(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC), the region’s premiere theatre, is delighted to announce its 2026– 2027 season, which includes the return of a fan-favorite comedy, a world premiere musical unlike any other, a chilling and deeply human award-winning drama, a witty and heartwarming comedy, a powerful and music-filled drama, and the return of a beloved, whimsical musical!
“The shows for our 2026-2027 Season all have a theme of how to become your true self and how you can bring your unique talents to the world,” says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “We’re going to watch the creative process for six decades of music unfold from a legend of song and stage; we’re bringing back the phenomenal talents of two actors to reprise their roles together in one of our most popular shows; we’re going to discover where true beauty looks like; we’re going to ask questions about what we owe the children of tomorrow and how we live in the moment of today; and we’re going to close our season with a comedy from the award-winning Theresa Rebeck. For our 41st Season, we’re starting a new chapter for Ensemble and looking forward to what’s next.”
About the Plays
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati will kick off the 2026–2027 Season with Corner of the Sky: The Music of Stephen Schwartz, a world premiere of the first theatrical celebration of the legendary Stephen Schwartz songbook, highlighting six decades of songs from the beloved Grammy– and Academy Award–winning composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Prince of Egypt, and other Broadway and Hollywood classics. Conceived and created by Scott Coulter (CCM ’93), this thrilling and moving musical begins with Stephen’s first hit Broadway song, “Corner of the Sky,” and features the myriad musical ways it led to everything that came after, including “Defying Gravity.” Playing September 5–27, 2026.
Next, travel back to 1967 with Jeffrey Hatcher’s charming comedy, Mrs. Mannerly, taking the stage October 13 – November 1, 2026. Set in Steubenville, Ohio, this autobiographical play follows nine-year-old Jeffrey as he tackles the rigorous etiquette class of the formidable Mrs. Mannerly, a teacher with a mysterious past and zero tolerance for rudeness. Through mischief, determination, and surprising friendship, Jeffrey learns that manners are about more than just forks and napkins; they’re lessons in life, respect, and self-discovery. ETC brings back one of its most popular productions in its history, with Raymond McAnally and Dale Hodges reprising their roles from the sold-out run. Packed with sharp wit, heartwarming moments, and nostalgic humor, Mrs. Mannerly is a delightful romp that proves good manners—and laughter—never go out of style.
For the holidays, ETC revives one of its most treasured family-friendly holiday musicals, Cinderella, with book by Joseph McDonough, lyrics by David Kisor, and music by Fitz Patton, December 9–30, 2026. What do you get when you mix a nearsighted bookworm heroine, two fabulously self-absorbed stepsisters, a devilishly diva stepmother, and a self-empowering Well-Wisher? A delightfully modern spin on the classic fairy tale, proving that being smart is the ultimate kind of beautiful! When the King urges his romantically challenged son to choose a bride from hundreds of “applicants,” a hilarious cross-country quest unfolds to reunite a missing sneaker—yes, a sneaker!—with its rightful owner. Full of laughs, charm, and heart, Cinderella is perfect for audiences of all ages.
Then, ETC presents the regional premiere drama The Children by Lucy Kirkwood, from January 30 – February 21, 2027. In a secluded cottage on the British coast, retired nuclear physicists Hazel and Robin live quietly, tending their garden, practicing yoga, and savoring the peace they’ve carved out for themselves. Outside, the world is in utter chaos following a devastating disaster. Their fragile calm is shattered when an old colleague arrives with a shocking and morally urgent request, forcing the three friends to confront their shared culpability in this searing eco-thriller about accountability and guilt, reparation and redemption. Darkly funny, chilling, and deeply human, The Children is an urgent and haunting exploration of environmental responsibility, legacy, and the price of survival.
Next up, ETC presents the regional premiere drama Paradise Blue by Dominique Morisseau, March 20 –April 11, 2027. Welcome to the sultry, jazz-filled Paradise Club. It’s 1949 in Detroit, and Blue, a gifted trumpeter and owner of the once-vibrant nightclub, is ready to leave this town and his family demons behind. But where does that leave his devoted Pumpkin, who has dreams of her own? And what does it mean for the club’s resident band? When a seductive stranger enters the picture with plans of her own, everything is turned upside down, and the club’s makeshift family and their troubled bandleader find themselves fighting for the future of Paradise. From the Tony Award–nominated playwright of Ain’t Too Proud and Detroit ’67, this chapter of Morisseau’s three-play Detroit Project is a powerful noir-inspired, music-filled drama that explores ambition, loyalty, and the meaning of community.
ETC’s 2026–2027 season closes with the regional premiere comedy Bad Dates: End Game, written and directed by Cincinnati native and award-winning playwright Theresa Rebeck, playing May 8 – 30, 2027. Twenty years after Theresa Rebeck broke the mold of Off-Broadway romantic comedies with Bad Dates, she returns with Bad Dates: End Game, following Haley as she navigates the chaos of modern dating with sharp wit, comedic charm, and a few margaritas along the way. From disastrous Tinder encounters to awkward setups, this post-menopausal widow proves that life’s second act can be hilarious, heartfelt, and full of unexpected joy. Critics hailed the original as “hilarious and heartwarming,” and this laugh-out-loud sequel delivers the same relatable humor, resilience, and charm—complete with the iconic heroine audiences have adored for two decades.
Subscriptions On Sale Now
Subscriptions to the 2026-2027 Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati season are on sale now. Packages can be purchased by calling the box office at (513) 421-3555.
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2026–2027 Season Presenting Sponsor is the LKC Foundation.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is supported, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.
The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati also receives funding from the Shubert Foundation.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. We fulfill our mission through our stage productions and educational outreach programs that enlighten, enliven, enrich, and inspire our audiences.
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