborah Pittinger Laura Proto & Tommy Johnston Janet Reynolds Mikki Schaffner Jan & Bruce Seidel Barbara Seiver Jane Bogart Sellers Mark Silbersack & Ruth Schwallie Mary Lee & Louie Sirkin Matt & Shelly Smith Tim Smith & Penny Poirier
John & Martha Spiess Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund Robert P. Streicher Valerie Trentman U.S. Bank Employee Matching Program Lee M. Walsh Howard M. & Nancy S. Weinberg Michael Wheatley Karen Wittenberg† Don & Donna Wymore David Steven Ziegler
TRIBUTE GIFTS In honor of Amy Weinstock In honor of Arfie K. Harvey In honor of Fred & Sondra Ross In honor of Kathy DeLaura's Birthday (25) In honor of Linda B. Finch (2) In honor of Suzanne Hasl In honor of Mary Stagaman In memory of James & Noretta Markley In memory of Jim Nelson In memory of Lois Deitschel In memory of Lynda Thomas In memory of Mary Bonansinga In memory of Michael Berry (2) In memory of Mitch Meyers In memory of Paul Sittenfeld In memory of Rich Postler (11) In memory of Richard Charles & Rebecca Parker In memory of Sue Friedlander (5)
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 † Sustaining Donor
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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 offered for those with sensory sensitivities and developmental disabilities and their families to enjoy the production with lighting and sound adjustments and other accommodations. SALE 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. TAX CREDITS If you cannot attend your performance and cannot reschedule for another date, tickets released prior to performances by calling the ETC box office are fully deductible as a charitable contribution.
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patron information
1127 Vine Street circa 1927 Image courtesy of Fifth Third Bank archives.
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. 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 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
Katie Smith, resident since 2018 Margo Spence grateful daughter