ETC’s OTHER DESERT CITIES Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

The Ensemble Theatre’s OTHER DESERT CITIES Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Amy Warner as Polly Wyeth, Sara Mackie as Brooke Wyeth & Dale Hodges as Silda Grauman. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized Ensemble Theatre’s production of OTHER DESERT CITIES with a 4 Star Rating.

OTHER DESERT CITIES, a family is thrown into turmoil when a once-promising novelist returns home to Palm Springs to visit her parents, and she reveals the imminent publication of her juicy tell-all memoir—a book that focuses on the politically explosive and tragic death of her antiwar-activist brother.

Panelists described the OTHER DESERT CITIES as “a well crafted production of an engaging play…thought producing and discussion-producing, with an unexpected twist”. Actress Amy Warner, as Polly Wyeth, was singled out as having “such class, such style, and such unbelievably controlled tension as the socialite mother…She was recognizable from the second she stepped on stage, and her character never faltered.” Dale Hodges was also praised for her portrayal of Silda Gruaman: “Outright hilarious…her physicality alone was remarkable…she added humor and truth to every line she delivered.” Finally, Brian C. Mehring was commended for his “beautiful, exact, and controlled” set design: “The set was stunning: the scale was impressive and the dressing pitch-perfect.”

OTHER DESERT CITIES continues through September 22nd. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

[Links to reviews can be found on the BTC production page. -Rob]

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.com.