Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

(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.

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI PRESENTS WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL REVUE
CORNER OF THE SKY: THE SONGS OF STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
SEPTEMBER 5–27, 2026

(Cincinnati, OH) Dream big, defy gravity, and discover the music that has inspired generations. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) opens its 41st Season with the world premiere musical revue Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Prince of Egypt, and more. Conceived and created by CCM alumnus Scott Coulter, this thrilling new musical celebration showcases five decades of unforgettable songs from one of theater’s most beloved storytellers. Playing September 5–27, 2026 and directed by Vincent DeGeorge. Premiere sponsors are Daniel Brown and Mark Haggard.

Beginning with Schwartz’s breakout Broadway hit, “Corner of the Sky,” this exciting and inspiring musical revue traces the creative journey that led to some of the most iconic songs ever written for the stage and screen, including “Defying Gravity” and countless other favorites. Filled with beloved Broadway classics and surprising discoveries, Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz offers audiences an intimate look at the artistry, imagination, and heart behind a legendary body of work. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Wicked and Pippin or discovering Schwartz’s music for the first time, this uplifting musical event celebrates the power of dreams, perseverance, and finding your own corner of the sky.

“Spectacular is the only way I can describe this production,” says ETC’s Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. “What a spectacular opportunity to experience the evolution of these songs that have enriched our lives for five decades. Cincinnati is about to be THE spot for an exceptional world premiere about the songs of Stephen Schwartz. We’re honored that Stephen Schwartz and Scott Coulter chose ETC for this show, and that Stephen plans to attend! We could all use something limitless right now, so we’re thrilled to open our 41st Season with this a production that promises to be the can’t-miss event of the year!”

The cast includesJohn Boswell as The Songwriter and Klea Blackhurst, Chris Blem, Kenneth Early, Chanduni Herath, Jordyn Amani Jones, Gavin Poronsky, and Sydney Short as The Singers.

Production team: Vincent DeGeorge (Director & Choreographer), Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), John Boswell (Music Director), Scott Coulter (Vocal Director & Arranger), Cat Schmeal-Swope (Costume Designer), Jake Tillman and Danille Lobello (Co-Sound Designers), Becca Schall (Projections 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.

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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.