The Match Game

THE

MATCH GAME

by Steven Strafford

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D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director

THE MATCH GAME

by STEVEN STRAFFORD Directed by JARED D. DOREN

April 13 – May 5, 2024 Scenic & Lighting Designer BRIAN c . MEHRING

Sound Designer MATT CALLAHAN

Choreographer EMILY EGNER

Wig Designer HANNAH DRINGENBURG

Fight Director MELISSA BENNETT

Costume Designer MARIA FERNANDA ORTIZ LOPEZ

Properties Curator/Design Assistant SHANNON RAE LUTZ

Technical Director JACOB DOWELL

Production Stage Manager REGINA PUGH*

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.

All rights are retained by Steven Strafford 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.

PREMIERE SPONSOR John Goering

OPENING NIGHT SPONSOR The Grant & Ross Family in honor of Fred & Sondra Ross

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The arts reveal what matters most.

PNC is proud to support Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.

The arts make us think, make us feel, and make us wonder. Thank you for helping to make our community a beautiful place.

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stronger arts for a stronger region You won’t see us on stage, but for nearly 100 years, we’ve been the primary way Cincy’s arts are funded. Your gift to ArtsWave ripples out across our communities to create a more vibrant future for everyone.

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2023–2024 SPONSORS

Photo by Ryan Kurtz

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR

SEASON FUNDER

OPERATING SUPPORT

FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSORS

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

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CAST & CREW CAST Nora...............................................................................................................................SAVANNAH BOYD Johnny.............................................................................................................................BRUCE CROMER* Deb...................................................................................................................................DEB G. GIRDLER* Sean.............................................................................................................................HENRY HOWLAND^ Brian.................................................................................................................................... JARED JOPLIN* Steph............................................................................................................................ JENNIFER JOPLIN* Alan......................................................................................................................ALLEN R. MIDDLETON*

RUNNING CREW & UNDERSTUDIES 2nd Assistant Stage Manager...................................................................................DANITZA PIPER Light Board Operator................................................................................................ MARIA DEITERS Sound Board Operator & Sean u/s...........................................................JORDAN WHITTAKER Running Crew & Nora u/s.................................................................................... HANNAH BEAVEN Running Crew & Deb u/s......................................................................TaSHAUNA AJOI JENKINS Wardrobe Crew & Steph u/s............................................................................ MADDI O'CONNELL Wardrobe Crew & Brian u/s............................................................................................. KG RUCKER^

PRODUCTION TEAM Assistant Stage Manager............................................................................................... LEXI MULLER* Associate Technical Director..................................................................................... JACK MURPHY Intimacy Choreographer.................................................................................................... ERIN CARR Scenic Charge Artist & Production Associate........................................... MELISSA BENNETT Associate Production Manager & Master Electrician................................... CHRIS LIPSTREU Wardrobe Supervisor......................................................................................................EMILY MISALI Sound Technician.......................................................................................................... NICK KOEHLKE Technical Apprentice........................................................................................................ SAM DEVLIN

This production will be performed with one intermission.

Approximate running time is 2 hour, 15 minutes.

PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES. NO TEXTING. *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.

^Fight Captain

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cast & crew

COMING SOON REGIONAL MUSICAL REVIVAL

JUNE 8 – 30

HANDS ON A HARDBODY book by Doug Wright lyrics by Amanda Green music by Trey Anastasio & Amanda Green

Start. Your. Engines.

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in OTR |

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4 floors of fitness near Washington Park

Fitness classes, large free weight room

Lap swim, steam, sauna

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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 Jeffrey Schloemer, Chair Linda Holthaus, President 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 Kathy DeLaura 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.

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

ABOUT ETC

OUR STAFF LEADERSHIP

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

ARTISTIC

OPERATIONS

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

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 Professional Apprentices: Hannah Beaven • Sam Devlin TaShauna Ajoi Jenkins • Maddi O'Connell Danitza Piper • KG Rucker • Jordan Whittaker

DEVELOPMENT

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

Jocelyn Meyer, Director of Marketing & Communications Amy J. Barbian, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications Rachel Kazee, Digital Marketing Manager Becca Schall, Creative Media Producer

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 Box Office Associates/House Managers: Ezra Burgin • Gabby Casto • David Ludwig Mack Martindale • Emmy Rice Sharisse Santos • Becca Schall

PRODUCTION

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

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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DIRECTOR'S NOTES " Oh, the games people play now Every night and every day now Never meanin' what they say now Never sayin' what they mean " —Games People Play by Joe South I first came to know The Match Game in the spring of 2022.

As many know, Jackie Demaline was the theater critic for the Cincinnati Enquirer for many years. She also was a huge supporter of rising, up-and-coming talent. Jackie approached Lynn with the proposal of PLAY/write! The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwriting competition to be administered by ETC in her memory and is her final legacy to Cincinnati theatre.

The Match Game by Steven Strafford was submitted and immediately skyrocketed to the top of the list. A hysterically funny play about a fracture family coming to terms with the past and having to deal with serious health issues many families face today? Yes! Modern, believable characters? Check. Witty yet honest dialogue? Check.

Pacing? Structure? Check. Check. Funny and heartbreaking, outrageously absurd and completely relatable? Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner!

Winning playwrights receive a monetary prize and a full reading of their piece. On a sunny Sunday afternoon in the summer of 2022, The Match Game was read in the theatre to a full house, with many of the same actors you see on stage in this production. A few months later, Lynn decided that The Match Game would receive its world premiere at ETC. Steven Strafford is an absolute gem of a person and a highly talented playwright. I am so honored to bring this personal story to life for the first time with this incredible cast of actors.

The Match Game is about telling the truth. It is about family. And it is about the games people play. Thank you and enjoy the show! ­ —Jared D. Doren

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

FOR THE JOY OF DISCOVERY Materials inspired by The Match Game courtesy of The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library.

BOOKS

MOVIES

The Rooster House

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

My Ukrainian Family Story

by Victoria Belim

MUSIC

Sweetness in the Skin

Women in Music Pt. III

by Ishi Robinson

by Haim

You Only Call When You're in Trouble

by Stephen McCauley

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

The Block Party

by Jamie Day

Late Bloomers

by Deepa Varadarajan

The Reappearance of Rachel Price

by Holly Jackson

”

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PLAY IN PROGRESS

The cast of The Match Game.

Bruce Cromer

Savannah Boyd & Jennifer Joplin

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Play in Progress

Henry Howland

PLAY IN PROGRESS

Deb G. Girdler & Bruce Cromer

Jared D. Doren

Jennifer Joplin & Allen R. Middleton

Jared Joplin

Connan Morrissey.

Play in Progress

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A PERFECT MATCH

Q&A WITH PLAYWRIGHT STEVEN STRAFFORD Q: What inspired you to write The Match Game?

SS: My play Small Jokes About Monsters is based on my family. (A playwright basing characters on people he knows?

Shocking!) In that play, three brothers gather at a rented beach house after their father's funeral. My father is alive, so when Small Jokes About Monsters started getting some success, my dad kept reading reviews about this play where a character based on him was dead. So my dad was pitching me an idea about a play—my whole family does this—and he gave me this idea: What if an estranged father moved in with his kid because he has Alzheimer's? I politely told him that play had been written a few times over. He said, "No. What if the kid couldn't tell if he was faking it or not?" I was intrigued by this idea. At the same time I was percolating on this idea, my sister-inlaw, Kimberly, was getting treatment for cancer. My sister-in-law and I were incredibly good friends. We met before she met my brother. So I guess I started to imagine the story being about her because I loved the idea of a play about a woman who happens to have cancer and where cancer isn't the whole story because cancer is never the whole story. People with cancer make bad choices and say terrible things and throw bad birthday parties for their moms. So this play became the play about a woman with cancer dealing with her estranged dad who may or may not have dementia, her insecure brother, his much younger boyfriend, her precocious daughter, and her absent husband, all while throwing her truth-telling mom a birthday party.

Q: What was the writing process like?

SS: This was my first play I wrote in my MFA program at Ohio University. After years of being a full-time actor who wrote plays, the time I had to write this one felt luxurious.

We had four workshops throughout the year and then had a Zoom reading (this was during distance-learning times) where industry professionals responded to the play. I learned a lot. Then, it was workshopped here at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati as part of the Jackie Demaline Collegiate Playwriting Competition. Suddenly, I was gifted with an amazing cast of actors who pulled out all the stops in the reading. More than that, I was gifted with Jared Doren as director. Jared has been an amazing collaborator. He has really helped me shape the script into what it is now. Even as I type this, Jared and I are talking about cuts and changes! It never ends really. Writing a first draft is fun. It's the rewriting where the work really takes shape.

Q: What's it like seeing your work come to life like this?

SS: Is it corny to say it's a privilege? Because that's what it is. To see your words up in the mouths of terrific actors, breathing life into a story I poured out onto a keyboard is a true privilege. Now, sitting in the audience surrounded by people encountering your words for the first time? That is a rollercoaster. Every single time a play of mine is performed, I sit and watch and try not to stare at the audience members around me. Did they like that joke? Did they follow that bit of plot? Do they like it? Do they like meeeeee? I write plays for audiences, so sitting among the people you want to entertain and move with your play is a trip.

Q: What are you most proud of with this script?

SS: I feel I captured the voice of one of my favorite people to ever walk the planet.

I wrote this play for my sister-in-law, Kimberly, and I'm proud that she lives on in the story of this play.

Q: What was the most challenging part of writing this?

SS: Trying to figure out how to end it! It took me a long time to zero in on what image I wanted at the end of the play.

Q: How did you balance humor with the heavy topics in the show?

SS: Humor is my defense mechanism, so I don't know how to discuss anything serious without jokes. I'm gifted (plagued) with always thinking about what funny thing could happen at any moment in time. It's how I'm hard-wired. So the darker or sadder a story gets, the more jokes I think of.

Q: Anything else you want to share?

SS: I may or may not have, allegedly, once dated a dancer named Sean.

$10 Million by March 27, 2026

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Strengthen the theatre’s core operating budget Pursue ambitious artistic opportunities while building financial resilience Create an endowment as a self-sustaining, nimble resource for the future

Kick-Off Champions Harry & Linda Fath Digi & Mike Schueler

Shekhar & Anu Mitra

Friedlander Family Fund

Ellen & Ray van der Horst

Western & Southern

Ginger Warner

John Barrett

Jacklyn & Gary Bryson

Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati embodies the tenacious qualities that characterize the Greater Cincinnati region: resilience, artistic passion, and pushing the creative envelope. While our neighborhood has blossomed in recent decades and ranks among the top destinations for residents and visitors alike, we are grateful that nearly 40 years ago, our pioneering founders foresaw what a meaningful investment in the arts could have on local communities. In that same spirit, our 40th Anniversary Campaign will set the stage for our 2025–2026 Season and beyond. Gifts to this milestone campaign are not only lasting investments in the future of theatre but are also bold reaffirmations to the vibrancy of our region.

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CAST SAVANNAH BOYD (Nora) is excited to be making her Ensemble Theatre debut in this world premiere! Some of her favorite credits include playing Sandy in Grease with Cincinnati Young People’s Theatre and Ellie in Disney's Freaky Friday, Lois Lane/Bianca in Kiss Me, Kate, and Woman 2 in My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra with Cincinnati Landmark Productions. She sends love to her mom, dad, Elena, Katie, and Genevieve. @savannahboyd123

BRUCE CROMER (Johnny) (he/him) is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. He has been seen at Ensemble Theatre in An Iliad, Underneath the Lintel, St. Nicholas, The Legend of Georgia McBride, Next Fall, Time Stands Still, Wayfarer’s Rest, Blue/Orange, Next to Normal, and Freud’s Last Session. Bruce is a Professor Emeritus of acting and movement at Wright State University and a Certified Teacher of Stage Combat Emeritus with the Society of American Fight Directors. He has acted with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, St. Louis Repertory Theatre, and more. He played Kim Burke in the 2019 film Dark Waters with Mark Ruffalo and Anne Hathaway.

DEB G. GIRDLER (Deb) began her career on the Showboat Majestic, attended University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, and has worked off-Broadway, in regional theatre, and in summer stock for over forty years. Some of her favorite productions at Ensemble Theatre include Good People, Three Viewings, Three Tall Women, and The Last Session; her favorite roles also include playing the villainess in many ETC holiday productions. Deb is listed in the official scripts of several shows as a cast member of the premiere productions, including the stage version of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Hoodwinked! The Musical, and It Runs in the Family. She can be seen in the films Carol with Cate Blanchett and First Kill with Bruce Willis.

HENRY HOWLAND (Sean) is a New York City-based actor from Cincinnati and is thrilled to be making his Ensemble Theatre debut.

He has worked across the United States in regional productions including You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Rent at Scranton Shakespeare Festival; Cinderella, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre; and Cornelia Street, The Actor’s Studio NYC. This summer he will be playing Lefou in Cortland Repertory’s production of Beauty and the Beast. Most recently, Henry worked with The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati as Squidward in The SpongeBob Musical and Mr. Beaver in Narnia the Musical. He would like to thank his friends, family, and the wonderful team at ETC for their unyielding support. @henryhowland

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Cast

CAST JARED JOPLIN (Brian) is thrilled to be on stage again at Ensemble Theatre, where he last appeared in Grand Horizons with his father, Jop, and now with his real-life sister, Jen! Jared has also appeared locally (often without familial supervision), regionally, in New York, and in two different countries . . . counting this one. Some favorite roles include Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; Player #2 in Shipwrecked, Insight Theatre Company; Mr. Gilmer in To Kill a Mockingbird, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; and Susan in Thieves, Baumhouse Theatre. Jared is extremely thankful for his lovely wife Erin, his family, and his friends. This one is for his Sisterfer—thank you for the cassette tapes, the car talks and block walks, and everything else an amazing sister does!

JENNIFER JOPLIN (Steph) is thrilled to return to the Ensemble Theatre stage. She is a graduate of Wright State University and is the director of development here at ETC. Originally from St. Louis, she has called this region her artistic home for almost thirty years. Jen is a proud member of Actor’s Equity with regional credits that include Aimee in The Humans and Rosemary in Outside Mullingar, Ensemble Theatre; Mrs. Hubbard in Murder on the Orient Express, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Jaques in As You Like It and Cleopatra in Cleopatra, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; Virginie in The Man-Beast, Know Theatre of Cincinnati; and two of her one-person shows premiering at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival. She is the proud mama of Max, lucky partner of Jason, Sisterfer to Bruthaman, and blessed daughter of Janie and Joneal Joplin. Great thanks to Lynn, Steven, Jared Doren, and Jackie Demaline for this world premiere opportunity!

ALLEN R. MIDDLETON (Alan) (he/him) is a BroadwayWorld Awardwinning actor and a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama. His regional theatre credits include Hello, Dolly!, Sweat, Proof, Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical, The Lion in Winter, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and Next Fall. His feature film credits include Lost & Found in Cleveland, Curvature, Alligator Alley, and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Allen appeared on television for five seasons on the cult SyFy Network series FTL Newsfeed. For more information, visit www.allenrmiddleton.com.

LET’S THEATRE TOGETHER @ EnsembleCincy Cast

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CREATIVE TEAM STEVEN STRAFFORD (Playwright) is the author of the award-winning solo show Methtacular! After many productions, the show was recorded live at Steppenwolf Theatre in 2019. His play Small Jokes About Monsters has been performed across the country and is published by Dramatists Play Service. His dystopian drama Greater Illinois had its world premiere at Playhouse on the Square this January.

Other titles include The Model Congressman, Mona Quimby: Age 38, Squeakers, and Steven Strafford is Steven Strafford, as Ann Jillian in The Ann Jillian Story, Starring Ann Jillian as Ann Jillian. As an actor, he’s appeared on stage, TV, commercials, and in movies. He once played Hepatitis A for an industrial, and he still receives emails about that performance. This play is for Kimberly Strafford.

JARED D. DOREN (Director) is a local actor, director, and alumni of the 1995-1996 Ensemble Theatre Professional Acting Intern Program.

His local directing credits include Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune and Bus Stop, New Edgecliff Theatre; Small Engine Repair and All New People, Untethered Theatre; Assassins, And Then There Were None, and The Elephant Man, Falcon Theatre; and Pump Boys and Dinettes, Carnegie Arts Center. His acting credits include First Date, Around the World in 80 Days, Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland, The Frog Princess, A Question of Mercy, and Two Weeks with the Queen, Ensemble Theatre. As ETC’s programming and events manager, Jared manages the Studio Series and 1125 Bar Series content including PLAY/write: The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegiate Playwriting Competition. Many thanks to Lynn and Steven for their trust and support with this production!

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

1125 BAR Series PRESENTS

ETC Cabaret

Late night 60-minute cabaret performances of various musical genres related to each production.

MAY 4

Broadway

JUNE 29

Country

TICKETS: $20 per person, reservations required.

Each performance begins at 10:00 pm.

ETC ESSENTIALS Dive even deeper into each show with a FREE conversation series that explores our productions’ themes and context with local scholars and community members. These start an hour before show time.

The Match Game | APRIL 28, 2024 Hands on a Hardbody | JUNE 23, 2024

Admission is FREE, but reservations are recommended!

Reserve online or through the ETC Box Office

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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.

MARIA FERNANDA ORTIZ LOPEZ (Costume Designer) (she/her) returns to Ensemble Theatre having designed costumes for Fiona: The Musical. 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.

MATT CALLAHAN (Sound Designer) (he/him) was the Resident Sound Designer for Actors Theatre of Louisville for seven seasons. Some of his recent designs for Ensemble Theatre include Queen, Cinderella, and Pipeline. He was also a co-creator/designer of Rock n’ Roll: The Reunion Tour. He spent two seasons as the Resident Sound Designer at The Eugene O’Neil Center for their National Playwrights Conference. He was formerly the sound engineer for Steppenwolf Theatre, the Assistant Engineer for Blue Man Chicago, and a member of the disbanded Defiant Theatre. He received a Jeff Citation for Red Dragon, a nomination for Fortinbras, and a Kevin Kline nomination for Sherlock Holmes.

EMILY EGNER (Choreographer), a Cincinnati native, is so excited to be making her choreography debut at Ensemble Theatre! After graduating from Pace University in New York City, she joined the faculty at Lachey Arts and Cincinnati Ballet. She currently teaches and choreographs multiple dance styles all over the city and is a certified fitness instructor at Body Alive. She was most recently the dance captain on the national tour of label•less, a new musical by Drew and Lea Lachey. Emily is thrilled to be back working at Ensemble Theater after assistant choreographing some of the 2022 production of The Dancing Princesses. A big thank you to all involved in this production! Enjoy the show!

HANNAH DRINGENBURG (Wig Designer) is in her first season at Ensemble Theatre as the costume shop manager. Hannah received her BFA in costume design & technology at Northern Kentucky University and her MFA in costume technology from Ohio University. Her work has been seen on stage at Nashville Repertory Theatre, Monomoy Theatre, Playhouse on the Square, and The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, among many others. She is beyond grateful to be part of the ETC family.

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Production Team

PRODUCTION TEAM MELISSA BENNETT (Fight Director) is a local fight director with over 20 years of experience choreographing and teaching stage combat. She has training with the Society of American Fight Directors and Dueling Arts International. Melissa is also the resident scenic charge artist and production associate for Ensemble Theatre, as well as a scenic artist for film under IATSE. When not at Ensemble, she can be found engaging in the combat of parenting her very energetic 8-year-old twins. She is thrilled to be part of bringing this beautiful show to life.

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 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 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.

REGINA PUGH (Production Stage Manager) (she/her) is visiting from Arizona where she recently performed in The Book of Will at Phoenix Theatre Company. She is thrilled to be temporarily back at her treasured theatre home, Ensemble Theatre, where her acting credits include Pipeline, The Other Place, Next Fall, My Name is Asher Lev, and After the Fall; directing credits include Earhart, Melancholy Play, and A Doll's House, Part 2; and stage management credits include A Package Deal and Intimate Apparel.

Regina has also appeared at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Know Theatre of Cincinnati, and directed shows for Xavier University. She is proud to be a 20-year participant in the Cincinnati Fringe Festival and a 35-year member of Actors’ Equity Association.

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.

Production Team

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ETC SUMMEr camps 2024 Junior Summer IntensiveLD OUT! JULY 15–26, 2024 | Ages 8–13

SO

Technical Theatre Summer Intensive JULY 22–26, 2024 | Ages 15–19

High School Summer Intensive JULY 29–AUGUST 2, 2024 | Ages 14–19

REGISTER: www.ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555 | 29

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!

DONATE TODAY

DONATE BY PHONE

The box office will be happy to accept your gift via cash, check, or credit card during intermission or after the show.

Please call (513) 421–3555 and select option 4 to speak with Jen.

DONATE ONLINE

Send a check made out to Ensemble Theatre with "donation" in the memo line to:

To make your gift online, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org/ support.

DONATE WITH STOCK

For instructions on stock transfers, email development@ensemblecincinnati.org.

DONATE BY MAIL

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Attn: Development 1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

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.

GIVE WHILE YOU SHOP Before you fill your shopping cart, whether in person or online, designate ETC as your nonprofit beneficiary through the Kroger Community Rewards program. It's easy: you shop and Kroger donates a portion of your purchase amount directly to ETC!

Register your Kroger Plus Card at www.kroger.com and select ETC–organization BM374.

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ways to give

THE PREMIERE SOCIETY The Premiere Society recognizes the extraordinary individuals, families, and organizations whose generosity makes it possible for ETC to present world-class new works and awardwinning education, engagement, and inclusion programming for our community. The following list includes donors whose gifts were received between March 28, 2023 – March 28, 2024.

PLAYWRIGHTS ($20,000+) Anonymous PNC Foundation Western & Southern Financial Fund Gale & Dave Beckett Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard Ohio Arts Council Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation The Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation* Ohio Facilities Construction Commission State of Ohio Development Services Agency Harry & Linda Fath Friedlander Family Fund The Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation Beverly A. Grant Fund* P&G Fund* LKC Foundation ArtsWave The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. In Memory of James & Noretta Markley The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Digi & Mike Schueler The Schueler Group Dale Uetrecht van der Horst Family Fund* Ginger Warner City of Cincinnati The Mitchell S. & Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation

PRODUCERS ($10,000-$19,999) Anonymous Burton & Susan Closson Millstone Fund Palmer/Graber Family Fund Robert & Adele Schiff Family Foundation Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola Betty Huck Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez Mary Stagaman & Ron Kull Dudley S. Taft Foundation

DIRECTORS ($5,000-$9,999) Nicholas Apanius John Barrett Annette & Tom Carothers Denise & Martin Chambers Crosset Family Fund* The Andrew Jergens Foundation William & Mary Jane James Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Kenneth T. & Molly M. Mahler Anu & Shekhar Mitra Diane & Dave Moccia Moe & Jack Rouse

The Sittenfeld Family Corky & Rick Family Foundation Rotary Foundation of Cincinnati Jo Ann Wieghaus

DESIGNERS ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous (2) Arts Midwest Damon & Holly Ragusa Sprout Insight LLC Michael Cioffi & Rachael Rowe Family Foundation Fund* Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling Dan Collopy William P. Anderson Foundation Ehrsam Family Fund* The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Jane & Chip Gerhardt Marilyn P. & Joseph W. Hirschhorn Fund* Stephen King & Lynne Miller Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation David & Judith Morgan Fund* Johnson Investment Counsel Adam & Heather Ross Family Fund* Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski Marcia Banker & Jeff Schloemer Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith

STAGE MANAGERS ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous (3) Gordon Allen & Linda Baas Robert & Janet Banks Judith & Louis Belli Erica Bock Erin Houlihan & John Bostick Bryson Family Charitable Fund The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Jeff & Gay Bullock Barbara Carr & Bren Blaine Cissell Family Fund* Philip Clayton Philip K. & Anne Lilly Cone Fund* Margaret & Joseph Conway Charles Scott Riley III Foundation 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 Beverly A. Grant Fund* Karen Grass Linda Greenberg Fund* HalliNguyen Family Charitable Fund Emily M. Hodges & Charles H. Spencer Farrah Jackson

Please bring any errors or omissions to our attention by contacting Jen Joplin: jjoplin@ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555 x2107.

* A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation † Sustaining Donor

the premiere society

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STAGE MANAGERS CONT. Keith & Patti James Arleene Keller LaMacchia Family Foundation Minda Matthews-Smith Sophia McAllister Anthony & Emily McNamara Eliot Meyers Jill & Bruce Mitchell Overbeck Charitable Fund Neal Patel & Dr. Avani Modi Pepper Family Fund* Steven & Carol Reubel Mr. & Mrs. Gates T. Richards Jessica Ruebusch Alex & Kim Schutte Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund* Robert & Eleanor Shott Philanthropic Fund Norma Skoog Susan & David Smith Jim & Tammy Stephens Family Charitable Fund Richard & Kathleen Strenk Glenda Suttman Gordon & Mary-Anne Thompson Americana Arts Foundation Bob & Sue Trusty Jeffrey VanSluys Richard Wilson

CAST ($500-$999) Anonymous (2) Laura Atkinson Wilma & Herbert Beigel Malcolm & Glenda Bernstein Fund* The Elaine & Robert Blatt Fund Neil Bortz David A. Brashear Charlotte Brooks Dawn & Doug Bruestle Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gifts Program Craft Family Fund David Crotty & Joan von Handorf Mark Dauner† Kelly M. Dehan PJ Fischesser Vinkolet Winery Rachel & Bernard Foster Sandi Gans† Michael Berry & Melanie Garner Presidential Plaza Associates, LTD Rita & Dennis Geiger Robert Gerding Tana Kirkbride & Amit Gupta Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Highley Daniel Hurley Amy Katz & Robert Cohen Pinky & Sam Kocoshis Warren Leight Anita & Ed Marks Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod† Carol Miller Meibers John & Deborah Moffatt Bill & Ruth Morley Excelsior Accounting Services LLC Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty Neda & Bruce Nutley Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson Whitney Owens & David Eslinger Family Fund Alice Perlman David M. Piatt Fund* Hera G. Reines Stephen & Helen Rindsberg Dick & Chris Russell Jayna & Dan Schimberg Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein

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THE PREMIERE SOCIETY

Ken & Kathy Skau Sandra Spataro Limestone Fund* Dr. Joseph & Mrs. Nancy Stratman Beverly A. Thomas Fund* Thomas Thompson Maureen & Larry Vignola Ann & Victor Warner Karen & Barry Webb Pann & Terry Webb Jay & Kate Wilford Ronna & James Willis Kathryn Wright Ashlee Young Dr. David & Cynthia Zink Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund*

RUNNING CREW ($250-$499) Anonymous (3) Mary Ann Bender David & Elaine Billmire Mark Bowen† Ann & Lee Bulger Kwesi Calliste Rebecca Campbell Doreen Canton Brenda & Steve Carter Jo-Ann Casuto Anne E. Charles, in memory of Richard Charles & Rebecca Parker Nancy Cisneros Elizabeth Clark Carol C. Cole Brian & Elizabeth Coley Rev. Dr. Robert W. Croskery & Beverly Croskery, Ph.D. Hamilton County, Ohio Kroger Community Rewards Program Paul & Bev Diamond† Jessica Dovel Emilie & David Dressler Fund* Dennis & Catherine Dunwoodie Keith Faber Barbara Feldmann Larry Freeman Jeffrey G Gibson Family Fund Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon Kurt & Joanne Grossman Marilyn Harris Bob & Judy Heaton David Logan & Dale Hodges Lyle & Jennifer Horvath James & Robin Huizenga Marilyn Hurrell Barbara A. Jennings Judith Kenniston Leslie Korbee & Michele Mascari Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kovarsky Anna Lovekin Charles & Jennifer Margolis David L. Martin Dr. Ralph R. Meyer Drs. Jacqueline & Steven Miller Family Norah & Joe Mock Paul & Mary Ann Odegard Brett Offenberger & Douglas Duckett Holly Riffe & Sue Roth† Al Roane† Marianne R. Rowe J.R. Rulon† Maura Schilling Eli E. Shupe, Jr. & Toby Ruben* Mary Lee & Louie Sirkin Linda Tache Marty C. Tomb Anita Trotta Priscilla S. Walford

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS! To join our family of contributors with a donation of any size, please contact Jen Joplin: (513) 421-3555 x2107 Buzz Ward Richard Weisenberger† Jeff Wysel Rick & Tracy Diehl Robert & Jean Willis Rosalie P. van Nuis Ross Royce Sara & Gunter Storjohann Schimberg Family Foundation Siegrist Family Fund Sue Harris & Meredith Green Susan & Clint Schertzer Terry & Jill Parsons The Gumbleton Family Tom & Torey Torre William Groneman & Maureen Flanagan Charitable Fund

APPRENTICES ($125-$249) Anonymous (8) Marjorie & David Aaron Mary Accorinti Amy Alig In Honor of Suzanne Hasl Allen Bernard Ann Bowers Michele & Kevin Cain† Patricia & Robert Clary John & Cynthia Cozad Lee Crooks & Bill Menrath Barbara Cummins Charles & Lois Deitschel Igor & Jane Dumbadze Ken Eckert Michael Ehrensberger Vanessa Freytag Jo Anne M. Gibbons & John R. Getz Melinda Gilbert Leslie Gregg-Jolly Ann Hicks Karlee Hilliard Daniel Hoffheimer John Kaine Carl Kalota Robert Bloom & Alison Kamine Fund* Priya Dhingra Klocek Madelyn Levy Linda Erpelding Sherry & Steve McCamley John McDonagh Dr. & Mrs. Richard A. Meyer Wafa J. Nasser, M.D. Patricia & James Neidhard B & B Otting Nancy L. Phelan Nicola Pietoso David & Deborah Pittinger Beth Powers Joetta Prost & Kathy Shell Caroline Richards Cheryl & David Risher David Roth Maria Saldivar

Lynne R. Schmitt Russell Lascelles & Janet Schultz Mark Silbersack & Ruth Schwallie Barbara Seiver Grace Sferra Matt & Shelly Smith Tim Smith & Penny Poirier U.S. Bank Employee Matching Program John & Martha Spiess Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund Robert P. Streicher Howard M. & Nancy S. Weinberg Michael Wheatley Karen Wittenberg† The Honorable Norbert & Linnea Nadel Don & Donna Wymore David Steven Ziegler

TRIBUTE GIFTS In honor of Amy Weinstock In honor of Arfie K. Harvey In honor of D. Lynn Meyers In honor of Kathy DeLaura's Birthday (25) In honor of Mary Stagaman In honor of Mike & Digi Schueler In honor of Nick Ligon In memory of Fred & Sondra Ross In memory of James & Noretta Markley In memory of Jim Nelson (2) In memory of Lois Deitschel In memory of Lynda Thomas In memory of Mary Bonansinga In memory of Michael Berry In memory of Paul Sittenfeld In memory of Renee Alper In memory of Rich Postler (20) 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

THE PREMIERE SOCIETY

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PATRON INFORMATION ETC BOX OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm, and 2 hours prior to curtain.

Weekend hours vary.

CAMERAS & RECORDING DEVICES Actors’ Equity Association strictly prohibits the use of cameras or recording devices (including camera phones) in the theatre.

ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS ETC offers audio-described performances, ASL-interpreted performances, wheelchair accessible seating, large-print programs, Braille programs, assistive listening devices, and sensory sensitivity items such as noisecanceling headphones and fidgets.

RELAXED PERFORMANCES Select performances 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

Friends when she needs them most.