Category Archives: Reviews

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

HANDS ON A HARDBODY presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through June 30th. I attended the Opening Sunday matinee performance. NOTE: At this performance, Sara Mackie and KG Rucker went on as Janis Curtis and Frank Nugent, respectively. 

The cast of Hands on a Hardbody presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is closing out their 2023-2024 with a show they produced a decade ago: Tony-nominated HANDS ON A HARDBODY. Featuring book by Doug Wright, Lyrics by Amanda Green, and Music by both Phish frontman Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green, HARDBODY is inspired by the true events of the 1997 documentary of the same name. 10 hard-on-their-luck Texans are chosen at random to compete for a brand new truck by keeping at least one hand on the vehicle in order to win it. What follows is funny and touching journey rife with catchy tunes. 

Under the direction of D. Lynn Meyers, a formidable cast does it utmost to sing their way into our hearts. Ms. Meyers knows how to put together some of the best casts in Cincinnati theatre and this one is no exception. Music Director extraordinaire Steve Goers works his magic on the beautiful harmonies the cast takes on. His work with the singers brings out the perfect emotional setting for each and every song which is no small task. Choreography by Chaz Wolcott is smart, extremely creative, and holds its own as both enhancement to the characters’ stories as well as being a character by itself. Bravx to this incredible creative team!

A lovely problem to have a reviewer is when you find it hard only to mention certain artists. When a show boasts the talents of Jamie Cordes, Denise Devlin, Phil Fiorini, Annie Fitzpatrick, Jim Hopkins, Jared Joplin, Sara Mackie (performing for Deb G. Girdler), Andrew Maloney, Deondra Kamau Means, Patrick Earl Phillips, KG Rucker (performing for Michael G. Bath), Brooke Steele, Franco Valerga, Aleah Vassell, and Kate Wilford, you know you are in for a feast for the senses. But I shall try to cite specific examples.

Two words: Jared Joplin. We all know Mr. Joplin has one of most melodic speaking voices in theatre – but did you know the man can wail? As previous hardbody winner Benny Perkins, he gives us strong, incredible vocals coupled with an acting turn which will send your heart on a roller coaster of emotions. I’d imagine this has to be an exhausting role to play, but it must also be incredibly satisfying and fulfilling. Perfect execution at its finest. (And for the record, I didn’t have “Jared Joplin executes perfect choreography mimicking bull-riding on the bed of truck” on my 2024 Bingo card, but here we are. Thank you for that, Mr. Wolcott.)

Speaking of incredible vocals, may I mention Aleah Vassell in the role of Norma Valverde? Not only does Mx. Vassell have an incredible gift of song, they possess an impressive set of acting skills as well. Norma is a generally happy, positive character – but days in the Texas heat with your hands on a scorching truck will get to just about anyone. Mx. Vassell expertly navigates their character’s arc with grace and grit.

I did not have the pleasure of seeing ETC’s original go at HANDS ON A HARDBODY – but I am secure in stating that even if you did, you should see this one. With an entertaining and engaging story, stellar performances, and atypical musical music (read: actually good), it is a win-win. Further, you will not leave the theatre in anything but a better mood than when you entered. In what is ultimately a story of perseverance, we are reminded how much human beings have in common, no matter how different we may seem.

Click here for more information about the production.

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE MATCH GAME presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through May 5th. I attended the opening Saturday matinee performance. 

The cast (and set) of THE MATCH GAME. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

What happens when you get to be a fly on the wall witnessing the hijinks of a family who puts the “fun” in “dysfunctional”? You get THE MATCH GAME by Steven Strafford, obviously! This winner of the 2022 Jackie Demaline playwriting competition is your classic dramedy: rife with laughter, tears, and sailor suits. Just the way the Deities intended it…

Jared D. Doren directs this tale which centers around Steph who has quite a bit on her plate what with blood family issues and chosen family troubles – not to mention some serious concerns of her own. Mr. Doren’s keen eye is put to good use both in the use of the playing space as well as his casting choices. He clearly knows people and how to present a realistic tableau on a stage, including when people as intimately involved as family talk over one another.

Set design by Brian c. Mehring is a beautiful and appropriately detailed. Representing two levels and multiple rooms of the family home, the set is roomy enough for all actors to be on stage at once while still feeling terribly intimate. Costumes designed by Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez are realistic and zany as needed. Excellent work!

Not surprisingly, ETC has gathered an all-star cast for this one. Since I can not properly fangirl over them by devoting a paragraph to each, I will try my best to mention some highlights (without spoilers, of course).

In the center of the chaos, we have Jennifer Joplin as Steph. Per usual, Ms. Joplin excels in the role of her family’s “cruise director”. Her interpretation of the character’s emotional journey will keep you fixated from start to finish.

In the role of Steph’s father, audiences have the privilege of seeing Bruce Cromer back on ETC’s stage. Mr. Cromer navigates the complicated role of a long-philandering father coming back with unknown intentions with his usual creative genius. Not to be outdone, Allen R. Middleton hits it out of the park with his portrayal of Alan, Steph’s seemingly absent husband. Mr. Middleton has the incredible knack for bringing a level of charm and sophistication into every role, even to those where he isn’t the audience’s favourite person.

As the member of a dysfunctional family myself, I can relate very directly with quite a bit of the material presented by our esteemed playwright. But being damaged is not a prerequisite: there are universally relatable topics and emotions. I daresay we’ve all known people like those in Steph’s family – and they have more-than-likely made us laugh and/or cry at some point in our lives. The Match Game is an enjoyable slice of life with a great pace and scathing realism – and that is great playwriting.

Click here for more information on the production.

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

How I Learned What I Learned presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through March 10th. I attended the opening Thursday performance. 

“ranney” as Actor. Photo by Ryan Kurtz

So many theatres are keeping the light of Black History Month burning strongly and I am here for it. How I Learned What I Learned, an autobiographical piece written and originally performed by the legendary playwright himself, August Wilson, is Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s contribution to this long-ignored time of storytelling, mourning, and celebration.

Co-conceived by Todd Kreidler and directed by local legend Torie Wiggins, How I Learned…is not what one would expect from a one-man autobiographical piece. The lead role is played impeccably by a familiar face to Cincinnati as of late, the one and only “ranney”. With a beautiful canvas on which to “paint” his story by Scenic & Lighting Designer Brian c. Mehring; projections designed by Becca Schall (who always has an exceptional piece of art on display in the ETC lobby!); and the all-too-important punctuations of sound and music by Sound Designer Matt Callahan, “ranney” navigates the space naturally and conversationally. While the audience obviously does more listening than speaking, we still feel included in the 1 hour 45 mins narrative. And it is a ride, my friends.

I will loosely quote the local actor with whom I spoke before the show began: rather than being in the form of lecture, the script is written almost in terms of a series of vignettes which ultimately allow Mr. Wilson to explain how he credits his own success, both personally and professionally. Despite being a one-man show, we are introduced to a shower of characters – including a cameo by acclaimed jazz musician, John William Coltrane. Much like the playwright, “ranney” is a master storyteller and is an excellent choice to take us on the many paths August Wilson travelled in his time on this earth.

Torie Wiggins’ direction is clear and with purpose, two of my favourite things about an artist. She knew exactly how to keep the piece visually stimulating while maintaining a steady and provocative pace. Slower moments have their reasons and do not derail the journey on which we are taken. Repeating myself from an earlier praise said to Ms. Wiggins herself, it is a masterpiece.

As much as I could go on forever about every wonderful part of this production, I implore you to experience it for yourself. You start with a wonderful script about an intriguing and brilliant person and add cast and crew who only enhance this foundation – and you end up with a time at theatre that should not be missed. Wilson’s words wash over you with such ease, so to have these words shared with you in a way that feels very personal by an actor the caliber of “ranney” is a delight and a privilege. I was honoured to have been a guest on this adventure.

Click here for more information on the production.

Support live theatre and listen to black stories not just in February, but year-round.