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.
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D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director
THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL
Book & Lyrics by RICHARD OBERACKER & ROBERT TAYLOR
Music by RICHARD OBERACKER
Directed by D. LYNN MEYERS† & DEE ANNE BRYLL
Scenic & Lighting Designer
BRIAN c . MEHRING
Sound Designer BRIAN HSIEH
Technical Director
JACOB DOWELL
May 9 – 31, 2026
Music Director STEVE GOERS
Choreographer DEE ANNE BRYLL
Costume Designer CAT SCHMEAL-SWOPE
Properties Curator & Design Associate
SHANNON RAE LUTZ
Production Stage Manager
MICHELE A. KAY*
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.
THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL was originally produced by Vegas Theatre Company, Directed by Daz Weller, Executive Artistic Director.
*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.
UNDERSTUDY SPONSOR
Kristin Orr
PREMIERE SPONSOR
Manuel Hernandez
ARTIST SPONSOR Anonymous
MUSIC SPONSOR
Kali Boecher
OPENING NIGHT SPONSOR
L. Timothy Giglio
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2025–2026 SPONSORS
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
SEASON FUNDER OPERATING SUPPORT
FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSORS
The Family of Dr. Peter Reuhlman
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
SEASON TICKET SPONSOR
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION 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
DIRECTORS' NOTES
For both of us, co-directing this beautiful new play has been a journey, not a job. Theatre is magic and has a way of bringing strangers together to build a production, but in truth, it’s about building lives. Ours has been, and will continue to be, about process over product, passion over production.
For decades, we’ve shared rehearsal rooms, beginning at Thomas More in the theatre program. From performing together in The Glass Menagerie to collaborating on dozens and dozens of projects since, that sense of joy and discovery has never faded.
Imagine how remarkable it has been to bring The House on Watch Hill to life with Richard and Rob in the room alongside us! New voices give life to the score, while trusted collaborators, both inside and outside the rehearsal space, help turn this vision into reality. It’s as exciting as it sounds.
Through movement and motivation, our work as directors is to experience the show as you will—to see, feel, and question from the audience’s perspective. In many ways, our role has simply been to chart the path, guiding the creative team, onstage and off, as we all find our way to The House on Watch Hill
Welcome.
Enter if you dare.
Dee Anne Bryll & D. Lynn Meyers
Jonathan Gibson Photography
CAST & CREW
CAST
Adult 1 JASON COLLINS*
Jennifer JULIANNE FERREIRA da SILVA
Paul ......................................................................................................................WESLEY AKIO GEARY
Patrick ............................................................................................................................. ADRIAN GRAFF
Joy .................................................................................................................... JORDYN AMANI JONES
Kristin MORGAN LINDELL
Adult 2 SARA MACKIE*
Tim GAVIN PORONSKY
Jason TOMMY SANDERS
BAND
Conductor/Keyboard.................................................................................................... STEVE GOERS
Guitar ......................................................................................................................... JOEL GREENBERG
Drums ..............................................................................................................................BRIAN MALONE
Bass MATT WILES
RUNNING CREW
2nd Assistant Stage Manager .......................................................................... MADDI O'CONNELL
Sound & Lighting Supervisor & Sound Mixer JAKE TILLMANN
Light Board Operator TROIAN BUTLER
Run Crew MAXIMUS WINSKI
Spot Light Operator KRISHANGI ALLIN
Spot Light Operator GRACE CACCAVARI
Wardrobe Crew............................................................................................. ALLYSON van HAAREN
SETTING
Now . . . but mostly 1984.
*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.
CAST & CREW
PRODUCTION TEAM
Assistant Choreographer ANDREW MALONEY
Aerial Choreographer KERREN McKEEMAN
Aerial Choreographer .........................................................................................BRITTANY NAEGEL
Aerial Choreographer ................................................................................. SAMANTHA HANCOCK
Associate Sound Designer ........................................................................................ COSTA DAROS
Associate Production Manager & Associate Technical Director JACK MURPHY
Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician CHRIS LIPSTREU
Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate RAE MACK KUHN
Assistant Costume Designer & Costume Shop Manager HANNAH DRINGENBURG
Wardrobe Supervisor DANIELLE ECK
Wardrobe Supervisor ........................................................................................ SARAH MALARNEY
Intimacy Choreographer .......................................................................................................... E. CARR
Properties Assistant ........................................................................................... ELLIET MALATESTA
Shop Carpenter JEREMIAH PLESSINGER
Carpenter & Load-In Tech NATHAN NEORR
UNDERSTUDIES
Adult 1, Jason, Patrick, Paul, Tim ......................................................................... TROIAN BUTLER
Jennifer ................................................................................................................... GRACE CACCAVARI
Adult 2, Kristin............................................................................................... ALLYSON van HAAREN
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Brian Kelly
BBK
Elevated Aerials
This production will be performed with one intermission. Approximate running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes.
Lucy Kirkwood
Torie Wiggins in Where We Stand (2026). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
BOOKS Play Nice by Rachel Harrison
CAST & CREW FOR THE JOY OF DISCOVERY
How to Build a Haunted House: The History of a Cultural Obsession by Caitlin Blackwell Baines
The Manor of Dreams by Christina Li
The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer
Chernobyl, Life, and Other Disasters: A Graphic Memoir by Yevgenia Nayberg
Sayuri by Rensuke Oshikiri
The Haunted House Next Door by Andres Miedoso
Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe
Borrow these and other show-inspired materials online or at your nearest library branch.
Materials inspired by The House on Watch Hill, courtesy of The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.
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
Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Linda Holthaus, Chair
Mark Haggard, President
Kathy Burklow, Vice President
Kali Hacias Boecher, Vice President
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?
Contact our team at Cincinnati Magazine for information: advertise@CincinnatiMagazine.com
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:
Krishangi Allin • Troian Butler
Grace Caccavari • Allyson van Haaren
Maximus Winski
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
Deondra Kamau Means, Education Associate
DEVELOPMENT
Liz Carman, Development Coordinator
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Jocelyn Meyer, Director of 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, Business Services Coordinator
PATRON SERVICES
Amy Weinstock, Box Office Manager
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 Dringenburg, Costume Shop Manager
Jake Tillmann, Lighting & Sound Supervisor
Jeremiah Plessinger, Shop Carpenter
Nathan Neorr, Carpenter & Load-In Tech
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.
BIOS
JASON COLLINS (Adult 1) is delighted to make his Ensemble Theatre debut in The House on Watch Hill after originating this role in the 2024 world premiere production with Vegas Theatre Company. He performed in the Broadway national tour production of Annie, as well as off-Broadway as Kurt in Signs of Life and Tyler Nelson in Who's Your Baghdaddy, Or How I Started the Iraq War. His regional credits include Bob Ewell in To Kill A Mockingbird and Clown 2 in The 39 Steps, Arkansas Repertory Theatre; Alfie in One Man, Two Guvnors, Pioneer Theatre Company; Emcee in Cabaret, Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Dan in the original developmental production of Next to Normal, Village Theatre; and Monsieur De Treville in The Three Musketeers, Syracuse StageI. He can be heard on 30th Anniversary cast recording of Annie, as well as the original cast recording of Who's Your Baghdaddy, Or How I Started the Iraq War. He has voiced numerous audiobooks for BBC Audiobooks America and Blackstone Audio.
JULIANNE FERREIRA DA SILVA (Jennifer) is so excited to be returning to Ensemble Theatre where she previously appeared as Natalie in Next to Normal. Other recent credits include swing in Sweeney Todd and Eye in In the Green, University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music; Jane Doe in Ride the Cyclone, Mosaic Theatre Ensemble; and Cinderella in Into the Woods, Tooele Valley Theatre. She also recently wrote and performed her own one-woman show! Julianne would like to thank her family and community for all their love and support! Instagram: @_julianne.ferreira__
WESLEY AKIO GEARY (Paul) (he/him) is so excited and grateful to be making his first appearance at Ensemble Theatre! He is a rising sophomore at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music pursuing a BFA in musical theatre. Some of his recent credits include Ensemble in Sweeney Todd and Swing in The Lightning Thief at CCM, as well as Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz and Audrey II in Little Shop of Horrors at Saguaro City Music Theatre in Tucson, Arizona. Wesley would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support, as well as ETC for this incredible opportunity. Instagram: @wesley__akio
ADRIAN GRAFF (Patrick) is a rising senior at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and is originally from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is thrilled to be performing at Ensemble Theatre! His recent regional theatre credits include Gronckle in the world premiere of How to Train Your Dragon The Musical Jr., The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati; Barnaby Tucker in Hello, Dolly! and Ensemble in Anastasia, Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre; Oscar Delancey/Ensemble in Newsies and Butch in Welcome to Dangerville, Pickleville Playhouse; and Stanley/Ensemble in Hello, Dolly!, The Carnegie. He will play Jared Kleinman in Dear Evan Hansen at The Carnegie this summer. He is endlessly grateful for the constant love and support of his family and friends. Instagram: @adrianjgraff
JORDYN AMANI JONES (Joy) (they/she) is so excited to be making their Ensemble Theatre debut! Jordyn is a Washington, DC native and a current student at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music who will graduate in 2027 with a BFA in musical theatre. Some of their favorite credits include Celie in The Color Purple, The Carnegie; Jutta in In the Green and Ensemble in Once on This Island, CCM; and Ensemble in 30 Years of Stephen: The Music of Stephen Flaherty, Carnegie Hall. They will play Alana Beck in Dear Evan Hansen at The Carnegie in June. Jordyn is also an upcoming solo pop artist with original music on all streaming platforms under the artist name JØRDYN. Love to their sisters and mom for inspiring them every day! Instagram: @jordynamanijones
MORGAN LINDELL (Kristin) (she/her) is thrilled to be making her Ensemble Theatre debut in The House on Watch Hill! She is a rising junior pursuing a BFA in musical theatre at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Her credits include Lost Child of God 4 in The Shards of an Honor Code Junkie, Swing in Sweeney Todd, and Ensemble in Wonderful Town at CCM, as well as Ensemble in Rent at Black Rock Theater. Morgan would like to thank her family for being her biggest supporters and greatest source of joy in her life. Instagram: @morgan.lindell100
SARA MACKIE (Adult 2) (she/her) is a member of Actors' Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild. Some of her credits include Fun Home, Hands on a Hardbody, all three Wonderettes iterations as Betty Jean, Mauritius, and Fiona: The Musical, as well as many other holiday shows at Ensemble Theatre; Dvorah u/s Rutka: A New Musical, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; This is Tom Jones!, An Act of God, and Family Ties, Human Race Theatre Company; Hello, Dolly!, Always . . . Patsy Cline, and Pump Boys and Dinettes, The Carnegie; Wrecking Ball, MacBeth, The Taming of the Shrew, and Pride and Prejudice, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; and Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, New Edgecliff Theatre. Her film credits include The Bikeriders, The Public, and Dark Waters. Thank you for continuing to support live theatre and new works! Website: saramackie.com
GAVIN PORONSKY (Tim) (he/him) is so excited to make his first appearance at Ensemble Theatre! He just completed his first year at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music pursuing a BFA in musical theatre. Some of his recent credits include Swing in Sweeney Todd and Ensemble in Shards of an Honor Code Junkie at CCM, as well as Orpheus in Hadestown at Vandalia Youth Theatre. Gavin would like to thank his family and friends for all their support! Instagram: @gavinporonsky
TOMMY SANDERS (Jason) (he/him) is a Cincinnati native and grew up only eleven minutes away from Watch Hill. His credits include Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show (starring Dusty Ray Bottoms of RuPaul’s Drag Race; BroadwayWorld Award for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical), The Carnegie; Frederick Fleet in Titanic the Musical, Actors Theatre of Indiana with the Carmel Symphony; Ensemble/Young Ebenezer u/s in A Christmas Carol, Lexington Theatre Company; Link Larkin in Hairspray and Bickle in Footloose, Cincinnati Landmark Productions. He will play Evan Hansen in Dear Evan Hansen at The Carnegie this June. He received his BFA in musical theatre from Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. Huge thanks to fellow AHS alumni, Richard Oberacker, and Robert Taylor for trusting him with their story and material. Love to Dee Anne, Lynn, all creatives, and especially to the gang of Watch Hill. Instagram: @tommymichaelsanders
RICHARD OBERACKER (Librettist, Lyricist, & Composer) is a composer, lyricist, and conductor. His conducting credits include Cirque du Soleil’s Dralion and Kà (Las Vegas), national tours of The Lion King, Show Boat, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Music of the Night and Cats. He has co-created several original musicals, including A Little Theater (Aurelia Theater), Dracula (Corbett Theater), In That Valley (NAMT), and The Sandman (NAMT, Fredericia Theater of Denmark). Most recently, Richard composed the score for the new musical adaptation of The Great Gatsby (2017), and co-wrote the book and music for the Tony-nominated musical Bandstand. He was also nominated for the 2017 Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Music and Outstanding Book of a Musical for Bandstand.
ROBERT TAYLOR'S (Librettist & Lyricist) musicals include Bandstand (Broadway, Paper Mill Playhouse), Ace (NAMT, Cincinnati Playhouse, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Old Globe Theatre, Signature Theatre), Journey to the West (NYMF), Don’t Make Me Pull This Show Over (Cincinnati Fringe Festival, Ensemble Theatre) and The Sandman (NAMT, Fredericia Theater of Denmark). He has taught foreign languages and ornithology in New York, English and music in China, served as music critic for the Albany Times Union, founded and directed several nonprofits, and worked as a freelance musician and writer in Manhattan and as a translator in Europe and Asia.
D. LYNN MEYERS (Director) (she/her) welcomes you to Ensemble Theatre's 40th and her 30th season, where she has 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.
DEE ANNE BRYLL (Director & Choreographer) is very pleased to return to Ensemble Theatre, where her credits include It’s Fritz!, Fiona: The Musical, The Dancing Princesses, Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella: After Ever After, and Cinderella, among others. Additional theatre credits include work as a director and choreographer for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Landmark Productions, Northern Kentucky University, The Carnegie, Commonwealth Theatre Company, and Kings Island Entertainment. Dee Anne has had a long career working in educational theatre. She is currently the director of NKU Prep’s Mainstage Musical Theatre Company and is a mentor for The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s JumpStart Theatre Program, which brings theatre to underserved middle schools in the tri-state area. She is currently serving on the faculty of Northern Kentucky’s School of the Arts Department of Theatre & Dance.
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.
Act II
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
Maintain our historic, beautifully renovated buildings as the gateway to OTR
Increase programming for local professionals to perform, produce, and create the theatre of tomorrow
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
• 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
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)
PLAY IN PROGRESS
Sara Mackie
Morgan Lindell, Julianne Ferreira da Silva , & Gavin Poronsky
Robert Taylor & Richard Oberacker
Jordyn Amani Jones
PLAY IN PROGRESS
Tommy Sanders
Jordyn Amani Jones, Wesley Akio Geary, & Julianne Ferreira da Silva
Adrian Graff
The cast of The House on Watch Hill
STEVE GOERS (Music Director) is thrilled to return as music director at Ensemble Theatre, where some of his credits include Next to Normal, Hands on a Hardbody, 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 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.
CAT SCHMEAL-SWOPE (Costume Designer) is a costume designer, draper, and educator based in the Greater Cincinnati area. Some of her recent regional design credits include Fourteen Funerals, Alice in Wonderland, and Hands on a Hardbody, Ensemble Theatre; A Distinct Society, The Human Race Theatre Company; Grease and Beautiful: The Carole King, The Carnegie; and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Beyond designing, Cat has served as a cutter/draper for numerous companies, including Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. She is currently the visiting assistant professor of costume technology at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and holds an MFA in theatre design from The Ohio State University.
BRIAN HSIEH (Sound Designer) makes his Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. Broadway: (Assoc. Sound Design) RW, OUAOMT, JLP, FNL, SM-TOTD, (Programmer.) CATCF, (Asst. Sound Design), YF, PQ, LST. National Tours: (Assoc. Sound Design, Prod. Snd): ASL, JLP, CATCF, FNL, YF, LCAF. Sound Mixer: B!, MM! Regional: (Sound Design) HLL, ACS, LAL, B, HORH, SOM, ATL, NA, SA, JTW. For CDS: (Sound Mixer): MYST, K, (Assoc. Snd Design/Pgmr) B!, MJO, DTL, O. For DLE: (Head Sound) F!, (Programmer) WOC. One of these days, Brian also hopes to figure out what all the acronyms stand for.
KERREN McKEEMAN (Aerial Choreographer) has performed as a solo aerialist, acrobat, and character in 35 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East since falling in love with circus arts at age 11. From intimate performances with 7 Doigts de la Main, the Big Top of Cirque du Soleil’s Varekai, and the majestic theaters of Kà and “O” in Las Vegas, Kerren has brought her artistry and athleticism to audiences since 1999. She has recently been called to create aerial and acrobatic content as a freelancer as well as for several projects within Cirque du Soleil. Kerren loves the inclusivity, creativity, and celebration of individual uniqueness that defines the rich world of circus arts, and is passionate about fortifying circus arts as an ultimate art form of storytelling.
BRITTANY NAEGEL (Aerial Choreographer) is an associate aerial choreographer and the founder of Elevated Aerials, a premier aerial arts studio in Cincinnati. A dedicated educator and creator, Brittany has collaborated closely with industry legend Dreya Weber in Los Angeles, contributing to the Ned Farr film The Aerialist. Her dynamic performance career includes appearances at some of Cincinnati's most iconic venues, including Music Hall, the CAC, the Taft Museum, the Cincinnati Zoo, and the Cincinnati Art Museum. Through Elevated Aerials, she continues to shape the local arts scene by teaching and choreographing innovative routines for students and professionals alike.
SAMANTHA HANCOCK (Aerial Choreographer) is a dynamic aerialist, choreographer, and educator, joining Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati as an associate aerial choreographer for this production. With over a decade of experience, she crafts visceral, story-driven movement while working to bridge the worlds of aerial arts and theatre. Her work spans performance, choreography, and education with organizations including Paper Doll Militia and Elevated Aerials, where she serves as the artistic director. Samantha is also co-founder of Aerial Finesse, an immersive aerial intensive and international retreat.
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 fourth season at Ensemble. He received a BA in theatre from Morehead State University. Some previous technical direction credits include 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.
MICHELE A. KAY (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is delighted to return for her third production with Ensemble Theatre, where her past credits include It's Fritz! and Hands on a Hardbody. She has been stage managing for over thirty years across all genres, musicals, plays, opera, and dance in a variety of environments including New York, Chicago, and regionally across the United States. She is an associate professor of stage management at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Michele is the author of the essay Already Calm, I’m the Stage Manager for the book Off Headset: Essays on Stage Management Work, Life, and Career edited by Rafael Jean and Christopher Sadler (Routledge Press, 2022) and co-authored The Dance and Opera Stage Manager’s Toolkit with Sue Fenty (Routledge Press, 2024). Michele is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
LEXI MULLER (Assistant Stage Manager) (she/her) is thrilled to return for her seventh 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.
WAYS 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
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 April 17, 2025 and April 16, 2026.
PLAYWRIGHTS
($20,000+)
Anonymous (3)
ArtsWave
Gale & Dave Beckett
Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard
Annette & Tom Carothers
The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc.
Lynne Friedlander
Jane & Chip Gerhardt
L. Timothy Giglio
Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation
Lauren Hannan Shafer
Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola
William & Mary Jane James
Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith LKC Foundation
The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank & Narley L. Haley, Co-Trustees
Kenneth Taft & Molly McDonough Mahler
The Markley Family
Eliot Meyers
Anu & Shekhar Mitra
Diane & Dave Moccia
Ohio Arts Council
PNC Foundation
P&G Fund*
Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez
Damon & Holly Ragusa
The Family of Dr. Peter G. Ruehlman
Josephine S. Russell Charitable Trust, through the PNC Charitable Trusts Grant Review Committee
The Shubert Foundation, Inc.
Thaman Fund*
Dale & Joyce Uetrecht Family Fund
Ginger Warner
PRODUCERS
($10,000-$19,999)
Amy Bixel
Lisa Borland
The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
Denise & Martin Chambers, The Don and Alice Ulmer
Legacy Giving Fund
Heidi Jark & Steven Kenat
Stephen King & Lynne Miller
Meghan & Dan Simonson
Dudley S. Taft Foundation
Carol Talbot Fund*
van der Horst Family Fund*
DIRECTORS
($5,000-$9,999)
The Elaine & Bob Blatt Fund
Kali Boecher
Cincinnati Bengals
Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling
Kelly M. Dehan & Rick Staudigel
PJ & Greg Fischesser
Sandi Gans
Alana & Shelly Gerson
Home City Ice
Betty Huck
The Andrew Jergens Foundation
Limestone Fund*
Carolyn Morin
Ann and Chris Ramos
Barbara & Dave Reaman
Steve & Carol Reubel
Blake Robison & Connan Morrissey
Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski
Alex & Kim Schutte
Norma Skoog
Mary Stagaman & Ron Kull
Scott & Sally Tieke
The Unnewehr Foundation
Tamara White
Jo Ann Wieghaus
DESIGNERS
($2,500-$4,999)
Anonymous Americana Arts Foundation
William P. Anderson Foundation
Athena Avgousti-Bauer & Mark Bauer
Jeff & Gay Bullock
Michael Gerard Carr
Shirlee Cassidy
Marjorie Davies
Ehrsam Family Fund*
Dr. & Mrs. Richard Glaser
Beverly A. Grant Fund*
Johnson Charitable Gift Fund
Johnson Investment Counsel
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gifts Program
Louise and Grauman Marks Memorial Fund*
Kristin Orr
PLAY/write: The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwriting Competition*
Moe & Jack Rouse
Dick & Chris Russell
Rosemary & Mark Schlachter
Marcia Banker & Jeff Schloemer
Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein
The Sittenfeld Family
Sprout Insight LLC
UBS Matching Gifts Program
STAGE MANAGERS
($1,000-$2,499)
Anonymous (6)
Gordon Allen & Linda Baas
Lucy Allen
Jimmy Antia
Erica Bock
Chris Bolling & Stephen Peterson
Chris Lewis & Alicia Bond-Lewis
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
STAGE MANAGERS CONT.
Dawn & Doug Bruestle
Dee Anne Bryll
Kathy Burklow & John Berlier
Sharon Butler
Kwesi Calliste
Stephen Carothers
Barbara Carr & Bren Blaine
Fran Christensen
Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra
Elizabeth Clark
Philip Clayton
Burton Closson
Margaret & Joseph Conway
Meredythe G. & Clayton C. Daley, Jr. Family Fund*
Brock Dalton
Mark Dauner
Amy Diamond & Eddie Wolf
Mary & Scott Donaldson
Rick & Allison Edwards
John Ellmore
Fencl Family Fund*
Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick
Lydia Fitzpatrick
Edward Freeman
Jodi Geiser
Gilman Family Fund*
Ms. Deanna Hengge
Emily M. Hodges & Charles H. Spencer
Daniel Hurley
Keith & Patti James
Amy Katz & Robert Cohen
LaMacchia Family Foundation
Warren Leight
David Logan & Dale Hodges
Minda Matthews-Smith
Sophia McAllister
Carol Miller Meibers
Anonymous
Jill & Bruce Mitchell
Alice Perlman
Adam Porter
Hera G. Reines
Mr. & Mrs. Gates T. Richards
Ed & Carol Rigaud
Iris Sageser
Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund*
Elizabeth Sawyer Selnick Fund*
Signet Love Inspires Foundation
Ken & Kathy Skau
Susan & David Lee Smith
Walter S. & Patricia Mann Smitson
Jim & Tammy Stephens Family Charitable Fund
Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Nancy Stratman
Glenda Suttman
Bob & Sue Trusty
Elizabeth Warner and Laurent Huguenin
Mary Ann & Edwin T. Weiss, Jr.
Michael & Susan Whitehead
Susan Wilke
Carol and Rich Wilson
CAST
($500-$999)
Anonymous (4)
Sarah Aitken
David Askew & Ric Sweeney
Laura Atkinson
Bill & Janet Berger
Malcolm A. & Glenda Bernstein
David A. Brashear
Courtney Campbell-Saxton
Carol C. Cole
Philip K. & Anne Lilly Cone Fund*
David Crotty & Joan von Handorf
Dennis Dunwoodie
Denise Esteves-Hicks
Joanne Fiorini
Rachel & Bernard Foster
Rita & Dennis Geiger
Robert Gerding
Joseph Huber
James & Robin Huizenga
Amit Gupta & Tana Kirkbride
Anne & Gary Klasmeier
Andrew Maloney
David L. Martin
Anthony & Emily McNamara
Drs. Jacqueline & Steven Miller Family
Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty
Roy & Cheryl Newman
Neda & Bruce Nutley
Timothy & Joanne Oppelt
Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson
David M. Piatt Fund*
Irene & Daniel Randolph Donor Advised Fund of the Cambridge Charitable Foundation
Danielle & Kenneth Revelson
Stephen & Helen Rindsberg
Ellen Rittgers
Richard Roebuck
Robert Roesbery
J.R. Rulon
Diane Rumpke
Susan & Clint Schertzer
Bob & Maura Schilling
Russell Lascelles & Janet Schultz
Kate Spencer
Meggan Thompson
Gordon & Mary-Anne Thompson
Thomas Thompson
Tom & Torey Torre
Sheryl Vice
Maureen & Larry Vignola
Pann & Terry Webb
Karen & Barry Webb
West Shore Home LLC
Mark D. Manley & Annette J. Wick
Robert & Jean Willis
Ronna & Dr. James Willis
Kathryn Wright
Ashlee Young
Dr. David & Cynthia Zink
Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund*
RUNNING CREW
($250-$499)
Anonymous (4)
Joe and Trish Baker
Janice Bauer
Mary Ann Bender
David & Elaine Billmire
Richard Block
Neil Bortz
Peg & John Bruggeman
John Bruggerman
Bryson Family Charitable Fund
Rebecca Campbell
Robert Clary
Brian & Elizabeth Coley
Barbara Cummins
Christine Dye
Earthward Bound Foundation
Linda Erpelding
Barbara Feldmann
Larry Freeman
Natalie Galbato
Jo Anne M. Gibbons & John R. Getz
Linda Goldenhar & Chris Cain
William Groneman & Maureen Flanagan
Charitable Fund
The Gumbleton Family
Bob & Judy Heaton
Jordan Heser
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS!
HEADER A
To join our family of contributors with a donation of any size, please contact us at (513) 421-3555 x4
Daniel Hoffheimer
Shirley Huwel
Farrah Jackson
Barbara A. Jennings
Lyle Kelly
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kovarsky
Kroger Community Rewards Program
Ginny & Rick Kuertz
Mary LaBolt
Richard & Barbara Males
Charles & Jennifer Margolis
The McCready-Shore Family
Barbara Myers
Kim, Dan, & Maddi O'Connell
Brett Offenberger & Douglas Duckett
Phil Paradis & Marjorie Hull
Pledgeling Foundation
Holly Riffe & Sue Roth
Al Roane
Ross Royce
Siegrist Family Fund
Mark Silbersack & Ruth Schwallie
William L. Slutz & Linda A. Roomann
Jacqueline & Richard Snyder
Kathleen Stringfield
Linda Tache
Barry Thomas
Marty C. Tomb
Rosalie P. van Nuis
Priscilla S. Walford
Buzz Ward
Ann & Victor Warner
Neal Watzman
Howard M. & Nancy S. Weinberg
Jeff Wysel & Caren Theuring
APPRENTICES
($125-$249)
Anonymous (5)
Robert Arlinghaus
Mark Berliant
Allen Bernard
The Bloch Family Fund
Rhoda & John Brooks
Sarah & Brenda Burton-Price
Michele & Kevin Cain
Clifton Town Art Meeting Committee
Charles & Lois Deitschel
Kathy DeLaura
Raymond Diedrichs
Michael Dimaggio
Emilie & David Dressler Fund*
Igor & Jane Dumbadze
Julie Fay, Imperial Theatre - Mohawk Project
Melinda Gilbert
Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon
Ann Hicks
Anne Holzschuh
Doug Ignatius & Bruce Preston
Jewish Federation Cincinnati
Lisa Kagan
Madelyn Levy
Norah & Joe Mock
John & Deborah Moffatt
Patricia & James Neidhard
Laura Proto & Tommy Johnston
Joyce Rich
Lyle & Jean Ritze
Connie & Don Roesch
Maria Saldivar
Barbara Seiver
Grace Sferra
Mary Lee & Louie Sirkin
Janice K. Smith
Tim Smith & Penny Poirier
Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund
Robert P. Streicher
Sue & Tom Terwilliger
Dan & Lynn Ticotsky
U.S. Bancorp Foundation- Employee Matching Gift Program
Jane Whalen
Anne Warrington Wilson
TRIBUTE GIFTS
In honor of Zina Camblin & Victoria and Mark Aslanides
In memory of Charles Carothers, MD
In honor of Sara Clark and Patricia Ryan
In memory of Jeff Dalton
In honor of Linda Erpelding
In memory of Susan Freelander
In memory of Winston K. Harvey
In memory of Nancy Helwig
In honor of Linda Holthaus
In support of Mary Taft Mahler
In memory of James & Noretta Markley
In honor of D. Lynn Meyers
In memory of Audrey Mae Meyers (3)
In memory of Richard Postler
In honor of Meghan Simonson
In memory of Robert L. & Mary C. Weisenberger
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
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.
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).
1127 Vine Street circa 1927 Image courtesy of Fifth Third Bank archives.
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
