Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati 2016-2017 Season Brochure

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI

2016 –2017 SEASON

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

OTTO M. BUDIG FAMILY FOUNDATION

 2016-2017 SEASON

This page: Phil Fiorini, Torie Wiggins, & Delaney Ragusa in Violet (2016).

Front cover: Bruce Cromer in An Iliad (2014). Photos by Ryan Kurtz.

THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE

by Matthew Lopez

A young Elvis impersonator just scraping by finds an unlikely path to prosperity in this music-filled comedy about finding your true voice.

BROWNSVILLE SONG (B-SIDE FOR TRAY)

by Kimber Lee

This poignant and powerful drama shines a deeply personal light on the complex life of a student, shot mysteriously in his Brooklyn neighborhood.

CINDERELLA: AFTER EVER AFTER book by Joseph McDonough | lyrics by David Kisor | music by Fitz Patton

Cinderella, the stepsisters, and more are back in the exciting new chapter of our best-selling show, arriving this holiday season!

FIRST DATE book by Austin Winsberg | music & lyrics by Alan Zachary & Michael Weiner

This hysterical new musical comedy explores one of the most dangerous human endeavors in existence: the dreaded blind date.

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND UNAFRAID

by Sarah Treem

In a 1970s underground women's shelter, a new arrival's influence forces the residents to confront their own secrets in this intriguing play.

BLOOMSDAY

by Steven Dietz

An American man searches for the Irish woman who first captured his heart thirty years ago in this charming play that bends time and space.

Kathleen Wise in Grounded (2016). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

"WINNING PRODUCTIONS from start to finish." — CityBeat

One call gives you a year of spectacular theatre! (513) 421-3555

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! BEST PRICES Single ticket buyers pay 30 PERCENT MORE than subscribers for their tickets. Subscribing guarantees that you lock in the best possible ticket prices for the entire season!

A SEAT TO THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN Single ticket buyers miss out on sold-out shows. 50 PERCENT OF ALL PERFORMANCES LAST SEASON WERE SOLD OUT. As a subscriber, you enjoy the peace of mind knowing that your tickets, dates, and prices are secured in advance.

100% TICKET FLEXIBILITY Subscribers enjoy 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 to fantastic area restaurants. Use it to make your theatre night more special.

ADDITIONAL SAVINGS The more, the merrier! Subscribers receive $8 off unlimited additional tickets, so go ahead and bring some friends along.

THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE

EXPERIENCE CAPTIVATING THEATRE Ensemble Theatre has achieved a national reputation by continually bringing visually stunning and inspiring new works to our region. 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 PERFORMANCE SETTING With just 191 seats and only 12 rows, we offer an unparalleled intimate theatrical experience. With no obstructed views, there truly isn't a bad seat in the house. No matter where you sit, you'll feel a 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.

DINING & PARKING OPTIONS We are conveniently located within walking distance of dozens of wonderful restaurants and shops. Plus, with nearby access to parking and public transportation, you can easily enjoy all that Over-the-Rhine has to offer.

ENHANCED AUDIENCE EXPERIENCES Take advantage of our Teen Scene Matinees, PLAY/Back series, and Caffeinated Conversations, all of which are designed to take you more indepth through discussions with our staff and artists.

I invite you to join us this coming season for a year of thrilling productions, designed to take your theatre experience to the NEXT STAGE — emotionally and physically!

Each show has been chosen around the theme of moving forward, changing, and explorations of the soul and the spirit. From a music-filled comedy about finding your voice in an unexpected place with The Legend of Georgia McBride to a seemingly ordinary bed and breakfast that becomes so much more to women seeking shelter with When We Were Young and Unafraid to the shores of Ireland with Bloomsday, a mystical play about a love that might have been, we continually ask 'What's Next' in the coming season.

As this exciting slate of shows about moving forward gets underway on our stage, we will also turn our attention to moving things forward outside our own walls. Our properties span 40% of this block on Vine Street and we are renovating it for you! Inside, you'll find a sneak peek at what's in store for audiences in October 2017. In the meantime, though, subscribe to our upcoming season and be an essential part of what has made Ensemble Theatre the premiere destination for contemporary and compelling theatre.

D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director

Nick CearleyMcAnally in Buyer &and Cellar (2015).

Photo

by Ryan Kurtz. (2012). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Raymond Dale Hodges in Mrs. Mannerly

"A stitch-in-your-side funny first-rate production full of sass and good spirits.” — New York Times

SEPTEMBER 6 – 25, 2016 REGIONAL PREMIERE COMEDY. He’s young, he’s broke, his landlord’s knocking at the door, and he’s just found out his wife is going to have a baby.

To make matters even more desperate, Casey is fired from his gig as an Elvis impersonator in a run-down, small-town Florida bar. When the bar owner brings in a B-level drag show to replace his act, Casey learns that necessity is the mother of reinvention and that he has a whole lot to learn about show business—and himself.

PREMIERE SPONSOR: THE OTTO M. BUDIG FAMILY FOUNDATION PRODUCTION SPONSOR:

"Vivid and rhythmic."— New York Times The breakout hit of the 2014 Humana Festival 2015 Lucille Lortel Award Nominee

OCTOBER 11 – 30, 2016 REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA. Eighteen-year-old Tray is working on his college essay, boxing at the gym, and holding down a part-time job.

When he happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time, a senseless act ends his life, leaving his family to grapple in the wake of his absence.

Pivoting seamlessly between past and present, this shatteringly poetic and compelling drama reveals a family at a powerful crossroads and shines a light on the complex life of a victim lost too young, balancing humor, light, tragedy, and hope with equal weight.

The much-anticipated next chapter of our best-selling show arrives this holiday season!

NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 30, 2016 WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL. This sequel to last year's runaway hit continues the story about what happens following “happily ever after.” What happens when Prince Freddy and Cinderella move into the palace with her diva stepmother and her fabulously self-absorbed stepsisters in tow? Change can be hard, and when Gwendolyn The Well Wisher tries to bring peace to the royal kingdom, she inadvertently sets off a series of chaotic events. This new family-friendly musical will delight audiences of all ages this holiday season.

PREMIERE SPONSOR:

PALACE SPONSOR:

"Sassy, madcap fun." — Associated Press "A winning crowd-pleaser." — Hollywood Reporter

JANUARY 17 – FEBRUARY 5, 2017 REGIONAL PREMIERE MUSICAL. When blind date newbie Aaron is set up with serial-dater Casey, a casual drink at a busy New York restaurant turns into an uproarious high-stakes dinner when other restaurant patrons transform into supportive best friends, manipulative exes, and protective parents, who sing and dance them through ice-breakers, appetizers, and potential conversational land mines. Can this couple turn what could be a dating disaster into something special before the check arrives?

PREMIERE SPONSOR: JOHN GOERING

"Smart and exciting … guaranteed to generate suspense." — New York Times

FEBRUARY 21 – MARCH 12, 2017 REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA. It’s 1972 and Agnes, a single mother and former nurse, runs a quiet bed and breakfast on a remote island off the Washington coast that secretly moonlights as a shelter for battered women.

However, when the latest young runaway rattles their lives, the other residents must confront their own secret pasts. Penned by House of Cards writer Sarah Treem, this thoroughly engaging drama explores the passion of youth, the wisdom of age, and the people who awaken us to new possibilities.

“Dietz’s keen wit …makes this [play] special.” — Seattle Times 2016 Steinberg ATCA Award Finalist

APRIL 4 – 23, 2017 REGIONAL PREMIERE. Robert returns to Dublin to reunite with Cait, the woman who captured his heart during a James Joyce literary tour 35 years ago. Dancing backwards through time, they relive the unlikely, inevitable events that brought them—if only briefly—together. This charming, Irish time-travel-love-odyssey transports audiences into a world of history, humor, and heartache and is a buoyant, moving appeal for making the most of the present before it is past.

2016 –2017

SHOWTIMES

*

MAINSTAGE SHOWS

Tues Previews

7:00 pm

Tues, Wed, Thurs Evenings

7:30 pm

Fri, Sat Evenings

8:00 pm

Sun Evenings*

7:00 pm

Weekend Matinees

2:00 pm

Student Matinees

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

10:00 am

Sunday evening performances of Cinderella: After Ever After start at 6:00 pm.

All other evening performances of Cinderella: After Ever After start at 7:00 pm.

SPECIAL EVENT Expectations of Christmas December 12, 7:00 pm

The Legend of Georgia McBride September 6–25, 2016 brownsville song (b-side for tray) October 11–30, 2016 Cinderella: After Ever After November 30–December 30, 2016 First Date January 17–February 5, 2017 When We Were Young and Unafraid February 21–March 12, 2017 Bloomsday April 4–23, 2017

Above photo: Patrick Phillips & Annie Fitzpatrick in Luna Gale (2015). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

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All plays and dates subject to change. Tickets and seating are 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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ASL-interpreted Performance

COMING SOON

OPENING FALL 2017

Subscribe now to our upcoming 2016-2017 Season and secure priority renewal status in our renovated facilities for the subsequent 2017-2018 Season!

(Artist's renderings of renovated facilities; subject to change.)

Above: Interior view of the new, expanded lobby.

Below: Cross-section of the renovated auditorium.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati's new facilities will include a greatly expanded and more accessible lobby, larger box office, additional restrooms, a dedicated bar and concession area, and new seats, as well as provide more space for educational programming and venue rentals.

Although construction is underway, we still need your support for our Next Stage Campaign. To learn more and to get involved, please visit: www.ensemblecincinnati.org

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

Never Been Here?

$10 TRY US OUT TICKETS* *Introductory offer for OH, KY, & IN residents who have never purchased tickets to Ensemble Theatre. Limit two $10 tickets per qualifying household. Valid first week of performances. Limited quantity available, while supplies last. Available in person or by phone. Fees apply.

SINGLE TICKET PRICES START AT $28 Buy early for best availability and prices!

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

(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 Parking is available at the Gateway Garage, the surface lot at 12th and Vine Streets, and the Mercer Commons and Washington Park garages.



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

Above: Kadeem Ali Harris & Molly Israel in Love and Information (2015). Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

*

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



2016 –2017

*

SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM

WHY RISK IT? Subscribing guarantees that you receive the best possible ticket prices for the 2016-2017 Season! Plus, you enjoy significant savings over single ticket prices.

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CHOOSE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

Qty

Pro-rated subscription options available after season has started.

Price

Weekend (Fri, Sat, or Sun)

Subtotal

$210

$

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

$ 192

$

Weekday (Tues, Wed, or Thurs)

$ 1 92

$

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

$ 186

$

NEW! Sunday Evening Saver

$ 156

5-Show Tuesday Preview

$ 125

$

Student Subscription

$ 120

$

$90

$

$202

$

(subject to exchange fees, where applicable) (subject to exchange fees, where applicable; excludes holiday production)

(available for any day of week)

Teen Scene Subscription

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

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

= Subtotal

$

+ My tax-deductible gift to support ETC's 2016-2017 Season

$

+ Handling Fee

$

= TOTAL DUE

$

6.00

PERFORMANCE DAY & SEATING PREFERENCES e.g., Tuesday evening or Saturday matinee; center or aisle seat; wheelchair-accessible seating.

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Lauren Bowler, Brooke Steele, & Kendra Beitzel in Cinderella (2015). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Image Sponsor:

Season Presenting Sponsor:

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

CINCINNATI

Season Funder:

ENSEMBLE THEATRE

Artwork Sponsor:

Outreach Sponsor:

Additional Support:

Fairy Godmother Sponsor:

CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT NO. 5758

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NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE