Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati 2014-2015 Season Brochure

ensemble theatre cincinnati

Sola Thompson in Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin TImberlake) (2014). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

hands on a hardbody book by Doug Wright lyrics by Amanda Green music by Trey Anastasio & Amanda Green

10 contestants. 4 days. 1 truck. Inspired by true events, this exciting new musical is about the hilarious, hard-fought contest where only one winner can drive away with the American Dream.

an iliad

adapted from Homer

by Lisa Peterson & Denis O'Hare translation by Robert Fagles

Homer's majestic poem roars back to life in this breathtakinglyrelevant and modern retelling as it explores mankind’s unshakable attraction to violence.

sleeping beauty

by Joseph McDonough & David Kisor

A sleeping princess, a dragon with an attitude, and more fairies than you can shake a stick at are all part of this fun, enchanted musical adventure for the whole family.

The other place

by Sharr White

A 10-year mystery unravels on the windswept shores of Cape Cod in this critically-acclaimed psychological thriller that will keep you guessing at every turn.

detroit '67

by Dominique Morisseau

The music of Motown fuels this riveting new play set in America's Motor City as siblings clash over much more than the family business during the '67 riots.

outside mullingar

by John Patrick Shanley

Two eccentric souls try to find common ground amidst a bitter land feud in this Irish comedy that reminds us: it's never too late to take a chance on love.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati "Has been UNERRING…ENGAGING and among the BEST work onstage locally." —Cincinnati CityBeat

Dale Dymkoski and Kelly Mengelkoch in Tribes (2014). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Named Best of the Arts, 2013 by Cincinnati Enquirer

A simple call gives you a year of thrilling theatre! (513) 421-3555

As a subscriber, you enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your tickets, dates, and prices are secured in advance. Plus, you receive a suite of other great benefits:

best prices Subscribing guarantees that you lock in the best possible ticket prices for the entire season! You can save up to 35% off single ticket prices, depending upon your package type.

100% ticket flexibility Subscribers enjoy completely free, no-hassle ticket exchanges. Something come up? No problem, just swap your tickets for another night with no exchange fee.

priority access During Subscriber-Only Days, you get first crack at making exchanges, reserving FlexPass seats, and purchasing additional seats before tickets go on sale to the general public.

exclusive discounts Included with your subscription is a preferred partner card with great discounts at fantastic area restaurants. Use it to make your theatre night more special.

virtual concierge Receive a reminder email prior to your scheduled performance that includes helpful information and updates about the show along with traffic alerts and more.

additional savings Bring a friend: Subscribers receive $8 off additional tickets.

exceptional, compelling theatre Ensemble Theatre has achieved a national reputation by continually bringing visually stunning and groundbreaking new works to our city. As the largest local professional theatre solely dedicated to presenting new theatre, we guarantee our productions are unlike anything else you'll see around town.

intimate theatrical setting With just 191 seats and only 12 rows, Ensemble Theatre offers an unparalleled intimate theatrical experience. With no obstructed views, there isn't a bad seat in the house and no matter where you sit, you'll feel part of the action.

historic, bustling  neighborhood Located in the heart of historic Over-the-Rhine, there is always something else exciting going on to complement your theatre visit. From Washington Park to Findlay Market to nearby arts and music festivals, there are plenty of options for everyone. See our website to learn more about other neighborhood events.

dining & parking options Ensemble Theatre is conveniently located within walking distance of many fantastic restaurants and shops. And, with access to nearby parking and public transportation, you can easily enjoy all that Over-the-Rhine has to offer—whether you're having a date night, an outing with friends, or other special occasion.

enhanced audience experiences Take advantage of our Teen Scene Matinees and PLAY/Back series, designed to take you more in-depth through post-show discussions with the artists.

Quest: to search, seek, or journey. Quests take center state at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati during our 20142015 season.

We begin with the unlikely quest for a truck, the embodiment of dreams for each of the characters in the musical sensation Hands On A Hardbody. Whether it's freedom, success, a new life, or simply hope that drives them, these characters will sing, dance, and strive to win a new truck. This thrice-nominated Tony musical

by Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, Grey Gardens) and Trey Anastasio (front man for Phish) shifts our season into high gear. Then, An Iliad brings the tale of man’s inexorable struggle with one another to a modern platform, chronicling acts of war ranging from ancient times to contemporary Afghanistan.

Briar Rose’s quest for knowledge and a kingdom’s need to learn the true meaning of beauty will bloom this winter with the return of our celebrated holiday musical, Sleeping Beauty.

As we start the New Year, The Other Place, reveals one woman’s quest for truth and allows us to recognize the value of our memories and the promise the future holds. Set in a year that changed our country forever, Detroit '67 shows a brother and a sister’s quest for a better life as the world explodes around them.

Finally, as we close our season with an all-consuming quest for a lost wedding ring, we really look at the desire we have for eternal love, which outlasts our simple lives, in the 2014 Tony nominee for Best Play, Outside Mullingar.

You are all part of our quest to present the best in contemporary theatre, and I hope you will join us this season as we start our 29th year in historic Over-theRhine.

D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director

Clockwise from lower left: Ken Early, Joe Kovacs, Zak Schneider, Buz Davis, & Andrew Maloney in Around the World in 80 Photo

by Ryan Kurtz.

Raymond McAnally and Dale Hodges in Days Mrs. (2014).

Mannerly (2012).

Photo

by Ryan Kurtz.

nominated for 3 tony awards

directed by d. lynn meyers

September 2-21, 2014 "get your hands on a ticket! "–USA TODAY

"hands down, it's musical theater heaven! " –NY Magazine

Premiere Sponsor: The Otto m. budig family foundation

REGIONAL PREMIERE. For 10 hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Over the next 144 hours under a scorching sun they will laugh, cry and push their bodies and minds to the limits as they fight to keep at least one hand on a brand new truck. The contestant with the most nerve—and tenacity—will drive away with the American Dream. Inspired by true events, this new musical is a peek into the lives of everyday, ordinary Americans, struggling to survive against the backdrop of a broken and beaten working middle class.

“Spellbinding … smartly conceived and impressively executed.”–New York Times

“Absolutely riveting.”

–San Francisco Chronicle

Premiere Sponsor: REGIONAL PREMIERE. The ancient thrilling tales of the Trojan War and the modern world collide in this captivating piece as we explore the psychology of passion and rage. Acclaimed Cincinnati actor Bruce Cromer embodies the Greek classic's famous characters Achilles, Hector, Agamemnon —even the beautiful Helen of Troy—as he shares the stage with only a virtuoso musician. This lean, muscular, tour-de-force performance conjures the fury of the gods as it delves deep into mankind’s unshakeable attraction to violence, destruction, and chaos.

Joseph McDonough

book by

David Kisor

music and lyrics by

D. Lynn Meyers

directed by

-

December 3, 2014 January 4, 2015 Premiere Sponsor:

“You can't go wrong with [Ensemble's] fairytale musicals …

Sleeping Beauty casts a spell on kids and adults.”–Cincinnati Citybeat “Fun and tuneful.”–Cincinnati Enquirer Romance, comedy, action, rock n’ roll, and opera—this magical, musical version of Sleeping Beauty has it all! Meet Briar Rose, her overprotective parents, three wacky fairies (and a wicked one), and a dragon with an attitude as our contemporary twist on the classic tale returns to Ensemble's stage. From the creators of Cinderella and Snow White, this enchanted and memorable musical will delight audiences of all ages this holiday season.

“A cagy, emotionally RESONANT DRAMA packed with plot twists.” —New York Times

by

“FOUR STARS … [an] engrossing new drama.” —Bloomberg News

sharr white

january 27–february 15, 2015 design sponsor:

REGIONAL PREMIERE. Juliana Smithton, an accomplished scientist and pharmaceuticals pitch-woman, is a dominating personality who’s always in command, but recently her life has become unhinged. Her husband has filed for divorce, her daughter has eloped with a much older man, and her own health hangs in jeopardy. However, in this brilliantly troubling and unexpectedly humorous play, nothing is as it seems. Piece by piece, a mystery unfolds as fact blurs with fiction and the elusive truth about Juliana boils to the surface.

winner of the 2014 edward m. kennedy prize for drama inspired by american history

"riveting… mind-blowing."

–Huffington Post

"vibrant…crackles with humor." –New York Times

by

"Transports audiences into another time and space." –BET

March 17— April 5, 2015 Premiere Sponsor: Marilyn & Martin Wade/Rookwood Pottery REGIONAL PREMIERE. 1967, Detroit. When their parents die, Chelle and Lank inherit their childhood home. To make ends meet, the siblings host “basement parties,” spinning the newest records to come out of Motown, a risky business as police crack down on after-hours joints in black neighborhoods. But when a mysterious white woman finds her way into their care and a string of raids increases police brutality around the city, they find themselves much more divided than over just the family business.

2014 TONY AWARD NOMINEE FOR BEST PLAY "A charmer of a play."

– Hollywood Reporter

"Shanley's finest work since Doubt." – NY Times

John Patrick Shanley

by

directed by Ed Stern

MAY 5 -24, 2015 Premiere Sponsor: John Goering design Sponsor: Glenda Suttman

REGIONAL PREMIERE. A new romantic comedy from Pulitzer, Oscar, and Tony Award-winner John Patrick Shanley (Doubt, Moonstruck). Tony Reilly is getting old. With his wife dead and gone and his own time approaching, he threatens to leave the family’s cattle farm to an American nephew instead of his own son, Anthony. That is, until neighbor Rosemary steps in with a long-held family secret to change Anthony’s fate — and her own. Set in the Irish countryside, this is the story of Anthony and Rosemary — loners, eccentric souls, and, perhaps, just right for each other.

MiCA 12/v

Taste of Belgium

Urban Sites

#ThisIsOTR The Anchor

Bakersfield OTR

Collective Espresso The City Flea

Holtman's Donut Shop

Annual OTR 5K & Summer Celebration The Eagle Food & Beer Hall

Although we didn't originate this hashtag, we are thrilled to embrace the social movement showcasing the wonderful aspects of our Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Help tell the OTR story by contributing your own images and tagging with #thisisOTR.

A Tavola Bar + Trattoria

Streetpops

Kaze OTR

Japp's

, It s a date... µ Opening Night ▼

PLAY/Back Discussion

Preview Performance Evening Performance

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² ASL-interpreted Performance

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Gavin Lawrence in The Mountaintop (2014). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Tues, Wed, Thurs Evenings Friday & Saturday Evenings Sunday Evenings Weekend Matinees Student Matinees

7:30 pm 8:00 pm 7:00 pm 2:00 pm 10:00 am

evening performances of * Sunday Sleeping Beauty start at 6:00 pm.

All other evening performances of Sleeping Beauty start at 7:00 pm.

All plays and dates subject to change. Tickets and seating subject to availability at the time of purchase.

All ticket sales are final. Tickets released prior to show time are eligible for a tax credit.

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hands on a hardbody September 2—21, 2014 an iliad October 14—November 2, 2014 sleeping beauty December 3, 2014—January 4, 2015 expectations of christmas (Special Event)

may 2015

December 15, 7:oo pm

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the other place January 27—February 15, 2015 Detroit '67 March 17—April 5, 2015 outside mullingar May 5—24, 2015

Making a date with theatre is easy: We have tickets for every budget and schedule!

Buy early for best availability and prices!

Children 12 and under (any performance).................. $ 18 Students (any performance)........................................ $ 25

*

Half-price and $15 student rush tickets start 2 hours prior to all shows!

(Subject to seating & availability.)

groups of 8+ save Whether it's just you and some friends, your religious or school group, scout troop, or company party, we offer special savings for groups of 8+.

for info & tickets

Dial: 513.421.3555 Surf: www.ensemblecincinnati.org In person: 1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

parking

Convenient parking is available at the Gateway Garage, the surface lot at the corner of 12th and Vine Streets, Mercer Commons Garage, and Washington Park Garage.



Wheelchair-accessible seating, assisted-listening devices, and ASL interpreted performances available.

Above: Ryan Wesley Gilreath & Sara Mackie in Other Desert Cities (2013). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

single ticket PRICES START AT $28

 subscription order form

day previews, Tip: NEW Tues & Saturday Sunday evening, e matinees have th

ns! best seating optio

risk it? Subscribing guarantees that you receive the best possible ticket prices for the * Why 2014-2015 season! Plus, you will enjoy significant savings over single ticket prices.

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choose your subscription Pro-rated subscription options available after season has started.

Qty

Price

Subtotal

Weekend (Fri, Sat, or Sun)

$198

Senior Weekend (ages 65+; Fri, Sat, or Sun)

$ 180

Weekday Saver (Tues, Wed, or Thurs)

$ 1 80

Senior Weekday Saver (ages 65+, Tues, Wed, or Thurs)

$ 168

$ $ $ $

NEW! 5-Show Tuesday Preview

$ 125

$

Student Subscription (available for any day of week)

$ 120

Teen Scene Subscription (ages 13-19, available 2nd Sat. matinee only)

$90 = Subtotal

$ $ $ $

+ My tax-deductible gift to support Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

$

+ Handling Fee

$

= TOTAL DUE

$

(Restricted to preview performance; Excludes holiday production.)

FlexPass Subscription (6 flexible tickets to use any time, any way)

$202

6.00

performance day & seating preferences e.g., Tuesday evening or Saturday matinee; center or aisle seat; wheelchair-accessible seating.

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Season Sponsor:

Additional Support:

Set of Black Pearl Sings! (2013). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Season Presenting Sponsor:

Season Presenting Sponsor:

Season Sponsor:

1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (513) 421-3555 www.ensemblecincinnati.org @EnsembleCincy facebook.com/ensembletheatre

CINCINNATI

Season Funder:

ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Fairy Godmother Sponsor:

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Cincinnati, OH Permit No. 5758

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