By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
Mrs. Mannerly presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through November 1st. I attended the Opening Night performance.
Dale Hodges and Raymond McAnally in Mrs. Mannerly. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati opens its 2026-2027 6-show season with an audience favourite: the Regional comedy revival of Mrs. Mannerly by Jeffrey Hatcher. Set in Steubenville, Ohio circa 1967, this autobiographical tale follows nine-year-old Jeffrey as he enrolls in the rigorous etiquette class of the tough-as-nails Mrs. Mannerly.
Director (and Producing Artistic Director) D. Lynn Meyers leads the two-hander with her usual punch. Pacing is impeccable while use of the playing space is second to none. Scenic & Lighting Designer Brian c. Mehring is able to make even the simplest of sets appealing, using strategic furniture pieces and a screen backdrop to accommodate rapid-fire scene and timeline shifts.
When considering the remount of this beloved show, Ms. Meyers made sure to contact the actors who appeared in the 2014 premiere. Fortunately for us all, they both agreed to reprise their roles. Stage royalty Dale Hodges is exceptional as the doyen of decorum, Mrs. Mannerly herself. Ms. Hodges ensures the titular character’s every word and every move is deliberate, combining manners with an innate need for control. Her performance is delightful as always and I will admit I get personal pleasure from hearing such a consummate lady curse on stage – so this turn did not leave me disappointed.
In the role of Jeffrey/Others (and boy, are there Others!), Raymond McAnally is genius. His timing and delivery are superb and he gives each person he plays – including the child Jeffrey and the adult Jeffrey – appropriately distinctive characteristics. Mr. McAnally’s vocal timbre along with his physical choices are smart and expertly executed. Further, his chemistry with his co-star is something we should be able to bottle and sell to the masses.
While we might not all have attended etiquette classes, I can bet each of us will relate to something in this sweet little show. My mum was rather rigid when it came to manners – and while I am grateful for much of the things she instilled in me in that regard, there is also a downside which is discussed in the text: while the term is “use your manners”, manner should never be used as a weapon. Putting on airs to make you feel better about yourself while making another feel worse is not the answer. However, particularly in this world we navigate today, it is important to remember that kindness doesn’t cost a quarter and never goes out of style.
Click here for more information about the production.
