REGIONAL PREMIERE DRAMA
JANUARY 23 – FEBRUARY 17, 2018
ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI ENSEMBLECINCINNATI.ORG 513.421.3555 #THEHUMANS @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:
THE HUMANS by Stephen Karam
Directed by Michael Evan Haney† January 23 – February 17, 2018 Resident Designer Sound Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer & Production Manager Properties Master & Design Assistant Technical Director Production Stage Manager Assistant Stage Manager
Brian c. Mehring Matt Callahan Reba Senske Matthew Hollstegge Shannon Rae Lutz Jack Murphy Brandon T. Holmes* Elizabeth Freyman*
THE HUMANS is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. The Original Broadway Production of THE HUMANS was produced by Scott Rudin, Barry Diller, Roundabout Theatre Company, Fox Theatricals, James L. Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, Roy Furman, Daryl Roth, Jon B. Platt, Eli Bush, Scott M. Delman, Sonia Friedman, Amanda Lipitz, Peter May, Stephanie P. McClelland, Lauren Stein, and The Shubert Organization; Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, and John Johnson, executive producers. THE HUMANS had its world premiere in November 2014 at American Theater Company, Chicago, Illinois (PJ Paparelli, Artistic Director). Commissioned and Originally Produced by Roundabout Theatre Company, New York, NY (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director; Harold Wolpert, Managing Director; Julia C. Levy, Executive Director; Sydney Beers, General Manager)
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. 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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Amazing Experiences Start Here. Discover music, dance, theater, museums, festivals, classes and more with the calendar at ArtsWave.org/guide
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 Greater Cincinnati Foundation The Charles H. Dater Foundation ETC Fairy Godparent Guild P&G Fund Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation
Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation
2017-2018 RESTAURANT PARTNERS We are pleased to partner with the following local restaurants this season in offering our subscribers exclusive discounts:
Macaron bar $5 off a 12-piece box P L AT T E
architecture + design
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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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
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Impacting Impactingour ourcommunity community through through art. art. The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation
The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation
is committed to making our community a better place to live.
Impacting our community and organizationsart. we seek to enrich the quality of life for through and organizations we seek to enrich the quality of life for
is committed to making our community a better place to live.
Through our dedication to the advancement of art programs
Through our dedication to the advancement of art programs
everyone in our community. That’s why we’re proud to
everyone in our community. That’s why we’re proud to
sponsor Ensemble Theatre production of The Carolthe Ann and Ralph V. HaileCincinnati’s Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation sponsor the Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s production of “The Humans.” is committed to making our community a better place to live.
“The Humans.” Through our dedication to the advancement of art programs The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation and organizations we seek to enrich the quality of life for The created Carol Ann and Ralph HaileofJr./U.S. Bank Foundation was to enhance theV. quality life in Greater everyone in our community. That’s why we’re proud to was created to enhance the quality of life inofGreater Cincinnati concentrating our efforts in support sponsor the Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s production of community development, arts culture, education, Cincinnati concentrating our and efforts in support of “The Humans.” and human services. Our work is designed to have the community development, arts and culture, education, The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation largest possible impact as we help lead the way to and human services. Our work is designed to have the
was created to enhance the quality of life in Greater sustaining a vibrant community. largest possible impact as we help lead the way to Cincinnati concentrating our efforts in support of
sustaining a vibrant community.
community development, arts and culture, education, haileusb.org and human services. Our work is designed to have the largest possible impact as we help lead the way to haileusb.org sustaining a vibrant community.
haileusb.org
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Let your creative ambitions take center stage.
The Art Academy of Cincinnati will help you unleash your hidden talent to create your masterpiece. Our Community Education program empowers you with the proper tools to make your vision a reality. Go Ahead, Create Yourself! Find out more at www.artacademy.edu/community_education
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CAST & CREW CAST, IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER Erik Blake............................................................................................Tony Campisi* Deirdre Blake..................................................................................... Christine Dye* Richard Saad............................................................................................. Jeff Groh Fiona "Momo" Blake.......................................................................... Dale Hodges* Brigid Blake.........................................................................................Becca Howell Aimee Blake......................................................................................Jennifer Joplin* RUNNING CREW Assistant Stage Manager.......................................................... Elizabeth Freyman* 2nd Assistant Stage Manager.......................................................Reginald Hemphill Assistant Director........................................................................... Griff Bludworth Assistant Director............................................................................ Jared D. Doren Light Board Operator.............................................................................Eric Minion Sound Operator/Dramaturg............................................................... Dorothy Jolly Wardrobe Crew.................................................Rebecca Wei Hsieh, Katie Mitchell Running Crew...............................Maggie Cramer, Aaron Krick, Natasia Reinhardt UNDERSTUDIES Erik Blake...............................................................................................Eric Minion Deirdre Blake..................................................................................... Katie Mitchell Richard Saad...............................................................................Reginald Hemphill Fiona "Momo" Blake...................................................................... Maggie Cramer Brigid Blake................................................. Rebecca Wei Hsieh, Natasia Reinhardt Aimee Blake........................................................................................ Dorothy Jolly SETTING The present. A turn-of-the-century ground floor/basement duplex tenement apartment in New York City's Chinatown. Approximate total running time is 100 minutes with no intermission.
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Coffee Emporium Toni Davena Ashley Johnson Christa Skiles Dan R. Winters • 11
DIRECTOR'S NOTES “There are six basic fears, with some combination of which every human suffers at one time or another…
The fear of POVERTY The fear of CRITICISM The fear of ILL HEALTH The fear of LOSS OF LOVE OF SOMEONE The fear of OLD AGE The fear of DEATH.” –Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich
Stephan Karam’s The Humans explores the turbulent state of contemporary America through the lens of the Blake family’s Thanksgiving dinner. The Blakes are a working class family whose American dream is crumbling. We see their fear and disappointment, and their struggle with forces outside their control; and we see how the pressures of those existential forces affect their personal relationships. They squabble, often hilariously, over all the subjects not recommended for dinner table conversation: religion, money, class, and the conflicting lifestyles of the different generations. The play is political without mentioning politics or politicians. There is also an inexplicable outside threat in the play that reveals these characters' innermost dreams and deepest fears. But it is the Blake clan and their love for each other, sometimes tough and obscured yet somehow always present, that gives us a sense of hope that this family will survive. Karam has expertly mixed realism with elements of science fiction, resulting in a funny, tough, scary, and ultimately moving portrait of an American family today. Beware of The Humans. -Michael Evan Haney
#TheHumans LET’S THEATRE TOGETHER
@ENSEMBLECINCY 12 •
Treasures from the Driehaus Collection
February 17–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 FUNDER
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), early 20th century, 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.
609 Walnut St, Cincinnati, Ohio 513.578.6600 | 21cCincinnati.com
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Victoria Travel
COMING SOON | MARCH 6 –31
Supporting the Arts Since 1960 We’ve Moved!
(as of October ‘17)
6800 Wooster Pike = Mariemont Cincinnati, OH 45227
513-871-1100 800-626-4923 www.victoriatravel.biz
Not all drama happens on the stage.
MARCH 6–31
Full Service Curb Appeal Custom Built Boxes · Seasonal Plantings · Self-Watering Irrigation
www.wowwindowboxes.com 513-402-2137
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Our friends at The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County put together a list of books and movies to feed your interest before and after the show.
Also by Stephen Karam Speech & Debate (Play) columbinus with PJ Paparelli (Play)
Novels | families reckoning with the world White Teeth by Zadie Smith The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen Here I Am by Jonathan Safran Foer Commonwealth by Ann Patchett Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Movies | Family Drama The Squid and the Whale Ordinary People Fences
All materials available through your local library branch.
CIRQUE de la SYMPHONIE MAR 9–11 MUSIC HALL
Experience high-flying heroics paired with epic music from Phantom of the Opera, Batman and more.
KIDS’ TICKETS JUST $15
FIVE FOR FIGHTING APR 8 MUSIC HALL
Five for Fighting makes his Pops debut for an evening of pop-rock favorites including Superman (It’s Not Easy), The Riddle, World and 100 Years.
cincinnatipops.org • 513.381.3300 • 15
Cincinnati
of
In its real-time look at one blue-collar family gathering, The Humans strikes a deep chord regarding the hopes and challenges we face in modern society. The play brings together several generations of one family and, with humor and honesty, explores their most acute fears: fears parents have of a future that may not be as good for their children; fears we all experience of losing someone we love; fears of poverty and of an economy that, for many, continues to be frustratingly stagnant; fears of poor health and the ripple effect illness has on all aspects of our lives. These timeless and relatively universal themes appear all the more profound now, as we look across a nation in which class and geography have caused deep divides and very different perceptions of what it means to live in America today. At a time when there are many issues that seem to split our country and region, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati presents THE HUMANS OF CINCINNATI, a collection of portraits and interviews gathered throughout the area, which explores the contemporary challenges that unite us and highlights our shared humanity. Modeling our project after the widely popular Humans of New York and working to highlight local leaders and community members, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati interviewed dozens of people from all walks of life—from religious leaders to artists to bartenders to nurses to middle schoolers. Though no two stories are alike and despite cultural or economic differences, the common thread of family as a unit of support, acceptance, and love prevailed. We are more similar than we think.
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Photography by Dan R. Winters | Interviews by Alexis Jade Colรณn
View the entire project gallery and its accompanying interviews: www.humansofcincinnati.com To contribute a story and portrait of yourself or someone you know to be possibly featured, tag #HumansofCincinnati -orsend to humansofcincinnati@ensemblecincinnati.org
#HUMANSOFCINCINNATI #THEHUMANS @ENSEMBLECINCY
THE CAST TONY CAMPISI (Erik Blake) is thrilled to be back at ETC having last appeared in Permanent Collection (Acclaim Award) and Glimmer, Glimmer, and Shine. He was seen at Playhouse in the Park in Men on the Take, Durango, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and You Can't Take it with You. Other regional theatres include Cleveland Play House, McCarter Theatre, Studio Arena, Pioneer Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Mark Taper Forum, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Geva Theatre, and New York Stage and Film, among others. Broadway credits include Awake and Sing! (Tony Award), The Nerd, and Pvt. Wars. Off Broadway credits include Lincoln Center Theatre, Roundabout Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, Promenade Theatre, Westside Arts, and Primary Stages. Television credits include Seven Seconds, Blue Bloods, Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Ally McBeal, Profiler, Matlock, EZ Streets, and several soap operas. Film credits incldue Cruzando, A Home of Our Own, Tyson, and Green Plaid Shirt. CHRISTINE DYE (Deirdre Blake) last performed at Ensemble Theatre in When We Were Young and Unafraid. She has also appeared onstage in Much Ado About Nothing, Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival; August: Osage County, Riverside, and Sarge, Clifton Performance Theatre; Dracula, Playhouse in the Park; House of Yes, Untethered Theatre; Jeffery, Parallel Lives, and Valhalla, Ovation Theatre; Power Failure, Night of the Iguana, and Bus Stop, New Edgecliff Theatre; and Vagina Monologues, Miss Reardon Drinks a Little, and Shirley Valentine, Middletown Lyric Theatre. Her film credits include Carol, Old Man and the Gun, Donnybrook, A Case of Murder, Mom and Dad, Aftermath, and First Kill. Ms. Dye can also be seen around town as a spokesperson for Miami Valley Gaming Casino, as “Lucy” the Lucky Buckeye Lady. Much love to her family, as always. JEFF GROH (Richard Saad) is delighted to return to Ensemble Theatre where he last performed in the 2004 production Blue/Orange and was a member of the Professional Acting Intern Program years ago. He has been working as an actor and educator in the Cincinnati area for nearly twenty years and is currently the Head of School at The New School Montessori. He has performed with Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Know Theatre, and won the 2009 Cincinnati Entertainment Award for Best Local Actor for his role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Mr. Groh is grateful to his wife and two children who have supported him during this very busy time in his life! 18 •
THE CAST DALE HODGES (Fiona "Momo" Blake) is delighted to appear in her 25th production at Ensemble Theatre, where her favorite credits include Outside Mullingar, Other Desert Cities, Grey Gardens, and Mrs. Mannerly. She was most recently seen at Playhouse in the Park in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, as well as in the productions of Wit, King Lear, and 23 years of A Christmas Carol. Ms. Hodges has worked on Broadway in Equus and Benefactors, off-Broadway in Top Girls and A Woman in Mind, and in regional theatres around the country. Kudos and thanks to Lynn and her team for getting the beautifully renovated theatre up and running in time for another good season. Hugs to her lovely offstage family, David, Sebastian, and Hugh.
BECCA HOWELL (Brigid Blake) is delighted to return to the Ensemble Theatre stage having last been seen in 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, as well as Michael Haney and D. Lynn Meyers for the opportunity to be a part of this family.
JENNIFER JOPLIN (Aimee Blake) is thrilled to return to the Ensemble Theatre stage. She has called Cincinnati home for more than seven years. Some of her favorite credits include Outside Mullingar, Tribes, and Rapture, Blister, Burn at Ensemble Theatre, as well as the roles of Lady Macbeth and Cleopatra at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. She is a graduate of Wright State University’s professional actor training program and longtime resident artist with Human Race Theatre Company where her credits include the world premiere of 26 Pebbles, Glass Menagerie, Other Desert Cities, and God of Carnage, among others. Her film credits include Donnybrook and Old Man and the Gun. Ms. Joplin is a proud member of Actors' Equity and is the founder and lead coaching artist for Spotlight Training. She sends love and thanks to her husband, Jason, and son, Max, who support and celebrate her crazy, wonderful career. • 19
CCM'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY MAINSTAGE SERIES
CCM’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY MAINSTAGE SERIES LOVE AND INFORMATION
GIANNI SCHICCHI+SUOR ANGELICA
ACTING
OPERA
Feb. 7 (preview)-11, 2018
March 22-25, 2018
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
LEGENDS OF DANCE
MUSICAL THEATRE
DANCE
Feb. 22-March 4, 2018
April 12-14, 2018
Titles and dates subject to change.
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. CUSTOMIZABLE SUBSCRIPTIONS AND SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
513-556-4183 • boxoff@uc.edu • ccm.uc.edu
“ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER HAS BROADWAY ROCKING!” – REUTERS
February 21 - March 4 • Aronoff Center
BroadwayInCincinnati.com • CincinnatiArts.org • 513.621.ARTS PRESENTED BY
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THE PLAYWRIGHT STEPHEN KARAM'S (Playright) plays include The Humans (Tony Award, Obie Award for Playwriting, Drama Critics’ Circle Award, and Pulitzer Prize finalist), Sons of the Prophet (Drama Critics’ Circle Award and Pulitzer Prize finalist), and Speech & Debate. His adaptation of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard premiered on Broadway as part of Roundabout’s 2016 season; his film adaptation of The Seagull starring Annette Bening will premiere in 2018. Recent honors include two Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, a Lucille Lortel Award, a Drama League Award, and a Hull-Warriner Award. Mr. Karam is a graduate of Brown University and grew up in Scranton, PA. www.stephenkaram.com
THE DIRECTOR MICHAEL EVAN HANEY (Director) is delighted to return to ETC where he has directed Bloomsday, Grounded, An Iliad, Tribes, Freud's Last Session, Time Stands Still, End Days, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Souvenir (transferring to The English Theatre of Vienna and Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Permanent Collection, Blue/Orange, Bed Among the Lentils/ Underneath the Lintel, Syncopation, The Countess, and Private Eyes. His other Cincinnati directing credits include Hound of the Baskervilles, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; Summerland (World Premiere), A Delicate Ship, Double Indemnity, Speaking in Tongues, The Understudy, The History of Invulnerability, Sleuth, Blackbird, Around the World in 80 Days (transferred off-Broadway to the Irish Repertory Theatre), Crime and Punishment, The Clean House, A Christmas Carol (1993-2017), Hiding Behind Comets, The Syringa Tree, and Proof, Playhouse in the Park. International credits include The Syringa Tree (the English Theatres of Vienna and Frankfurt) and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Mr. Haney’s regional credits include Caine Mutiny Court Martial, Lyceum Theatre; All My Sons, Alabama Shakespeare Festival; The Drawer Boy, Actors Theatre of Louisville; The Heidi Chronicles, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis; Comedy of Errors and Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting, Sacramento Theatre Company; The Potting Shed, Washington Stage Guild; Scotland Road, Pacific Resident Theatre, Drama-Logue Award for direction; and As the Wind Rocks the Wagon (a one-woman show written and performed by his wife Amy Warner). He was also the Artistic Director of Allenberry Playhouse in Pennsylvania. Mr. Haney’s acting credits include seasons with The Arena Stage, Missouri Repertory Theatre, and Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival; a national tour of Nicholas Nickleby, Return to the River, Jail Diary of Albee Sachs, and The Devils (off-Broadway); and Elie Wiesel’s Zalmen on Broadway. • 21
It’s time for a new identity. One that tells the story of creativity in Ohio and illustrates it. Expression is an essential need. By better illustrating our story, we can better help you express yours.
Complete the story at oac.ohio.gov/identity. 30 EAST BROAD STREET, 33RD FLOOR, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215-3414 | 614-466-2613 OAC.OHIO.GOV | @OHIOARTSCOUNCIL| #ARTSOHIO
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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.
REBA SENSKE (Costume Designer) is CCM's Associate Costume Designer. She's designed costumes for ETC's Becky's New Car, 33 Variations, Mauritius, Grey Gardens, The Seafarer, Rabbit Hole, Souvenir, String of Pearls, I Am My Own Wife, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001), among countless others. Some of her CCM credits include Hot Summer Nights, Violet, We Tell the Story, and Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill. Other CCM credits include: Singin' in the Rain, The Boys from Syracuse, Oklahoma!, and Big River. She designed Noah's Flood for the May Festival and is Cincinnati Opera's costume coordinator. She designed Song from the Uproar, Ainadamar, Cosi Fan Tutti, and Calisto for the Cincinnati Opera.
MATT CALLAHAN (Sound Designer) was the Resident Sound Designer for Actors Theatre of Louisville for seven seasons. Most recent designs for Ensemble Theatre include This Random World and Bloomsday. 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 The 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.
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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 January 4, 2018 and includes donors' names of donors whose gifts total $1,000 + since November 30, 2016. For questions or corrections, please contact the Development Department at (513) 421-3555, option 4. WORLD CIRCLE ($10,000+): Anonymous (4) ArtsWave Gale & Dave Beckett^ The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation^~ Lucille K. Carothers^ Tom & Annette Carothers^ 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*~ Kenneth J. Furrier John & Gloria Goering Family Gift Fund Linda Greenberg Fund*^ The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./US Bank Foundation^ Donald C. & Laura M. Harrison Fund* Debbie Hill~ William & Mary Jane James~ The Johnson Foundation The Raymond C. & Anna T. Johnson Foundation Lorrence T. & Barbara W. Kellar Fund*^~ Limestone Fund* LPK Macy's Kenneth T. & Molly M. Mahler~ Messer Construction Co.^ The Mitchell S. & Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation^ Ohio Arts Council Marilyn J. & Jack D. Osborn Fund* P&G Fund*~ Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation Joseph A. & Susan E. Pichler Fund*~ PNC Foundation Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez^~ Robert C. & Adele R. Schiff Foundation Rosemary & Mark Schlachter^ Digi & Mike Schueler^~ The Shubert Foundation, Inc. State of 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~
Brian & Elizabeth Coley~ Crosset Family Fund* John DuBois~ Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick~ GBBN Architects Dennis & Rita Geiger Kay & Jack Geiger~ Jane & Chip Gerhardt^~ Helen & John Habbert~ Betsy & Tom Hampton~ Mr. & Mrs. Skip & Susan Hickenlooper^ Lauren Hannan Hudson Stephen King & Lynne Miller Marcene Kinney^ Drs. Jacqueline & Steven Miller & Family~ Mr. & Mrs. David E. Moccia~ Neal Patel & Avani Modi^~ The William O. Purdy, Jr. Foundation Caroline Richards~ Moe & Jack Rouse^ Elizabeth Sawyer Selnick Fund* The Sittenfeld Family^~ Tom & Barbara Tobias Family Fund* Ed Trach The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation The Dennis B. & Patricia L. Worthen Fund~
NATIONAL CIRCLE ($5,000-$9,999): William P. Anderson Foundation Bob & Elaine Blatt Mary & William Bonansinga Charitable Family Fund*^~ Denise & Martin Chambers~
CINCINNATI CIRCLE ($1,000-$2,499): Anonymous (5) Charles Abbottsmith~ Gordon Allen & Linda Baas~ Malcolm A. & Glenda Bernstein Michael Berry & Melanie Garner~ Alicia Bond-Lewis & Chris Lewis^
* Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation ^ Capital Campaign Donor ~ Next Stage Donor
REGIONAL CIRCLE ($2,500-$4,999): Anonymous Christine Adams~ Americana Arts Foundation Nicholas Apanius^ Shirlee Cassidy Kelly M. Dehan Kathy DeLaura & Ron Steinhoff~^ Ehrsam Family Fund*~ Grace A. Epstein Suzanne Hasl Arleene Keller~ Tim & Grace Kerr~ Sue & Michael Miller~ David & Judith Morgan Fund* Dr. Patricia O'Connor Marilyn Z. Ott~ Jackie Reau, Game Day Communications Mary Stagaman^ Paula Steiner Thompson Hine LLP Maureen & Larry Vignola~ Mike & Liz Zimmer^
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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 January 4, 2018 and includes the names of donors whose gifts total $125+ since November 30, 2016. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. For questions or corrections, please contact the Development Department at (513) 421-3555, option 4. Karen & Christopher Bowman David Brashear Mrs. Charlene Breidster Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Matching Gift Program Dale P. Brown~ Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard Jo Ann C. Brown~ Bryson Family Charitable Fund~ Kenneth R. & Joan L. Campbell Foundation City of Sharonville Margaret & Joseph Conway~ Ross Crabill & Bill Arbogast Susannah Davids & Steve Myer~ Alessandro Ferraris & Maria J. Martinez, in memory of Gordon Greene Lee & Sue Flischel Fund* GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program 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 my husband, Andrew L. Wolf~ Dale Hodges & David Logan~ Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski~ Erin Houlihan & John Bostick~ Betty Huck~ Jim & Robin Huizenga~ Dick & Mona Kerstine~ Tom & Sue Kirkpatrick~ Cecilia & Tom Kloecker LaMacchia Family Foundation Gabe Litwin Ron Longstreth & Allen Black Edward & Anita Marks^ David Martin Philip R. McHugh & Suzanne E. McHugh Mary Ann Meanwell Ihor & Dr. Lisa Jo Melnyk Allen R. Middleton & Gary A. Daniels Norah & Joe Mock~ Netherland Rubber Co. Presidential Plaza Associates, LTD Scott Provancher Bob & Connie Reed Hera Reines~ Steven & Carol Reubel Becky & Ted Richards Charles Scott Riley III Foundation Rich & Jess Roedersheimer^ Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund* Jane Bogart Sellers^ Mike & Laconia Smith Keven Speece~ * Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation ^ Capital Campaign Donor ~ Next Stage Donor
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Kathleen L. Spencer~ Dee Stegman^~ Summertime Kids Grant Glenda Suttman^~ Bob & Sue Trusty~ Ellen & Ray Van der Horst~ Scott & Vicki Walker~ Steve F. Warkany Fund*^ Larry Weber Barbara Wiedemann Jo Ann Wieghaus Ronna & James Willis Charitable Fund~ Andi Levenson Young & Scott Young 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 (5) Amy Alig Amy Barhorst Henrietta Barlag~ Norman Bates~ David & Elaine Billmire~ Dabby Blatt Robert Bloom & Alison Kamine Fund*~ Clay & Emily Bond Lowell Bowie~ Brenda Carter^ Philip Clayton William & Catherine Cody Jennifer & Vito Damiano Mark Dauner Kathryn J. DeLong Emilie W. & David W. Dressler Family Fund*~ Fencl Family Fund*~ R. Terrell & Susan Finney
SUPPORTERS, continued Mary Fiorini Maureen Flanagan & Will Groneman Carol S. Friel Bob Gerding~ Nancy Gilman Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod The Gumbleton Family~ Sue Harris & Meredith Green Debra Hartsell & Michael James Florette Hoffheimer~ Keith & Patti James Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies Matching Gifts Program Doug & Marguerite Katchen~ Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith~ William & Karen Kent Carmen & Rich Kovarsky Kroger Community Rewards Virginia Kuertz~ Warren Leight Mark D. Manley & Annette J. Wick~ Bill & Karen McKim Dr. Ralph Meyer John & Deborah Moffatt Bill & Ruth Morley Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty Nancy Ohnmeis~ Pepper Family Fund* Alice Perlman~ Stephen & Helen Rindsberg George & Caroll Roden Marianne R. Rowe Fund*~ Josh & Kathy Sands Abby & David Schwartz~ John & Martha Spiess Howard & Nancy Starnbach~ Elizabeth Stites & Kevin Randall The Sweeny Family Charitable Fund, In honor of Jack & Kit Overbeck~ Tom & Kate Tepe Marcia Togneri~ Jennifer Verkamp Buzz Ward~ Andrea Wiot STAGE MANAGERS COLUMN ($250-$499): Anonymous (7) Actors' Equity Foundation, Inc. Albert & Lillian Andrews American Express Employee Giving Program Lois Annich & Richard Israel Laura Atkinson~ Jon & Carol Beeson Mary Ann Bender William & Eileen Bishop Family Fund Walter Blair Karen M. Blocher~ Mark Bowen Ann & Lee Bulger Cathy Chapman James Cissell * Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation ^ Capital Campaign Donor ~ Next Stage Donor
Andrew F. Cone Roger Cranos Lee D. Crooks~ Jerry Dehner & Patty Nagelkirk Charles & Lois Deitschel~ Paul & Bev Diamond~ Duke Energy Igor & Jane Dumbadze Jerome & Jean Eichert~ Linda Erpelding Phil Fiorini Steven Franks Sandi Gans Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon Lois Gushin Gary & JoAnn Hagopian Mary Pat & Jeff Harris Ann Hicks Linda Holthaus Kevin & Deborah Horton Daniel Hurley^ Steve Kenat Jane Kettlehake Marvin & Gerry Kraus Elizabeth Krone Wayne & Karen Krueger Renee & Bradley Lemberg Al & Mary Lopez J.B. Lutz Family Jane MacKnight & Dennis Johnson John & Julie Mellott~ William & Sibyl Miller Mary Sue Morrow Nora & Michael Moushey Josh Neumeyer Burke Neville Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson Victoria Parlin~ Bill & Nancy Phelan~ Nancy L. Phelan Thomas & Marianne Phillips Richard & Margaret Porter 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~ Carol Schaber Bryan Shick Daniel & Patty Shick Eli E. Shupe, Jr. & Toby Ruben Mrs. Barbara Simon Susan & David Smith Ed & Anne Stern Sara & Gunter Storjohann Beverly Thomas Dan & Lynn Ticotsky Marty Tomb Tom Umfrid & Phil Tworek Nancye & Thomas Van Brunt~ Rosalie P. van Nuis Priscilla S. Walford Ann & Victor Warner
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SUPPORTERS, continued Wendy & Norm Wasserman Karen & Barry Webb Pann & Terry Webb Joseph Wessling Jay & Kate Wilford Linnea Woodward & Norbert Nadel Wuerdeman Family Fund*~ Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund* CREW COLUMN ($125-$249): Anonymous (9) Bob Amott & Janice Flanagan^ Dan & Susan Ansel Peg & Tom Bach Gail Barker, M.D. Wilma & Herbert Beigel Bill & Janet Berger~ Allen Bernard & Virginius Hall Karen & Hal Bernstein Mike & Juliette Bezold Anna Braam Clint Bramkamp & Sheila Mudd Baker Charlin & Peter Briggs Wini Bruening John P. Bruggen~ Jeff & Gay Bullock Michele & Kevin Cain The Carr Family Angela Chong & Harold Schuck Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling Rev. Dr. Robert W. Croskery & Beverly Croskery, Ph.D. Barbara Cummins Steve & Daina Dennis Downtown Resident Council Sally Chatfield Dunn Dennis & Catherine Dunwoodie Richard & Deirdre Dyson Peggy Eberhard Charles K. Eckert Charles & Harriet Edwards Louis Enzweiler & Ruth Schwallie~ Chuck & Judy Foster Carol Friedman Debbie Friedman & Joe Segal Drusilla Garms Maureen Geiger Joanne Glaser~ Judy & Alan Guttman Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell Habib Joe & Susan Harten Mr. & Mrs. John Heldman~ Patricia Hemmer~ Theresa Crittenden Henderson Jacquelyn Hirt David & Karen Hoguet Cindy & Bill Hopping Cathy & Tom Huenefeld~ Marilyn Hurrell Caroline Idinopulos-Vigran Gifting Fund~ Ken & Christine Jones~ Dr. James & Harriette Katz * Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation ^ Capital Campaign Donor ~ Next Stage Donor
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Crystal Kendrick Tana Kirkbride & Amit Gupta Mary Alice Koch Pinky & Sam Kocoshis Mary Labolt Ms. Sooncha Lee Susan Lennert Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein~ Charles & Jennifer Margolis~ Anne McAdams Julia B. Meister Janet K. Melcher Nancy Gordon Messer Jan & Marilyn Methlie Sally Moore Regine Moulton F. Lee Meyer Patricia Murray~ Neda J. Nutley Paul & Mary Ann Odegard Fred & Leila Oliver~ Nan Oscherwitz Ken Oswald Terry & Jill Parsons~ Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Inc. David M. Piatt* Suann Pollock, in memory of Juliana & George Pollock Martha Ragland Deborah Rieselman H. Gary Roberts~ Jerri Roberts & Jim Thomas Don & Connie Roesch Sondra & Fred Ross^ Barb & Rich Ruddy Sally & Howard Sampson Alfred & Stephanie Sassler Jeanie Schmidt Jim Schmidt~ Christine Schoonover & George H. Verkamp~ Peter Seidel Patrick & Ida Sepate Ellen Sewell~ Grace Sferra Sabrina Shattles Elaine Shinkle Mark Silbersack & Ruth Schwallie Linda Silvati Mary Lee & Louie Sirkin Robert & Myfanwy Smith Jackie & Dick Snyder~ Jerome Stein Kathy Stewart Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund^ Ken & Ann Strunk~ Dennis & Helen Sullivan J. Michael & Patricia Thierauf Amy Warner & Michael Haney Richard & Debbie Westheimer Lynne & D.H. Whitacre Lois Widlansky Karen Wittenberg Kathryn Wright Fred Yaeger & Lisa Staggenborg 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 ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF D. Lynn Meyers The Ruth Dennis Sawyer/Mary Taft Mahler Producing Artistic Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Alicia Bond-Lewis Otto M. Budig Melanie Burden Lucille Carothers Brenda A. Carter Susan Friedlander Dennis Geiger Mitchell Meyers
Nilesh Patel Richard L. Postler Jackie Reau Rich Roedersheimer Paul G. Sittenfeld Mike Smith Mary Stagaman
Directors Emeriti Skip Hickenlooper Edward G. Marks
Financial Advisor Chet Cavaliere
Richard J. Diehl Managing Director
PRODUCTION STAFF Brian c. Mehring Resident Set & Lighting Designer
Laura Proto Director of Development
Matthew Hollstegge Production Manager & Master Electrician
Madison Owens Development Assistant
Shannon Rae Lutz Properties Master, Design Assistant & Director of Apprentice Programming
Jocelyn Meyer Director of Marketing & Communications Amy Barbian Marketing Manager Lauren Carr Director of Education & Outreach Lauren Bowler Education Associate: Hunter Heartbeat Program 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
Jack Murphy Technical Director Doug Stock Assistant Technical Director Brandon T. Holmes Production Stage Manager Elizabeth Freyman Assistant Stage Manager Starr Fish Costume Assistant Rachel Kuhn Scenic Charge Artist/Production Assistant SECURITY Nick Ligon PROFESSIONAL ACTING APPRENTICES Maggie Cramer Aaron Krick Reginald Hemphill Eric Minion Rebecca Wei Hsieh Katie Mitchell Dorothy Jolly Natasia Reinhardt 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