Tag Archives: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

September 10, 2026 · 1:01 pm

CORNER OF THE SKY: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz Review

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.

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August 11, 2026 · 5:46 pm

Ensemble Theatre Presents CORNER OF THE SKY

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.

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August 5, 2026 · 6:02 pm

CORNER OF THE SKY: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Runs Sept. 5-27

CORNER OF THE SKY: The Songs of Stephen Schwartz
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
Sept. 5-27
[Over-the-Rhine]

Conceived & created by Scott Coulter

A world premiere of the first theatrical celebration of the legendary Stephen Schwartz songbook, highlighting six decades of songs from the beloved Grammy and Academy Award–winning composer of Wicked, Pippin, Godspell, The Prince of Egypt, and other Broadway and Hollywood classics. Conceived and created by Scott Coulter (CCM ’93), this thrilling and moving musical begins with Stephen’s first hit Broadway song, “Corner of the Sky,” and features the myriad musical ways it led to everything that came after, including “Defying Gravity.”+

  • In preview Sat, Sept. 5 at 7pm
  • In preview Tue, Sept. 8 at 7pm
  • Wed-Fri, Sept. 9-11 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Sept. 12 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Sept. 13 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Sept. 15-18 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Sept. 19 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Sept. 20 at 2pm
  • Tue-Fri, Sept. 22-25 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Sept. 26 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Sept. 27 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

 

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May 18, 2026 · 5:15 pm

THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati through May 31st. I attended the Opening Night performance.

The cast of THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

For its final show of the 2025-2026 season, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati is bringing audiences a proverbial “blast from the past” via THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL with Book & Lyrics by Richard Oberacker & Robert Taylor and Music by Richard Oberacker. Based on true events, it tells the story of a group of teenaged misfits who try to make their mark in the summer of 1984 – the one before they venture into the world of high school.  

Co-Directors D. Lynn Meyers and Dee Anne Bryll (who also serves as Choreographer) work well together in using the entire space at hand. Their use of unconventional parts of the set as beds or couches or seats in a basement is genius. Scenic & Lighting Design by Brian c. Mehring is sleek and stark punctuated by neon lights and…it really works! It is the ideal setting for a show which is trying to make the story itself and the characters the focus. Specific shoutout to the hardworking production staff who created the Spencer’s carts as I was immediately back in SoCal circa the 1980s trying to navigate the store without a parental figure catching me doing it. Music Director Steve Goers and his band (Joel Greenberg, Brian Malone, and Matt Wiles) certainly possess a knowledge of the time period’s music, but I fear a lot of Mr. Goers’ work with the vocalists is lost due to the volume of said accompaniment. It feels like the singers are fighting for their lives and no one wants to hear someone blow out a vocal cord.

While the show boasts a strong ensemble of performing artists, there are certainly some standouts. Sara Mackie, who plays Adult 2 (aka multiple roles throughout) gives us her usual extra effort. She is a delight to see and hear and provides us with some grounded character connections. Julianne Ferreira Da Silva plays Jennifer, a character whom embodies everything I would have been as a teen in the 1980s with the Pat Benetar-esque vocals to boot. Gavin Poronsky is utterly likable as Tim, a character of whom I’d loved to have seen more!

While clearly a deeply personal piece, I do think The House on Watch Hill could use some further workshopping. I can myself relate to being a “weird little kid” (hell, I’m a weird not-so-little adult), but that isn’t always enough motivation to care about a character or where they are headed. The nostalgia is real, the visuals are fantastic, and the heart is clearly present; it could all just use a wee more depth. Some things are timeless, however: dealing with liking someone or something to a precarious degree, finding your way through the world in your own skin, and holding dear the people who helped you survive those formative times.

Click here for more information about the production.

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May 18, 2026 · 5:14 pm

The Real Story Behind THE HOUSE ON WATCH HILL Comes to Life

At Special May 22 Performance at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati

Inspired by true events, The House on Watch Hill tells the story of a group of teenagers in suburban Cincinnati during the summer of 1984 who set out to create an unforgettable haunted house experience while navigating friendship, fear, and growing up. Presented by Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, this one-night-only event offers media and audiences rare behind-the-scenes insight into the real memories and experiences that inspired the story onstage.

WHAT: Audience members attending the Friday, May 22 performance of The House on Watch Hill at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati will have the unique opportunity to meet the actual people whose lives inspired the production. The evening will include pre-show photo opportunities, the 7:30 p.m. performance, and a special post-show talkback featuring the real-life inspirations alongside members of the cast.

WHEN: Friday, May 22, 2026

  • 6:45 pm- Pre-show photo opportunities for media only
  • 7:30 pm- Performance
  • Immediately following the show- Exclusive talkback with cast members and the real-life inspirations for the show

WHERE: Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati – 1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

WHY: This one-night-only event offers audiences and media a rare opportunity to meet the individuals behind the true story that inspired the new musical. Guests will gain unique insight into the real events, memories, and friendships that shaped the production.

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