Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati 2018-2019 Season Brochure

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI

2018 –2019 SEASON

SUBSCRIBE NOW

FOR THE BEST SEATS AT THE BEST PRICES!

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI

among “three theaters…

heightening [Cincinnati’s] cultural allure,” declares The New York Times.

Todd Almond & a. Beth Harris in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, 2018.

Pictured with band members (L-R) Billy Alletzhauser, Tim Seiwert, Josh Pilot, & Andrew Smithson.

Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

JOIN US FOR THE

2018–2019 SEASON It is with great joy and excitement that I present our 33rd season. I am so excited to welcome you and hope you'll join us for year brimming with the most in-demand plays in the country!

Over the years, my position at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati has become much than a job to me; it is the heart of my career and the home of my heart. And the patrons and artists of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati have become my family of choice and my family of chance.

Our beautiful newly renovated facility and continued dedication to the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood remind us to always look forward to what is next. And this season reflects that. We have chosen plays that consider the state of our country, the state of our community, and the future of both.

This commitment continues beyond the performances themselves.

We are proud to present exciting and engaging programming that complements each production and grants you access into the world beyond the stage, bringing the stories to life in new and entertaining ways.

I look forward to celebrating the 2018-2019 Season with you and invite you to join us for these new and surprising stories. You won’t want to miss a single moment.

D. Lynn Meyers The Ruth Dennis Sawyer/Mary Taft Mahler Producing Artistic Director

This page: Kelly Mengelkoch & Patrick E. Phillips in This Random World, 2017.

Cover: Torie Wiggins & Scot Woolley in His Eye is on the Sparrow, 2018. Photos by Ryan Kurtz.

Ken Early in Red Velvet, 2018. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

DIBS! Banish the box office blues and say see ya to sold-out shows! As a subscriber, you've got the seats and dates you want in advance and you've guaranteed the best prices of the season. Plus, when you subscribe you:

SECURE THE LOWEST PRICES

You can save nearly 30% off single ticket prices depending on the subscription you choose and won't be subject to price increases during the season.

LOCK IN THE BEST SEATS

Worried about not getting those seats you had been coveting? Forgeddaboutit! Subscribers rest easy, knowing their seats and dates are locked in ahead of time.

RECEIVE FIRST ACCESS

Open Sesame! During subscriber-only days, you can make exchanges, reserve FlexPass seats, and purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

ENJOY FREE TICKET EXCHANGES

Something come up? Fret not! As a subscriber, you get unlimited free ticket exchanges. Charges only apply when transferring from preview packages.

SAVE EVEN MORE

The more, the merrier! Subscribers also receive $8 off and do not pay handling fees on unlimited additional tickets.

SCORE EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS

Make it a night out with special offers at area restaurants.

SUBSCRIBE NOW FOR THE BEST SEATS AND PRICES!

513.421.3555 |  www.ensemblecincinnati.org

“Fly By Night will enchant audiences...charming and catchy,” — New York Post

September 1 – 29, 2018 REGIONAL PREMIERE MUSICAL. A gypsy prophecy propels melancholy sandwich-maker Harold and two bewitching sisters through a star-crossed journey of love and connection. Featuring a catchy score and inventive storytelling, this sweeping ode to young love culminates during the Northeast blackout of 1965 and is a tale about finding light in a world beset by darkness.

Production Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

“Fun, family fare...and better than ever,” —Cincinnati Enquirer

BOOK BY

MUSIC & LYRICS BY

November 28 – December 30, 2018 FAMILY– FRIENDLY MUSICAL. Based on the beloved, imaginative tale by Lewis Carroll, this modern retelling is the toe-tapping story of a lost girl, a cool cat, a wild hare, and the original “dancing queen.” Featuring an updated score and exuberant colorful costumes, this beloved musical will delight audiences of all ages this holiday season.

Production Sponsor: Queen of Hearts Sponsor:

“Lindsay-Abaire’s tastily sweet-and-sour Ripcord is great fun,” — Time Out New York

January 19 – February 16, 2019 REGIONAL PREMIERE COMEDY. A sunny room on an upper floor is prime real estate at Bristol Senior Living Facility. So, when cantankerous Abby is forced to share her quarters with happy-go-lucky Marilyn, she has no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman … by any means necessary, with a seemingly harmless bet quickly escalating into a high-flying, dangerous game. This soaring new comedy tugs at our heartstrings as the women discover what is truly worth fighting for.

Production Sponsor: Real Estate Services | Development | Construction

NOMINATED FOR 8 TONY AWARDS, INCLUDING BEST PLAY

“Smart, expertly crafted, moving, and very funny,” — Vogue “The best play of the year. This is a great comedy,” — New York Times

March 2 – 30, 2019 REGIONAL PREMIERE COMEDY. Nora famously slammed the door on her marriage, leaving her family behind in Ibsen’s 1879 revolutionary classic, but what happened to the iconic heroine next? This audacious sequel imagines her 15 years later as a changed woman. Universally acclaimed on Broadway, this smart, sophisticated comedy crackles with razor-sharp humor that speaks directly to today’s audiences, giving new voice to its predecessor’s themes of marriage, fidelity, and personal independence.

Production Sponsor: John Goering

“Unquestionably a strong, formidable work...

Theatregoers won't want to miss,” — Huffington Post

April 13 – May 11, 2019 REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA. Times are rough in 2008 Detroit as a hundredyear-old industry grinds to a halt. As rumors fly about factory closings, a tightknit trio of autoworkers face tough decisions about the future, while their foreman weighs the demands of white-collar management status against his fierce loyalty to his team. From the playwright of Detroit ‘67 comes a powerful and compelling portrait of courage and camaraderie in blue-collar America.

Production Sponsor: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation

2017 PULITZER PRIZE FINALIST

“As thrilling as a World Cup penalty shoot-out,” — Washington City Paper

June 1 – 29, 2019 REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA. Game. On. The Wolves are undefeated, and they plan to stay that way. Fiercely competitive and strikingly talented, these nine elite high school athletes gather each Saturday to battle it out at their indoor soccer league and leave it all—body and soul—on the field. But, when the world outside the game starts to creep onto their turf, will the pack be able to stick together? A ferociously funny and achingly honest portrait of the warriors that are teenage girls, The Wolves is the formidable and unexpected new play taking the theater world by storm.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE EVENT “A wonderfully spooky tale,” — New York Post

October 12 – 27, 2018 SPECIAL PERFORMANCE EVENT. A jaded theatre critic spins a tale beginning with obsession and ending with a descent into a macabre world of vampires in this eccentric, teasing yarn of a play from the multi-award winning author of The Seafarer and The Weir. Is it all a drunken lie? A tantalizing fairy tale? Or is it his own version of a higher truth? Bruce Cromer sinks his teeth into this hauntingly funny one-man play that is storytelling at its spooky best.

Production Sponsor:

ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS ETC offers a variety of ways for audiences to engage with the plays, process, and people behind the work on our stages:

MEET THE ARTISTS SERIES

Dialogues with actors following the second and third Thursday performances, facilitated by a member of the ETC Artistic Staff.

ETC ESSENTIALS SERIES

Conversations with panelists, scholars, and community members that explore the themes and context of our productions before the third Sunday matinee performance.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES

Select performances offered for those with developmental disabilities and their families to enjoy the production with lighting and sound adjustments and other accommodations.

TEEN SCENE SUBSCRIPTION

A subscription on the second Saturday matinee for students ages 13-19, featuring script previews, pre-performance workshops, and discussion and dinner following the show.

STUDENT MATINEES

Group sales are available for any of our public performances for grade schools, middle schools, high schools, home schools, universities and colleges.

ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS

ETC offers audio-described performances, ASL-interpreted performances, wheelchair accessible seating, large-print programs, and assistive listening devices.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE PROGRAMS:

513.421.3555 |  www.ensemblecincinnati.org

2018 –2019 SCHEDULE Sarah Hoch, Michael Gerard Carr & Company in First Date, 2017. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

PERFORMANCE

SHOWTIMES

MAINSTAGE SHOWS

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

* Alice in Wonderland

Sunday evening performances of start at 6:00 pm.

All other evening performances of Alice in Wonderland start at 7:00 pm.

SPECIAL EVENTS St. Nicholas October 12– 27, 2018 Expectations of Christmas December 10, 7:00 pm

Fly By Night September 1 – 29, 2018 Alice in Wonderland November 28 – December 30, 2018 Ripcord January 19 – February 16, 2019 A Doll's House, Part 2 March 2 – 30, 2019 Skeleton Crew April 13 – May 11, 2019 The Wolves June 1 – 29, 2019

Plays and dates subject to change. Tickets and seating are subject to availability at time of purchase.

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

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Please note: St. Nicholas audio-described performance is 2:00 pm on Oct. 21.

Never Been Here?

$15 TRY US OUT TICKETS* *Introductory offer for OH, KY, & IN residents who have never purchased tickets to Ensemble Theatre. Limit two $15 tickets per qualifying household. Valid first week of performances only. Limited quantity available. Available in person or by phone. Fees apply.

SINGLE TICKET PRICES START AT $35 Buy early for the best availability and prices!

*

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 VISIT: 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.

Back cover: Tony Campisi in The Humans, 2018.

This page: Andrew Maloney & Darnell Pierre Benjamin in The Dancing Princesses, 2017. Photos by Ryan Kurtz

Children 12 and under (any performance)...................... $ 24 Students (any performance)................................................ $ 28



2018 –2019

*

SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM

DIBS! Subscribing locks in your seats with the best prices, plus you will never be subject to price increases during the season.

Name :____________________________________________________________________ Address :__________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_____________________________________________________________ Phone:______________________ Email: ________________________________________

CHOOSE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION Pro-rated subscription options available after season has started.

Qty

Price

Subtotal

Weekend (Fri & Sat; Sun matinee)

$248

$

Weekday (Tues, Wed & Thurs; Sun evening)

$ 230

$

5-Show Tuesday/Saturday Preview

$ 164

$

Student

$ 150

$

$114

$

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

(available for any day of week)

Teen Scene

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

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

$256

$

= Subtotal

$

+ My tax-deductible gift to support ETC's 2018–2019 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.

____________________________________________________________

PAYMENT METHOD

For security purposes, do not include your CVV 3- or 4-digit code; we will contact you to get the CVV code before charging.

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Skip the Stamp & Subscribe by Phone: 513.421.3555

Mailing Address: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Attn: Subscriptions 1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

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JOIN US FOR THE 2018–2019 SEASON

YOU'RE INVITED!

@ENSEMBLECINCY

LET’S THEATRE TOGETHER

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 Sponsors:

Additional Support:

Fairy Godmother Sponsor:

CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT NO. 5758

PAID

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE