GINDEPENDENCE DAY: A Developmental Staged Reading
American Legacy Theatre
Nov. 7-8 | Available on Demand Nov. 11-18
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati [Over-the-Rhine]
Artsville [Madisonville]
Cast: Jovanni Candia as Bailey, Ariana Hodes as Remmy, Rory Sheridan as Doug & Roux Bedrosian as CJ
Three people in recovery. One wildly underprepared musical history of alcoholism in America. What could possibly go wrong?
Filed under On Stage, Staged Reading
(Cincinnati, OH) What do you get when you combine a nearsighted bookworm heroine, two fabulously self-absorbed stepsisters, a devilishly diva stepmother, and a self-empowering Well-Wisher? Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s beloved holiday musical Cinderella! Full of catchy songs, big laughs, and plenty of heart, this fresh spin on the classic tale returns December 9–30, 2026. With a book by Joseph McDonough, music by David Kisor, and a music by Fitz Patton, Cinderella invites audiences of all ages to experience the magic of a story where being smart is the ultimate beauty. Directed by D. Lynn Meyers. Premiere Sponsor is The Markley Family. Artist Sponsor is Home City Ice. Fairy Godmother Sponsor is PNC.
When the King pressures his romantically challenged son to choose a bride from hundreds of eager “applicants,” a hilarious cross-country search begins to reunite a missing sneaker—yes, a sneaker—with its rightful owner. Along the way, colorful characters, unexpected friendships, and a little holiday magic prove that the best happily-ever-afters come from staying true to yourself. Packed with humor, charm, and heart, Cinderella is the perfect holiday outing for the whole family.
“We’re telling this story in a really new way,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “Not only is everything new physically, with a brand-new set design, gorgeous colors, and fabulous costumes, but we’re bringing together some of Cincinnati’s most beloved performers alongside an exciting new generation of talent. We have Tony Award-nominee Pamela Myers returning as Brunhilda, a role originally written for her, and the glorious score by Tony Award-winning composer Fitz Patton. This show tells a story where goodness triumphs over selfishness, and intellect, kindness, and sincerity matter far more than style or fashion. In the middle of all the holiday bustle, it’s a chance to step away from twinkling lights, cinnamon cookies, and shopping lists, and simply celebrate joy.”
The cast includes Arden Allmon (Cinderella), Phil Fiorini (King Frederick), Sara Mackie (Priscilla), Carter Minor (Prince Frederick), Katelyn Joy Moore (Socrates the Spider), Pamela Myers (Brunhilda), Kenny Rayborn (Giselle), Tierra London Rush (Aristotle the Crow), Brooke Steele (Plato the Toad), Torie Wiggins (Clarissa), Kate Wilford (Gwendolyn), and Ava Ward (Female Swing).
Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Steve Goers (Music Director), Dee Anne Bryll (Choreographer), Cat Schmeal-Swope (Costume Designer), Jake Tillmann and Chloe Cohen (Co-Sound Designers), Missy J. White (Wig & Makeup Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), Jack Murphy (Technical Director), Margot Whitney (Production Stage Manager), and Lexi Muller (Assistant Stage Manager).
Performance Information
Performances are Wednesday-Saturday at 7:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. Performances vary. A complete calendar of performances is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.
Ticket Prices
A limited number of $22 tickets are available for each performance. Student and child tickets are offered at half the regular adult ticket price. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person.
###
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 and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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.
Filed under Press Releases
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.
Filed under Reviews
Join us for a special evening honoring the life, artistry, and legacy of Liz Coley, a cherished playwright, educator, and member of the ETC family. Through readings of her work and reflections from friends, collaborators, and fellow artists, we will celebrate the creativity, compassion, and passion she brought to Cincinnati’s theater community.
This gathering is an opportunity to remember Liz’s lasting impact, share stories, and experience the powerful work she leaves behind. Together, we’ll honor a beloved artist whose voice, generosity, and spirit continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Admission is free, but registration is recommended.
Filed under Events
(Cincinnati, OH) Good manners never go out of style! Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) continues its 2026–2027 season with Mrs. Mannerly by Jeffrey Hatcher, reviving one of its most beloved and successful productions in its history. Cincinnati favorites Raymond McAnnally and Dale Hodges reunite to reprise their acclaimed performances from the production’s original sold-out run as Jeffrey and the formidable Mrs. Mannerly. Directed by D. Lynn Meyers, Mrs. Mannerly runs October 13–November 1, 2026. Premiere sponsor is Manuel Hernandez.
Set in Steubenville, Ohio, in 1967, Hatcher’s autobiographical comedy follows nine-year-old Jeffrey as he enrolls in the rigorous etiquette class of a teacher with a mysterious past and zero tolerance for rudeness. Through mischief, determination, and an unexpected friendship, Jeffrey discovers that manners are about more than forks and napkins. Filled with sharp wit, nostalgia, and heart, Mrs. Mannerly is a delightful romp that celebrates the lessons, laughter, and mentors that shape us.
“It’s almost like looking at it for the first time,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “Mrs. Mannerly is incredibly irreverent. In a world where everyone thinks they’re right or wrong, it reminds us that there’s this enormous gray space called human thinking and emotion. It pokes fun at the ways people choose to judge one another, but it’s also a confection of joy. It’s a tour de force for these two spectacular performers— Dale and Ray are two of the greatest actor pairings I’ve ever seen. This production sets the clock back sixty years will give everyone and hour and half of laughter while celebrating a production that audiences loved so much the first time around.”
The cast includes Dale Hodges as Mrs. Mannerly and Raymond McAnally as Jeffrey.
Production team: D. Lynn Meyers (Director), Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Hannah Plessinger (Costume Designer), Trey Tatum (Sound Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), Jacob Dowell (Technical Director), Margot Whitney (Production Stage Manager), and Lexi Muller (Assistant Stage Manager).
Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. A complete calendar of performances is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.
Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $22 for adults; student and children are half the cost of adult tickets. Half-Price Rush Tickets: All remaining tickets for the current day’s performance(s) are available two hours prior to each show time for half-price (discount only applies to adult tickets) when purchasing by phone or in person.
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 and the National Endowment for the Arts.
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.
Filed under Press Releases
