Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

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.

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

CORNER OF THE SKY: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through September 27th. I attended the Opening Night performance.

The Cast of Corner of the Sky presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is opening its 2026-2027 season with a World Premiere Musical Revue, Corner of the Sky: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz. With music & lyrics by Mr. Schwartz himself (of course), this celebration of the prolific songwriter is conceived & created by Scott Coulter and spans five decades of Broadway tunes.

Director (who is also credited with Choreography) Vincent DeGeorge excels with his use of the playing space, knowing exactly when to keep it simple or make it big. While the choreo is certainly more rhythmic movement versus dancing, it contributes to the stage pictures nicely. Scenic & Lighting Designer Brian c. Mehring offers us a simple yet useful set which plays with the lighting choices quite well. (I was particularly fond of the accent lights during “Stranger to the Rain”.) Cat Schmeal-Swope makes some pleasant choices on costumes regarding style and colour, but the men needed a wee bit extra love. They appeared rather slapdash amongst the smarter looks. Kudos to Co-Sound Designers Jake Tillman and Danielle Lobello as the vocalists are clearly heard and understood; the excellent balance allowed the singers to bask in the natural highs and lows of Mr. Schwartz’s compositions.

This show boasts a solid ensemble of vocal talent as well as story-telling capabilities. Jordyn Amani Jones is without a doubt a performing artist with an incredible future ahead of them. Mx. Jones’ understanding and navigation of their vocal prowess is miles ahead of their time. New to the ETC stage is Chanduni Herath, another young person with a heck of a future in store for her. Her clear and flawless vocals are impressive to say the least. Cincinnati royalty Kenneth Early reminds us of his seemingly limitless range, both as a chanteur and actor. Bravx to a top-notch troupe of performing artists!    

While many of you may know I am not generally a fan of musicals, you will also know there are exceptions – and Stephen Schwartz’s compositions are more often than not in the group of those I enjoy. The very first song I took to my voice coach at the age of 15 was “O Bless The Lord” because I was determined to learn the control necessary to go from simple singing to belting to lilting into the higher notes without obvious “breaks” in my execution. While Godspell was my own first exposure to Mr. Schwartz’s talents (and for the record, I still believe “By My Side” is one of the most beautiful songs ever written), it is only the tip of the iceberg for what he offers humanity via his genius. It is easy to see why Scott Coulter eagerly created this offering of laud for the songwriter’s catalogue. I highly recommend this production as a way to sit back and enjoy the music we have loved for so long performed by some very capable humans; it will cure many of your ills.

Click here for more information about the production.