Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

MEALS FOR MONOLOGUES at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Dec. 9-10 & 12

MEALS FOR MONOLOGUES:
Casting Society of America member D. Lynn Meyers to Audition Actors
to Encourage Support of Local Foodstore, December 9
10 & 12

(Cincinnati, OH) Dim the lights, raise the curtain! Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati hosts its 13th annual Meals 4 Monologues auditions. Actors from throughout the nation are invited to a general audition call to perform for D. Lynn Meyers, a member of the Casting Society of America (CSA), and are encouraged to make a donation to Cincinnati’s Freestore Foodbank.

The event, in an effort to support local food banks while auditioning local talent, will be held in-person on Monday, December 9 from 10 am 4 pm, Tuesday, December 10 from 10 am 3 pm, and virtually via Zoom on Thursday, December 12 from 10 am 2 pm. This is an open casting call to all Equity union and non-union actors for future theatre, film, TV, and/or commercial projects cast by D. Lynn Meyers, CSA. This call is for all interested without regard to previous experience and with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion.

Sign-ups are now available and are and on a first-come, first-serve basis. Audition time slots are 3 minutes each and must be scheduled ONLINE at www.ensemblecincinnati.org/about/auditions.

To audition:

  • Upload a current HEADSHOT and RÉSUMÉ (DO NOT email them) during sign-up
  • Prepare a short monologue and song (must be performed a cappella), or two prepared monologues
  • Make a suggested donation to the Cincinnati Freestore Foodbank: https://bit.ly/M4M_24

The Freestore Foodbank is the largest emergency food and services provider to children and families in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, and Southeast Indiana, distributing 33 million meals annually to low-income individuals and families. The Freestore Foodbank supports 511 community partner agencies serving 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. This includes food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, community centers, program sites, senior centers, and daycare facilities. The Freestore Foodbank is a member of Feeding America.

The Casting Society of America (CSA) is the premier organization of theatrical Casting Directors in film, television, and theatre. Although it is not a union, the CSA is a united professional society that consistently sets the level of professionalism in casting upon which the entertainment industry relies. CSA’s more than 490 members are represented not only in the United States, but also in Europe, Canada, Australia, and South Africa. “I am very proud to be a member of the Casting Society of America,” says CSA member D. Lynn Meyers. “The idea of Meals 4 Monologues came from a desire to always see new talent and to aid the community. I am delighted at the opportunity to see new faces and to spread outreach beyond the Greater Cincinnati area through this event.”

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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.

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ALICE IN WONDERLAND Runs Dec. 4-30

ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Dec. 4-30
[Over-the-Rhine]

Written by Joseph McDonough
Lyrics and composed by David Kisor

Directed by D. Lynn Meyers
Music direction by Steve Goers
Choreographed by Dee Anne Bryll

Cast: Sara Mackie as Queen of Hearts, Michael G. Bath as White Rabbit, Phil Fiorini as Mock Turtle, Andrew Maloney as Tweedledum, Brooke Steele as Cheshire Cat, Kate Wilford as Dormouse, Brandi La’Sherrill as March Hare, Timothy Belton as Card 5, TaShauna Ajoi Jenkins as Tweedledee, KG Rucker as Mad Hatter, Elli Maddock as Alice, Sean Miller-Jones as Card 7, Erin Morton as Caterpillar/Butterfly & Amira F. Jackson as Card 2

Based on the beloved, imaginative tale by Lewis Carroll, this modern retelling is the toe-tapping story of a lost girl, a cool cat, a wild hare, and the original “dancing queen.” When ever-curious Alice falls from her own world into another, she must find her way home with the help of some whimsical and wonderful characters. Featuring an updated score and exuberant new costumes, this beloved musical will delight audiences of all ages this holiday season. Ages 4 and up.

  • Wed-Fri, Dec. 4-6 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 7 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 8 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Dec. 10-13 at 7pm
  • Sat, Dec. 14 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Sun, Dec. 15 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Dec. 17-20 at 7pm
  • Sat-Sun, Dec. 21-22 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Mon, Dec. 23 at 2pm
  • Thu, Dec. 26 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Fri, Dec. 27 at 7pm
  • Sat-Sun, Dec. 28-29 at 2pm & 7pm
  • Mon, Dec. 30 at 2pm & 7pm

Official page |

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ETC Serves Up Unforgettable Tea Party with Family-Friendly Musical ALICE IN WONDERLAND

December 4 – 30, 2024

(Cincinnati, OH) Ain’t no party like a Wonderland party! Ignite your sense of adventure as Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) presents the return of one of its most popular family-friendly musicals, Alice in Wonderland, by local creative team Joseph McDonough (playwright) and David Kisor (composer and lyricist). Featuring an updated score and exuberant new costumes, this cherished musical will delight audiences of all ages this holiday season. Playing December 4 30, 2024.

Based on the beloved, imaginative tale by Lewis Carroll, this modern retelling is the toe-tapping story of a lost girl, a cool cat, a wild hare, and the original “dancing queen.” When ever-curious Alice falls from her own world into another, she must find her way home with the help of some whimsical and wonderful characters.

This year’s Alice in Wonderland is the sixth time it will appear onstage since ETC first commissioned and produced it in 1998 (subsequently presented in 2003, 2008, 2012, and 2018). Directed by D. Lynn Meyers. Premiere Sponsor is The Markley Family. Artist Sponsors are The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation & Paylocity.

Alice in Wonderland is consistently the holiday show our patrons want to see again,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “We get to go with Alice on her journey to this magical and unusual place, but this production features a couple of new songs, brand new costumes, and an updated set. It’s a brand-new Wonderland! There’s just something about this show that brings an infusion of joy into the world.” 

Cast includes Sara Mackie (Queen of Hearts), Michael G. Bath (White Rabbit), Phil Fiorini (Mock Turtle), Andrew Maloney (Tweedledum), Brooke Steele (Cheshire Cat), Kate Wilford (Dormouse), Brandi La’Sherrill (March Hare), Timothy Belton (Card 5), TaShauna Ajoi Jenkins (Tweedledee), and KG Rucker (Mad Hatter). Making their ETC debuts are Elli Maddock (Alice), Sean Miller-Jones (Card 7), Erin Morton (Caterpillar/Butterfly), and Amira F. Jackson (Card 2).

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Steve Goers (Music Director), Dee Anne Bryll (Choreographer), Cat Schmeal-Swope (Costume Designer), Jeremy Lee (Sound Designer), Trey Tatum (Assistant Sound Designer), Missy J. White (Wig & Makeup Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator & Design Assistant), and Jacob Dowell (Technical Director). Production Stage Manager is Lexi Muller. Assistant Stage Manager is Abby Sauer. 

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
Tickets for adults start at $30; student tickets are $28; and children are $24. 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. $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only.

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2024-2025 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 rooted in historic Over-the-Rhine dedicated to engaging, enriching, and inspiring audiences through our thought-provoking world and regional premiere productions, creating and sustaining careers in professional theatre, building community partnerships, and sharing impactful education programs throughout our region.

 

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THE GARBOLOGISTS Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE GARBOLOGISTS presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through Oct. 6th. I attended the opening night performance. 

Torie Wiggins as Marlowe & Nathan Neorr as Danny. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati opens its 39th season with its production of THE GARBOLOGISTS le. This Regional Premiere invites us into the lives of two essential workers from very different worlds who continue to butt heads until they discover a tie that binds them. While the script had been a consideration for some time.

Director D. Lynn Meyers felt staging this show was a wonderful way to honour Cincinnati Rumpke sanitation truck worker Angel Flores who was murdered while on the job. She is quoted as saying “I have this faith that the more we know about each other and our shared experiences, the more we can share.” As usual, Ms. Meyers’ direction is flawless. The pace of the show is steady, scene changes are completed promptly (but the crew always seems so relaxed!), and every bit of stage is used.

Scenic Designer Brian c. Mehring performs his usual magic with this functional and impressive set. Both Sound Design by Trey Tatum as well as Lighting Design by Chris Lipstreau add the perfect touches to the feel of being up early in the AM on a cold day to deal with others people’s refuse. Together, these contributions allow the audience to truly be along for the ride in a garbage truck and on the streets of New York on trash day. In addition, Costume Designer Hannah Dringenburg hits the mark by ensuring the uniform of the veteran essential worker has stains and is well-worn while that of the newbie is a bit more crisp and clean.

This two-person cast is absolute fire. (Oops – fire and garbage don’t mix, do they?) Playing the role of Marlowe, an Ivy League-educated rookie, is Torie Wiggins. Ms. Wiggins is certainly a familiar face on Cincinnati stages and it’s for good reason. She gives us a beautiful performance of a complicated human who you might not always like, but who is definitely real.

As Danny, the veteran, Nathan Neorr is nothing short of exceptional. Mr. Neorr plays a rough-around-the-edges essential worker who is surprisingly a lovable “good guy”. He masters the speech patterns and manner of a typical New Yorker who has seen a few things, yet remains kind at the heart of it. We would all be so lucky to have a Danny in our corner.

As you may know, I don’t like to be a reviewer who spoils things. However, it can be said that THE GARBOLOGISTS you find yourself not necessarily knowing where it will go. For someone who sees a lot of theatre, this is a wonderful thing. Playwright Lindsey Joelle offers the audience some sharp dialogue and moments of levity as well as sadness. But just like trash day, it’s all a part of being alive, isn’t it? There is something to be said when we are reminded that someone else’s trash is another person’s treasure – so be sure to take a moment to appreciate the things (and people) you might take for granted.

Click here for more information about the production.

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Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Opens 2024-2025 Season with THE GARBOLOGISTS, Sept. 14-Oct. 6

(Cincinnati, OH) Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) opens its 39th year with the off-beat buddy comedy where one person’s trash is someone else’s treasure. The Garbologists by Lindsay Joelle tells the story of two essential workers from different worlds who discover there’s more that binds them than taking out the trash. Called “a must-see” by BroadwayWorld, this quirky play takes the stage September 14 October 6, 2024. Artist Sponsor is Rumpke. Directed by D. Lynn Meyers.­­

Danny and Marlowe are polar opposites: he’s a gruff NYC sanitation worker hiding a heart of gold, and she’s a determined Ivy League–educated newbie assigned to his route. Amidst their shifts spent bickering, they each have some wisdom to share, but will the other listen? When thrown together to pick up what the world has discarded, they learn that some things are easier to toss than others.

“I chose The Garbologists because it completely surprised me,” says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “This is a play that unravels in unexpected ways. It’s about two people who are brought together by a garbage truck. The theme of perceptions is a driving force for our 2024-2025 Season and this is a marvelous example of a world we don’t know much about but see every day. The show is a comedy, but it’s also deep, rich, heartbreaking, sad, and hopeful. I don’t want people to have any expectations, just come in for a ride-along (pun intended).”

About the Cast

Torie Wiggins (Marlowe) returns to Ensemble Theatre having last appeared in Your Negro Tour Guide. She is a multi-hyphenate artist with over fifteen years of experience. Her Cincinnati theatre credits include Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and Harry and the Thief, Know Theatre of Cincinnati; MameCrowns, and The Revolutionists, Human Race Theatre Company; To Kill a Mockingbird, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park; Little Women, Romeo and Juliet, The Taming of the Shrew, Fences, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and The Amen Corner, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company; and The MountaintopViolet, Alice in Wonderland (2012), Around the World in 80 Days, Cinderella, Cinderella: After Ever After, His Eye is on the Sparrow, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.

Nathan Neorr (Danny) was last seen at the Ensemble Theatre in Alice in Wonderland (2008) and While We Were Bowling. He moved to Cincinnati in 2004 for an acting internship at Ensemble Theatre and this has been his home ever since. His stage credits include Small Engine Repair, Harvey, Night of the Iguana, A Fool for Love, Burn This, All New People, and August: Osage County. He was also a puppeteer for several years with Madcap Puppets. His film credits include The Bikeriders, Dark Waters, The Old Man & the Gun, Donnybrook, and Madtown.

Production team: Brian c. Mehring (Scenic Designer), Chris Lipstreu (Lighting Designer & Associate Production Manager), Hannah Dringenburg (Costume Designer), Trey Tatum (Sound Designer), Becca Schall (Projections Designer), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Curator and Design Assistant), and Jacob Dowell (Technical Director). Production Stage Manager is Lexi Muller. Assistant Stage Manager is Abby Sauer.

Performance Information
Performances Tuesday-Saturday at 7:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 pm. A complete calendar of show dates and times is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Ticket Prices
Tickets start at $30 for adults; student tickets are $28; and children are $24. 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. $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only.

Content Advisory
As two sanitation workers butt heads and bicker, they use adult language and sexual references. Handling the trash of New York City also sparks conversations on death of a loved one, cancer, and trauma, as well as joy, love, and singing fish.

Discounts     
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. $15 Student Rush Tickets: Students may purchase up to two $15 student rush tickets two hours prior to show time with valid student I.D. Available in person only. Group discounts available for 8+. Complete details available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Parking:
Surface lot and Gateway Garage, both at the corner of 12th and Vine Streets. Parking also available at the Washington Park Garage and Mercer Commons Garage. 

CAST (in alphabetical order)
Danny: Nathan Neorr
Marlowe: Torie Wiggins*

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director: D. Lynn Meyers**                                                   Projections Designer: Becca Schall

Scenic Designer: Brian c. Mehring        Properties Curator & Design Assistant: Shannon Rae Lutz

Lighting Designer: Chris Lipstreu                                                       Technical Director: Jacob Dowell

Costume Designer: Hannah Dringenburg                          Production Stage Manager: Lexi Muller*

Sound Designer: Trey Tatum                                                    Assistant Stage Manager: Abby Sauer

*Denotes a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

** Director is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union.

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2024-2025 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 rooted in historic Over-the-Rhine dedicated to engaging, enriching, and inspiring audiences through our thought-provoking world and regional premiere productions, creating and sustaining careers in professional theatre, building community partnerships, and sharing impactful education programs throughout our region.

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