ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI
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ONE MINUTE AWAY FROM THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE Exit Stage Left for Dinner at our OTR Bistro authenticwaffle.com | 513.396.5800
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. – Helen Keller
The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation proudly supports the Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati as it explores themes of kindness and reconciliation.
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513-421-5111 info@themercerotr.com www.themercerotr.com
D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director
FORTUNE by DEBORAH ZOE LAUFER Directed by BRIAN ROBERTSON
January 18 – February 15, 2020 Set & Lighting Designer BRIAN c . MEHRING
Costume Designer AMANDA McGEE
Intimacy Coordinator ERIN CARR
Technical Director JACK MURPHY
Production Manager MATTHEW HOLLSTEGGE
Sound Designer MATT CALLAHAN
Dialect Coach JULIA GUICHARD
Properties Master/Design Assistant SHANNON RAE LUTZ
Production Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager BRANDON T. HOLMES* LEXI MULLER*
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION IS A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW AND AN ACTIONABLE FEDERAL OFFENSE.
FORTUNE is presented by special arrangement with Deborah Zoe Laufer. Originally presented by Marin Theatre Company, Lee Sankowich, Artistic Director; Gabriella Calicchio, Managing Director.
*Member belongs to Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. This theatre operates under an agreement between Actors’ Equity Association, Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States. Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
PREMIERE SPONSOR
JOHN GOERING | 5
2019–2020 SPONSORS
Photo by Ryan Kurtz
SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR
SEASON FUNDER
OPERATING SUPPORT
FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSOR
SEASON TICKET SPONSOR
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SPONSOR
SEASON SUPPORT Susan Friedlander Mitchell S. and Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION SUPPORT Anonymous (2) William P. Anderson Foundation The Charles H. Dater Foundation Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation
IN-KIND SUPPORT Chet Cavaliere Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, Interpreter Training Program College Hill Coffee Co. & Casual Gourmet Dewey’s Pizza LPK OMS Photography Suder’s Art Store
In Honor of Marilyn F. Hill Betty Huck The Johnson Family Foundation Macy's Mr. & Mrs. David E. Moccia P&G Fund The Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation The Dennis B. & Patricia L. Worthen Fund
6 | 2019–2020 sponsors
the arts are the highest form of expression. PNC is proud to be a part of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Because we believe in and support everything the arts can accomplish.
2019–2020 sponsors | 7
©2018 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC
1125 BAR Series JAN 31 MARCH 20 MAY 1 JUNE 12
White wines Red wines Bourbon Sparkling wines
TICKETS: $25 per subscriber per tasting; $30 for non-subscribers Drink selections and light bites curated by:
TICKETS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE ETC BOX OFFICE
For more content about this production of Fortune, including behind-the-scenes photos, videos, interviews and more, visit ensemblecincinnati.org
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CAST & CREW LIST CAST Jeremy............................................................................................................................... JEREMY DUBIN* Maude....................................................................................................................KELLY MENGELKOCH*
RUNNING CREW Assistant Stage Manager............................................................................................... LEXI MULLER* Assistant Director...............................................................................................GRIFF BLUDWORTH Assistant House Manager..........................................................................................AIDEN DALTON Sound Operator.................................................................................................................NORA WEISZ Light Board Operator...............................................................................................ALEXIA VLAHOS Wardrobe Head...........................................................................................................AMBER J. SMITH Running Crew..........................................................................JOSH BEASLEY, KARSON McCALL Wardrobe Crew....................................... CHRISTIAN GUTIERREZ, RACHAEL M. PETRANEK
UNDERSTUDIES Jeremy..............................................................................................................CHRISTIAN GUTIERREZ Maude.............................................................................................................................ALEXIA VLAHOS
*Member belongs to Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.
This production will be performed with one intermission. Approximate running time is 2 hours.
PLEASE TURN OFF ALL CELL PHONES. NO TEXTING.
#ETC1920 #FORTUNE
@ENSEMBLECINCY cast & crew list | 9
Back the arts. Forward the future.
GIVE TODAY artswave.org
MiCA
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has a new sister store
paper wings cards, gifts, stationery, art 1207 vine street, otr www.shoppaperwings.com
GATHER WITH ART From company retreats to cocktail parties – let 21c provide an inspiring backdrop for your next gathering.
609 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 513.578.6600 | 21cCincinnati.com
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ABOUT US OUR MISSION Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences. OUR HISTORY From its founding in 1986, ETC has focused on providing an artistic home for local theatre professionals, including serving as a training ground for young artists. Each season, ETC produces a lineup devoted to the newest in contemporary theatre that attracts a diverse audience of 30,000 to more than 220 performances. Our work also includes education and engagement programs centered on introducing the performing arts to underserved audiences, especially economically disadvantaged children and children with disabilities. Combined, our productions and educational programs strive to fulfill ETC’s vision of creating an urban arts district that is accessible to all.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chip Gerhardt, III, Chair Kathy DeLaura, President Nick Apanius, Vice President Dennis Geiger, Treasurer Alicia Bond-Lewis Holly Brians Ragusa Otto M. Budig Brenda A. Carter Tom Carothers Susan Friedlander Kristine Garrett Stephen M. King Shekhar Mitra Nilesh Patel Richard L. Postler Jackie Reau Jeff Schloemer Mike Schueler Paul G. Sittenfeld Mary Stagaman DIRECTORS EMERITI Skip Hickenlooper Edward G. Marks FOUNDERS' CIRCLE Ruth D. & John Sawyer Ken & Mary "Murph" Mahler Dr. Charles O. Carothers Mitchell S. Meyers FINANCIAL ADVISOR Chet Cavaliere
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.
(513) 421–3555 1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 www.ensemblecincinnati.org
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre.
@ENSEMBLECINCY INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? Contact our team at Cincinnati Accredited member of the Better Business Bureau.
Magazine for information: advertise@CincinnatiMagazine.com
Photo by Ross Van Pelt
ABOUT ETC
OUR STAFF LEADERSHIP
OPERATIONS
D. Lynn Meyers, The Ruth Dennis Sawyer/Mary Taft Mahler Producing Artistic Director
John Diehl, Business Services Manager Jared D. Doren, Programming & Events Manager
Michael R. Zimmer, Director of Fiscal Operations
ARTISTIC Brian c. Mehring, Resident Set & Lighting Designer Shannon Rae Lutz, Properties Master, Design Assistant, & Director of Apprentice Programming Professional Acting Apprentices: Josh Beasley • Aiden Dalton • Christian Gutierrez Karson McCall• Rachael M. Petranek • Amber J. Smith Alexia Vlahos • Nora Weisz
Nick Ligon, Head of Security
PATRON SERVICES Amy Weinstock, Box Office Manager Box Office Associates/House Managers: Ian Patrick Ashwell • Esther Cunningham • Olivia Diehl Jared Earland • Becca Howell • Kayla Marie Klammer Missy Lyons • Ben Ochsner • Patrick Earl Phillips Sharisse Santos • Becca Schall
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & INCLUSION
Bar Staff: Sara Agee • Heather Anderson • Darnell Pierre Benjamin Brianna Bernard • Carter Bratton • Burgess Byrd Zoe Davidson • Olivia Diehl • Lisa DeRoberts Wyn Jones • Jared Joplin • Jen Joplin • Holly Knox Andrew Maloney • Sara Ringenbach • DeAndre Smith Rebecca Stein • Daniela Nenova
Lauren Carr, Director of Education, Engagement, & Inclusion
PRODUCTION
DEVELOPMENT Laura Proto, Director of Development Josh Neumeyer, Finance & Grants Manager
Victoria Hawley, Education Associate Becca Howell, Education Associate Teaching Artists: Brianna Bernard • Michael Carr • Maggie Cramer Esther Cunningham • Zoe Davidson • Karson McCall
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Jocelyn Meyer, Director of Marketing & Communications Amy J. Barbian, Marketing Manager Kayla E. Moore, Content Marketing Coordinator Anne Simendinger, Scripps Howard Communication Intern
Matthew Hollstegge, Production Manager Jack Murphy, Technical Director Chris Holloway, Assistant Technical Director Stormie Mac, Costume Supervisor Katharina Koehler, Interim Costume Supervisor Rae Kuhn, Scenic Charge Artist & Production Assistant Ian Patrick Ashwell, Technical Apprentice
STAGE MANAGEMENT Brandon T. Holmes, Production Stage Manager Lexi Muller, Assistant Stage Manager
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Backstage @ ETC A behind-the-scenes fundraiser for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Friday, April 3, 2020 at 5:30 pm 1127 Vine Street | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Venture offstage to see how we create the productions and community programming you love, plus : Musical selections from productions that have been on the ETC stage
TICKETS
$100 – includes 2 drink tickets and dinner-by-the-bite Purchase tickets by phone at (513) 421-3555 x1 or online at www.ensemblecincinnati.org
Questions? Contact the Development Department at development@ensemblecincinnati.org
about etc | 15 |
SAVE $25
ON ALL REGISTRATIONS
BEFORE FEB 29, 2020
Junior
JULY 6–18, 2020 | Ages 7–15
High School JULY 20–24, 2020 | Ages 13–18
Technical Theatre Intensive
JULY 13–18, 2020 | Ages 13–18
SUMMEr STOCK 2020 Register: www.ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555
HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT @ ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI
CORPORATE MEETINGS • SPECIAL EVENTS • CASUAL GATHERINGS PRE- & POST-SHOW RECEPTIONS • LECTURES & DISCUSSION GROUPS
A variety of spaces available to accommodate your group!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: (513) 421-3555 x2111 or events@ensemblecincinnati.org | 17
ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI
S t udio Series 10 - minu te Connections: Justice 2/10
@ 7 pm | tickets: $15 subscribers | $20 non-subscribers
10-minute plays by local playwrights coupled with Dominique Morriseau’s short play Night Vision.
S he's Crazy: Men t al Heal t h & Ot her Issues 4/27
@ 7 pm | tickets: $15 subscribers | $20 non-subscribers
An interactive musical that educates, uplifts, and inspires audiences to reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
The Jackie Demaline Regional Collegia t e P laywrigh t ing Compe t i t i on Reading 5/4
@ 7 pm | Free admission (reservations required)
First public reading of this year's winning script submission.
Learn more at www.artacademy.edu/150
THEATRE IS MEANT TO BE SHARED Groups of 8+ save on single ticket prices. Contact the ETC box office for more info or to book your next group! | 19
PLAY IN PROGRESS Kelly Mengelkoch & Jeremy Dubin rehearsing a scene
Production stage manager's book
Designer Amanda McGee's costume renderings
Director Brian Robertson observes Jeremy Dubin & Kelly Mengelkoch during rehearsal
20 | PLAY IN PROGRESS
PLAY IN PROGRESS
Kelly Mengelkoch & Jeremy Dubin discuss a scene with Director Brian Robertson
Jeremy Dubin enters a scene through rehearsal prop door
Costume Designer Amanda McGee (left) & Interim Costume Supervisor Katherina Koehler review options for the role of Jeremy
Kelly Mengelkoch as Maude contemplates the locket
PLAY IN PROGRESS | 21
Q&A
Q & A with Kelly Mengelkoch In a society fascinated with fortune telling and attempting to predict the future, is it even really possible? With fortune cookies, Magic 8 Balls, palm readers, tarot cards, tea leaves, and astrological sign interpretation, there are so many places to seek information about what might come to us someday! We talked to Fortune cast member Kelly Mengelkoch about working with her husband and to see what she thinks of her future, her present, and the world of the mystic and magical.
Q: What is it like being in a two-person show?
Busy! But really nice to have a partner who you are there with through thick and thin. Trust and sense of play are everything when it’s just the two of you!
married in real life; how does working together and sharing Q: You’re home life affect your dynamic on and off stage? We try not to take work home with us toooooo much. Onstage it’s mostly a gift, as we can communicate and work through easy and tough stage work and always know at the end of it that love is still there.
22 | Q & A
Q:
How did you meet? We met here in Cincinnati, working at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. He had been here a few years before I arrived. I feel lucky to have been at the right time and place to meet him!
any aspects of yours or your partner's personality represented Q: Are in these characters? Do you see elements of your real relationship reflected in this fictional one?
Not specifically…but the characters’ friendship and ability to grow from each other is what I hope every lasting couple and friendship has. People who challenge and nurture you are the best—even when you don’t like the challenging bits!
Q:
What do you enjoy doing together during your free time?
Q:
Where do you see your future going in this new decade?
Q:
Have you ever had your fortune told?
Q:
Movies, cuddling with our dog, eating and going out for fancy cocktails, and just being lazy together as we rarely do that on the same schedule!
Honestly, who knows! I love Cincinnati and at the rate it vastly grew culturally during this past decade, I can’t wait to see more! Plus, the strong and supportive artistic community here is a huge blessing for many of us!
I haven’t, but I like reading my horoscope and reading a Chinese cookie fortune…who doesn’t?!?
What do you think of fortune telling? Do you place any credence in it, or do you think it’s all self-fulfilling prophecy? I think I lean toward self-fulfilling. When I read a horoscope, I don’t take it literally. It’s a jumping-off point to reflect on myself and how I can act toward a goal or prevent something—all guideposts to my own destiny But hey, I believe I am such a tiny being in the universe that maybe something out there drives me, but I don’t need to fret about any of it. Just thankful for happiness and good life!
Q & A | 23
CAST & DIRECTOR BIOS JEREMY DUBIN (Jeremy) is absolutely delighted to be returning to the Ensemble Theatre stage, after his last appearance in Lolita Chakrabarti's Red Velvet. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jeremy has called the Queen City home for the past twenty years. He is the Director of Creative Education and a longtime ensemble member with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, where he works as an actor, director, educator, and various other miscellany. Jeremy is also the co-founder and operator of The Puzzle Crawl, a local monthly bar crawl with puzzles. Yes, it’s as nerdy as it sounds. Jeremy would like to thank his wife, best friend, and current cast mate, Kelly, with whom he is lucky enough to get to share both the stage and a home, and whom it couldn’t be easier to fall in love with every day.
KELLY MENGELKOCH (Maude) is delighted to return to the Ensemble family for this production, where she has also been seen in Tribes, The Other Place, This Random World, and Red Velvet. She is an Associate Artist at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and has also appeared at the Know Theatre of Cincinnati, New Stage Collective, The Human Race Theatre Company, Xavier University Theatre, and, most recently, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Her film credits include Dark Waters, The Old Man and the Gun, A Kind of Murder, Perception, Over-the-Rhine, and CSA: The Confederate States of America. Kelly sends her love and special thanks to the guy she is on stage with this evening, her dear real life destiny, Jeremy.
BRIAN ROBERTSON (Director) came to Cincinnati from Los Angeles and has spent the past 30 years working in film and television in the areas of cinematography, directing, fight choreography, and stage management in theatre and opera. He is a faculty member for Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts for Theatre and Dance and has worked as a guest director and instructor at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. He has worked for Opera Southwest, Reduced Shakespeare Company, Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Know Theatre of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Sarasota Opera, Bay View Music Festival, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Pones Inc. Laboratory of Movement, Oberlin Conservatory of Music, University of Kentucky, Carnegie Arts Center, Opera North, and Des Moines Metro Opera, among others.
24 | cast & Director bios
NEW YEAR, NEW SHOWS! Join us for the rest of the 2019-2020 Season with a winter mini-package for just $95
Teach. Out loud.
REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA
MARCH 7 – APRIL 4
Discover the secret of life.
PHotoGraPh 51 BY
ANNA ZIEGLER
REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA
APRIL 18 – MAY 16
Focus on life.
REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA/COMEDY
MAY 30 – JUNE 27
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etc essentials A FREE conversation series with local scholars and community members that explores the themes and context of our productions.
Fortune DOWN FOR THE ACCOUNT | FEB 9, 2020 @ 1:00 PM Think number-crunching is boring? Think again! Real-world CPAs relay some of their most off-the-wall tales from the treacherous front lines of accounting. Pipeline CINCINNATI'S PIPELINE | MARCH 29, 2020 @ 1:00 PM A meaningful discussion with educators and students about how the school-to-prison pipeline affects our local community and what's being done to break the cycle. Photograph 51 FROM STEM TO STREAM | MAY 10, 2020 @ 1:00 PM Hear from local scientists, teachers, and arts advocates regarding STEM learning and the importance of arts and reading integration into the sciences. 20th Century Blues OH SNAP! | JUNE 21, 2020 @ 1:00 PM Local panelists bring photographers' lifelong projects into focus with an accompanying installation of local artists' work.
Admission is FREE but reservations are required! Limited space | Reserve through the ETC Box Office 26 | cast & Director bios cast & Director bios |
READ ON. BOOKS Anatomy of Love
by Helen E. Fisher (Nonfiction)
The Right Swipe
Materials inspired by Fortune, courtesy of The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County.
MOVIES Amélie Sliding Doors Groundhog Day
by Alisha Rai (Fiction)
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (Fiction)
One Day in December by Josie Silver (Fiction)
Sex Criminals
TELEVISION SHOWS New Girl, Seasons 1-7 How I Met Your Mother, Seasons 1-9 All materials available through your local library branch.
by Matt Fraction (Graphic Novel)
WWW.BESTOFCINCINNATI.COM | 27
Torie Wiggins & Scot Woolley in His Eye is on the Sparrow (2018). Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
GET CLOSER TO THE THEATRE YOU LOVE
Join The Producers for exclusive events and experiences that bring you closer to all the magic on and off stage!
THE PRODUCERS Roger Abell Lucy Allen Jane Anderson Marcia Banker & Jeffrey Schloemer Judith Bausher David & Gale Beckett Louis & Judy Belli Michael Berry & Melanie Garner* Holly Brians Ragusa Jacklyn & Gary Bryson Otto M. Budig Jr. Barbara Carr* & Bren Blaine James Cissell & Carolyn Ford Brian & Elizabeth Coley Pamela & Charles Colman Philip & Anne Cone Julie York Coppens Kelly Dehan Kathy DeLaura Margaret DeMichelis Mary* & Scott Donaldson Maureen Flanagan & Will Groneman Linda & Gary Greenberg
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Karlee Hilliard Emily M. Hodges & Charles H. Spencer Linda Holthaus* & Richard Zinicola Betty Huck* Dan & Karen Hurley Diane & Carl Iseman Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton-Keith Jackie Mack & Edward Silberstein David Martin Audrey Meyers Allen Middleton David & Diane Moccia* Norah & Joe Mock Michael Murphy Barbara K. Myers Patricia Myers & Alan Flaherty Neda & Bruce Nutley Betty Prince Carol Purnell Lester & Lynn Ratcliff Alva & Leon Reid
Steven & Carol* Reubel Danielle Revelson Jerri Roberts & Jim Thomas Lynn Ryan Susan* & Clint Schertzer Eli Shupe & Toby Ruben Paul Sittenfeld Norma Skoog Martha Spiess Paul & Jill Staubitz Richard Staudigel Paula Steiner Julie Stothfang Glenda Suttman Steve Thomas & Susan Lora Alan Ullman Margaret & Michael Valentine Terry & Pann Webb Annette Wick & Mark Manley James & Ronna* Willis Joseph & Patricia* Witson Dennis & Patti Worthen *Steering committe member
Visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org to learn more about becoming a member of The Producers.
PLAYWRIGHT BIO DEBORAH ZOE LAUFER'S (Playwright) plays have been produced at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Cleveland Playhouse, Geva Theatre Center, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Portland Stage, and The Humana Festival. Informed Consent, an Alfred P. Sloan/EST commission appeared at The Duke Theatre in NYC in 2015, a coproduction of Primary Stages and EST and was a New York Times Critic’s Pick. Her play End Days won The ATCA Steinberg citation, and has received more than 70 productions around the country, and in Germany, Russia, and Australia. Other plays: Leveling Up, Out of Sterno, The Last Schwartz, Sirens, Meta, The Gulf of Westchester, Miniatures, Fortune, and Be Here Now, commissioned and produced by Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and Window Treatment, a collaboration with composer Daniel Green, produced in NYC by Premieres, Inner Voices, both in 2018. Deb is a recipient of the Helen Merrill Playwriting Award, the Lilly Award, and grants and commissions from The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Edgerton Foundation, National New Play Network, the NEA, and the LeCompte du Nouy grant from Lincoln Center Foundation. Her plays have been developed at Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Conference, PlayPenn, Dramatists Guild Fellowship Program, New Georges, The Lark Play Development Center, Asolo Repertory Theatre, PlayLab, and the Baltic Playwrights Conference. She is a graduate of Juilliard, an alumna of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, and a member of The Dramatists Guild.
FUNERAL HOME • CREMATORY • MEMORIAL PARK
The Arlington Funeral Home at Arlington’s Celebration of Life Campus Experience the difference of The Arlington Celebration of Life Construction Complete Late Summer, 2019 Campus featuring The Arlington Funeral Home New building construction complete December, 2019
2145 Road Cincinnati, OhioOhio 45231 • (513) 521-7003 • www.amgardens.org 2145Compton Compton Road Cincinnati, 45231 (513)521-7003 amgardens.org
Playwright bio | 29
WAYS TO GIVE From playwrights to apprentices, and every role in between, your tax-deductible gift to ETC enables us to enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire audiences as well as create a thriving urban arts community accessible to all through our world and regional premiere productions and award-winning Education, Engagement, and Inclusion programs. Become a member of our Ensemble today!
DONATE TODAY
The box office will be happy to accept your gift via cash, check, or credit card during intermission or after the show.
DONATE ONLINE
To make your gift online, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org/ support/donations.
DONATE WITH STOCK
For instructions on stock transfers, email development@ensemblecincinnati.org.
DONATE BY PHONE
Please call (513) 421–3555 and select option 4 to speak with Laura or Josh.
DONATE BY MAIL
Send a check made out to Ensemble Theatre with "donation" in the memo line to: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Attn: Development 1127 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
BECOME AN ENSEMBLE SUSTAINING DONOR Join an essential group of donors who contribute on a recurring basis throughout the year, providing a steady and predictable stream of income to support programming and operations. Most choose monthly amounts charged to a credit card, but options can be customized to meet your giving goals and needs. Email development@ensemblecincinnati.org to become a Sustaining Donor today.
GIVE WHILE YOU SHOP As you prepare for the holidays (and all year round!), designate ETC as your nonprofit beneficiary through the Kroger Community Rewards and AmazonSmile programs. It's easy: you shop, Kroger and Amazon donate a portion of your purchase amount directly to ETC, that's it!
Register your Kroger Plus Card at www.kroger.com and select ETC–organization BM374.
Visit smile.amazon.com/ch/31-1220252 and use your normal Amazon login each time you shop.
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PRODUCTION BIOS BRIAN c. MEHRING (Set & Lighting Designer) has designed more than 100 productions at Ensemble Theatre. His favorite productions include Thom Pain (based on nothing), Next to Normal, 33 Variations, Freud's Last Session, and I Am My Own Wife. Mr. Mehring’s regional favorites for set design include The Last 5 Years and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Henry IV, Part 1, The Georgia Shakespeare Festival; and I Am My Own Wife, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Peterborough Players, and Florida Studio Theatre. AMANDA McGEE (Costume Designer) earned her MFA in Costume Design and Technology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Local credits include three years as resident costume designer for the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, as well as Cincinnati Opera's The Coronation of Poppea. Recent design credits include 42nd Street and Disenchanted, Venice Theatre; Of Mice and Men: A Musical Drama, The Western Stage; Peter and the Starcatcher, Creede Repertory Theatre; and Matilda, Polkadots, and Pinkalicious: The Musical, Legacy Theatre. MATT CALLAHAN (Sound Designer) was the Resident Sound Designer for Actors Theatre of Louisville for seven seasons. Some of his most recent designs for Ensemble Theatre include Fun Home, Ripcord, Fly By Night, St. Nicholas, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Mr. Callahan was also a co-creator/designer of Rock n’ Roll: The Reunion Tour. He spent two seasons as the Resident Sound Designer at The Eugene O’Neil Center for their National Playwrights Conference. He was formerly the sound engineer for Steppenwolf Theatre, the Assistant Engineer for Blue Man Chicago, and a member of the disbanded Defiant Theatre. He received a Jeff Citation for Red Dragon, a nomination for Fortinbras, and a Kevin Kline nomination for Sherlock Holmes. SHANNON RAE LUTZ (Properties Master/Design Assistant) earned her Master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music in 1996 and became Properties Master at Ensemble Theatre. Trained as a performer, she first appeared on ETC’s stage during the 1988-1989 New Works Festival. In 1991, she was granted an ETC internship. Now the Director of Apprentice Programming, she is honored to guide ETC’s essential ensemble: The Professional Acting Apprentice Company. Shannon would like to thank D. Lynn Meyers, Ruth Sawyer, and the Cincinnati theatre community and patrons for their generous, supportive, and tenacious spirit. JULIA GUICHARD (Dialect Coach) is Professor and Chair of Theatre at Miami University. She holds a BFA in Acting from the Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University in Chicago and an MFA in Acting from Pennsylvania State University. She is also a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, holding certificates from The Performance School and Alexander Technique International. As a dialect coach for Ensemble Theatre, she has worked on the productions Red Velvet, Bloomsday, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, among others. Some other coaching credits include Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and several films. She is an active member of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) and has served on its national board.
PRODUCTION BIOS | 31
PRODUCTION BIOS JACK MURPHY (Technical Director) is excited to be in his seventh season at Ensemble Theatre. He grew up in the Cincinnati area and studied technical theatre at Hanover College. While there, he spent his summers at several different summer stock theatres including Georgia Shakespeare Company and the Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company as a carpenter. After graduation, he moved to Bellport, NY to work for The Gateway Playhouse as a carpenter and rigger, and he went on to work for Norwegian Cruise Line. After another summer at the Janiec Opera Company, he came full circle and returned home to Cincinnati. Jack is eager to continue to do the cutting edge work ETC is known for and has enjoyed working on such productions as An Iliad, Grounded, and The Humans. BRANDON T. HOLMES (Production Stage Manager) is in his eighth season with Ensemble Theatre. Past regional credits include Newsies, Legally Blonde and West Side Story, Lexington Theatre Company; Hello, Dolly!, The Drowsy Chaperone and Side by Side by Sondheim, LOOK Musical Theatre; and more than 20 productions with Music Theatre Wichita including Sunset Boulevard, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Miss Saigon, and Les Misérables, as well as productions with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park including Thunder Knocking on the Door, Merrily We Roll Along (directed by John Doyle), and A Christmas Carol. Other favorite credits include Tribes, A Chorus Line, The Music Man, and The Legend of Georgia McBride. Love to his wonderful family and his fiancé, AJ, for their continued love and support. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. LEXI MULLER (Assistant Stage Manager) is delighted to be in her second season with Ensemble Theatre, where her previous credits include Sex and Education, Fun Home, The Wolves, Skeleton Crew, A Dolls House, Part 2, Ripcord, and Fly by Night. Other regional credits include Sex with Strangers, The House, Legendale, and 26 Pebbles with the Human Race Theatre. She is a proud member of Actors' Equity Association and a graduate of Wright State University, where she received her BFA in Stage Management. She would like to thank her friends, family, and her extraordinary mother for supporting her every step of the way. RAE KUHN (Scenic Charge Artist/Production Assistant) is thrilled to be in their fourth season at Ensemble Theatre. Rae graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Multidisciplinary degree focusing on fine arts, creative writing, and neuropsychology, however, technical theatre has been a hobby since high school. Rae is a former scenic artist for 3DX, and has worked in stage management, sound engineering, and special effects makeup for organizations including New Edgecliff Theatre, Falcon Theatre, and Cincinnati Landmark Productions. Rae began to paint backdrops for ETC's Education Department, which led to their current position at the theatre, where some favorite credits include Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Bloomsday, and When We Were Young and Unafraid.
32 | production bios
TM © 1986 CMOL
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ALADDIN AND THE CO-DIRECTOR OF
THE BOOK OF MORMON M U S I C A L P H E N O M E N O
T H E
FEB 21 - MAR FEBRUARY 11 - 523 P R E S E N T E D BY
N
MAR 2114- -2619 APRIL ARONOFF CENTER
BroadwayInCincinnati.com CincinnatiArts.org • 513.621.ARTS
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THE PREMIERE SOCIETY The Premiere Society recognizes the extraordinary individuals, families, and organizations whose generosity makes it possible for ETC to present world-class new works and awardwinning education, engagement, and inclusion programming for our community. The following list includes donors whose gifts were received between December 18, 2018 and December 19, 2019.
PLAYWRIGHTS ($20,000+) Anonymous ArtsWave Gale & Dave Beckett† The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation†‡ The City of Cincinnati† Burton & Susan Closson†‡ The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. Harry & Linda Fath† William A. Friedlander Fund*†‡ The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./ US Bank Foundation† The Mitchell S. & Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation† Ohio Arts Council P&G Fund*‡ PNC Foundation Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez Josephine S Russell Charitable Trust, through the PNC Charitable Trusts Grant Review Committee The Schueler Group The Shubert Foundation, Inc. State of Ohio through the Cultural Facilities Commission† The Sutphin Family Foundation‡ The Louise Taft Semple Foundation Ms. Carol Talbot† Western & Southern Financial Fund‡
PRODUCERS ($10,000-$19,999) GBBN Architects Jane & Chip Gerhardt†‡ John & Gloria Goering Family Gift Fund The Donald C. & Laura M. Harrison Family Foundation* William & Mary Jane James†‡ LPK† Messer Construction Co.† The Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation Digi & Mike Schueler Mary Stagaman & Ron Kull† Paul & Jill Staubitz The Dudley S. Taft Charitable Foundation Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation Dale & Joyce Uetrecht Ginger Warner Irwin & Barbara Weinberg
Please bring any errors or omissions to our attention by contacting Josh Neumeyer: jneumeyer@ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555 x2104.
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DIRECTORS ($5,000-$9,999) William P. Anderson Foundation Denise & Martin Chambers Corky & Rick Family Foundation Crosset Family Fund* Ehrsam Family Fund*‡ Kay & Jack Geiger Graeter's Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation Betty Huck‡ Lorrence T. & Barbara W. Kellar Fund*‡ Stephen King & Lynne Miller† Macy's Mr. & Mrs. David E. Moccia‡ Damon & Holly Ragusa Caroline Richards Moe & Jack Rouse Elizabeth Sawyer Selnick Fund* The Sittenfeld Family†‡ The Dennis B. & Patricia L. Worthen Fund‡
DESIGNERS ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous Charles Abbottsmith‡ Holli Alexander Nicholas Apanius† Marcia A. Banker & Jeffrey S. Schloemer‡ Karen & Christopher Bowman Jonathan & Kristine Garrett Alana & Shelly Gerson‡ Suzanne Hasl‡ Marilyn P. & Joseph W. Hirschhorn Fund* Kenneth T. & Molly M. Mahler‡ Anu & Shekhar Mitra David & Judith Morgan Fund* Neal Patel & Dr. Avani Modi†‡ Paycor Jackie Reau, Game Day‡ Paula Steiner Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP Thompson Hine LLP
STAGE MANAGERS ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous Gordon Allen & Linda Baas‡ Americana Arts Foundation Malcolm A. & Glenda Bernstein‡ Michael Berry & Melanie Garner†
The Blatt Family Fund Alicia Bond-Lewis & Chris Lewis Charlene Breidster Ken & Joan Campbell Tom & Annette Carothers† Barbara Carr & Bren Blaine Brenda & Steve Carter William & Catherine Cody College Hill Coffee Co. & Casual Gourmet Meredythe G. & Clayton C. Daley, Jr. Family Fund* Kathy DeLaura & Ron Steinhoff‡ FC Cincinnati Fencl Family Fund* Mary Fiorini Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick‡ Lila Gallimore Trust GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program Gilman Family Fund*‡ Judith B. Green & Thomas M. McDonough Linda Greenberg Fund * Helen & John Habbert‡ Irving Harris‡ Marilyn F. Hill Karlee Hilliard Emily M. Hodges & Charles H. Spencer‡ Florette Hoffheimer Linda Holthaus & Richard Zinicola§ Erin Houlihan & John Bostick‡
Johnson Investment Counsel Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith Tom & Sue Kirkpatrick David Logan & Dale Hodges David Martin Allen R. Middleton & Gary A. Daniels‡§ Marilyn Z. Ott Pepper Family Fund*†‡ Steven & Carol Reubel‡ Charles Scott Riley III Foundation Blake Robison & Connan Morrissey Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund* Robert & Eleanor Shott Philanthropic Fund‡ Summertime Kids Fund* Glenda Suttman† Bob & Sue Trusty Nancye & Thomas Van Brunt‡ Steve F. Warkany Fund* Jo Ann Wieghaus‡ Ronna & James Willis Charitable Fund‡ Andi Levenson Young & Scott Young
* A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation † Capital Campaign Donor ‡ Next Great Act Donor § Sustaining Donor
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CAST ($500-$999) Anonymous (7) Christine Adams Chuck Altenau Henrietta Barlag‡ Judith C. Bausher Mike & Juliette Bezold Walter Blair† Mary & William Bonansinga Charitable Family Fund* Bryson Family Charitable Fund Philip Clayton Brian & Elizabeth Coley Andrew F. Cone David Crotty & Joan von Handorf Jennifer & M. Vito Damiano Mark Dauner§ Kelly M. Dehan Kathryn J. DeLong Jan Denton Douglas & Sara Dicken Janice Flanagan & Bob Amott Carol S. Friel Bob Gerding Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod§ Richard Glaser Debra Hartsell & Michael James Bob & Judy Heaton Daniel Hurley Keith & Patti James Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gifts Program Arleene Keller‡ Carmen & Rich Kovarsky Kroger Community Rewards Program Kuby Family Fund* Ginny & Rick Kuertz LaMacchia Family Foundation Edward & Ina Loftspring Philanthropic Fund Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein Mark D. Manley & Annette J. Wick Anita & Ed Marks† Sophia McAllister Patricia McKay Mary Ann Meanwell Jill & Bruce Mitchell John & Deborah Moffatt Bill & Ruth Morley Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty James J. Nordlund Presidential Plaza Associates, LTD Lester & Lynn Ratcliff Hera G. Reines Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Revelson Becky & Ted Richards Stephen & Helen Rindsberg Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski‡ Jayna & Dan Schimberg John & Martha Spiess Dee Stegman
Please bring any errors or omissions to our attention by contacting Josh Neumeyer: jneumeyer@ensemblecincinnati.org or (513) 421-3555 x2104.
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Elizabeth Stites & Kevin Randall The Sweeny Family Charitable Fund, in honor of Jack & Kit Overbeck Marcia Togneri Jennifer Verkamp Maureen & Larry Vignola Karen & Barry Webb Wuerdeman Family Fund* Richard Zimmer Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund*
RUNNING CREW ($250-$499) Anonymous (7) Amy Alig Wilma & Herbert Beigel† Judith & Louis Belli Allen Bernard David & Elaine Billmire Dabby Blatt Mark Bowen§ Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard Ann & Lee Bulger Jeff & Gay Bullock James Cissell & Carolyn Ford Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling Charles & Pamela Colman Margaret & Joseph Conway Barbara Cummins Paul & Bev Diamond§ Mary & Scott Donaldson Emilie & David Dressler Fund * Igor & Jane Dumbadze Dennis & Catherine Dunwoodie§ Charles & Harriet Edwards Maureen Flanagan & Will Groneman Steven L. Franks Ann Hicks Jim & Robin Huizenga Diane & Carl Iseman Charles D. King Warren Leight John & Pat Leikhim Limestone Fund*† J.B. Lutz Family§ Jane MacKnight & Dennis Johnson Dr. Ralph Meyer Norah & Joe Mock Scott & Kim Moening Josh Neumeyer Neda & Bruce Nutley Paul & Mary Ann Odegard Tory Parlin‡ Janyt Pockros Sara H. Pritchard George & Joan Rebeck Al Roane§ Jerri Roberts & Jim Thomas Rich & Jess Roedersheimer Marianne R. Rowe Fund* J.R. Rulon§ Martha & Lee Schimberg Abby & David Schwartz
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS! To join our family of contributors with a donation of any size, please contact Josh Neumeyer: (513) 421-3555 x2104
Jane Bogart Sellers§ Bryan Shick Eli E. Shupe, Jr. & Toby Ruben§ Mike & Laconia Smith Sara & Gunter Storjohann§ Steve Thomas & Susan Lora Marty Tomb Alan Ullman Margaret & Michael Valentine Rosalie P. van Nuis† Priscilla S. Walford Buzz Ward†‡ Ann & Victor Warner Pann & Terry Webb§ Lois Widlansky Jay & Kate Wilford Kathryn Wright§
APPRENTICES ($125-$249) Anonymous (11) Jim & Janice Amatulli AmazonSmile Foundation Patricia K. Beggs The Bloch Family Fund Clint Bramkamp & Sheila Mudd Baker David Brashear‡ Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Matching Gift Program Dawn & Doug Bruestle§ Michele & Kevin Cain§ Anne E. Charles, in memory of Richard Charles & Rebecca Parker Sally Chatfield Dunn Carol C. Cole Julie York Coppens Lee Crooks & Bill Menrath Susannah Davids & Steve Myer‡ Charles K. Eckert Jerome & Jean Eichert‡ Barbara Feldmann Sandi Gans§ Rita & Dennis Geiger† Eugenie Goggin Lois Gushin Virginius Hall Mary Pat & Jeff Harris Gwen Heilbrun Barbara A. Jennings Dr. James & Harriette Katz Anne McAdams F. Lee Meyer Dr. & Mrs. Richard A. Meyer Drs. Jacqueline & Steven Miller Family Mark Mitchell
Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson Nancy L. Phelan Patrick & Julia Phillips David M. Piatt Fund * Betty Prince Marlene & Edward Riess Lyle & Jean Ritze Fred & Sondra Ross Jim Schmidt Mark Silbersack & Ruth Schwallie Linda Silvati Mrs. James Simon Mary Lee & Louie Sirkin Norma Skoog Jamie Smith Keven Speece† Jerry Stein Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund Dennis & Helen Sullivan J. Michael & Patricia Thierauf Beverly Thomas Yvonne & Art Thomas Tom Umfrid & Phil Tworek Joseph Wessling Dick & Debbie Westheimer Karen Wittenberg§
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati acknowledges the following Partner Companies, Foundations and their employees who generously participate in the Annual ArtsWave Community Campaign at the $100,000+ level. Your support helps make our community vibrant and connects people all across our region through the arts. Thank you! P&G Fifth Third Bank and the Fifth Third Foundation GE Cincinnati Bell Macy's The Kroger Co. Western & Southern Financial Group Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Great American Insurance Group Enquirer Media U.S. Bank Ohio National Financial Services PNC Duke Energy Cincinnati Reds Worldpay Deloitte Cincinnati Business Courier The E.W. Scripps Company and the Scripps Howard Foundation * A Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation † Capital Campaign Donor ‡ Next Great Act Donor § Sustaining Donor
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PATRON INFORMATION ETC BOX OFFICE HOURS Monday through Friday 10 am to 5 pm, and 2 hours prior to curtain. Weekend hours vary. CAMERAS & RECORDING DEVICES Actors’ Equity Association strictly prohibits the use of cameras or recording devices (including camera phones) in the theatre. ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS ETC offers audio-described performances, ASL-interpreted performances, wheelchair accessible seating, large-print programs, assistive listening devices, and sensory sensitivity items such as noise-canceling headphones and fidgets. 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. SALE POLICY Single-ticket purchases are final sale with no refund. If a patron is a no-show for their reserved performance, ETC is under no obligation to reschedule his or her tickets. LATECOMERS & ADMITTANCE Latecomers are seated at the House Manager’s discretion and may be denied admission depending upon the demands or structure of a particular production. Should you need to leave the theatre during a performance, readmittance is not guaranteed. ETC reserves the right to deny admission and/ or remove any disruptive patrons from the theatre at any time. TAX CREDITS If you cannot attend your performance and cannot reschedule for another date, tickets released prior to performances by calling the ETC box office are fully deductible as a charitable contribution.
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1127 Vine Street circa 1927 Image courtesy of Fifth Third Bank archives.
PARKING Patrons may park at the Gateway Garage (accessible via 12th Street) or at the surface lot, both are conveniently located at the corner of Vine and 12th Streets. Parking is also available at Washington Park Garage and Mercer Commons Garage. CHILDREN Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted to productions unless otherwise advertised. Parents with disruptive children will be asked to leave the theatre. GROUPS & DISCOUNTS Groups of 8 or more can save on single-ticket prices. Student rates, rush discounts, Public Radio Perks Card, AAA, ArtsWave Pass, and educator and military member discounts available for select shows (please consult your appropriate membership(s) for details and exclusions).
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