2023 – 24 SEASON
presentj
DRACULA
A WORLD PREMIERE By VANESSA SEVERO in collaboration with JOANIE SCHULTZ Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre
@cincyplay @cincinnatip
Season presented by SCHUELER GROUP
INDEX 7
DRACULA
8 10 22
Cast Information Artist Biographies What’s the Deal with Vampires?
ALSO INSIDE 4 20 24 35 38
A Note from Joanie Schultz Coming Next Patron Information Board of Trustees Staff Listing
DRACULA MARKETING VISUAL (ABOVE AND ON THE COVER) BY TONY ARRASMITH/ARRASMITH AND ASSOCIATES.
BOX OFFICE: 513-421-3888 OH, KY, IN TOLL-FREE: 800-582-3208 PATRONS WHO ARE DEAF, HARD-OF-HEARING, DEAF BLIND OR SPEECH DISABLED: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services STAY CONNECTED! WEBSITE: cincyplay.com @cincinnatiplayhouse @cincyplay
2 | 2022–2023
FROM THE PRODUCERS OF
PUBLISHER IVY BAYER
ART DIRECTOR JESSICA DUNHAM
cincinnatimagazine.com 513-421-4300 advertise@cincinnatimagazine.com
stronger arts for a stronger region We don’t make the art you see, 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. With tens of thousands of gifts from people like you, ArtsWave is proud to support Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, plus over a hundred other arts organizations and artists that make our region stronger.
Make your gift today at artswave.org
A NOTE FROM JOANIE SCHULTZ WE ARE THRILLED TO LAUNCH 2024 WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF a new adaptation of Dracula! Presented by our fabulous Leading Ladies, Dracula brings the most famous vampire story of all time back to life onstage in Moe and Jack’s Place — The Rouse Theatre. I am honored to have worked on this script and to co-direct with Vanessa Severo, who wrote and performed Frida…A Self Portrait, and to serve as Associate Artistic Director at a theatre that nurtures the artistic process needed to develop and premiere a brand-new play. One of the things I love about theatre is that we have the opportunity to come together over stories that we tell and retell. In 1897, when Bram Stoker published Dracula, he had no way of knowing how his story would become part of our culture, told and retold over and over in different ways — many of them in live theatre. New versions of old stories are what make theatre a living artform, one that is constantly pulling from our past but is also speaking in the present tense — I hope you will see that in this new Dracula. We dug deep into Stoker’s original text and the multitude of adaptations since. What we found was that these characters are so alive and remain relatable. Each of them feels trapped by society in some way and has a secret or a vice that allows them to release the pressure or express their truth. While we don’t live in the restrictive society of Stoker’s Victorian England — or even 1919, where we have set our story — the tension of living as part of a community while also needing to honor your own individuality is one that continues today. We hope that you’ll also join us for the rest of our season. We have some incredible upcoming work including the Pulitzer Prize finalist Stew by Zora Howard in the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre. It is a beautiful and funny play about three generations of Black women and what connects them. And keep an eye out for the announcement of our exciting 2024-25 season coming soon! See you at the theatre!
Joanie Schultz Associate Artistic Director
4 | 2023–2024
When amazing women come together, great things happen! Thank you to these 2023-24 season LEADING LADIES. This list recognizes members as of December 6, 2023. PROGRAM CO-CHAIRS
Amelia Crutcher and Danute Miskinis GRANDE DAMES
Amelia Crutcher Kelly M. Dehan Vickie Buyniski Gluckman
Linda Greenberg Karlee Hilliard Laurie F. Johnston
BOLD DENOTES STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kelly Lyle Danute Miskinis Linda Muth
Rosemary Schlachter Nancy Sparks
Louise Head Marty Humes Susan Ingmire Judy Kenniston Margo Kirstein Selena McKean Patti Myers
Karen Neyer Marcia Philipps Jenny Powell Betty Prince Debbie White Richardson Cathie Rothfuss Moe Rouse
Diane Rumpke Digi France Schueler Laura R. Turton Susie Tweddell Maureen Vignola Jane Welling
Nancy Steman Dierckes Bethany Doverspike Kay Eby Joyce Elkus Mary Anne Frey Nancy Gaffney Nancy Gollobin Barbara Gould Barbara Hahn Margo Hall Nirvani Head Carolyn Heck Betsy Hendy Helene Herbert Judy Tondi Herd Meg Hilmer Linda R. Holthaus Kim Howland Pat Humphrey Dr. Linda Huntress Diane Iseman Anne Jaroszewicz Clare Jaymes Sarah Raup Johnson Lisa Kagan Arlene Katz Heather Krombholz Patricia Krumm Trish Larsen Lynn P. Larson Terry Lemmerman
Donna Lilley Nancy Lippincott Sally A. Lloyd Laurel Markley Carolyn Ott Martin Nancy C. Martin Kathy McCord Stacy McIntosh Joann Mead Kathy Merchant Audrey E. K. Miller Sarah Mizelle Miller Mary G. Moran Jeannie Niebuhr Niki Pappas Jenny Partridge Debbie Pendl MaryAnn Pietromonaco Jane Portman Ildiko Pray Audra Rance Sherri Adams Remaklus Margie Rennie Carol Holland Rentschler Carol Reubel Danielle Revelson Dr. Jeri B. Ricketts Carole T. Rigaud Buffie Rixey Mary Ellen Roberts Gigi Robison
Karina Rothzeid Jane Rutherford KJ Sanchez Jeanne Tiber Schmerler Carol Serrone Shelly S. Sherman Sue Showers Debbie Renick Sims Laura Skidmore Martha Steier Lib Stone Dr. Susan R. Strick Glenda Suttman Dee Talley Gretchen Thomas Catharina Toltzis Ph.D. Linda Trebbi Dionn Tron Lynn Tumen Ellen G. van der Horst Nancy A. Virgulak Carol Walkner Sarah Warrington Kate Wehby Judy Wells Ronna K. Willis Laani Wuest Linda Elam Young Mary Beth Young Sue Zimmerman
DIVAS
Janet G. Banks Randal S. Bloch Jacklyn Bryson Marjorie Compton Susan Cummings Marilyn Duke Brenda Hausterman STARLETS
Anonymous Nancy Aichholz Sherri D. Allen Janice Amatulli Susan S. Anthony Elizabeth C. Armitage Susan Awadalla Molly R. Barber Jan Bartel Mandy Bartel Marianne Beard Megan Beck Becky Beckstedt Mary Ann Bell Stephanie Besl Cheryl L. Borland Linda D. Brink Carol Campbell Angela Carl Nancy B. Carrothers Susana Chamlee Melanie M. Chavez Fran Christensen Mary Ellen Cody Cynthia Cole Virginia Copley Jean Crawford Judy S. Dalambakis Carol DeGreg Debora Del Valle Kathryn Dierckes
The LEADING LADIES build a welcoming and diverse community of women to support the Playhouse, using a framework of captivating events that incorporate education, entertainment and enjoyment of theatre, with the goal of sponsoring an annual Playhouse production. See what happens when amazing women come together! Contact Kendra Struthers at 513-977-2024 or kendra.struthers@cincyplay.com for more information.
CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK Blake Robison Abby Marcus
OSBORN FAMILY PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MANAGING DIRECTOR
PRESENTS
DRACULA BY
VANESSA SEVERO JOANIE SCHULTZ
IN COLLABORATION WITH
DIRECTORS SET DESIGNER COSTUME DESIGNER LIGHTING DESIGNER SOUND DESIGNER/COMPOSER MAGIC/ILLUSION DESIGNER CASTING DIRECTOR
Joanie Schultz, Vanessa Severo
Yu Shibagaki Kathleen Geldard Pablo Santiago Thomas Dixon Nate Dendy Stephanie Klapper, CSA
FEB. 3 — MARCH 3, 2024 MOE AND JACK’S PLACE — THE ROUSE THEATRE
Artist Sponsor
Artist Sponsor
Honorary Producer
Julie and Steven J. Shifman
Season presented by
Rouse Theatre Season Season Sponsor of New Work Design Sponsor Mark and Nancy
Dawes
Additional support provided by
DRACULA CAST (In alphabetical order) Van Helsing Mrs. Westenra Renfield Lucy Jonathan/James Mina Dracula Dr. Seward Arthur
Rin Allen* Andrea Cirie* Harmon dot aut Mia Hutchinson-Shaw* Torsten Johnson* Mi Kang Kevin Kantor* Julian Remulla* Donovan Woods*
UNDERSTUDIES Van Helsing/Mrs. Westenra Dr. Seward/Renfield Arthur/Jonathan/James Mina/Lucy Dracula
Liz Comstock Torsten Johnson* Aaron Schilling Tess Talbot Donovan Woods*
Stage Manager Assistant Stage Managers
Andrea L. Shell* Brooke Redler*, Mary Kathryn Flynt* Time: 1919 Location: London
DRACULA WILL BE PERFORMED WITH AN INTERMISSION. This production is made possible in part by a generous gift from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. *Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. 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 and with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees-Local No. 5.
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MEDIA SPONSORS Dracula
DRACULA RIN ALLEN (SHE/HER) - VAN HELSING Rin is elated to return to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park! Her previous Playhouse credits include Jane Eyre (co-production with Milwaukee Rep), Treasure Island and The Three Musketeers. Rin has appeared on New York stages in Cyrano de Bergerac (The Theatre at St. Clements), As You Like It and The Tempest (New York Classical Theatre), and Other World (Baryshnikov Arts Center), as well as various virtual projects streamed from New York during the pandemic with Abingdon Theatre Company, Shakespeare@, and Women’s Theatre Festival. Other regional stage credits include Actors Theatre of Louisville, Weston Playhouse, The New Theatre in Kansas City and Adirondack Theatre Festival. On television, Rin has appeared on Law & Order: Organized Crime, and her stunt work can be seen in multiple episodes of Gotham. From an expatriate childhood, Rin returned to the United States to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts from New York University and has since made New York City her home. She is a very proud member of Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA.
ANDREA CIRIE (SHE/HER) - MRS. WESTENRA Andrea is delighted to be returning to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, since last appearing in A Flea in her Ear. Her numerous theatre credits include productions at the Shakespeare Theatre Company, The Old Globe Theatre, Barrington Stage Company, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Syracuse Stage, Geva Theatre Center, Cherry Lane Theatre, Virginia Stage Company, Capital Repertory Theatre, Hartford Stage, Olney Theatre Center and Hudson Stage Company. She also wrote and performed her solo piece VIP at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival. Selected television credits include The Blacklist, House of Cards, Blue Bloods, Law and Order: SVU, Madam Secretary, Younger, The Defenders, Search Party, Unforgettable, For Life and 30 Rock. On film, she appeared in Irresistible, I’ll Meet You There (SXSW Film Festival), The Santa Con, Violet Tendencies, Off the Rails and Flatbush Luck. Andrea is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA and The Actors’ Equity Association.
HARMON dot aut (THEY/SHE)- RENFIELD Harmon is an Autistic/(dis)abled multidisciplinary artist. Their recent New York appearances include Naming Things and Talk Is Cheap (Spectrum Theatre Ensemble) and No Land to Land In (Dixon Place). Regionally, Harmon has appeared in numerous productions over the last 25 years, including William Inge in the musical Goodbye, Kansas; David in The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me; and as a member of the groundbreaking queer comedy troupe, Hot Dish! Harmon is also a recipient of the 2023 Venturous Playwriting Award for their new synesthetic play, Tornado Tastes like Aluminum Sting, premiering in Summer 2024 at The Contemporary American Theatre Festival. A hybrid documentary, The F**k You Spark, about Harmon’s life and art is currently in production. Visit www.redpencilsandgravy.com.
MIA HUTCHINSON-SHAW (SHE/HER) - LUCY Mia is pleased to return to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Her previous credits include Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberly as Lydia Wickham. Off-Broadway credits include The Lucky One (The Mint Theater) and The Birds (59E59). Regional credits include All’s Well That Ends Well (Virginia Shakespeare Festival). Television credits include Shielding Nights (BBC Scotland). Mia has recorded 75+ audiobook titles for various publishing and production houses. She re-
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DRACULA ceived her BFA in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, Scotland, where she was the Sir John Gielgud Bursary recipient. She is an Interlochen Arts Academy alumna. Visit www.miahutchinsonshaw.com.
TORSTEN JOHNSON (HE/THEY) - JONATHAN/JAMES Torsten is pleased to perform at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for the first time. Torsten’s previous stage credits include theatres in New York, such as Second Stage and The Acting Company. Regional theaters include Guthrie Theater, Great Lakes Theater, American Players Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre, Theater Mu, Berkshire Theatre Group, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Door Shakespeare, Interlochen Shakespeare Festival, Warehouse Theater and more. Torsten’s television appearances include Succession, That Damn Michael Che, Dr. Death and Hallmark’s A Holiday Spectacular. Torsten is a graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program and Interlochen Arts Academy. Torsten is also a host of When Crit Happens, a D&D Podcast that explores intersections of fantasy stories and real world issues. You can find more on Instagram @whencrithappens or at whencrithappens.com.
MI KANG (SHE/HER) - MINA Mi is thrilled to be making her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut with Dracula! Mi is a recent Northwestern MFA Acting graduate. Select school credits include Dance Nation, Peerless and Hedda Gabler. Select professional credits include Villette (Lookingglass Theatre), The Chinese Lady (TimeLine Theatre and Indiana Repertory Theatre), John (ArtsWest), The Journal of Ben Uchida (Seattle Children’s Theatre), Jane Eyre and A Tale for the Time Being (Book-It Repertory Theatre), and The Great Inconvenience (Annex Theatre). She is represented by Stewart Talent.
KEVIN KANTOR (THEY/THEM)- DRACULA Kevin is a trans nonbinary actor and performance poet, thrilled to be making their Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut. Selected regional credits include Things I Know to Be True, The Legend of Georgia McBride, A Christmas Carol (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre); All’s Well That Ends Well, The Tempest (Utah Shakespeare Festival); Macbeth (Actors Theatre of Louisville - directed by Les Waters); The Legend of Georgia McBride (B Street Theatre, Hippodrome Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company); and Othello, Twelfth Night, Sense and Sensibility (Island Shakespeare Festival). Television credits include American Crime (ABC) and Chicago Fire (NBC). Kevin’s debut full-length poetry collection Please Come Off-Book (Button Poetry) is available now. They are an alumnus of the Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Professional Training Company. They are proudly represented by Gray Talent Group. You can find them on Instagram @Kevin_Kantor.
2023–2024 | 11
DRACULA JULIAN REMULLA - DR. SEWARD Julian is making his Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut! In New York City, he has performed off-Broadway in Julius Caesar at Theatre for a New Audience. Regionally, Julian has been a part of several seasons at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and has had the pleasure of performing at the Denver Center, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theater and the Contemporary American Theater Festival. On television, he has appeared in Law & Order: Organized Crime and Bull. Visit www.julianremulla.com.
DONOVAN WOODS - ARTHUR Donovan is excited to make his Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut! Hailing from Texas, Donovan is a singer, actor and producer. Recently launching his company Good Judy Studios to promote mental health awareness within brown and Black communities through queer stories of color, Donovan seeks to amplify marginalized voices with his work. Theatre credits include The First Deep Breath (Geffen Playhouse) and Feast: A Yoruba Project (Vineyard Entertainment). Donovan’s regional credits include Hairspray (Starlight Theatre); Between the Lines and A Raisin in The Sun (Kansas City Rep); The Brothers Size and Lifespan of a Fact (Unicorn Theatre); and She Loves Me (Creede Repertory Theatre). Television credits include Primo (Amazon Freevee). Donovan holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Kansas State University and is an AEA member. Donovan would like to thank his family and friends for all their support, the cast and crew, and Vanessa Severo for her work. Follow Donovan on social media @thedonovanwoods and visit www.donovantyrone.com.
LIZ COMSTOCK (SHE/HER) - UNDERSTUDY Liz is happy to return to the newly renovated Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park! Prior Playhouse productions include Murder on the Orient Express and Steel Magnolias, as well as Inspecting Carol - directed by the late, great Ed Stern. Other credits include Bury the Rest (Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati), The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins, Jr. (The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati). She has performed regionally at The Human Race, Victoria Theatre, Commonwealth Theatre Company, Cincinnati Landmark Productions and The Showboat Majestic. Liz is also a Yoga instructor with The Yoga Bar in Newport and for the non-profit agency, Project Yoga where she also serves as Program Manager. She is the proud mama of Frannie and Clark. Liz lives in Cincinnati with her sweet husband, Michael where they perform together in their band, Liz and the Perfectly Adequate Trio! Check them out at lizandtheperfectlyadequatetrio.com.
AARON SCHILLING (HE/HIM) - UNDERSTUDY Aaron is thrilled to be back at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park after performing in last year’s all-new production of A Christmas Carol, as well as Murder on the Orient Express. Additional regional credits include Titanic, Ragtime, The Seagull, Shenandoah and Sleepy Hollow (Serenbe Playhouse); Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, Journey’s End (Atlanta Shakespeare Company); The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley (Theatrical Outfit); La Cage Aux Folles (Out Front Theatre Company); and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Warsaw Federal Incline Theater). Aaron received his BFA in Performing Arts at Western Kentucky University and has spent a year touring with the Atlanta Shakespeare Company. Endless love and gratitude to my incredible family, friends and my soon-to-be-wife, HB. Thank you to everyone out there supporting live theatre.
12 | 2023–2024
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DRACULA TESS TALBOT (SHE/HER) - UNDERSTUDY Tess is thrilled to be back at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, where she was last seen in the all-new production of A Christmas Carol. She also appeared on the Rosenthal Shelterhouse stage in Alias Grace. Tess has over a decade of professional Cincinnati theatre experience and holds credits with Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. You can see Tess on film in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile and Inconceivable (Netflix); Wildfire (Amazon Prime); Kindling (Infinite Abyss Productions); and Remington (finalist in the FilmQuest Festival). She has a BFA in Acting from Wright State University. Tess sends love to her family both biological and theatrical.
VANESSA SEVERO - PLAYWRIGHT/CO-DIRECTOR Vanessa is thrilled to be returning to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Vanessa’s previous Playhouse credits include Frida...A Self Portrait (2020 Kilroys List) and Shane (Movement Director). Movement directing credits include Equus, Milking Christmas, The Death of Cupid (The Living Room Theater); Rubik (playwright, world premiere in Spring 2024), Children of Eden, Icarus Flew (Spinning Tree Theatre); The Wiz (The Coterie Theatre); Dance Nation (Unicorn Theatre); and What’s Your Warrior (US ARMY National). Directing credits include The Lifespan of a Fact, Native Gardens (Unicorn Theatre); Nocturne and Milking Christmas (The Living Room Theatre); The Country of the Blind and Shipwrecked! (Spinning Tree Theatre); Antigonick, Constellations and Blood Wedding (University of Kansas City Missouri-Graduate Program). Vanessa is the recipient of the 11th Round of the Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowships 2017. She is certified in Suzuki Method and Viewpoints under the instruction of Ellen Lauren of the SITI company. AEA Member. Visit VanessaSevero.com. JOANIE SCHULTZ (SHE/HER) - COLLABORATING WRITER/CO-DIRECTOR Joanie serves as Associate Artistic Director for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Prior to coming to Cincinnati, she was a freelance director based in Chicago. Previously at the Playhouse, Joanie directed Origin Story and Frida…A Self Portrait. Joanie has directed at theatres across the country, including Everyman Theatre, GEVA Theatre Center, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Studio Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Cleveland Play House, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Philadelphia Theatre Company. Joanie previously served as Artistic Director of WaterTower Theatre in Texas and before that, as Associate Artistic Producer at Victory Gardens Theater, as part of the Leadership U One-on-One Fellowship funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation administered through the Theatre Communications Group. She was also a Drama League Fellow, a Goodman Theatre Michael Maggio Director Fellow, an SDSF Denham Fellow and a member of the Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab. Joanie holds a MFA from Northwestern University and a BA from Columbia College Chicago in directing. Visit joanieschultz.com.
YU SHIBAGAKI (SHE/HER) - SET DESIGNER Yu is a New York City based set designer, originally from Nagoya, Japan. Recent design credits include Dishwasher Dreams and Exotic Deadly: Or the MSG play (The Old Globe); Madama Butterfly (Boston Lyric Opera); Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon, Villette and Her Honor Jane Byrne (Lookingglass Theatre); 1919 (Steppenwolf Young Adults); Heroes of the Fourth Turning (Studio Theatre); Simona’s Search and Dishwasher Dreams (Hartford Stage); School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (Goodman Theatre); I, Banquo and I, Cinna (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); and more. Visit www.yushibagaki.com.
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DRACULA KATHLEEN GELDARD (SHE/HER) - COSTUME DESIGNER Kathleen has previously designed for past Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park productions including A Chorus Line; Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Alias Grace; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown; Misery; Little Shop of Horrors; and Shakespeare in Love. She most recently designed A Christmas Carol at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, where she also designed Tempest and Macbeth, and designed 39 Steps at the Denver Center. For Actors Theatre of Louisville, she designed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Peter and the Starcatcher and the Humana Festivals from 2015 to 2018. Other regional theatres Kathleen has enjoyed designing for include the Repertory Theatre St. Louis, Signature Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Huntington Theatre Company, La Jolla Playhouse, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Baltimore Center Stage, Weston Theater Company, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre, Round House Theatre, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Imagination Stage, Folger Theatre and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.
PABLO SANTIAGO (HE/HIM) - LIGHTING DESIGNER Pablo is pleased to be back at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, with previous credits including his 2020 debut with Destiny of Desire and the world premiere of Shane. He is a live performance and digital film lighting designer. Winner of the Henry Award, Richard Sherwood Award, Stage Raw Award, and multiple Ovation Award Nominations. Pablo’s designs aim to find evocative images that embody the emotional moment of the show and images that can spark the imagination of the audience to worlds beyond the stage. Pablo has worked at Santa Fe Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Opera Omaha, Boston Lyric Opera, Detroit Opera House, Opera Philadelphia, Long Beach Opera, Prototype Festival, The Industry, Opera Columbus, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Opera Santa Barbara, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Teatro Municipal São Paulo Brazil, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Goodman Theatre, Arena Stage DC, BAM Harvey Theater, Geffen Playhouse, Mark Taper Forum, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Los Angeles Theatre Center, South Coast Repertory, Kirk Douglas Theatre, Ensemble Theatre Company Santa Barbara, Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre, Broad Theater, REDCAT Theater and Hollywood Bowl. Visit pablosantiagodesign.com and follow him on Instagram @pablosdesign.
THOMAS DIXON (HE/THEY) - SOUND DESIGNER/COMPOSER Thomas returns to Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, having previously designed and composed Frida… A Self-Portrait. Thomas is based in Chicago and is an ensemble member at Steep Theatre. Their work has been seen across the country at companies such as Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Kansas City Rep, Cleveland Play House, Geva Theatre Center, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and more. Most recently, Thomas contributed work to the Chicago Architecture Biennial in collaboration with Theatre For One and the Poetry Foundation. Thomas teaches design at DePaul University and Columbia College Chicago. Visit thomasdixonsound.com.
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DRACULA NATE DENDY - MAGIC/ILLUSION DESIGNER Dendy is a magician, actor and designer who has most recently created magic for the Broadway revival and tour of Sondheim’s Company. He has also designed magic for Netflix and for the longest running show headliners in Las Vegas history, Penn & Teller. Off-Broadway credits include David Mamet’s Prairie du Chien and Derren Brown’s Secret (Atlantic Theater Company), and Doctor Faustus (Fault Line Theatre). Regional credits include The Tempest (American Repertory Theater, South Coast Repertory, The Smith Center); The Fantasticks (Arena Stage, Trinity Repertory Company, South Coast Repertory); Angels in America (Risk Theater Initiative); and Twelfth Night (Shakespeare Dallas). He also appears on Penn & Teller: Fool Us (CW Network). Apart from design, Dendy has received a Jeff Award nomination and two Helen Hayes Award nominations for his stage work as an actor. Follow him on Instagram @natedendy.
STEPHANIE KLAPPER, CSA (SHE/HER) - CASTING DIRECTOR Stephanie is overjoyed to continue her 12th season of collaboration with Blake Robison and the fantastic team that comprises Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Recent shows she has cast for the Playhouse include Clyde’s; Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash; Shane; Origin Story; A Chorus Line; Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Rooted; Steel Magnolias; School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play; Need Your Love; The West End; Destiny of Desire; Once on This Island; Alias Grace; and many others. Her award-winning work is frequently seen on Broadway, off-Broadway, regionally, on concert stages, film, television and streaming media. She is dedicated to continuing to expand and champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the business. Connecting creative, caring people to each other to make extraordinary things happen is amongst Stephanie’s greatest joys. She is a member of the Board of Casting Society Cares and a mentor with Fordham High School for the Arts and NYU Tisch School of the Arts Women’s Mentorship.
ANDREA L. SHELL (SHE/HER) - STAGE MANAGER Andrea is excited to be celebrating her 23rd season with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, having worked on more than 100 productions, including 23 world premieres. Favorite Playhouse credits include A Christmas Carol (2006-2021); A Chorus Line; Murder on the Orient Express; School Girls Or, The African Mean Girls Play; Rooted; Alias Grace; The Last Wide Open; Treasure Island; Mr. Joy; Jane Eyre; Bad Dates; The Revolutionists; I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti; Merrily We Roll Along; As You Like It; The Understudy; Blackbird; Durango; Around the World in 80 Days; Altar Boyz; Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming; Reckless; Ace; The Clean House; A Picasso; One; Abracadabra (2002-2007); The Bible … (abridged); and Dark Paradise. She has also stage managed at Dallas Theater Center, The Old Globe, Cincinnati Ballet, Alliance Theatre, The Second City and Ingenuity Festival of Cleve- land. Additionally, Andrea heads Playhouse’s stage management department as the Production Stage Manager, serves as a member of Xavier University’s Theatre Program’s adjunct faculty, and is a contributor for Dramatics. org, writing backstage articles for their online content. Andrea is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. She would like to thank her family, friends, Dylan and Scott for their unending support.
2023–2024 | 17
DRACULA BROOKE REDLER (SHE/HER) - ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Brooke is pleased to return for her seventh season with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Her off-Broadway credits include Breathing Time, The Faire and From White Plains (production stage manager, Fault Line Theatre). Regional theatre credits include Sanctuary City, Frida...A Self Portrait, Destiny of Desire, Once on This Island, In The Heights, Million Dollar Quartet, Summerland and Native Gardens (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Hair: Retrospection, Stillwater, The Whipping Man, August: Osage County, Cabaret and five seasons of A Christmas Carol (production stage manager, Kansas City Repertory Theatre); Peter and the Starcatcher and Richard II (Utah Shakespeare Festival); Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Center Stage in Baltimore); The Drowsy Chaperone, Is He Dead? and Harry the Great (Creede Repertory Theatre). Assistant stage management credits include Our Town, A Flea in Her Ear, Clay, Jitney and Love, Janis (Kansas City Repertory Theatre); and work at Starlight Theatre, Stages St. Louis and Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Brooke also has worked in opera, with summers spent at Cincinnati Opera. She also spent two seasons at The Santa Fe Opera; and has assistant stage managed and production stage managed multiple shows at Opera Long Beach.
MARY KATHRYN FLYNT - ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER MK is thrilled to be back at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Her previous Playhouse credits include A Chorus Line and Shane. Her Broadway credits include Once on This Island; Something Rotten; Les Misérables; Annie; The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert; Billy Elliot: The Musical; The Seafarer; Pygmalion; Journey’s End; Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical; and Monty Python’s Spamalot. Her off-Broadway credits with the Atlantic Theatre Company include The Penitent, The Night Alive and Port Authority. Her national tours and regional credits include Billy Elliot: The Musical and Maybe Happy Ending (Alliance Theatre). She would like to thank her family. Jeremiah 29:11.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF Dramaturg Dialect Coach Scenic Artist Casting Assistants Assistant to the Casting Director Props Run Crew Wardrobe Stitcher Fight Director Assistant Lighting Designer
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Tatiana Godfrey D’Arcy Smith Payton Epperson Emma Balk, Hershey Millner Gracie Guichard Debra Hildebrand, Rachel Locke Julie Hudson, Abby Powers Joe Kovacs Erin Carr Alec Schneider
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT As a step toward honoring the truth and achieving healing and reconciliation with those Indigenous peoples who were affected most by the Doctrine of Discovery* and broken treaties, we acknowledge the traditional Shawnee and Myaamia (Miami) lands on which we now stand, and on which the city of Cincinnati was built. *The Doctrine of Discovery is a principle of international law dating back to the late 15th century that specifically sanctioned and
promoted the conquest, colonization and exploitation of non-Christian territories and peoples. Hundreds of years of decisions and laws continuing right up to our own time can ultimately be traced back to the Doctrine of Discovery — laws that invalidate or ignore the rights, sovereignty and humanity of Indigenous peoples in the United States and around the world.
PLEASE JOIN US AT THESE UPCOMING PRIDE EVENTS! Pride at the Playhouse, Dracula February 29, Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre Pride Family Event, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe April 13, Memorial Hall For more information, visit CINCYPLAY.COM
COMING NEXT
Johnson Investment Counsel and Clark Schaefer Hackett present
STEW By ZORA HOWARD Directed By STORI AYERS ROSENTHAL SHELTERHOUSE THEATRE MARCH 2 – APRIL 7, 2024 Three generations of Black women gather in Mama’s kitchen to cook an important meal — and things are about to boil over. As they take turns preparing a stew, closely held details of their lives rise slowly to the surface. Stew tells a captivating, funny and intimate story about the relationship between mothers, daughters and the realities that bind them together.
PHOTO BY TONY ARRASMITH/ARRASMITH AND ASSOCIATES
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COMING NEXT
LINDA & GARY GREENBERG and ANDREA & DR. EDWARD HERZIG present
THE CHOSEN
By AARON POSNER AND CHAIM POTOK Directed By AARON POSNER MOE AND JACK’S PLACE — THE ROUSE THEATRE APRIL 13 – MAY 12, 2024 How can two directly opposing ideas exist together? Chaim Potok’s classic novel intimately explores such complex and thought-provoking questions as it comes to life on stage. It’s 1940s Brooklyn, and two boys from two very different Jewish communities forge a life-changing friendship. This hugely popular adaptation is a heartfelt exploration of Jewish culture and the human ability to reach out across differences. Sponsored by The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati 2023–2024 | 21
DRACULA WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH VAMPIRES? BY TATIANA GODFREY What’s the deal with vampires? From the Gothic landscapes of Western literature, epitomized by Bram Stoker’s iconic character Dracula, to the beasts of contemporary imagination, perfectly embodied by the rippling, glistening creatures from Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, the myth of the vampire has left an indelible mark on the human imagination. Across centuries and civilizations, the allure of vampires has persisted, evolving through the lenses of myth, literature and popular culture. The legacy of the vampire endures not merely as a relic of the past, but as a mirror reflecting humanity’s perpetual fascination with the mysterious and the forbidden. But why has society continued to return to this creature of the night? First, they’re sexy. Vampires evoke our innermost secret desires. They have an otherworldly charismatic charm; their heightened senses imply a hedonistic sensuality; their need for blood makes their connection to humanity necessarily intimate: The vampire is widely held to be an erotic figure. The human/
Alexander Skarsgård in True Blood: Season 2, 2009
vampire tensions in True Blood, Interview with the Vampire, or even Buffy the Vampire Slayer, drive audiences to question their relationship to blood, dominance, submission, pain, lust, and desiring the undesirable. Of course, casting beautiful people like Alexander Skarsgård, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, and James Marsters and David Boreanaz, respectively, doesn’t hurt.
Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (USA 1994)
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DRACULA her first human kill, fears betraying her family; Lydia is having a hard time putting food (that is not human) on the table; Reginald struggles to be liked and fit in. These vampires wrestle with their humanity just as much as their human counterparts, and audiences empathize with these creatures because they embody the eternal human tension between our innate impulses and our conscious choices. For these creatures whose powers allow them to do almost anything, it’s their choices that then define who they are, exploring with audiences the concepts of agency, mortality, and the enduring struggle for autonomy.
Film Still from Buffy the Vampire Slayer: David Boreanaz © 1997 Warner Brothers Photo Credit: Frank Ockenfels
Second, they’re immortal. With their immortal existence ensured by the drinking of human blood, vampires amplify societal anxiety around death and dying. For this creature, the boundary between life and death is blurred, challenging the inevitability of mortality. What would you do if you could live forever? What would you create and destroy given an eternity? Who would you love and who would you kill in a thousand-million lifetimes? Director of the 2014 film A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night offers that “A vampire is many things: a serial killer, a romantic, a historian, a drug addict, they’re all these things in one.” Vicariously through the vampire, we become these things, too, and experience the infinite possibilities of life. Finally, vampires could eat us, but sometimes choose not to. Contemporary renderings of the vampire encapsulate the essence of what it means to have free will. These beings are built to be predators, and humans their prey. Yet, vampires like Juliette in Netflix’s First Kill, Lydia from Claire Kohda’s Woman, Eating, or Reginald in Syfy’s Reginald the Vampire struggle in very human ways. Juliette, worried about
The exploration of forbidden desires, the allure of immortality, and the symbolic representation of our collective existential dread all contribute to the enduring appeal of vampires. The enigmatic charm of vampires lies not only in their supernatural traits, but in the metaphorical depth they bring to stories, inviting audiences to contemplate the boundaries of morality, the choices that define us, and the timeless allure of the mysterious and the supernatural.
James Marsters in Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 6, 2002 Created by Joss Whedon 2023–2024 | 23
PATRON INFORMATION Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park ADDRESS: 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati, OH 45202 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES: 513-345-2242 WEBSITE: cincyplay.com BOX OFFICE: 513-421-3888 OH, KY, IN TOLL-FREE: 800-582-3208 PATRONS WHO ARE DEAF, HARD-OF-HEARING, DEAF BLIND OR SPEECH DISABLED: dial 711 to connect to the Box Office via Ohio Relay Services ACCESSIBILITY WITH DIGNITY PROGRAM The Playhouse is pleased to offer a variety of services to patrons with special needs. Funding for this program is made possible by Bartlett Wealth Management.
Audio Described and Signed Performances Live audio description for patrons who are sight-impaired and signed performances for those with hearing impairments are offered for designated performances in Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre. For the schedule, visit cincyplay.com. Signers and audio describers for the season are Dawn Caudill, Mark DeWitt, Montez Greer and Mike Snyder.
Hearing Enhancement Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre and the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre both have a hearing loop system which works with existing T-Coil or Telecoil enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants. For assistance, please see a member of our house staff.
Large Print Program Large print programs for those with visual impairments are available upon request at every performance.
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CAMERAS AND RECORDING DEVICES Actors’ Equity Association strictly prohibits the use of cameras or recording devices in the theatre during the performance. CHILDREN Children under the age of 6 will not be admitted to Playhouse productions unless otherwise advertised. Parents with disruptive children will be asked to leave the theatre. CONCESSIONS Al’s Bar serves drinks in two locations – one bar on the main level in the Schueler Lobby and one bar on the upper floor. Casual dining fare and snacks from The Delish Dish are available for purchase on the upper floor. FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY Patrons who are mobility-impaired may be dropped off outside the Playhouse’s main entrance. The walk from the top level of the parking garage to the entrance into the Schueler Lobby to the main level of the Rouse Theatre can be made without having to take any stairs. An elevator is available for access to the balcony level and first rows of the Rouse Theatre and the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre. Accessible seating for wheelchairs is subject to availability and should be requested at the time of ticket reservation.
PATRON INFORMATION GIFT CERTIFICATES Need the perfect gift? The Playhouse offers gift certificates redeemable for single tickets or subscription packages. Call the Box Office or stop by at intermission for more information. GROUP DISCOUNTS Bring your group of eight or more to the Playhouse and receive great benefits and discounts, including special rates for students and seniors. Our popular corporate web discount program allows your employees to book tickets online at a discount whenever they want. Contact the Box Office for more details. LATECOMERS AND READMITTANCE Latecomers are seated at the discretion of the house manager, which may be as late as intermission. Latecomers may be denied admission depending on the demands or structure of a particular production. Please allow yourself adequate time to arrive, park and be seated. Should you need to leave the theatre during a performance, readmittance and seating will be at the discretion of the house manager so as not to disturb the audience and actors. PARKING The Park Board reminds you that Eden Park officially closes at 10 p.m. As a grace period to the Playhouse, the police will not ticket vehicles until one half hour following the end of a performance. The Playhouse assumes no responsibility for anyone receiving a ticket for illegal parking. Convenient parking is available in the Playhouse garage. Purchase parking in advance to secure a space. Parking can also be purchased from our parking attendant immediately before the performance if available. Accessible parking for those with disabilities is located in the Playhouse parking garage. Parking for persons with disabilities is limited and must be reserved and paid for in advance. All vehicles using these spaces must display a valid disability placard.
PROHIBITION OF WEAPONS The Ohio Revised Code (R.C. 2923.126) has established the privilege of carrying a concealed handgun to Ohio citizens who have obtained the proper license. The same law explicitly grants private employers in the state the right to prohibit their employees and visitors from possessing firearms on the employer’s premises. With this notification the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is informing you that it prohibits weapons of any kind on its premises, and reserves the right to search persons, parcels and vehicles on the same. This policy applies to all employees, patrons and visitors to the facility. RESTROOMS There are four types of restrooms: women’s, men’s, all-gender and family. One of each type is available on each level. Restrooms are all wheelchair-accessible. SMOKING/VAPING Smoking/vaping is prohibited in the entire theatre complex.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park acknowledges the following partner companies, foundations, and their employees who generously participate in the annual ArtsWave Campaign at the $100,000+ level. altafiber Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Cincinnati Business Courier Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center The Cincinnati Insurance Companies Cincinnati Reds Duke Energy The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Howard Foundation The Enquirer | Cincinnati.com Fifth Third Bank and Fifth Third Foundation GE Aerospace Great American Insurance Group Greater Cincinnati Foundation The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee The Kroger Co. Messer Construction Co. P&G PNC U.S. Bank Western & Southern Financial Group
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ANNUAL GIFTS This list includes all gifts given to the Playhouse from November 5, 2022 to December 5, 2023, not including Endowment and Capital Campaign gifts. AUDIENCE Anonymous ArtsWave The Charles H. Dater Foundation First Financial Bank Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation Kerry Automotive L&L Nippert Charitable Foundation Ohio Arts Council Ohio Department Of Development Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation The Harold C. Schott Foundation The Schueler Group The Shubert Foundation Margaret and Albert Vontz III*
Dianne and J. David Rosenberg William S. Rowe Foundation Mark and Rosemary Schlachter Skidmore Sales & Distributing Co., Inc. The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Jennifer and Woody Taft Susan Whitman
PLAYWRIGHT Linda and Gary Greenberg* The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati The Daniel and Susan Pfau Foundation Moe and Jack Rouse The Louise Taft Semple Foundation U.S. Bank
SET DESIGNER AmerisourceBergen Gerald and Ricki Ayer Bahl & Gaynor Investment Counsel Ron Bates and Randy Lasley Mark and Lindsay Bibler David and Elaine Billmire Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blatt Douglas Brauch James P. Conway, Jr. and Richard D. Robertson The Crawford Family Foundation Richard and Teddie Curry Scott X. Deters Peter Draugelis The Dunagan Foundation, Inc. Mrs. Victoria Buyniski Gluckman and Dr. Jack Gluckman Clifford Goosmann and Andrea Wilson Fred and Patti Heldman* Richard and Renita Homan Susan Ingmire The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Kremzar Jacqueline M. Mack and Dr. Edward B. Silberstein Craig and Anne Maier Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Manteuffel Barbara and Kim McCracken Kevin and Frances McMurray David and Judith Morgan Dean and Catherine Moulas Patti Myers and Alan Flaherty Sara Phillips Prudential - Matching Fund Amy and John Rosenberg Margo and Sam Ross Sandra and Henry Spitz John and Jennifer Stein Towne Properties Edward Trach Lawrence and Maureen Vignola The Vista Foundation The Maxwell C. Weaver Foundation Julia Wesselkamper and Julian Johnson Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation
PRODUCER Mrs. L.L. Browning, Jr. Chemed Foundation Greater Cincinnati Foundation Mrs. Andrea and Dr. Edward Herzig Johnson Investment Counsel Terry Lemmerman The Markley Family Becky Miars Millstone Fund Ohio Emergency Management Agency Digi and Mike Schueler Julie and Steven J. Shifman Ellen and Ray van der Horst Randolph Wadsworth Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Fund* Barbara M. Weyand DIRECTOR Ruth and Tom Bobenread Tom and MC Brennan Clark Schaefer Hackett Sarah and Tommy Evans Frost Brown Todd The Geiler Company Elizabeth George Patti and Tom Keckeis* David M. and Bet Koeninger Mark and Karen Kremzar John and Susie Lame Jamie and Jenny Leonard Charles and Joann Mead Leon and Barb Meyer Ms. Danute M. Miskinis Diane and Dave Moccia The National Endowment for the Arts Mrs. Deborah White Richardson
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STAGE MANAGER Richard Ernst Diane and Carl Iseman Bill and Mary Jane James Jack and Marilyn Osborn* Richard Goettle, Inc.
Susan and Don Zaunbrecher COSTUME DESIGNER Anonymous 1919 Investment Counsel William P. Anderson Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Robert O. Banks Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bartel Ed and Debbie Birck Thomas J. Breed Susan Brenner and Steven Mombach Jeff and Gay Bullock Ron Bunt and Wei Sun Bonnie and Dick Buten Janet and Bruce Byrnes Robert S. Castellini Denise and Martin Chambers Jack and Virginia Copley Kelly M. Dehan Elise Eaton Allen Fund * Michael and Amy Fitzgibbons Peggy L. Golden and Kerry J. Klumpe Betsy and Dave Hendy Bernita McCann Hightower Linda R. Holthaus Carolyn and Michael Hoyt Ellen and Garrett Jackson* Johnson & Johnson - Matching Fund Dr. Robert Keith and Kathleen Thornton-Keith Marvin Kolodzik Mr. and Mrs. Stephen S. Lett Carolyn Ott Martin Mr. Roy A. Mitchell Samuel Moore, Jr. Judy and Thomas Oxman Tom and Linda Palmer Stuart and Ildiko Pray Betty L. Prince Audra Rance Rob and Gretchen Reifsnyder Betsy and Jerry Shroat Elizabeth C. B. and Paul G. Sittenfeld Rick Slack Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Smith Robert D. Temple and Sue E. Auerbach Mr. and Mrs. Scott Tieke Barbara and Daman Turner JoAnn Ward Water Tower Fine Wines WesBanco Jo Ann Wieghaus Anthony and Sally Woodward LIGHTING DESIGNER Anonymous (4) 25th Hour Susie Ackermann Liz and Hank Alexander Gordon Allen and Linda Baas Louise Allen and Tom Gougeon Sherri D. Allen Americana Arts Foundation Thomas and Susan Anthony
ANNUAL GIFTS Eric and Brenda Armstrong Family Fund* Mary Ann and Doug Bell Judith and Louis Belli Kit Berger John Berninger Kenneth W. and Dawn H. Bertsche Randal S. Bloch Sandra Bolek Mr. and Mrs. Ken Borisch Joyce Borkin Barbara and Neal Bronson David and Marybeth Brothers Dr. Jane Brown and Mr. Paul Beck John and Peg Bruggeman Jackie and Gary Bryson The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation Eric Burgmann and Linda Vaccariello David and Sara Butler Terri and John Byczkowski Larry and Julie Chandler James Cissell Burton and Susan Closson Mr. Rick Coffey Leland M. and Carol C. Cole Kathy Collins and Joe Giglia Pearl J. Compaan, M.D. Marjorie Compton The Cord Foundation Kassy and Jeff Corken Amelia Crutcher Susan Cummings Anne Dagenbach Judy S. Dalambakis Florence and Tom DeWitt Kathryn Dierckes Michael and Kathleen Doherty Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Dorward William G. Dorward III Timothy Douglas Emilie and David Dressler Fund* Marilyn Duke Allison and Rick Edwards Ms. Joyce Elkus Eric and Judy Ellis Lissy Fabe and Chris Taylor Matthew Feldman and Julie Baker Louis A. and Lisa K. Fender Grayson and Sarah Fitzhugh Mary and Bob Fitzpatrick Paul and Nancy Gaffney Edward Gemperle Richard and Kathleen Glaser Donn Goebel and Cathy McLeod Tom Gougeon Carl and Joyce Greber Ham and Ellie Hamilton Walter and Karen Hand Richard D. Hannan Family Foundation Teri and Mike Haught Brenda Hausterman Jeb and Nirvani Head Louise Head Jane E. Henney, M.D. and J. Robert Graham, M.D. Karlee L. Hilliard Hixson Architecture, Engineering, Interiors Noel and Karen Hofmann Karen and David Hoguet Barbara J. Howard Marty Humes
Pat Humphrey Maite Iraolagoitia Patti and Keith James Sylvia Johnson Wendy and Jeff Johnson Laurie F. Johnston James and Brenda Jones Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Keenan Arleene Keller Robert A. and Marian K. Kennedy Charitable Trust Judith and Ken Kenniston Beverly Kinney and Edward Cloughessy Margo Kirstein Kohnen Interior Design ‘Meg Kohnen’ Kathleen B. and Michael C. Krug* Randolph and Patricia Krumm Jo Ann and George Kurz Mr. and Mrs. John LaMacchia In memory of Ms. Lisa Jo Lambert Dr. John Larkin Lynn P. Larson Susan J. Lauf Dr. Carol P Leslie Donna Lilley Whitney and Phillip Long Kelly Lyle Kay Lynch and Chuck Beckman Mark K. Mandell-Brown MD Ward and Ellen Maresca David Martin Ms. Margaret E. Mathile Elizabeth Mayfield* McDonald Family Foundation Selena McKean Burton D. Morgan Foundation Nora E. Moushey Linda Muth Karen Neyer Michael Nordlund and Lisa Lee Marilyn Z. Ott Ana Silvia Ouro Melissa and John Panzeca Alice W. Perlman Marcia Philipps Phillips Family Fund* Ed and Jill Plageman Mr. and Mrs. Don Popelar Jenny Powell Prolink Gerald D. Rape Jeff and Lori Raser Mitch and Karen Rashkin Robert and Connie Reed Ms. Carol Reubel Alison and Rob Rice Mr. and Mrs. Gates T. Richards Ridgeway Foundation Ellen Rieveschl Charles Scott Riley III Foundation Buffie Rixey Mary Ellen Roberts Blake Robison and Connan Morrissey Jolene E. Rockwood Cathie Rothfuss Jim Rubenstein and Bernadette Unger Bill and Diane Rumpke, Jr. Ann Saluke and Don Yelton KJ Sanchez David Savage Austin Schiff
Martha and Lee Schimberg Pat and Paul Schlecht Michael and Jeanne Schmerler Charles and Alice Schneider Carol J. Schroeder P. Robert Schwetschenau MD Linda and Tom Senter Kathy Shell and Joetta Prost Ivan and Karen Silverman Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Simon Gerald and Sarah Skidmore Skyline Chili Steven Smith Nancy Sparks Tom and Dee Stegman* Dr. and Mrs. Peter J. Stern Stephanie and Joseph Stitt Elizabeth A. Stone* Dr. Susan R. Strick Carol Striker Tom and Keri Tami Eddie Taylor, Jr. Thembi Speaks LLC Laura R. Turton Susie Tweddell Doug and Molly Tyger Daniel G. Walker and Lisa Capurro Richard and Jill Warman Warren County Foundation Larry Weber Jane Welling Judy Wells Carol and Rich Wilson Joan Wood ACTOR Anonymous (5) Nancy Aichholz Janice Amatulli Mr. and Mrs. R. Bruce Anderson Vic and Dee Angel James Anthony and Sarah Corathers Elizabeth C. Armitage Bruce and Helene Ault Susan Awadalla Molly R. Barber Mandy Bartel Kate and Bill Baumann Marianne Beard Megan Beck Gale and Dave Beckett Becky Beckstedt Thelma Bergman Stephanie Besl Bren Blaine and Barbara Carr Jane and Gary Booth Cheryl L. Borland Mark Bowen Linda D. Brink Dr. Daniel T. Brown, DDS and Mr. Mark Haggard Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bullock Jack and Marti Butz Jane and Frank Caccamo Carol Campbell Angela Carl Conni Carlson and John Reynolds Nancy B. Carrothers Mr. Anthony G. Carter and Family Mr. and Mrs. Lee Ault Carter Chris and Jim Cartledge Susana Chamlee Gary Chandler 2023–2024 | 27
ANNUAL GIFTS Melanie M. Chavez Fran Christensen Mary Ellen Cody Cynthia Cole Loretta and David Cook Robin Cotton and Cindi Fitton Mrs. Martha S. Crafts Jean and John Croxton Mark Dauner Deborah Davis Nancy and Mark Dawes Michelle de la Vega Carol DeGreg Debora Del Valle Jan Denton Jeffrey and Sharon DeRossette Carol Deyhle Diamond/Wolf Family Nancy Steman Dierckes Thomas Donnelly Dr. and Mrs. Walter E. Donnelly, Jr. Bethany Doverspike Bob and Kitty Dunn Kay Eby Dr. and Mrs. Michael Farrell Michael Federle Mr. Robert C. Fee Barbara Ann Feldmann Mr. Kenneth Fischer Dr. and Mrs. Bernard Foster Mary Anne Frey Lynne Friedlander and Jay Crawford Dr. Richard E. Friedman Gene Fugate Jim and Elaine Goldschmidt Nancy Gollobin Madeleine Gordon Barbara Gould Gradison Foundation Margaret E. Hagar Mary and Phil Hagner Barbara Hahn Margo Hall Jeff Hanna and Peggy Eberhard Jim and Sally Harper Carolyn Heck Mrs. Anne P. Heldman* Helene Herbert Judy Tondi Herd Meg Hilmer Dale Hodges and David F. Logan Mark and Deanna Hollon Kim Howland Joseph Huber and Shelli Smith Amy Hughes Dr. Linda Huntress Nada Huron Anne Jaroszewicz Clare Jaymes Jewish Home of Cincinnati Mark and Sarah Johnson Don and Frani Jones Lisa Kagan Dr. Toni and Rabbi Ken Kanter Amy J. Katz Arlene Katz Mr. and Mrs. Thomas T. Keating Peter and Sandy Keiser Barbara and Mike Kelly Rosalynd Kendall Tom and Judith Kinman David and Janice Klocke Mr. and Mrs. John Kmet Lisa Knochelmann Heather Krombholz
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Mark and Elisabeth Kuhlman Bill and Evie Landrigan Mr. Edward Lanzit Patricia and Glenn Larsen David and Linda Latham Mary Kay Levesay Nancy Lippincott Sherwin Little Sally A. Lloyd Mr. and Mrs. Damon Lynch, Jr. Thomas and Jean Macejko Len and Sherie Marek Laurel Markley Nancy C. Martin Bradley Mathis Ron Matson and Dan Young Susan Matz David and Diane McClain Kathy McCord Stacy McIntosh Jeff and Debbie McNaul Stephanie McNeill Hope Earls McSwigan Kathy Merchant Jerome Merski Richard I. Michelman and Karen E. Meyer Audrey Korn Miller Sarah Mizelle Miller Mr. and Mrs. David A. Millett Mary G. Moran Scott and Barb Muhlhauser Joyce and William Mullins Jeannie Niebuhr Nottinghill Investment Advisers, Ltd. J. Brett Offenberger and Douglas Duckett Kelly O’Neill and Sue Aley Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Oppelt Kit and Jack Overbeck Niki Pappas Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Pardekooper Carl Parrott and Molly Katz Fund* Jenny Partridge Joanie and Richard Paulsen Debbie Pendl Diane and Jeff Pfaff MaryAnn Pietromonaco Philip J. Poon Jane Portman Nancy and Bruce Prewitt Phil and Susan Price Leo and Sarah Pulte Michelle Ramsey Sherri Adams Remaklus Margie Rennie Carol Holland Rentschler Danielle and Kenneth Revelson Jeff and Joyce Rich Dr. Jeri B. Ricketts Carole T. Rigaud Drs. Jay and Janalee Rissover Gigi Robison Priya and David Rolfes Rita Ross Karina Rothzeid Richard and Barbara Ruddy Mr. Richard H. Russell Jane M. Rutherford James Sanitato Ann Santen* Roger and Glenda Schorr* William and Sandra Selvey Carol Serrone
Ms. Connie Sheets Shelly S. Sherman John L. Shields Sue Showers Debbie Renick Sims Mary Lee and Louie Sirkin Laura Skidmore Susan and David Smith Ellen Pease and V. Clark Sole, Jr. Steelcase Foundation - Matching Fund Martha Steier Robert L. and Christine J. Steiner* Glenda Suttman Dee Talley Carlos and Roberta Teran Amy and Bill Thaman Gretchen Thomas Gordon and Mary-Anne Thompson J. Dwight Thompson Morley and Brenda Thompson Catharina Toltzis Ph.D. Linda Trebbi Valerie and Mike Trentman Dionn Tron James and Susan Troutt Lynn Tumen Judy and David Van Ginkel Nancy A. Virgulak Carol Walkner Liz and Dave Wallingford Sarah Warrington Dr. and Mrs. Nelson B. Watts Dr. and Mrs. Barry W. Webb Kate Wehby Mary Ann and Ted Weiss Dr. Donald R. and Patricia R. Welti Philip and Cathy Wenger Brendan and Julie White Chris and Diane Williams Robert L. and Judy A. Wilson, Jr. Susan and Dean Windgassen Daniel and Jessica Woo Mark Woolsey Dr. Julie Workman Marsha and Robert Wuerdeman Laani Wuest John M. Yacher Linda Elam Young Mary Beth Young David and Cynthia Zink STAGEHAND Anonymous (17) Ms. Susan Adick James Albert Ms. Kathryn Allred Al-Lamadani Lisa Allgood Camilla Baker Mr. and Mrs. Jack Baldwin Barbara and Roderick Barr* Wayne and Barbara Beimesch Miss Martha L. Bell Bill and Janet Berger Doug and Judy Betz The Blackley Family Mr. and Mrs. Ben Blackmer Katy Bodenburg Barry and Debbie Brandstetter Julie Broadwell Helena and Randy Brooks Michael Brown Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey T Bruestle Nancy and Thomas Bunnell
ANNUAL GIFTS Mark and Diane Bunte Kirsten E. Carlson Julie and John Cohen The Contemporary Arts Center Mark Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Roy Cotcamp Mr. and Mrs. Richard D’Augustine Mr. Frank Davis Marilyn J. Derfus Sally Dessauer Mr. and Mrs. Dave Distel Tim and Tina DuMont John and Liz Dye Mr. Cameron Ehteshami Howard Elliott Delores J. Erby Dr. and Mrs. William Faulkner Bill Ferring Maureen Flanagan and Will Groneman Kenneth Fouts John and Susan Frank Mr. and Mrs. James A Fraser Edward Freeman Sharon and Dennis Geiger Robert Gilmore Frank and Karen Girolami Daniel P. Goetz and Pattie Messmer Dr. and Mrs. Samuel Greengus Phillip Griggs Marla and Gary Gross Jan C. Hall Joyce and Jim Hamberg Charles Hayes and Katherine Kennedy Gwenn and Mark Heintzelman Bertie Hertz David and Elizabeth Himes Daniel J. Hoffheimer Richard and Marcia Holmes Mark Holtgrefe Noel and Angela Horne Dr. Carol Hubbard Charlie and Janie James Kyle and Sue Jones Andrew Kaplan Gayle Keating Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Kelly
Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Kissel Michael and Paula Kunka Shawna K. Langworthy Manuel J Lanker Kathy and Tom Liguzinski Jim Lippert and Carrie ShortLippert Elia Lopez William and Linda Lunceford Ms. Carol MacGregor Dave and Lee MacKenzie Mr. and Mrs. Barry Malinowski Charles and Jennifer Margolis David Mason Suzanne Masterson Kent Mathias Raymond and Madelynn Matlock Mr. and Mrs. David J. McAdams, in honor of Vickie and Bruce Ellis Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. McGraw Timothy C. Miller Joel Monteith and Barbara MustoeMonteith Jeremy and Amy Moore Terry and Jannelle Moore Mr. Jerry Morgan Linda B. Myers Paul and Kathy Neff Bruce and Neda Nutley Diane and Mike O’Brian Neil J. O’Connor Carol and Robert Olson Terry Parsons Ms. Chrissy Parten The Patel-Curran Family Mr. and Mrs. Donald Peairs Janet Phillips David Piatt Fund* Dan and Janet Pieschel Les and Molly Polasky Mr. and Mrs. James Pretz Traci Punch-Alexander and David Alexander Michael and Nelda Purdon Jennifer Ramage Ms. Sue Richey Sue Richmond Pete and Debbie Rizzo
Sylvia Robison Linda Roomann and William Slutz Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Rottinghaus Josie Russo Michael and Christine Ryan Henry Saas Mark and Jan Sass Michael and Kathie Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. James Sherlock Sandy and Hal Shevers Robin and Murray Sinclaire Robert and Linda Singer Robert Skinner Jack and Barbara Smith Alan and Glynis Smulian Jennifer Soaper Martha and John Spiess Jeff and Michele Starke Richard and Carol Stevie Joe and Gladys Stolz Gunther and Sara Storjohann Kendra L. Struthers Stuart and Terry Susskind Dr. Alan and Shelley Tarshis Dr. Gary A. Thompson and Dr. Lisa E. Dunlap Robert and Marcia Togneri Marty C. Tomb Torey and Tom Torre Ann Marie Tracey and Daniel Buckley Gloria Uziel and Patrick Shea, M.D. Judith Verhave Dr. and Mrs. Galen R. Warren Gary and Rayma Waters Ms. Marilyn Weber John and Bianca Wellbrock Steve Wilken Rev. Anne Warrington Wilson Bob and Sandie Wubbolding John and Peggy Zink *Denotes a fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation
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INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTERS As of December 18, 2023
$50,000+ ANONYMOUS
ROBERT AND ADELE SCHIFF FAMILY FOUNDATION
THE HAROLD C. SCHOTT FOUNDATION
$20,000 – $49,999 LOUISE TAFT SEMPLE FOUNDATION
$10,000 – $19,999
NELLIE LEAMAN TAFT FOUNDATION
WILLIAM S. ROWE FOUNDATION
$5,000 – $9,999 MAXWELL C. WEAVER FOUNDATION
THE WOHLGEMUTH HERSCHEDE FOUNDATION
$1,000 – $4,999 AMERICANA ARTS FOUNDATION THE CORD FOUNDATION
WILLIAM P. ANDERSON FOUNDATION
ROBERT A. AND MARIAN K. KENNEDY CHARITABLE TRUST
EMERGENCY SUPPORT The Playhouse would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the governments and institutions that provided critical support during the COVID-19 crisis: U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OHIO EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
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ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE Honoring the Playhouse’s most generous friends, the Artistic Director’s Circle is specially designed to deepen your connection by getting you “behind the scenes” with Blake Robison and other members of the Playhouse Artistic team.
Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison interviews Clyde’s Director and Board Member Timothy Douglas at an Artistic Director’s Circle Dinner in 2023
WE’D LIKE TO THANK THE CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE FOR THEIR GENEROSITY! Anonymous Gerald and Ricki Ayer Ron Bates and Randy Lasley Mark and Lindsay Bibler David and Elaine Billmire Mr. and Mrs. Robert Blatt Ruth and Tom Bobenread Tom and MC Brennan Mrs. L.L. Browning, Jr. James P. Conway, Jr. and Richard D. Robertson The Crawford Family Foundation Richard and Teddie Curry Richard and Lisa Ernst Sarah and Tommy Evans Elizabeth George Mrs. Victoria Buyniski Gluckman and Dr. Jack Gluckman Linda and Gary Greenberg* Jeb and Nirvani Head Brian and Helen Heekin Fred and Patti Heldman* Mrs. Andrea and Dr. Edward Herzig Richard and Renita Homan Susan Ingmire Diane and Carl Iseman
Bill and Mary Jane James Patti and Tom Keckeis* David M. and Bet Koeninger Mark and Karen Kremzar Mr. and Mrs. Michael H. Kremzar John and Susie Lame Terry Lemmerman Jamie and Jenny Leonard Jacqueline M. Mack and Dr. Edward B. Silberstein Craig and Anne Maier Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Manteuffel The Markley Family Barbara and Kim McCracken Kevin and Frances McMurray Charles and Joann Mead Leon and Barb Meyer Becky Miars Ms. Danute M. Miskinis Diane and Dave Moccia David and Judith Morgan Dean and Catherine Moulas Patti Myers and Alan Flaherty Jack and Marilyn Osborn* Sara Phillips Danielle and Kenneth Revelson Mrs. Deborah White Richardson
Amy and John Rosenberg Dianne and J. David Rosenberg Margo and Sam Ross Moe and Jack Rouse Mark and Rosemary Schlachter Digi and Mike Schueler Betsy and Jerry Shroat John and Jennifer Stein Jennifer and Woody Taft Robert D. Temple and Sue E. Auerbach Edward Trach Ellen and Ray van der Horst Lawrence and Maureen Vignola Margaret and Albert Vontz III* Randolph Wadsworth Barbara and Irwin Weinberg Fund* Barbara M. Weyand Susan Whitman Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis Susan and Don Zaunbrecher *Denotes a fund of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation List as of December 6, 2023
Stay tuned for an exclusive “behind the scenes” event, specially curated for members of the Artistic Director’s Circle! For more information, please contact Sneja Tomassian at 513-977-2081 or email at sneja.tomassian@cincyplay.com. 2023–2024 | 31
THE MORSE JOHNSON SOCIETY Thanks to your vision and commitment to the Playhouse, we can continue to produce extraordinary theatre for Playhouse audiences of tomorrow. We are grateful to you for including the Playhouse in your estate plans. This list recognizes members of the Morse Johnson Society as of December 8, 2023. Anonymous Romola N. Allen Henrietta Barlag Roderick and Barbara Barr Peggy Barrett Martha L. Bell Mr. Neil Billman David and Elaine Billmire Thomas J. Breed Charlin Briggs Rosemarie Brown John and Peg Bruggeman Susan and Burton Closson Carol C. Cole Richard and Teddie Curry Guy and Cathy DeDiemar Kelly M. Dehan and Richard J. Staudigel Marilyn Derfus Jackie Dieckman and Mike Camery Mrs. James M. Edwards Barbara Fitch In memory of Phyllis A. Followell, my heart Allison Gerrety Victoria Buyniski Gluckman Madeleine H. (Mady) Gordon J. Frederick and Cynthia Gossman Linda and Gary Greenberg Jan and Herman Groshoff Mary Hainline Cheryl Harden-Love Mrs. Robert J. Hasl Robert and Judith Heaton Andrea and Dr. Edward Herzig Karlee L. Hilliard Susan M. Ingmire Andrew MacAoidh Jergens Judith E. Johnson
M. J. Johnson Jan and Jay Kalagayan Winifred B. Kessler David and Janice Klocke Mike and Marilyn Kremzar Randolph and Patricia Krumm Ms. Abby E. Langdon Minor and Dan LeBlond Terry Lemmerman Mary V. Lierl Barbara Lyons Jacqueline M. Mack James A. Markley, Jr. David L. Martin David Mason Ron Matson and Daniel Young Barbara and Kim McCracken Charles and Joann Mead Becky Miars Lauren and James Miller David and Diane Moccia William J. and Mary G. Moran Patti Myers and Alan Flaherty Ronald and Debi Nash Richard and Julia Okenfuss Charlotte and Robert Otto Carolyn Parker Charlie and Tara Pease Jenny and David Powell Betty L. Prince Pamela Reising Ellen Rieveschl Richard Rosenthal Jack and Moe Rouse Robert and Dell Ann Sathe Mark and Rosemary Schlachter Carol J. Schroeder Digi France Schueler John L. Shields
Jerry and Betsy Shroat Ann M. Simsic Mrs. Paul G. Sittenfeld Adrienne Angst Smith Louise W. Spiegel Francis and Susan Stanton Nancy M. Steman Sidney Thomas Diane D. Todd Marty C. Tomb Ellen and Ray van der Horst Margaret and Albert Vontz III Daniel G. Walker JoAnn and Paul Ward Dr. and Mrs. Nelson B. Watts Jim and Jo Ann Weber Irwin and Barbara Weinberg Barbara M. Weyand Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis Susan and Don Zaunbrecher POSTHUMOUSLY REMEMBERED Anonymous Helen and Charles Abramovitz Mrs. Thomas Adler Robert H. Allen Karen H. Bell Frank and Rosemary Bloom Peter Briggs Jack G. Brown Leland M. Cole Eva Jane Romaine Coombe John V. Crable John F. Curley Anne Elkins Didrichsen Mrs. Elizabeth Easley James M. Edwards
Have you included Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in your estate plans? We would love to hear from you. Please reach out to Lynn Smith at Lynn.Smith@cincyplay.com or (513) 977-2067 so we can properly recognize you for your gift and welcome you into the Morse Johnson Society.
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Felix and Weta Mae Elkins Margaret M. Embshoff Jerome A. Fey and Robert J. Schlafle Stona Fitch William A. and Susan S. Friedlander Oliver M. Gale Charles and Caroline Goering Peter Hainline Carlyn G. Hamilton Dr. Robert J. Hasl Mrs. Morse Johnson Stanley M. Kaplan, M.D. Keith Lemmerman Ron Lyons Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Morelli Jack and Marilyn Osborn Maurice E. Oshry George Rieveschl Launcey Roder Lois Rosenthal Gene F. Santoro Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Schiff, Sr. Karl and Roberta Schlachter Mary Louise Schroth Marsha Shields Paul G. Sittenfeld Rick Steiner Jane K. Steinfirst Thurza R. Sternberg Charles and Sue Straus Charles L. and Joan Thomas, Jr. Lynda A. Thomas Dr. Thomas Todd Howard Tomb Albert Vontz, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Dick Waite Gladys C. Warshauer Monte Witte
B E L L A U R E T A , L E N A I A . W I L K E R S O N , M A I Z YA L E T V E L Á Z Q U E Z | P H O T O G R A P H Y : R A C H E L N E V I L L E
RECOGNITION GIFTS We are grateful to the following friends who have chosen to honor a loved one through a donation to the Playhouse. The following recognition gifts have been received from November 5, 2022, through December 5, 2023. IN HONOR OF JIM CONWAY Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis IN HONOR OF ANNIE FITZPATRICK Blake Robison and Connan Morrissey
IN HONOR OF NIRVANI HEAD Richard D. Hannan Family Foundation IN HONOR OF BLAKE ROBISON Anonymous
IN HONOR OF LINDA GREENBERG Linda and Tom Senter
IN HONOR OF MOE AND JACK ROUSE Daniel Hoffheimer J. David and Dianne Rosenberg IN HONOR OF RONNA AND JIM WILLIS Joyce Elkus
MEMORIAL GIFTS We are grateful to the following friends who have chosen to remember a loved one through a memorial gift to the Playhouse. The following memorial gifts have been received from November 5, 2022, through December 5, 2023. IN MEMORY OF RENEE ALPER Gregory Alper IN MEMORY OF MARTHA GARRISON ANNESS Tommy and Sarah Evans IN MEMORY OF KAREN BELL Edward Lanzit IN MEMORY OF KIM BLACKLEY The Blackley Family IN MEMORY OF FRANK BLOOM Ralph Bloom IN MEMORY OF BRUCE E. COYLE Rebecca J. Graham IN MEMORY OF SUSAN FRIEDLANDER Michael and Mary McGraw IN MEMORY OF GAIL FRIEDMAN Dr. Dick Friedman IN MEMORY OF RICHARD AND JEANNE HANNAN Richard D. Hannan Family Foundation IN MEMORY OF MORSE JOHNSON Daniel Hoffheimer IN MEMORY OF JUDGE ROBERT S. MARX Daniel Hoffheimer
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IN MEMORY OF W. ERNST MINOR Burton and Susan Closson IN MEMORY OF JACK OSBORN David and Marilyn Beran Mary Anne Brennan JW Carter Family The Contemporary Arts Center Meredythe and Clayton Daley Barbara J. Fitch Dawn and Chris Hock Linda Holthaus and Richard Zinicola Susan Ingmire and Lynn Hailey Peggy and William Jackson Carl Kalnow Kohnen Interior Design ‘Meg Kohnen’ Dr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Luttmer Mellott & Mellott, P.L.L. Timothy C. Miller Patti Myers and Alan Flaherty Tolli Pugh Richard Rosenthal Kathy Schultz Ed and Ronda Smith Ms. Patricia Smitson and Dr. Walter Smitson Carol Turner Winslow Turner Upson Nancy VandenBerg Ellen and Ray van der Horst Judith Verhave Larry and Maureen Vignola Diane and Gary West Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis IN MEMORY OF MARILYN OSBORN Gail Bain David and Marilyn Beran Meredythe and Clayton Daley Barbara J. Fitch Jan Hall
Susan Ingmire and Lynn Hailey James O. Newman Timothy and Eileen Oppelt Susan and Dan Pfau Tolli Pugh Ken and Susan Schlachter J Dwight and Deanna G. Thompson Ronna and Dr. James B. Willis Mark Woolsey Ellen and Ray van der Horst IN MEMORY OF BARBARA RIPPETOE Anonymous (2) Barbara Barclay Bob and Karen (Burr Durgin) Bernaski Toni, Nestor Dana (Burckhart) and Eric Bojarczuk Michele Foss Candice Hall Barbara Martin IN MEMORY OF EDWARD SCOTT TIEKE Sally Wentworth Tieke IN MEMORY OF ELLEN PEASE SOLE Ellen Pease Sole IN MEMORY OF LYNDA THOMAS Sherie Marek Laurence Weber
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OFFICERS Digi France Schueler President
James C. Leonard Vice President
Stephen Lett Secretary
Dean A. Moulas Treasurer
Ellen G. van der Horst Chair
TRUSTEES Ronald T. Bates David A. Billmire, M.D. Douglas Brauch MC Brennan Julie A. Broadwell Ron Bunt Robert S. Castellini James P. Conway, Jr. Virginia Copley Deborah Davis Scott X. Deters Timothy Douglas
Peter A. Draugelis Judy Ellis Elizabeth George Linda Greenberg Bernita McCann Hightower Susan Ingmire Diane S. Jordan Thomas M. Keckeis Bet Koeninger Terry Lemmerman James C. Leonard Stephen Lett
Jacqueline M. Mack Kevin N. McMurray Danute Miskinis Roy A. Mitchell Samuel Moore, Jr. Dean A. Moulas Patti Myers Sara Phillips Audra Rance Robert Reifsnyder Debbie White Richardson Margo K. Ross
KJ Sanchez Austin Schiff Digi France Schueler Jerry Shroat Woody Taft Ellen G. van der Horst Al Vontz, III Julia Wesselkamper Barbara M. Weyand Susan Whitman Ronna Willis Susan B. Zaunbrecher
EMERITUS Otto M. Budig, Jr. Chuck Carothers David Herriman
FEB 17 – MAR 10
Andrew MacAoidh Jergens Morse Johnson Lois Rosenthal
Jack Rouse Howard Tomb Albert Vontz, Jr.
REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA
August Wilson’s
HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED co-conceived by Todd Kreidler Photo of August Wilson by David Cooper.
SEASON FUNDER
www.ensemblecincinnati.org
OPERATING SUPPORT
2023–2024 | 35
Focused on you, your business and your employees. All right here in Greater Cincinnati. ƭƙĿŠĚƙƙĚƙ îƑĚ ŞūƑĚ ƥĺîŠ ŏƭƙƥ îƙƙĚƥƙɈ ƎƑūŏĚČƥĿūŠƙɈ îŠē ƎƑūǶƥ margins. They're the people who make them go. The owners looking to fund a new business opportunity while managing ƥĺĚĿƑ ūDžŠ ǶŠîŠČĚƙɍ ¹ĺĚ ĚŞƎŕūNjĚĚƙ Džĺū DžîŠƥ ƥū ċĚ ǶŠîŠČĿîŕŕNj secure today and in the future. That's why our complete business suite offers everything from business loans to employee retirement plans and all the essentials in-between.
For you. Your people. Your future. Banking | Lending + Financing | Treasury Services Employee Services | Business Succession | Wealth
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT CORPORATE PARTNERS
RED CARPET DONORS
For companies looking to make a smaller investment in the Playhouse, the Corporate Partner Program is just the ticket. A gift of $1,000 or more is recognized in our show programs, provides invitations to exclusive events, and entitles your employees to receive a 20 percent online ticket discount throughout the season!
We are grateful for our Red Carpet Experience donors who treat their guests to an intimate, behind-the-scenes experience that also supports the Playhouse. To book your Red Carpet Experience, contact Mary Kay Koehler at 513-977-2026.
$1,000 - $3,499 Hixson Architecture, Engineering, Interiors Prolink Skyline Chili Towne Properties For more information about joining these individuals and organizations in support of the Playhouse, call Mary Kay Koehler, Director of Institutional Giving, at 513-977-2026.
Tom and MC Brennan Richard Goettle, Inc. (3) WesBanco Jennifer and Woody Taft
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS Tony Arrasmith/Arrasmith & Associates The Blind Lemon and Eddie Sheppard Emerge Managed Solutions, LLC Gray Photo Imaging Mt. Adams Bar and Grill Optic Lizard Productions WARM 98 WCPO-TV WGRR-RM WOSL-FM, 100.3 R&B WVXU-FM WXIX-TV, Fox 19 WUBE-FM
meeting & events
DESIGNED TO ENGAGE, ENLIGHTEN, AND INSPIRE, THE SUMMIT HOTEL PROMISES A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY FROM EVERYDAY TO EXTRAORDINARY
www.thesummithotel.com | (513) 527-9900
2023–2024 | 37
ADMINISTRATIVE AND PRODUCTION STAFF DIRECTORS
ARTISTIC
Osborn Family Producing Artistic Director Blake Robison Managing Director Abby Marcus
Associate Artistic Director Joanie Schultz Literary Manager Tatiana Godfrey Associate Artists Wendy C. Goldberg, Karen Zacarías
ADMINISTRATION Executive Assistant/Board Liaison Stefanie Meyer Associate Producer Suann Pollock Company Manager A.J. Ford Assistant Company Manager/Management Associate
Remy Elton-Alexander
Director of HR, Equity and Inclusion Dawn Mundy Payroll/HR Specialist Madalaina Welton Finance Manager Michael Davis Finance Associate Brian Anderson Office Administrator Kathy Durnell
OPERATIONS Director of Operations Bridget Siedlecki IT Applications Specialist Scott Youger Facilities Manager Brian Smith
DEVELOPMENT Director of Philanthropy Sneja H. Tomassian Director of Institutional Giving Mary Kay Koehler Director of Donor Relations Kendra L. Struthers, CFRE Major Gifts Officer Lynn Smith, CFRE Grants Manager Kimberly Passaro Individual Giving Assistant Jennifer Radisch Development Assistant Douglas Fries
MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS Director of Marketing and Communications Kathy Neus Audience Engagement Manager Piper N. Davis Multimedia Designer Sean Martin Digital Marketing Associate Victoria Forbes Marketing Data and Website Manager Jacob Krismanick Content Marketing Associate Deja A. Shanks Marketing Intern Tessa D’Errico Photographer Mikki Schaffner PATRON SERVICES Patron Services Director Don Wong Assistant Patron Services Manager Julia Hasl Miller House Managers Amanda Adams, Joellyn Goos, Kayden Hauke Patron Services Staff Tommy Berninger, Loic Bertrand,
Katie Collier, Olivia Cremisio, Laurel Dobrozsi, Victoria Forbes, Jenny French, Ariana HoobermanPiñeiro, Chase Johnson, Michelle LaMantia, Ethan Mann, Whitney Menser, Cyrus Newitt, Sarah O’Haver, James Racster, Addie Renne, Theresa Richmond, Christine Richtsfeld, Thomas Richtsfeld, Charlie Rusk, Patricia Schlabendorff, Jacqueline Smith, LaCheryl Steele, Natasha Wells, Monica Williams-Mitchell, Kendall Young
Bar Manager Darren Cox Bartenders Kathy Burr, Clint Collins, Justin Eckstein, Julia
Migliara, Lisa Porter, John Simpson, Barb Santel, Niki Sherwood, Kathleen Thorman
38 | 2023–2024
EDUCATION/ENGAGEMENT Education Director Ariana Moses Artistic Engagement Manager Katie Baskerville Education Associate Nathaniel Niemi Education and Engagement Coordinator Ariana
Hooberman-Piñeiro
STAGE MANAGEMENT Production Stage Manager Andrea L. Shell Stage Managers Brooke Redler, Brandon T. Holmes Artistic Engagement Stage Manager Erin Speno-Stout PRODUCTION Director of Production Joshua Escajeda Technical Director Sam Thompson House Audio/Projection Supervisor Aaron Stephenson Assistant Production Manager Valerie Perez Assistant Technical Director Jo Ruhl Scene Shop Administrative Assistant MaLeah Mitchell
SCENERY Staff Carpenters Bryan Bridewell, Timothy Fowler, Brad
Kordenbrock, Michael Lyons, Brandon Smith
Charge Scenic Artist Jennifer Rhodus Assistant Scenic Artist Alex Kuntz Rouse Run Crew Christopher Albaugh
PROPERTIES Properties Manager Liz Lyons Assistant Properties Manager Katie Kim Properties Bill Coates, Jeff Fowee, Alicia Rhodus Rosenthal Shelterhouse Properties Running Crew Lead
Debra Hildebrand
Rouse Theatre Properties Running Crew Lead Grant Wendt
COSTUMES/WARDROBE Costume Shop Manager Gordon DeVinney Cutter/Draper Justin Collings Wig and Makeup Artist Amy Whitaker First Hand Bridget Kline Lead Rouse Wardrobe Karla Knochelmann Rosenthal Shelterhouse Wardrobe Julie Hudson Wardrobe Assistant Grace Hazlett
LIGHTING/SOUND Lead Electrician Nick Ligon
Rosenthal Shelterhouse Light Board Operator Jonathan
Armstrong
Rosenthal Shelterhouse Sound Engineer Samuel Sadler Rouse Theatre Audio Engineer M. Adam Jacob
EMERITI Managing Director Emeritus Buzz Ward
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: OHIO DESIGNER CRAFTSMEN Guest artist Michael Kline presents a demonstration at the 2023 Functional Ceramics Workshop. Held at the Wayne Center for the Arts, this annual event is presented by Ohio Designer Craftsmen. Image credit: Matt Neff