Red Velvet Playbill

REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA

MARCH 6 – 31, 2018

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI ENSEMBLECINCINNATI.ORG 513.421.3555 #REDVELVET @ENSEMBLECINCY

$15 ALL YOU CAN EAT

MUSSELS & FRITES Tuesdays, begins at 5pm 1/2 Priced bottles of wine

HAPPY HOUR M-F / 3pm-6pm $2 Off drafts

RESERVE A TABLE TODAY

$3 Bistro wines

Over-the-Rhine / 1135 Vine Street authenticwaffle.com / 513.396.5800

$3 Well drinks

We're proud supporters of the 2017/18 Ensemble Theatre season.

1400 Vine Street www.kazeotr.com 513-898-7991

1324 Vine Street www.themercerotr.com 513-421-5111

Season ticket holders get select discounts at the restaurants.

Hope you can join us!

4 •

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI THE 2017-2018 OTTO M. BUDIG FAMILY FOUNDATION SEASON D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director

Production Sponsor:

RED VELVET

by Lolita Chakrabarti

Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips† March 6 – 31, 2018 Set & Lighting Designer Sound Designer Costume Designer Dialect Coach Production Manager & Master Electrician Properties Master & Design Assistant Technical Director Production Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager

Brian c. Mehring Kevin Semanick Stormie Mac Julia Guichard Matthew Hollstegge Shannon Rae Lutz Jack Murphy Brandon T. Holmes* Elizabeth Freyman*

RED VELVET is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. RED VELVET received its world premiere at the Tricycle Theatre, London on 11 October 2012.

The production was revived and opened at the Tricycle Theatre, London on 23 January 2014 before making its American Premiere at St. Ann's Warehouse, New York on 25 March 2014.

The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production or distributing on any medium, including the internet, is strictly prohibited, a violation of the author's rights and actionable under United States copyright law. For more information, please visit: www.samuelfrench.com/whitepaper 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. †

*Cast/production 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.

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MAKE WAVES!

Your gift supports 100+ organizations that make Greater Cincinnati amazing.

GIVE TODAY! ArtsWave.org

Gratefully acknowledges our 2017–2018 Season sponsors SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR

SEASON FUNDER

OPERATING SUPPORT

SEASON SUPPORTERS

Lucille Carothers Susan Friedlander Mitchell & Jackie Meyers

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Chet Cavaliere Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, Interpreter Training Program College Hill Coffee Co. & Casual Gourmet LPK Marty Johnson OMS Photography Saint Plastering Systems, Inc. Suder’s Art Store Trader Joe's

FAIRY GODMOTHER SPONSOR

OUTREACH SPONSOR

CAFFEINATED CONVERSATIONS SPONSOR

GBBN

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH SUPPORTERS

Anonymous (2) William P. Anderson Foundation Arts & Culture Giving Circle* The Charles H. Dater Foundation The Thomas J. Emery Memorial* ETC Fairy Godparent Guild P&G Fund Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Fund* Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation

* Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

2017-2018 RESTAURANT PARTNERS We are pleased to partner with the following local restaurants this season in offering our subscribers exclusive discounts:

P L AT T E

architecture + design

Macaron bar $5 off a 12-piece box

Visit us in store or at macaron-bar.com

Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Coupon may not be reproduced, copied, traded or sold. This coupon has no cash value. Good at any Macaron Bar location.

Valid: September 1, 2016 - April 30, 2017

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Schueler Group sends BEST WISHES to ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI

as they kick-off another great season of amazing performances.

513-932-6010 schuelergroup.com 8 •

the arts are the highest form of expression.

PNC is proud to be a part of the Ensemble Theatre. Because we believe in and support everything the arts can accomplish.

©2016 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC

• 9

CAST & CREW CAST, IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER Connie................................................................................................ Burgess Byrd* Terence/Bernard Warde....................................................................Jeremy Dubin* Ira Aldridge...............................................................................................Ken Early* Halina Wozniak/Margaret Aldridge................................................... Becca Howell Charles Kean.........................................................................................Jared Joplin* Ellen Tree.................................................................................... Kelly Mengelkoch* Casimir/Henry Forester.........................................................................Eric Minion Betty Lovell................................................................................. Natasia Reinhardt Pierre Laporte...................................................................................Brent Vimtrup* RUNNING CREW Assistant Stage Manager.......................................................... Elizabeth Freyman* 2nd Assistant Stage Manager........................................................... Maggie Cramer Assistant Director........................................................................... Griff Bludworth Assistant Director..............................................................................Alice Flanders Light Board Operator.............................................................................Aaron Krick Sound Operator..........................................................................Reginald Hemphill Wardrobe Crew...................................................... Eric Minion, Natasia Reinhardt Running Crew............................................................. Dorothy Jolly, Katie Mitchell UNDERSTUDIES Terence/Bernard Warde/Charles Kean/Pierre Laporte.........................Aaron Krick Ira Aldridge.................................................................................Reginald Hemphill Halina Wozniak/Margaret Aldridge................................................ Maggie Cramer Ellen Tree........................................................................................... Katie Mitchell SETTING A theatre dressing room in Lodz, Poland, 1867.

The Theatre Royal, Covent Garden in London, 1833.

Red Velvet is performed with one intermission.

Approximate total running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park Jen Lampson Actors Theatre of Louisville Mark Walston Heather Lindert 10 •

www.artacademy.edu/camp

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Treasures from the Driehaus Collection

On view through May 27 Discover more than 60 iconic examples of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s decorative arts legacy.

Purchase tickets in advance at taftmuseum.org to save!

Special Sunday pricing | Free for Taft members TAFT SPONSORS

SEASON FUNDERS

The Sutphin Family Foundation Lynne Meyers Gordon, M.F.A.

OPERATING SUPPORT

Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection was organized by the Richard H. Driehaus Museum and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.

IMAGE: Tiffany Studios, River of Life Window (detail), 1900–1910, leaded glass.

Photograph by John Faier. © 2018 Driehaus Museum

PIQUE YOUR CURIOSITY. The Future is Female will be on view in the 21c Museum November 2017 – September 2018.

Located directly across from the Arnoff Center.

Frances Goodman (South African) Medusa, 2013-2014.

Acrylic nails, foam, metal.

12 •

609 Walnut St, Cincinnati, Ohio 513.578.6600 | 21cCincinnati.com

CCM'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY MAINSTAGE SERIES

CCM’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY MAINSTAGE SERIES

GIANNI SCHICCHI+ SUOR ANGELICA OPERA

LEGENDS OF DANCE DANCE

April 12-14, 2018

March 22-25, 2018 Inspiring the stars of tomorrow since 1867 CCM Season Presenting Sponsor

YEARS

CCM Mainstage Season Production Sponsor

Join us for a yearlong celebration in 2017-18.

SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

513-556-4183 • boxoff@uc.edu • ccm.uc.edu Red Velvet…

We’ve got you covered every day!

COMING SOON

cakery

Kenwood

7458 Montgomery Rd 513-984-1100

Local Delivery Available

Over The Rhine 29 E 12th Street 513-421-0100

3SweetGirlsCakery.com

APRIL 24 – MAY 19 A musical biography of the legendary Ethel Waters.

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FROM THE PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR As you watch Red Velvet, I write with a grateful heart. Ensemble Theatre has entered a new stage not only by the opening of our new facility, but also by how we present contemporary theatre: caressed by brick walls mortared into place over a century ago. The front of our building is glass, open to the community that we serve and love. Our next great act is as strong as the bricks and glass.

We have expanded our performance schedule to accommodate more patrons in great seats. We have expanded our educational staff and programming, encouraging those who will create theatre for generations to come with an emphasis on reaching those most in need. Need is defined in many ways, and theatre as a healing art is paramount to us.

Our mission of producing works with a social conscience has not wavered, and as I put into place our next season, this is the core of my choices. Premiere theatre is what you have come to expect and that is what we will continue to produce.

Following Red Velvet, we still have two more great shows left this season! Please join us for these amazing stories of self-discovery and empowerment. His Eye is on the Sparrow expresses the powerful contribution Ethel Waters made to this world through song and storytelling. Then, to close out the first season in our renovated theatre, we are bringing back one of our most defining productions: the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch gives us a glimpse into a world of passion, promise, and what it costs to be uniquely ourselves. It’s no coincidence that both productions enlist music to underscore these unique and powerful voices.

YOU make this possible, just as you made the transformation of our space a reality, and your attendance allows us to keep our mission center stage. I am grateful for a caring, thinking, and supportive audience. You are the core of our ensemble, and I thank you.

D. Lynn Meyers Producing Artistic Director

14 •

F��� S���i�� C��� A��e��

Custom Built Boxes · Seasonal Plantings · Self-Watering Irrigation

www.wowwindowboxes.com 513-402-2137

T I C K E T S N O W O N S A L E! ASSOCIATED PRESS

MAY 29 - JUNE 10, 2018 • ARONOFF CENTER BroadwayInCincinnati.com • CincinnatiArts.org • 513.621.ARTS

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY PRESENTED BY

• 15

THE LIFE OF A LEGEND Over the course of his 40-year career and encountering racism at every turn, Ira Aldridge defied the odds and succeeded in navigating a series of complex political landscapes to establish himself as a professional with commercial and artistic viability. As part of his legacy, he demonstrated the enduring power of theatre to push boundaries.

Ira Aldridge is born to free blacks Reverend Daniel and Luranah Aldridge in New York City. The same year, the Slave Trade Act of 1807 is passed in Britain, banning the slave trade (but not slavery).

1824 Aldridge begins his career abroad at the Royal Coburg Theatre. He marries Englishwoman Margaret Gill.

The couple's inter-racial marriage sparks anger from pro-slavery lobbyists.

1827 to

1829 The House of Commons passes the Reform Act, extending voting rights to the middle class, which causes riots and threats of civil war.

1833

The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 goes into effect throughout the British Empire.

1852 to

1855 Aldridge dies in Lodz, Poland, on August 7.

16 •

1807

Confronted by persistent discrimination in the United States, Aldridge immigrates to England as a dresser for actor James Wallak.

1825

Aldridge tours England and the English provinces. In 1829, Charles Kean (Edmund Kean's son) plays Iago to Aldridge’s Othello in Belfast.

1832 Edmund Kean collapses at Covent Garden and Aldridge is asked to play Othello. When these performances lead to the theatre’s closure, Aldridge returns to the English touring circuit.

1834 Aldridge tours Europe for the first time. At the end of the tour, he falls ill and stays in London while he recovers.

1867

Our friends at The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County put together a list of books and movies inspired by the legacy of Ira Aldridge.

history of african-american theater

Shakespeare in Sable: A History of Black Shakespearean Actors

by Errol Hill African-American Performance and Theater History edited by Harry J. Elam, Jr. and David Krasne The A to Z of African American Theater

by Anthony D. Hill and Douglas Q. Barnett

othello on screen

Omkara (2006) directed by Vishal Bharadwaj Othello (2000) directed by Oliver Parker Othello (1951) directed by Orson Welles

history of abolition in britain & the americas The Problem of Slavery in the Age of Emancipation

by David Brion Davis

Bury the Chains: Prophets and Rebels in the Fight to Free an Empire's Slaves by Adam Hochschild The Culture of English Antislavery, 1780-1860 by David Turley

All materials available through your local library branch.

ONE ROOF FRI APR 20 • 7:30 pm Music Hall

Tickets on sale now!

ANNUAL SUPPORT

513.381.3300 | cincinnatisymphony.org/classicalroots SPONSORS

The Corbett Educational Endowment

Lazarow Schwartz Family Fund

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THE CAST BURGESS BYRD (Connie) is thrilled to be back at Ensemble Theatre, having last appeared in This Random World and Detroit '67. She was most recently seen in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and A Raisin in the Sun at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Ms. Byrd has had the great pleasure of finding her theatrical home in Cincinnati, where some of her favorite credits include Caroline, or Change; Doubt; Avenue Q; Harry and the Thief; Sumatran Rhino; and the one-person shows Pretty Fire and Neat. She would like to thank D. Lynn Meyers and Brian Isaac Phillips for this opportunity, as well as her boss who supports and allows her to pursue this acting life. Much love to her family and the "Beverlys."

JEREMY DUBIN (Terence/Bernard Warde) is delighted to be making his ETC debut. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he is the Director of Creative Education, as well as a longtime company member, with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

Some of his favorite recent acting credits include Neverwhere, Cyrano de Bergerac, Much Ado About Nothing, Private Lives, and The Hound of the Baskervilles. Some of his favorite directing projects include The Diary of Anne Frank, Titus Andronicus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Every Christmas Story Ever Told.

Mr. Dubin would like to thank his family for their unabashed enthusiasm and Kelly for being the greatest.

KEN EARLY (Ira Aldridge) is honored to return to Ensemble Theatre where his credits include The Dancing Princesses, Around the World in 80 Days, The Whipping Man, Grey Gardens, Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and The Frog Princess. Some of his other regional credits include August Wilson's Jitney, On Golden Pond, To Kill a Mockingbird, Of Mice and Men, Pluto, Harry and the Thief, Oklahoma!, and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. Mr. Early would like to thank family, friends, and his CECF family for their love and support.

18 •

CAST, continued BECCA HOWELL (Halina Wozniak/Margaret Aldridge) is delighted to return to the Ensemble Theatre stage having last appeared in The Humans, Bloomsday, and Around the World in 80 Days. After graduating from Northern Kentucky University with a BFA in Acting, she completed the Professional Acting Internship Program at ETC. Ms. Howell recently worked on stage in several installments of Serials! at Know Theatre and Poor Behavior at Falcon Theatre. Her film credits include A Twisted Fate, Curvature, and The Funeral. She would like to thank her incredible family and friends for their love and support.

JARED JOPLIN (Charles Kean) is thrilled to be making his Ensemble Theatre debut. Mr. Joplin—no, not that one, though he is proud to call him Papa—has appeared locally at Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati Opera, The Carnegie, Falcon Theatre, and Cincinnati Fringe Festival.

He has worked regionally across the Midwest and in New York and spent three years on tour with Cirque du Soleil's KOOZA. His film credits include Taking Woodstock, King of the Hill, and the upcoming film Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile. Mr. Joplin would be nothing without the love, patience, and support of his wife, his family, and his friends.

He would like to dedicate this performance to Rebecca Moix and Mark Dunsford, and all patrons who provide actors with, as Pierre says, "the freedom to play."

KELLY MENGELKOCH (Ellen Tree) is thrilled to return to ETC this season, where she recently appeared in This Random World, as well as the productions of The Other Place and Tribes. She is an Associate Artist and Resident Ensemble member at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, making the Queen City her theatrical home for thirteen years and counting. She has also performed locally with The Human Race Theatre Company, New Stage Collective, and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Her film credits include CSA: The Confederate States of America, A Kind of Murder, Old Man and the Gun, and Perception. Ms. Mengelkoch sends love and thanks to her dear husband, Jeremy.

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CAST,

continued

ERIC MINION (Casimir/Henry Forester) is a graduate of Xavier University and is a current member of ETC's Professional Acting Apprentice Company where he has understudied roles in This Random World, The Dancing Princesses, and The Humans. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, he is extremely grateful for all of the opportunities he has had in Cincinnati. Some of his Xavier University credits include The Aliens, The Music Man, and various roles in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). Mr. Minion would like to thank his friends and family for all of their support.

NATASIA REINHARDT (Betty Lovell) received her MA in Performance, Theater, and Practice from Miami University where she devised the solo performance For Remembrance, Rosemary. She was most recently seen in The Dancing Princesses as Young Asa, as well as understudy roles in This Random World and The Humans at Ensemble Theatre, where she is thrilled to be a current member of ETC's Professional Acting Apprentice Company. Ms. Reinhardt was also seen in The Merry Wives of Windsor with the Richmond Shakespeare Festival. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support.

BRENT VIMTRUP (Pierre Laporte) is thrilled to return to Ensemble Theatre where he was last seen in Luna Gale. He has had the privilege of performing at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in Julius Caesar, The Importance of Being Earnest, The Elephant Man, and The Crucible, as well as playing the title roles in Hamlet and Richard II. Some of his additional credits include Harry and the Thief, Know Theatre; The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Syracuse Stage; and Sight Unseen, InProximity Theatre. Mr. Vimtrup’s film credits include principle roles in Donnybrook, Over the Rhine, and Miles Ahead. He sends much, much love to Eileen, Adah, Eamon, and baby Cecilia for their support and patience in making this all possible.

20 •

THE PLAYWRIGHT LOLITA CHAKRABARTI (Playright) is an award-winning actress and writer. She has worked extensively as an actress on stage and screen. As a writer, Red Velvet is her debut play (Evening Standard Charles Wintour Award for Most Promising Playwright, 2012; Critics' Circle Award for Most Promising Playwright, 2012; AWA Award for Arts and Culture, 2013; WhatsonStage nominations for London Newcomer of the Year and Best New Play 2012; Olivier Award nomination for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre, 2012). Red Velvet premiered in 2012 at the Tricycle Theatre in London, where it returned in 2014 before transferring to St. Anne’s Warehouse in New York. Ms. Chakrabarti also wrote Last Seen–Joy for The Almeida Theatre and a five-part adaptation of The Goddess for BBC Radio 4. She runs Lesata Productions with Rosa Maggiora and Adrian Lester.

THE DIRECTOR BRIAN ISAAC PHILLIPS (Director) is celebrating his fifteenth season of artistic leadership at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. He was named Producing Artistic Director in 2010 after being Artistic Director since 2003. His most recent CSC directing credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Dracula; The Tempest (Co-Director); The Elephant Man; Antony and Cleopatra; Death of a Salesman; Cyrano de Bergerac; One Man, Two Guvnors; Waiting for Godot; The Birds; and The Great Gatsby. He also recently completed directing Shakespeare’s entire History Cycle. Some of his other directing credits include The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; and When the Rain Stops Falling and The Handmaid’s Tale, Know Theatre of Cincinnati. Mr. Phillips is thrilled to be making his ETC directorial debut with this production.

#RedVelvet LET’S THEATRE TOGETHER

@ENSEMBLECINCY • 21

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Expression is an essential need.

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22 •

PRODUCTION TEAM BRANDON T. HOLMES (Production Stage Manager) is currently in his sixth season with Ensemble Theatre. Mr. Holmes holds a BFA from Wichita State University in Technical Theatre and Design. He has served as an Assistant Stage Manager with Music Theatre Wichita and the Production Stage Manager for LOOK Musical Theatre in Tulsa, OK, and The Lexington Theatre Company’s production of Legally Blonde. He also interned for two seasons with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Favorite credits include Violet, Thunder Knocking on the Door, Hands on a Hardbody, Merrily We Roll Along (directed by John Doyle), The Legend of Georgia McBride, The Drowsy Chaperone, Miss Saigon, Tribes and Sunset Boulevard. Thank you to Lynn and ETC's incredibly talented production staff for imagining such beautiful productions and creating the magic that is seen onstage. Love to AJ and his wonderful family. Mr. Holmes is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

ELIZABETH FREYMAN (Assistant Stage Manager) became Ensemble Theatre’s Resident Assistant Stage Manager in the fall of 2015 and has worked on every show since. Her other credits include We Will Not Be Silent and Welcome to Fear City, Contemporary American Theater Festival; Le nozze di Figaro, The Princeton Festival; Il Trovatore and Carmen, Knoxville Opera; Magic Flute, Madama Butterfly, South Pacific, and Der fliegende Holländer, Piedmont Opera; Street Scene and La Traviata, Opera North; Don Giovanni and Galileo Galilei, Cincinnati Opera. Ms. Freyman graduated with a BFA from CCM’s Stage Management Program and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity. Love to her amazing family and best friends.

BRIAN c. MEHRING (Resident Set & Lighting Designer) has designed over 100 productions at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. 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, 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.

SHANNON RAE LUTZ (Properties Master & Design Assistant) earned her Master’s degree from UC-CCM in 1996 and became Prop Master at ETC. 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. Ms. Lutz would like to thank D. Lynn Meyers, Ruth Sawyer, and the Cincinnati theatre community and patrons for their generous, supportive, and tenacious spirit.

• 23

PRODUCTION TEAM,

continued

JACK MURPHY (Technical Director) went to undergrad at Hanover College where he studied technical theatre. While there, he spent his summers at several different summer stock theatres such as 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.

When he left Gateway, he went to work on The Pride of America, a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. After another summer at the Janiec Opera Company, he came full circle and returned home to Cincinnati. Since he has been back, he has also worked with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and River City Scenic.

STORMIE MAC (Costume Designer) is delighted to be returning to Ensemble Theatre for this production. She is a Cincinnati-based costume designer and technician with a passion for the history of fashion and costume. She received her MFA in Costume Design from Florida State University and a BFA from The University of Mississippi. Her recent costume design credits include Bloomsday, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati; Sex with Strangers, The Human Race Theatre; and The Diary of Anne Frank, Death of a Salesman, and Emma, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

Ms. Mac would like to thank her husband, Joey, for his endless support and following her down the rabbit hole of history.

KEVIN SEMANICK (Sound Designer) is a New York City-based sound designer, originally from Cincinnati. His recent sound design credits as the Associate Sound Designer include: Measure for Measure, The Public Theater; The Miracle Worker, Queens Theatre; The Graduate, Funny Girl, and Baskerville, Forestburgh Playhouse; and Buried Child, Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson, Into the Woods, and Rent, Xavier University. He will be the Associate Sound Designer for the upcoming production of One Thousand Nights and One Day with Prospect Theatre Company.

Mr. Semanick received his MFA from The University of Cincinnati's CollegeConservatory of Music and his BFA from Northern Kentucky University.

JULIA GUICHARD (Dialect Coach) is an Associate 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. She has worked as a professional movement and vocal coach for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Actor’s Theatre of Middletown, and CATCO, among others. Most recently, Ms. Guichard coached actors in the two independent regional film projects Monumental and UFO. She is an active member of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) and serves on its national board.

24 •

PREMIERE SOCITEY The Premiere Society recognizes individuals who have made gifts totaling $1,000 or more within the past year.

The exceptional generosity of these donors enables ETC to present world class new works and works new to the region by having the resources to achieve the highest level of artistic quality possible. The following list was updated February 7, 2018 and includes names of donors whose gifts total $1,000 + since January 3, 2017. For questions or corrections, please contact the Development Department at (513) 421-3555, option 4.

WORLD CIRCLE ($10,000+): Anonymous (3) William P. Anderson Foundation ArtsWave Gale & Dave Beckett^ The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation^~ Lucille K. Carothers^ Tom & Annette Carothers^ Denise & Martin Chambers City of Cincinnati^ Burton & Susan Closson^~ Meredythe G. & Clayton C. Daley, Jr. Family Fund*~ The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc. Harry & Linda Fath^ William A. Friedlander Fund*^~ Estate of Kenneth J. Furrier^ GBBN Architects^ John and Gloria Goering Family Gift Fund Linda Greenberg Fund*^ The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./US Bank Foundation^ Donald C. & Laura M. Harrison Fund* William & Mary Jane James^~ The Johnson Foundation Lorrence T. & Barbara W. Kellar Fund*~ Stephen King & Lynne Miller^ LPK^ Limestone Fund*^ Macy's Messer Construction Co.^ The Mitchell S. & Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation^ Marilyn J. & Jack D. Osborn Fund*^ Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation Joseph A. & Susan E. Pichler Fund*~ Ohio Arts Council P&G Fund*~ PNC Foundation Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez^ Rosemary & Mark Schlachter^ Digi & Mike Schueler^ The Shubert Foundation, Inc. State of Ohio through the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission^ Paul & Jill Staubitz^ Estate of Richard Steiner Elsa M. Heisel Sule Charitable Trust The Dudley S. Taft Charitable Foundation Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation~ Ms. Carol Talbot^~ Dale & Joyce Uetrecht Ginger Warner^ Irwin & Barbara Weinberg NATIONAL CIRCLE ($5,000-$9,999): Bob & Elaine Blatt Brian & Elizabeth Coley * Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation ^ Capital Campaign Donor ~ Next Stage Donor

Crosset Family Fund* John DuBois~ Dennis & Rita Geiger^ Kay & Jack Geiger~ Arts & Culture Giving Circle* Mr. & Mrs. Skip & Susan Hickenlooper^ Marilyn F. Hill Kenneth T. & Molly M. Mahler Mr. & Mrs. David E. Moccia~ Neal Patel & Avani Modi^~ The William O. Purdy, Jr. Foundation Jackie Reau, Game Day Communications~ Caroline Richards~ Moe & Jack Rouse^ Elizabeth Sawyer Selnick Fund* The Sittenfeld Family^~ Tom & Barbara Tobias Family Fund*~ The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation The Dennis B. & Patricia L. Worthen Fund~ REGIONAL CIRCLE ($2,500-$4,999): Anonymous Christine Adams~ Nicholas Apanius^ Michael Berry & Melanie Garner^ Shirlee Cassidy~ Kelly M. Dehan Kathy DeLaura & Ron Steinhoff^~ Ehrsam Family Fund* Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick~ Jane & Chip Gerhardt^~ Alana & Shelly Gerson~ Helen & John Habbert~ Betsy & Tom Hampton~ Suzanne Hasl Debbie Hill Arleene Keller~ David and Judith Morgan Fund* Dr. Patricia O'Connor Marilyn Z. Ott~ Mary Stagaman^ Thompson Hine LLP Ed Trach Maureen & Larry Vignola~ Ronna & James Willis Charitable Fund~ CINCINNATI CIRCLE ($1,000-$2,499): Anonymous (7) Charles Abbottsmith~ Gordon Allen & Linda Baas Americana Arts Foundation Kathleen Bellamy Malcolm A. & Glenda Bernstein~ Mary & William Bonansinga Charitable Family Fund* Chris Lewis & Alicia Bond-Lewis Karen & Christopher Bowman David Brashear~ Mrs. Charlene Breidster

• 25

SUPPORTERS ETC gratefully acknowledges the extraordinary individuals, families, and organizations whose generous support makes it possible for us to present exceptional theatre and unique educational outreach programs for our community. The following list was updated February 7, 2018 and includes the names of donors whose gifts total $125+ since January 3, 2017. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. For questions or corrections, please contact the Development Department at (513) 421-3555, option 4.

CINCINNATI CIRCLE CONT. Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Matching Gift Program Dale P. Brown~ Bryson Family Charitable Fund~ Kenneth R. & Joan L. Campbell Foundation City of Sharonville William & Catherine Cody Margaret & Joseph Conway~ Ross Crabill & Bill Arbogast Mark Dauner Grace A. Epstein Alessandro Ferraris & Maria J. Martinez, in memory of Gordon Greene Lee & Sue Flischel Fund* GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program Karen Grass Judith B. Green & Thomas M. McDonough Irving Harris~ Bob & Judy Heaton~ Karlee Hilliard~ Marilyn P. & Joseph W. Hirschhorn Fund* Emily M. Hodges, in memory of her husband, Andrew L. Wolf Erin Houlihan & John Bostick Betty Huck~ Jim & Robin Huizenga~ Keith & Patti James Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gifts Program Dick & Mona Kerstine^ Tom & Sue Kirkpatrick~ Cecilia & Tom Kloecker LaMacchia Family Foundation David Logan & Dale Hodges Ron Longstreth & Allen Black Edward & Anita Marks^ David Martin Philip R. McHugh & Suzanne E. McHugh Ihor and Dr. Lisa Jo Melnyk Allen R. Middleton & Gary A. Daniels~ Sue & Michael Miller~ Norah & Joe Mock Netherland Rubber Co. Overbeck Charitable Fund Scott Provancher Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski Bob & Connie Reed Becky & Ted Richards Charles Scott Riley III Foundation George & Caroll Roden Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund* Jane Bogart Sellers^ Robert & Eleanor Shott Philanthropic Fund Mike & Laconia Smith Keven Speece^ * Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation ^ Capital Campaign Donor ~ Next Stage Donor

26 •

Howard & Nancy Starnbach Dee Stegman Paula Steiner Summertime Kids Grant Glenda Suttman^ Bob & Sue Trusty Ellen & Ray Van der Horst~ Jennifer Verkamp Steve F. Warkany Fund* Barbara Wiedemann Jo Ann Wieghaus Andi Levenson Young & Scott Young Mike & Liz Zimmer THE ENSEMBLE ($30+ MONTHLY GIFT) Anonymous (4) Mark Bowen Jacqueline Conner Mark Dauner Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod Linda R. Holthaus J.B. Lutz Family Jane MacKnight & Dennis Johnson David Martin Allen R. Middleton & Gary A. Daniels J.R. Rulon Eli Shupe & Toby Ruben Sara & Gunter Storjohann Pann & Terry Webb THE ENSEMBLE ($15+ MONTHLY GIFT) Anonymous Michele & Kevin Cain Paul & Bev Diamond Sandi Gans Karen Wittenberg Kathryn Wright ACTORS COLUMN ($500-$999): Anonymous (6) Norman Bates David & Elaine Billmire Robert Bloom & Alison Kamine Fund*~ Clay & Emily Bond Mark Bowen Brenda Carter Philip Clayton Jennifer & Vito Damiano Susannah Davids & Steve Myer~ Kathryn J. DeLong Emilie W. & David W. Dressler Family Fund*~ Fencl Family Fund* R. Terrell & Susan Finney Mary Fiorini Maureen Flanagan & Will Groneman Carol S. Friel Bob Gerding Nancy Gilman~

SUPPORTERS, continued The Gumbleton Family~ Sue Harris & Meredith Green Debra Hartsell & Michael James Florette Hoffheimer Linda R. Holthaus Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith William and Karen Kent Carmen & Rich Kovarsky Elizabeth Krone Virginia Kuertz Warren Leight Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod Mary Ann Meanwell Meierjohan Building Group, LLC Dr. Philip Meyers John & Deborah Moffatt Bill & Ruth Morley Nora & Michael Moushey Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty Nancy Ohnmeis Pepper Family Fund* Alice Perlman Presidential Plaza Associates, LTD Hera Reines Steven & Carol Reubel Stephen & Helen Rindsberg Rich & Jess Roedersheimer Abby & David Schwartz~ John & Martha Spiess Steven & Sue Steller Elizabeth Stites & Kevin Randall The Sweeny Family Charitable Fund, In honor of Jack & Kit Overbeck Tom & Kate Tepe Scott & Vicki Walker Larry Weber Mark D. Manley & Annette J. Wick The Honorable Norbert & Linnea Nadel STAGE MANAGERS COLUMN ($250-$499): Anonymous (5) Amy Alig Albert & Lillian Andrews American Express Employee Giving Program Laura Atkinson Henrietta Barlag~ Jon & Carol Beeson Mary Ann Bender Mike & Juliette Bezold William & Eileen Bishop Family Fund Dabby Blatt Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard Katy Brown Ann & Lee Bulger Melanie Burden Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling Andrew F. Cone Roger Cranos Lee D. Crooks Jerry Dehner & Patty Nagelkirk Charles & Lois Deitschel~ Paul & Bev Diamond * Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation ^ Capital Campaign Donor ~ Next Stage Donor

Charles & Harriet Edwards Linda Erpelding Phil Fiorini Steven Franks Sandi Gans Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon Mary Pat & Jeff Harris Kevin & Deborah Horton Daniel Hurley Steve Kenat Jane Kettlehake Charles D. King Renee & Bradley Lemberg Al & Mary Lopez J.B. Lutz Family Jane MacKnight & Dennis Johnson Bill & Karen McKim John & Julie Mellott Dr. Ralph Meyer William & Sibyl Miller Josh Neumeyer Burke Neville Victoria Parlin Nancy L. Phelan Thomas & Marianne Phillips Sara H. Pritchard Jared Queen Irene & Daniel Randolph Donor Advised Fund of the Cambridge Charitable Foundation Blake Robison & Connan Morrissey J.R. Rulon Richard Russell Stephen Schwartz Peter Seidel In honor of Ruth Sawyer^ Bryan Shick Daniel & Patty Shick Eli E. Shupe, Jr. & Toby Ruben Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein Susan & David Smith Ed & Anne Stern Sara & Gunter Storjohann Marcia Togneri Marty Tomb Tom Umfrid & Phil Tworek Nancye & Thomas Van Brunt~ Rosalie P. van Nuis^ Priscilla S. Walford Buzz Ward~ Ann & Victor Warner Wendy & Norm Wasserman Karen & Barry Webb Pann & Terry Webb Joseph Wessling Jay & Kate Wilford Karen Wittenberg Anne J. Wrider Fred Yaeger & Lisa Staggenborg Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund* CREW COLUMN ($125-$249): Anonymous (10) Marjorie & David Aaron Lucy Allen

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SUPPORTERS, continued CREW COLUMN CONT. Toni Alterman Dan & Susan Ansel Gail Barker, M.D. Wilma & Herbert Beigel^ Barbara & Wayne Beimesch~ Bill & Janet Berger~ Allen Bernard & Virginius Hall Karen & Hal Bernstein Walter Blair The Bloch Family Fund~ Robert L. Bogenschutz Anna Braam Charlin & Peter Briggs Jeff & Gay Bullock Michele & Kevin Cain Maria Carver Rev. Dr. Robert W. Croskery & Beverly Croskery, Ph.D. Steve & Daina Dennis Mary & Clyde Dial Downtown Resident Council~ Igor & Jane Dumbadze Dennis & Catherine Dunwoodie Richard & Deirdre Dyson Peggy Eberhard Charles K. Eckert Jerome & Jean Eichert~ Barbara Feldmann Bob Amott & Janice Flanagan Chuck & Judy Foster Debbie Friedman & Joe Segal Drusilla Garms Maureen Geiger Joanne Glaser~ Lois Gushin Gary & JoAnn Hagopian Mr. & Mrs. John Heldman~ Patricia Hemmer~ Ann Hicks Jacquelyn Hirt David & Karen Hoguet Cindy & Bill Hopping Cathy & Tom Huenefeld Caroline Idinopulos-Vigran Gifting Fund~ Ken & Christine Jones~ Doug & Marguerite Katchen~ Dr. James & Harriette Katz Iris Kelsen Crystal Kendrick Eugene Ketchum Tana Kirkbride & Amit Gupta Susan Kreuzmann Kroger Kroger Community Rewards Program Wayne & Karen Krueger Mary LaBolt Ms. Sooncha Lee John & Pat Leikhim Susan Lennert Charles & Jennifer Margolis~ Anne McAdams Carol Miller Meibers * Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation ^ Capital Campaign Donor ~ Next Stage Donor

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Julia B. Meister Jane & Len Meranus Nancy Gordon Messer Jan & Marilyn Methlie Dr. & Mrs. Richard A. Meyer F. Lee Meyer Drs. Jacqueline & Steven Miller & Family Hatsuki Miyata Sally Moore Regine Moulton Patricia Murray~ Neda J. Nutley Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson Paul & Mary Ann Odegard Fred & Leila Oliver~ Nan Oscherwitz Ken Oswald Terry & Jill Parsons~ Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Inc. Bill & Nancy Phelan David M. Piatt* Suann Pollock, in memory of Juliana & George Pollock Marsha Raanan Martha Ragland Royal C. Riedinger Jerri Roberts & Jim Thomas H. Gary Roberts Don & Connie Roesch Fred Ross^ Scott & Erin Rosson Barb & Rich Ruddy Sally & Howard Sampson Alfred & Stephanie Sassler Jeanie Schmidt Jim Schmidt~ Christine Schoonover & George H. Verkamp~ Mark Silbersack & Ruth Schwallie~ Patrick & Ida Sepate Ellen Sewell~ Grace Sferra Elaine Shinkle Linda Silvati Mrs. Barbara Simon Mary Lee & Louie Sirkin Jackie & Dick Snyder~ Jerome Stein Kathy Stewart Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund^ Ken & Ann Strunk Dennis & Helen Sullivan Ida & John Tergerson J. Michael & Patricia Thierauf Beverly Thomas Thomas Thompson Dan & Lynn Ticotsky Richard & Debbie Westheimer Lynne & D.H. Whitacre Lois Widlansky David & Nancy Wolf Philanthropic Fund Kathryn Wright Wuerdeman Family Fund*~ Rich Zureick

BOARD AND STAFF EXECUTIVE BOARD Stephen M. King, Chair Chip Gerhardt, President Kathy DeLaura, Vice President Mike Zimmer, Treasurer Nick Apanius, Secretary Founders' Circle Ruth D. & John Sawyer Ken & Mary "Murph" Mahler Dr. Charles O. Carothers Mitchell Meyers

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF D. Lynn Meyers The Ruth Dennis Sawyer/Mary Taft Mahler Producing Artistic Director Richard J. Diehl Managing Director Laura Proto Director of Development

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alicia Bond-Lewis Otto M. Budig Melanie Burden Lucille Carothers Brenda A. Carter Susan Friedlander Dennis Geiger Directors Emeriti Skip Hickenlooper Edward G. Marks

Nilesh Patel Richard L. Postler Jackie Reau Rich Roedersheimer Paul G. Sittenfeld Mike Smith Mary Stagaman Financial Advisor Chet Cavaliere

PRODUCTION STAFF Brian c. Mehring Resident Set & Lighting Designer Matthew Hollstegge Production Manager & Master Electrician

Amy Weinstock Development Assistant

Shannon Rae Lutz Properties Master, Design Assistant & Director of Apprentice Programming

Jocelyn Meyer Director of Marketing & Communications

Jack Murphy Technical Director

Amy Barbian Marketing Manager

Doug Stock Assistant Technical Director

Lauren Carr Director of Education & Outreach

Brandon T. Holmes Production Stage Manager

Lauren Bowler Education Associate: Hunter Heartbeat Program

Elizabeth Freyman Assistant Stage Manager

John Diehl Operations Associate PATRON SERVICES Jared D. Doren Patron Services Manager Amy Weinstock Assistant Box Office Manager Associates & House Managers Jared Earland Becca Howell Ben Ochsner Patrick E. Phillips Sharisse Santos Becca Schall

Starr Fish Costume Assistant Rachel Kuhn Scenic Charge Artist/Production Assistant SECURITY Nick Ligon PROFESSIONAL ACTING APPRENTICES Maggie Cramer Eric Minion Reginald Hemphill Katie Mitchell Dorothy Jolly Natasia Reinhardt Aaron Krick MARKETING CONTENT INTERN Alexis Jade Colón

Lead Bartender Sara Agee

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BOX OFFICE POLICIES ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI 1127 Vine Street | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 | www.ensemblecincinnati.org | (513) 421-3555 ETC BOX OFFICE HOURS & ACCEPTED PAYMENT Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 2 hours prior to curtain. Weekend hours vary. VISA, MC, Discover, and AmEx are accepted, as well as Downtown Gift Cards.

TICKET RESERVATIONS & SALE POLICY Reservations can be made by calling the box office, in person, or online. Ticket reservations are not accepted via email. Single-ticket purchases are final sale with no refund. Single tickets may, however, be exchanged for another performance during the run of a show for a fee, but may not be exchanged from one production to another. If a patron is a no-show for their reserved performance, ETC is under no obligation to reschedule his or her tickets.

TAX CREDITS If for any reason 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.

No-shows or tickets released after curtain time do not qualify as tax credits.

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.

LATECOMERS & ADMITTANCE Latecomers will be 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.

RESTROOMS Public restrooms are located in the first and third floor lobbies. Should you need to use the restroom during a performance, readmittance will be at the House Manager's discretion.

ACCESSIBILITY Please notify the box office in advance if you require wheelchair-accessible seating or have special seating needs and our staff will be happy to accommodate you. Audio-enhancement and large print programs available. Generally, sign-interpreted performances are on the third Wednesday of every production.

CAMERAS, CELL PHONES & STAGE Actors’ Equity Association strictly prohibits the use of cameras or recording devices (including camera phones) in the theatre. Kindly turn off any cell phones or pagers prior to the show starting. Text messaging during the show disturbs other audience members and actors and will not be tolerated. For safety reasons, audience members are strictly prohibited from standing, sitting or otherwise being or putting anything onstage at any time.

GROUPS & DISCOUNTS Groups of 8 or more can save on single-ticket prices. Student rates, rush discounts, Public Radio Perks Card, AAA, ArtsWave ArtsPass, Enjoy the Arts, and educator and military member discounts available (please consult your appropriate membership(s) for details and exclusions).

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RANDOM ACT OF CONSERVATION Adding native plants to your yard creates beneficial habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. This simple act helps our planet and, ultimately, the human race.

4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150 • www.CincyNature.org