Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

November 6, 2013 · 10:46 am

Four Local Arts Organizations Unite for the Holidays with the Character Crews

CINCINNATI BALLET, CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK
ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI AND THE CHILDREN’S THEATRE OF CINCINNATI
UNITE FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE CHARACTER CREW

CB_logo(CINCINNATI) – Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati are joining together to spread holiday cheer across the Tristate with a number of special character appearances beginning Nov. 8.

PIP_logoCharacters from Cincinnati Ballet’s annual production of Frisch’s Presents THE NUTCRACKER; Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s classic A CHRISTMAS CAROL, presented by U.S. Bank; Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s holiday production of AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, sponsored by Macy’s; and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS, also sponsored by Macy’s, will come together at holiday events around the city throughout November.

ETC_new_logo_bannerThe Character Crew will make appearances at the following holiday attractions:

  1. Friday, Nov. 8 (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.): Duke Energy Holiday Train Exhibit Ribbon Cutting, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
  2. Friday, Nov. 8 (6 to 8 p.m.): Antique Christmas Celebration Event, Taft Museum of Art
  3. Saturday, Nov. 16 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, Duke Energy Convention Center
  4. Friday, Nov. 22 (6 to 9 p.m.): Festival of Lights Members’ Preview, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  5. Saturday, Nov. 23 (4:30 to 5:30 p.m.): Balluminaria, Eden Park’s Mirror Lake
  6. Tuesday, Nov. 26 (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.): Light Up the Levee, Newport on the Levee
  7. Friday, Nov. 29 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.): Tree Lighting and Santa Arrival, Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
  8. Saturday, Nov. 30 (5:45 to 7 p.m.): Downtown Dazzle, Fountain Square

TCT_logoAbout Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati and The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Celebrating its 50th anniversary season, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a mix of important classical full-length ballets and an adventurous, vibrant mix of repertory ballets, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet’s mission is to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance. Returning Dec. 20 through Dec. 29, the beloved holiday tradition of Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, performed since 1974, continues to delight children and adults alike. For more information, visit www.cballet.org.

The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park has been offering local audiences the finest in professional theatre for more than 50 years. Winner of two Tony Awards, the Playhouse is nationally known for its commitment to new works and as an artistic home for America’s best actors, directors and designers. Faithful storytelling and spellbinding special effects combine in the Playhouse’s annual production of A Christmas Carol, one of the city’s most popular family plays, which returns Nov. 27 through Dec. 29 for its 23rd year. For more information, visit www.cincyplay.com.

Now in its 28th season, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC), located in historic Over-the-Rhine, is a professional theatre dedicated to producing world and regional premieres of works that often explore compelling social issues. This season marks the 16th year ETC has been presenting family-friendly musicals for the holidays. This season, ETC celebrates the long-awaited return of Around the World in 80 Days, one of its first commissioned musicals, Dec. 4 to Jan. 4. For more information, visit www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCTC) brings art to life for children and the young-at-heart through three key programs: MainStage at the Taft, ArtReach and Learning the Craft. Currently in its 89th year, TCTC serves nearly 200,000 children, families and schools each season. From Dec. 6 to 14, The Children’s Theatre presents the holiday musical The Day Before Christmas. For more information, visit www.thechildrenstheatre.com.

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November 4, 2013 · 3:39 pm

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Runs Dec. 4-Jan. 4

ETC_Around the WorldAROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
Presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Dec. 4-Jan. 4
Over-the-Rhine

Directed by D. Lynn Meyers

It is 1899 and the mysterious, brilliant, mathematically precise Englishman Phileas Fogg has wagered his considerable fortune that the world can now be circumnavigated in 80 days. Will bandits, buffalo, winter storms and even the meddlesome Scotland Yard prevent him and his wily valet, Passepartout, from completing this daunting task? Jumping between trains and steamships, even employing an elephant, this magical family-friendly adventure leads Fogg to discover a wider world as well as his own heart in this swashbuckling musical retelling of Jules Verne’s classic tale.

  • Wed, Dec. 4 at 7pm
  • Fri, Dec. 6 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 7 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 8 at 2pm & 6pm
  • Fri, Dec. 13 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 14 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 15 at 2pm & 6pm
  • Tue-Fri, Dec. 17-20 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 21 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 22 at 2pm & 6pm
  • Mon, Dec. 23 at 2pm
  • Thu, Dec. 26 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Fri, Dec. 27 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 28 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 29 at 2pm & 6pm
  • Tue, Dec. 31 at noon
  • Wed, Jan. 1 at 2pm
  • Thu, Jan. 2 at 7pm
  • Fri-Sat, Jan. 3-4 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Jan. 5 at 2pm

Official page |

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October 16, 2013 · 7:28 pm

RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN Review

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Catherine Croll & Patricia Linhart as Alice Croll. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Catherine Croll & Patricia Linhart as Alice Croll. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Oct. 27. Read the show description.

It is easy to understand why the script for Gina Gionfriddo’s RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN was nominated as a 2013 Pulitzer Prize finalist. Director D. Lynn Meyers successfully leads her five-person ensemble through this laugh-out-loud production.

At the center of the show is Catherine Croll. Her mother’s health scare sends successful academic Catherine back to her hometown and causes her to re-examine her life decisions. A drunk-dialing incident leads to a re-connection with her now-married college-mates, (ex-roommate Gwen and ex-love Don), causing all three to question the road not taken. Added to the mix are Catherine’s mother, Alice, and college student Avery who offer the perspective of different generations.

Jen Joplin as Gwen Harper & Hannah Sawicki as Avery Willard. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Jen Joplin as Gwen Harper & Hannah Sawicki as Avery Willard. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

A college course on the history of feminism, led by Catherine, brings the four ladies together in several scenes. These class discussions offer some great character insights amid the laughs, and lead Catherine, Gwen and Avery to some life-changing decisions and their consequences.

The script is smart, funny and easily relate-able with a side of good-natured guy bashing. Many times I found myself laughing in commiseration with the characters onstage. And don’t be too worried about the feminism class in the show. The topics discussed (including social media and woman’s roles in slasher movies) are interesting, balanced and entertaining.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Catherine Croll & Charlie Clark as Don Harper. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Corinne Mohlenhoff as Catherine Croll & Charlie Clark as Don Harper. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Jan Joplin is spot on as over-reactive, stay-at-home mom Gwen. I enjoyed the differences in the character when Don wasn’t around to nag over.

Corrine Mohlenhoff’s embodies academic Catherine, the model of professionalism in her career, but un-trusting of herself in matters of the heart. 

Charlie Clark is fun as beaten-down, bread-winner Don Harper.

Hannah Sawicki is a treat as Avery Willard. Her comic timing is impeccable and she gives Avery a quirkiness that is fun and endearing. When a gem or three of wisdom does pops out of her mouth, it’s totally believable for the character.

Jen Joplin & Charlie Clark as Gwen and Don Harper. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Jen Joplin & Charlie Clark as Gwen and Don Harper. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

I also enjoyed Patricia Linhart’s portrayal of Catherine’s mother. Alice’s calm demeanor and balanced perspective on life worked well as a counterpoint to the other ladies.

I found the relationships and interactions among the characters to be real and believable. I would have like to seen more of a change in the dynamic between Catherine and Don when Gwen wasn’t around. Maybe see  a bit more of that “college Don” charm during their early scenes.

As usual, another solid set and lighting design by Brian c. Mehring. I especially liked the incorporation of that generic slated fencing, so common in suburbia, into the set. “The grass is always greener on the other side…” indeed.

Overall ETC succeeds with this smart and funny regional premiere. A great show for a girls night out or a date night, as long as your guy doesn’t take himself too seriously.

Complete list of show times for RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN.

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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October 14, 2013 · 10:17 pm

ETC’s RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Jen Joplin as Gwen Harper and Hannah Sawicki as Avery Willard. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Jen Joplin as Gwen Harper and Hannah Sawicki as Avery Willard. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

LCT recommends RAPTURE, BLISTER, BURN as a 4-Star Production, presented by the Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through October 27.

An LCT Panelist describes the play as “An excellent ensemble of actors in a thought-provoking play examining feminist issues and ‘the one that got away.’”

Another panelist states, “This play…is a solid production with a good cast. Much like Wendy Wasserstein’s “The Heidi Chronicles”, “Rapture, Blister, Burn” follows a single female protagonist who reflects on her choices as a successful academic at the expense of having a family. There were some funny bits in all of this, especially with the hilarious lines of the twenty-something post-feminist Avery, played by Hannah Sawicki.”

A finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize, the play was written by Gina Gionfriddo. It is making its regional premier here in Cincinnati and is directed by D. Lynn Meyers. Contact www.ensemblecincinnati.org for tickets and more information about the production.

For more information on The League of Cincinnati Theatres visit http://leagueofcincytheatres.info/.

[Visit my production page for more information.]

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October 2, 2013 · 7:26 pm

ETC Named Finalist in ‘Toyota 100 Cars for Good Program’

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI NAMED FINALIST IN TOYOTA 100 CARS FOR GOOD PROGRAM

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati One of Five Organizations Highlighted for Voting on October 4

[Join the Facebook event here.]

ETC_new_logo_banner(Cincinnati, OH) Cincinnati-based Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is one of 250 finalists in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program, which will award vehicles to 100 nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public beginning this week.

Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program will showcase five nonprofit organizations each day for 50 days at http://www.Facebook.com/Toyota. Visitors to the page will receive two votes each day to select two separate winning organizations they feel are most deserving of new Toyota vehicles. ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI will be one of the five organizations highlighted for voting on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013.

Local residents are encouraged to support Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati in the quest for a new Toyota Tundra. If Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati receives the most votes and is awarded the vehicle, the car will be used to focus resources on furthering the organization’s commitment to provide arts opportunities to low-income schools and award-winning theatre to the local community.

Not only will a vehicle reduce organizational shipping costs for production materials, but it will also be used to transport educational materials, specifically for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s Prelude Program. ETC’s educational programs focus on introducing economically disadvantaged students, who typically have little or no arts programming in their schools, to the arts. Prelude helps students write, design, and perform their own plays while fostering the development of collaborative and critical-thinking skills.

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. 

2013-2014 Season Presenting Sponsor is the Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Additional support provided by Garfield Suites Hotel, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, the Shubert Foundation, and 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.

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