Hedwig and the Angry Inch

ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI

THE 2017-2018 OTTO M. BUDIG FAMILY FOUNDATION SEASON

D. Lynn Meyers, Producing Artistic Director

Presented by The Rosenthal Family Foundation

Production Sponsor:

TODD ALMOND IN

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH

text by John Cameron Mitchell, music and lyrics by Stephen Trask

Directed by D. Lynn Meyers† June 5 – July 1, 2018

Set & Lighting Designer

Sound Designer

Costume Designer

Wig & Makeup Designer

Music Director

Dialect Coach

Properties Master & Design Assistant

Production Manager

Technical Director

Production Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Brian c. Mehring

Matt Callahan

Stormie Mac

Raven D. Payne

a. Beth Harris

Julia Guichard

Shannon Rae Lutz

Matthew Hollstegge

Jack Murphy

Brandon T. Holmes*

Elizabeth Freyman*

HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

Produced Off-Broadway by Samjack, Ltd., Susann Brinkley and James B. Freydberg at the Jane Street Theatre where it opened February 14, 1998, under the direction of Peter Askin.

Originally produced in New York City by David Binder in association with the Westbeth Theatre Center, Arnold Engelman, Producing Director.

The videotaping or making of electronic or other audio and/or visual recordings of this production is a violation of United States copyright law and an actionable federal offense.

This Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

*Cast/production member belongs to Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers. This theatre operates under an agreement between Actors’ Equity Association, Professional Actors, and Stage Managers in the United States. Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the performance.

Gratefully acknowledges our 2017–2018 Season sponsors

SEASON PRESENTING SPONSOR

SEASON SUPPORTERS

Lucille Carothers

Susan Friedlander

Mitchell & Jackie Meyers

IN-KIND CONTRIBUTORS

Chet Cavaliere

Cincinnati State Technical & Community College, Interpreter Training Program

College Hill Coffee Co. & Casual Gourmet

LPK

Marty Johnson

OMS Photography

Saint Plastering Systems, Inc.

Suder’s Art Store

Trader Joe's

CAFFEINATED CONVERSATIONS SPONSOR GBBN

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH SUPPORTERS

Anonymous (2)

William P. Anderson Foundation

Arts & Culture Giving Circle*

The Charles H. Dater Foundation

The Thomas J. Emery Memorial*

ETC Fairy Godparent Guild

P&G Fund

Donald C. and Laura M. Harrison Fund*

Elsa Heisel Sule Foundation

The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation * Denotes a Fund of The

CAST & CREW

CAST

Hedwig/Tommy Gnosis .................................................................... Todd Almond*

Yitzhak a. Beth Harris*

THE ANGRY INCH

Guitar ......................................................................................... Billy Alletzhauser

Bass ......................................................................................................... Josh Pilot

Drums .................................................................................................. Tim Seiwert

Keyboard ................................................................................... Andrew Smithson

Guitar ......................................................................................... Sam Womelsdorf

RUNNING CREW

Assistant Stage Manager ......................................................... Elizabeth Freyman*

2nd Assistant Stage Manager ...................................................... Natasia Reinhardt

Assistant Director .......................................................................... Griff Bludworth

Assistant House Manager/Dramaturg ............................................... Dorothy Jolly

Spot Operator ............................................................... Eric Minion, Katie Mitchell

Video Operator .............................................................................. Maggie Cramer

Wardrobe Crew .................................................... Reginald Hemphill, Aaron Krick

UNDERSTUDIES

Hedwig .............................................................................................. Dorothy Jolly

Yitzhak .............................................................................................. Katie Mitchell

The Angry Inch .......................... Maggie Cramer, Reginald Hemphill, Aaron Krick, Eric Minion, Natasia Reinhardt

SETTING

Here and now.

Approximate total running time is 1 hour, 40 minutes with no intermission.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Jeremy Lee

University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music

SONG LIST

"Tear Me Down "

"The Origin of Love"

"Sugar Daddy"

"The Angry Inch"

"Wig in a Box"

"Wicked Little Town"

"The Long Grift"

"Hedwig's Lament"

"Exquisite Corpse"

"Wicked Little Town" (Reprise)

"Midnight Radio"

Orchestrations by Stephen Trask

Arrangement for "Sugar Daddy" by Justin Craig and Stephen Trask

Our friends at The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County put together a list of books, albums, and movies inspired by Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

more hedwig

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Film, 2001)

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Original Cast Recording) (CD, 1999)

Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (CD, 2014)

more rock musicals on CD

Jesus Christ Superstar (The 20th Anniversary London Cast Recording)

Hair: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical (New Broadway Cast Recording)

Rent: Original Broadway Cast Recording

more rock musicals on dvd

Hair directed by Milos Forman

Jesus Christ Superstar directed by Gale Edwards

Rent directed by Chris Columbus

more musical history

The Theater Will Rock: A history of the Rock Musical, from Hair to Hedwig (book)

Hollywood Singing and Dancing: Musicals That Rocked 'N' Rolled (documentary)

All materials available through your local library branch.

HOPE. HEARTBREAK. HERO.

“So who is this Hedwig, and why have I never heard of her?”

This line from the play might be what you are thinking right now, so let me explain: John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask created this show in NYC in 1997. It captured a moment in time: a concert—a rock concert starring Hedwig. There was nothing like it before. Ever. And there had never been a character like Hedwig. Ever. It was a unique, unbridled gut punch—a heartbreak and a hope that hit you between the ears and rang in your soul.

So in April of 2001 on the heels of the OTR unrest, with dealers on the corner of 12th and Vine and a meth lab next door, ETC was not expected to survive. We were strongly encouraged to shutter the place up and move on (encouraging right?), but we said no.

Shockingly, we found Hedwig and ETC had so much in common and very little left to lose. We thought, “Why not risk it all with a show that risks it all?” So we did it. Dick and Lois Rosenthal sponsored it. Hedwig and the Angry Inch was our last hope. And it worked.

The amazing thing about Hedwig and the Angry Inch is that for all it was for us in 2001, it is all that and more now. It is present—this is happening on stage in this moment in time.

As we have moved into this renewed space, embraced by the history of walls and wishes that created it, I was compelled to bring Hedwig back to our stage: to let her take the curtain call she so richly deserves; to let the brave, bold, and unconventional voice that saved us celebrate with us. The show has won a Tony and has been played from downtown bars to Broadway, but this is our Hedwig. Ours.

There is an inexplicable personal joy in directing this piece. It spins me like a 45. Todd, Beth, Billy, Sam, Andrew, Brian, and Shannon were here when it all began in 2001. Now we have Josh and Tim on stage and Matt on sound and an amazing ensemble staff which lights up this place daily. This is the joy.

The absolute fact that we pushed the pedal to the metal so long ago was brave. The fact that we have never hit the brakes is what has kept ETC alive. It is bliss. I love it. Thank you for taking the ride. Lift up your hands.

-D. Lynn Meyers

Calling all drama queens (and kings)! Coming this July, ETC presents its first-ever Summer Stock, three weeks of acting camps for ages 7-18. Space is limited!

RETURN TO THE 'WIG

Between raucous band rehearsals and fabulous costume fittings, Todd Almond discusses his return to ETC and the revival of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

Q: What was your first thought when you were asked to come back to for this revival?

A: Yes! When?

Q: What is one of your favorite memories from ETC's 2001 production?

A: I remember Shannon Rae Lutz (Props Master/Design Assistant) watching night after night to make sure everything went well. One night my eyelash started falling off of my face and she came to the foot of the stage and helped me fix it. So much love from Shannon. That memory is/always with me—her generosity and devotion to the art. God, I love her. She was my first acting teacher, too. How much I owe that woman!

Q: Why is this show an important one for Cincinnati audiences?

A: It’s a show about what it’s like to be a human. Hedwig is dealt challenges, and aren’t we all? Hedwig can be her own worst enemy, and can’t we all? Hedwig is at heart an innocent soul in a cruel world, and who isn’t? I love that the show is so specifically about someone unlike all of us that she’s really exactly like all of us. Watching a character struggle with both exterior and interior adversity is always food for the soul. It’s what theatre does best. Plus, it’s just effing hilarious and the music is perfection. The show really rocks!

Q: What is it like playing Hedwig so many years later? What’s different? What hasn’t changed?

A: I’m older, so I just have more experience to bring to it. She got pretty deep into me the first few times around, so I’m finding that she’s the same person she always was. Just wiser, hopefully. And more road-weary, which is helpful. And here for you, of course.

Q: What is your favorite Hedwig-ism?

A: The way she throws a joke away and knows that someone out there got it. There are so many jokes and she doesn’t broadcast them all. Keep up!

Q: Who are your favorite rock artists?

A: Matthew Sweet, Courtney Love, and David Bowie.

Q: Describe your first rock concert.

A: I WON’T say Whitesnake, but I WILL say Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers.

Q: You’ve done a lot of shows in your career that have an interesting connection to mythology. What mythology is explored in Hedwig and the Angry Inch?

A: The creation of love, which is perhaps just the search for our other half. The gods being terrified of their creation, and hobbling us by ripping us away from each other. So we search for each other, and try to put ourselves back together by falling in love. It’s kind of beautiful, right?

Q: What ideas in this story speak to you personally? Are there moments in the show that stand out to you more now than they did 17 years ago?

A: The idea of moving through the world with a broken heart, broken from one particular love. I think that’s something we can all relate to.

Q: What’s next for you?

A: Well, I’m doing a big show in New York in the fall, but it hasn’t been announced, yet, so I can’t say specifically what it is. But it’s good And more touring with Laura Benanti and Andrew Rannells. And some recording. And a new musical that I’ve written. Oh, a lot. I’m kind of insanely determined to be busy.

THE CAST

TODD ALMOND (Hedwig/Tommy Gnosis) has written and starred in original musical adaptations of The Tempest, The Winter’s Tale, and The Odyssey, all for New York’s famed Public Theater. His other New York acting credits include his original musical Kansas City Choir Boy opposite Courtney Love (also performed in Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami); Stage Kiss by Sarah Ruhl, Playwrights Horizons; People are Wrong, The Vineyard; Piece of Meat opposite Sherie Rene Scott, 54 Below; and the television show Law and Order: SVU. His Ensemble Theatre credits include the 2001 and 2003 productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, I Am My Own Wife, James and Annie, and Vigil. As a composer and orchestrator, Mr. Almond has written and arranged music for the Broadway production of Noises Off!, Roundabout Theatre; Iowa, Playwrights Horizons; Fucking A, Signature Theatre; How to Transcend a Happy Marriage, Lincoln Center Theater; Kelli O’Hara Live at Carnegie Hall; and the recent film adaptation of Michael John LaChiusa’s Hello Again. Mr. Almond’s play The Earth is Flat recently premiered at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, his Alma Mater, and his musical Girlfriend, based on Matthew Sweet’s album of the same name, continues to have productions around the country, as does his musical Melancholy Play, written with Sarah Ruhl. As a musical director, he tours with Laura Benanti and Judy Kuhn, and recently made his PBS debut with Andrew Rannells, live from Lincoln Center.

a. BETH HARRIS (Yitzhak) appeared at Ensemble Theatre in the 2001 and 2003 productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Her other acting credits include Skin Tight, Syncopation, the 1999 production of Violet, and many others. She is busy in the studio recording backing vocals for various artists and recently toured with Erika Wennerstrom from Heartless Bastards to promote Wennerstrom’s solo album “Sweet Unknown.” Currently, Ms. Harris is collaborating with songwriter and front man Nic Powers from the bands Static Falls and The Sweep on her own solo project while also performing with him on his solo material, joined by local guitar favorite Brendan Bogosian from the bands Vireo, Static Falls, and The Tigerlilies. She is a longtime member of legendary Cincinnati bands The Hiders and The Perfect Children and recently joined The Brian Olive Band. Ms. Harris is the co-owner and operator of The Listing Loon, one of Cincinnati’s staple establishments for beer, wine, and live music, located in historic Northside. Enjoy the show!

THE ANGRY INCH

BILLY ALLETZHAUSER (Guitar) returns to Ensemble Theatre having last appeared in the 2001 and 2003 productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He was first known for his guitar work with the local cult favorite Ass Ponys, an indie rock band. He later formed and fronted his own group, The Hiders, who have achieved international attention for their recordings and have been featured on radio, film, and television worldwide. Along with The Hiders, Mr. Alletzhauser works in his Walnut Hills music studio “The Belfry” as a sound engineer, composer, and sound designer.

JOSH PILOT (Bass) makes his Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. He is a local musician and has been active in the Cincinnati music scene for over twelve years. His former bands include The KillTones and a self-titled blues band. Currently, he is a band member of both Bucko and The Skulx. He has also sat in on many live concerts and albums as a guest for local and national artists. Mr. Pilot is thrilled to be working with the incredible talent and great people associated with an Ensemble Theatre production.

TIM SEIWERT (Drums) makes his Ensemble Theatre debut with this production. He hails from Cincinnati and has been drumming in the tri-state area with various bands and productions for the past 20 years. He has lent his talent to such artists as The Newbees, Daniel Wayne, Brian Olive, and For Algernon and has worked in stage productions of The Producers, Honk, and Miss Saigon. Mr. Seiwert’s biggest accomplishment is the fact that he’s still alive. When not on stage or in the studio you can find him elsewhere, probably.

THE ANGRY INCH,

ANDREW SMITHSON (Keyboard) is thrilled to be back home in Cincinnati to reprise his role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, having been seen in both the 2001 and 2003 productions. He toured with productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Gypsy, Aida (China and Taiwan), and Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ted Nealy. His off-Broadway credits include The Wonderful Wizard of Song and Flanagan’s Wake. His regional credits include Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical, White Christmas, Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Swing!, A Chorus Line, and The Producers. His other credits include Music Director and Orchestrator for POPart: The Musical, New York Musical Festival; Ocean in a Teacup, Midtown International Theater Festival; and Hard Times, First Irish Theatre Festival. Mr. Smithson is a former adjunct instructor and music director at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and vocal coach at Pace University in New York City.

SAM WOMELSDORF (Guitar) is a drama graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. He served at Ensemble Theatre most recently as the Video Designer for brownsville song (b-side for tray), as well as performed onstage in Side Man, The Maids, and both previous productions of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. A long time contributor to Cincinnati’s original music scene, past bands of his include Staggering Statistics, Loveland, and Throneberry. He currently plays in Culture Queer, who will release their fifth studio album later this year. His newest musical project, Aluminum Arteries, released its debut record in May this year. His film credits include Jodie Foster’s Little Man Tate and the locally produced Three Barbecues. Mr. Womelsdorf is a broadcast video producer and director at The PPS Group.

THE CREATORS

JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL'S (Playwright) Hedwig and the Angry Inch, written with Stephen Trask, made its debut on the stage of Squeezebox, a New York City rock 'n' roll drag bar. The show then premiered Off-Broadway, receiving rave reviews. He was awarded an Obie Award, a New York Magazine Award, a Drama League Award and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical. His film adaptation of Hedwig and the Angry Inch received directing and acting awards at festivals such as Sundance (Audience Award, Best Director), Berlin, Deauville, Seattle International, San Francisco International, and San Francisco’s Lesbian & Gay. The film was also honored by the National Board of Review, The L.A. Film Critics Association, Premiere Magazine and the Golden Globes (Nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical, or Comedy). He has received a Drama Desk Award Nomination for his role of Dickon in the Broadway production of The Secret Garden. Off-Broadway, Mr. Mitchell received an Obie Award and a Drama Desk Award Nomination for his role of Larry Kramer in The Destiny of Me. In Lincoln Center’s Hello Again, he received a Drama Desk Nomination. He also appeared on Broadway production in Big River and the original production of Six Degrees of Separation. Mr. Mitchell adapted and directed Tennessee Williams’ Kingdom of the Earth for New York’s Drama Deptartment Theatre Company, of which he is a founding member.

STEPHEN TRASK (Music & Lyrics) is the author of the music and lyrics for Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He was the original leader of the notorious Squeeze Box house band. During his time there as Music Director he performed with Debbie Harry, Lene Lovitch, Hole, Green Day, Joey Ramone, as well as New York's most popular drag queens. For five years he performed with his band, Cheater, who originated the role of “The Angry Inch” Off-Broadway and performed on the original cast recording. From 1993-1998, Mr. Trask danced with and accompanied The Corner Store Dance Company. He has scored numerous dance pieces and movies. During Hedwig ’s reign at the Jane Street Theatre, he received an Obie Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical, a 1998 New York Magazine Award, Drama Desk nominations for Outstanding Music, Outstanding Lyrics, and Outstanding New Musical, a Grammy Nomination for Best Cast Album, and two GLAMA Awards: Best Cast Album and Best Score for Film or Stage. He was the producer for the album for the rock band Nancy Boy, as well as the score and soundtrack album for the film version of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. He also composed the music for the New York Theatre Workshop production of Cavedweller, adapted from Dorothy Allison’s novel, and works regularly in the film world supplying the original score for Camp, The Station Agent, and The West Memphis Three.

THE DIRECTOR

D. LYNN MEYERS (Director) is in her 22nd season as the Producing Artistic Director of Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, where she has directed over 80 world and regional premieres, including The Legend of Georgia McBride, Hands on a Hardbody, Detroit ’67, I Am My Own Wife, Next to Normal , Cinderella: After Ever After , and The Dancing Princesses . She has directed Off-Broadway at the York Theatre with Marsha Norman’s Traveler in the Dark and James McClure’s Max and Maxie. She has directed extensively throughout the US and Canada and began her career as the Associate Artistic Director at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Aside from directing, Ms. Meyers is also a member of the Casting Society of America, having cast for Hallmark, PBS, CBS, BBC, HBO, MTM, Paramount, and MGM. Her favorite feature credits include Carol, Miles Ahead, The Goat, and The Public, in addition to serving as the Location Casting Director for The Shawshank Redemption. She was named a finalist for the Zelda Fichandler National Award in 2011 and is a past recipient of the YWCA Career Woman of Achievement Award.

PATRIOTIC POPS

THE PRODUCTION TEAM

BRANDON T. HOLMES (Production Stage Manager) is currently in his sixth season with Ensemble Theatre. Mr. Holmes holds a BFA from Wichita State University in Technical Theatre and Design. He has served as an Assistant Stage Manager with Music Theatre Wichita and the Production Stage Manager for LOOK Musical Theatre in Tulsa, OK, and The Lexington Theatre Company’s production of Legally Blonde. He also interned for two seasons with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Favorite credits include Violet, Thunder Knocking on the Door, Hands on a Hardbody, Merrily We Roll Along (directed by John Doyle), The Legend of Georgia McBride, The Drowsy Chaperone, Miss Saigon, Tribes and Sunset Boulevard. Thank you to Lynn and ETC's incredibly talented production staff for imagining such beautiful productions and creating the magic that is seen onstage. Love to AJ and his wonderful family. Mr. Holmes is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

ELIZABETH FREYMAN (Assistant Stage Manager) became Ensemble Theatre’s Resident Assistant Stage Manager in the fall of 2015 and has worked on every show since. Her other credits include We Will Not Be Silent and Welcome to Fear City, Contemporary American Theater Festival; Le nozze di Figaro, The Princeton Festival; Il Trovatore and Carmen, Knoxville Opera; Magic Flute, Madama Butterfly, South Pacific, and Der fliegende Holländer, Piedmont Opera; Street Scene and La Traviata, Opera North; Don Giovanni and Galileo Galilei, Cincinnati Opera. Ms. Freyman graduated with a BFA from CCM’s Stage Management Program and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity. Love to her amazing family and best friends.

BRIAN c. MEHRING (Resident Set & Lighting Designer) has designed over 100 productions at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. His favorite productions include Thom Pain (based on nothing), Next to Normal, 33 Variations, Freud's Last Session, and I Am My Own Wife. Mr. Mehring’s regional favorites for set design include: The Last 5 Years and I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Playhouse in the Park; Henry IV, Part 1, The Georgia Shakespeare Festival; and I Am My Own Wife, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Peterborough Players, and Florida Studio Theatre.

SHANNON RAE LUTZ (Properties Master & Design Assistant) earned her Master’s degree from UC-CCM in 1996 and became Prop Master at ETC. Trained as a performer, she first appeared on ETC’s stage during the 1988-1989 New Works Festival. In 1991, she was granted an ETC internship. Now the Director of Apprentice Programming, she is honored to guide ETC’s essential ensemble: The Professional Acting Apprentice Company. Ms. Lutz would like to thank D. Lynn Meyers, Ruth Sawyer, and the Cincinnati theatre community and patrons for their generous, supportive, and tenacious spirit.

PRODUCTION TEAM,

JACK MURPHY (Technical Director) went to undergrad at Hanover College where he studied technical theatre. While there, he spent his summers at several different summer stock theatres such as Georgia Shakespeare Company and the Brevard Music Center’s Janiec Opera Company as a carpenter. After graduation, he moved to Bellport, NY, to work for The Gateway Playhouse as a carpenter and rigger. When he left Gateway, he went to work on The Pride of America, a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. After another summer at the Janiec Opera Company, he came full circle and returned home to Cincinnati. Since he has been back, he has also worked with Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and River City Scenic.

MATT CALLAHAN (Sound Designer) was the Resident Sound Designer for Actors Theatre of Louisville for seven seasons. Most recent designs for Ensemble Theatre include This Random World and Bloomsday. Mr. Callahan was also a co-creator/ designer of Rock n’ Roll: The Reunion Tour. He spent two seasons as the Resident Sound Designer at The Eugene O’Neil Center for their National Playwrights Conference. He was formerly the sound engineer for The Steppenwolf Theatre, the Assistant Engineer for Blue Man Chicago, and a member of the disbanded Defiant Theatre. He received a Jeff Citation for Red Dragon, a nomination for Fortinbras, and a Kevin Kline nomination for Sherlock Holmes.

STORMIE MAC (Costume Designer) is delighted to be returning to Ensemble Theatre for this production. She is a Cincinnati-based costume designer and technician with a passion for the history of fashion and costume. She received her MFA in Costume Design from Florida State University and a BFA from The University of Mississippi. Her recent costume design credits include Red Velvet and Bloomsday, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati; Sex with Strangers, The Human Race Theatre; and The Diary of Anne Frank, Death of a Salesman, and Emma, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Ms. Mac would like to thank her husband, Joey, for his endless support and following her down the rabbit hole of history.

RAVEN D. PAYNE (Wig & Makeup Designer) is truly giddy to be back at Ensemble Theatre with Lynn and her talented staff where she made her professional theater debut wearing many hats (or wigs) as the Wig & Makeup Designer/Dragologist for The Legend of Georgia McBride. Her favorite credits include being mistaken for a girl as a child, cross dressing at Halloween as a teenager, being a Club kid in NYC in the 90s, being "THE" Hamburger Mary of Cincinnati in the 2000s, and being a proud Cat Mom. Raven's performance life has been dedicated to art that elevates the feminine and questions societal norms relating to ideals of beauty and gender. Quote for life: "In a world full of caterpillars, it takes balls to be a butterfly." Much gratitude to her Mama Jan, Sister Angie, and dearest Geisha: Stephanie, Heavenliegh, and Louisa, for all their constant love and support.

PRODUCTION TEAM,

JULIA GUICHARD (Dialect Coach) is an Associate Professor and Chair of Theatre at Miami University. She holds a BFA in Acting from the Goodman School of Drama at DePaul University in Chicago and an MFA in Acting from Pennsylvania State University. She is also a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, holding certificates from The Performance School and Alexander Technique International. She has worked as a professional movement and vocal coach for Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Actor’s Theatre of Middletown, and CATCO, among others. Most recently, Ms. Guichard coached actors in the two independent regional film projects Monumental and UFO. She is an active member of the Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA) and serves on its national board.

DANCE

THE

LA

PREMIERE SOCIETY

The Premiere Society recognizes individuals who have made gifts totaling $1,000 or more within the past year. The exceptional generosity of these donors enables ETC to present world class new works and works new to the region by having the resources to achieve the highest level of artistic quality possible. The following list was updated May 9, 2018 and includes names of donors whose gifts total $1,000 +  since April 4, 2017. For questions or corrections, please contact the Development Department at (513) 421-3555, option 4 .

WORLD CIRCLE ($10,000+):

Anonymous (3)

William P. Anderson Foundation ArtsWave

Gale & Dave Beckett^

The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation^~

Lucille K. Carothers^

Tom & Annette Carothers^ City of Cincinnati^

Burton & Susan Closson^~ Crosset Family Fund*

The Charles H. Dater Foundation, Inc.

Harry & Linda Fath^

William A. Friedlander Fund*^~

Estate of Kenneth J. Furrier^

John and Gloria Goering Family Gift Fund

Linda Greenberg Fund*^

The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./US Bank Foundation^

Donald C. & Laura M. Harrison Fund*

William & Mary Jane James^~

The Johnson Foundation

Lorrence T. & Barbara W. Kellar Fund* LPK^

Macy's

Kenneth T. & Molly M. Mahler Messer Construction Co.^

The Mitchell S. & Jacqueline P. Meyers Foundation^ Ohio Arts Council

Marilyn J. & Jack D. Osborn Fund*^

Daniel & Susan Pfau Foundation*

Joseph A. & Susan E. Pichler Fund*~ P&G Fund*~ PNC Foundation

Richard Postler & Manuel Hernandez^

William S Rowe Foundation~

Rosemary & Mark Schlachter^

Jacob G. Schmidlapp Trusts, Fifth Third Bank, Trustee~

Digi & Mike Schueler^

The Shubert Foundation, Inc.

State of Ohio through the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission^

Paul & Jill Staubitz^

Estate of Richard Steiner

Elsa M. Heisel Sule Charitable Trust

The Dudley S. Taft Charitable Foundation

Nellie Leaman Taft Foundation~

Ms. Carol Talbot~

Dale & Joyce Uetrecht

Ginger Warner^

Irwin & Barbara Weinberg

Western & Southern Financial Fund

* Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

^ Capital Campaign Donor

~ Next Stage Donor

NATIONAL CIRCLE ($5,000-$9,999):

Bob & Elaine Blatt

Denise & Martin Chambers

Brian & Elizabeth Coley

John DuBois~

GBBN Architects^

Jane & Chip Gerhardt^~

The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Skip & Susan Hickenlooper^

Debbie Hill

Marilyn F. Hill

Arleene Keller~

Stephen King & Lynne Miller^

Mr. & Mrs. David E. Moccia~

Jackie Reau, Game Day Communications~

Caroline Richards~

Moe & Jack Rouse^

Elizabeth Sawyer Selnick Fund*

The Sittenfeld Family^~

Tom & Barbara Tobias Family Fund*~

The Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation

The Dennis B. & Patricia L. Worthen Fund~

REGIONAL CIRCLE ($2,500-$4,999):

Nicholas Apanius^

Karen & Christopher Bowman

Shirlee Cassidy~

Kelly M. Dehan

Kathy DeLaura & Ron Steinhoff^~

Ehrsam Family Fund*

Bob & Mary Fitzpatrick~

Dennis & Rita Geiger^

Alana & Shelly Gerson~

Helen & John Habbert~

Betsy & Tom Hampton~

Suzanne Hasl

David and Judith Morgan Fund*

Dr. Patricia O'Connor

Marilyn Z. Ott~

Mary Stagaman^

Thompson Hine LLP

Ed Trach

Ronna & James Willis Charitable Fund~

CINCINNATI CIRCLE ($1,000-$2,499):

Anonymous (5)

Gordon Allen & Linda Baas

Americana Arts Foundation

Norman Bates

Kathleen Bellamy

Malcolm A. & Glenda Bernstein~

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Matching Gift Program

Michael Berry & Melanie Garner^

Mary & William Bonansinga Charitable Family Fund*

SUPPORTERS

ETC gratefully acknowledges the extraordinary individuals, families, and organizations whose generous support makes it possible for us to present exceptional theatre and unique educational outreach programs for our community. The following list was updated May 9, 2018 and includes the names of donors whose gifts total $125 +  since April 4, 2017. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. For questions or corrections, please contact the Development Department at (513) 421-3555, option 4.

CINCINNATI CIRCLE CONT.

David Brashear~

Mrs. Charlene Breidster

Dale P. Brown~

Kenneth R. & Joan L. Campbell Foundation

City of Sharonville

William & Catherine Cody

Ross Crabill & Bill Arbogast

Mark Dauner

Grace A. Epstein

Lee & Sue Flischel Fund*

Bob Gerding

Karen Grass

Judith B. Green & Thomas M. McDonough

Irving Harris~

Bob & Judy Heaton~

Karlee Hilliard~

Marilyn P. & Joseph W. Hirschhorn Fund*

Emily M. Hodges, in memory of Andy Wolf

David Logan & Dale Hodges

Florette Hoffheimer

Erin Houlihan & John Bostick

Betty Huck~

Jim & Robin Huizenga

Dick & Mona Kerstine^

Tom & Sue Kirkpatrick~

Cecilia & Tom Kloecker

Carmen & Rich Kovarsky

LaMacchia Family Foundation

Chris Lewis & Alicia Bond-Lewis

Ron Longstreth & Allen Black

Edward & Anita Marks^

David Martin

Ihor and Dr. Lisa Jo Melnyk

Allen R. Middleton & Gary A. Daniels~

Sue & Michael Miller~

Anu & Shekhar Mitra

Norah & Joe Mock

Overbeck Charitable Fund

Neal Patel & Avani Modi^~

Scott Provancher

Bob & Connie Reed

Becky & Ted Richards

Charles Scott Riley III Foundation

Marvin & Betsy Schwartz Fund*

Robert & Eleanor Shott Philanthropic Fund

Mike & Laconia Smith

Keven Speece^

Dee Stegman

Paula Steiner

Summertime Kids Grant

* Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

^ Capital Campaign Donor

~ Next Stage Donor

Glenda Suttman^

Bob & Sue Trusty

Ellen & Ray Van der Horst~

Steve F. Warkany Fund*

Barbara Wiedemann

Jo Ann Wieghaus~

Andi Levenson Young & Scott Young

Mike & Liz Zimmer

THE ENSEMBLE ($30+ MONTHLY GIFT)

Anonymous (4)

Mark Bowen

Jacqueline Conner

Mark Dauner

Dennis & Catherine Dunwoodie

Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod

Linda R. Holthaus

J.B. Lutz Family

Jane MacKnight & Dennis Johnson

David Martin

Allen R. Middleton & Gary A. Daniels

J.R. Rulon

Eli Shupe & Toby Ruben

Sara & Gunter Storjohann

Pann & Terry Webb

THE ENSEMBLE ($15+ MONTHLY GIFT)

Anonymous

Michele & Kevin Cain

Paul & Bev Diamond

Sandi Gans

Al Roane

Karen Wittenberg

Kathryn Wright

ACTORS COLUMN ($500-$999):

Anonymous (8)

Walter Blair^

Dabby Blatt

Clay & Emily Bond

Mark Bowen

Bryson Family Charitable Fund~

Philip Clayton

Meredythe G. & Clayton C. Daley, Jr. Family Fund*

Jennifer & Vito Damiano

Susannah Davids & Steve Myer~

Kathryn J. DeLong

Emilie W. & David W. Dressler Family Fund*~

Fencl Family Fund*

R. Terrell & Susan Finney

Mary Fiorini

Patti Myers & Alan Flaherty

Carol S. Friel

The Kenneth Furrier Estate

SUPPORTERS,

GE Foundation Matching Gifts Program

Nancy Gilman~

The Gumbleton Family

Sue Harris & Meredith Green

Debra Hartsell & Michael James

Jane Ruwet Hopson & Larry Pytlinski

Keith & Patti James

Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies

Matching Gifts Program

Robert Bloom & Alison Kamine Fund*

Robert Keith & Kathleen Thornton Keith

Kroger Community Rewards Program

Elizabeth Krone

Virginia Kuertz

Warren Leight

Mark D. Manley & Annette J. Wick

Donn Goebel & Cathy McLeod

Mary Ann Meanwell

Meierjohan Building Group, LLC

Dr. Phillip Meyers

John & Deborah Moffatt

Bill & Ruth Morley

Nora & Michael Moushey

Pepper Family Fund*

Alice Perlman

Presidential Plaza Associates, LTD

Hera Reines

Steven & Carol Reubel

Stephen & Helen Rindsberg

George & Caroll Roden

Rich & Jess Roedersheimer

Jane Bogart Sellers

John & Ronnie Shore

Howard & Nancy Starnbach

Steven & Sue Steller

Elizabeth Stites & Kevin Randall

The Sweeny Family Charitable Fund, in honor of Jack & Kit Overbeck

Tom & Kate Tepe

Jennifer Verkamp

Scott & Vicki Walker

Larry Weber

The Honorable Norbert & Linnea Nadel

Wuerdeman Family Fund*

STAGE MANAGERS COLUMN ($250-$499):

Anonymous (3)

Christine Adams

Amy Alig

Albert & Lillian Andrews

Laura Atkinson

Henrietta Barlag~

Jon & Carol Beeson

Mary Ann Bender

Bill & Janet Berger

Mike & Juliette Bezold

David & Elaine Billmire

Daniel Brown & Mark Haggard

* Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

^ Capital Campaign Donor

~ Next Stage Donor

Katy Brown

Ann & Lee Bulger

Melanie Burden

Andrew F. Cone

Roger Cranos

Lee D. Crooks

Jerry Dehner & Patty Nagelkirk

Charles & Lois Deitschel~

Paul & Bev Diamond

Dennis & Catherine Dunwoodie

Charles & Harriet Edwards

Maureen Flanagan & Will Groneman

Mr. Steven Franks

Sandi Gans

Joanne Glaser~

Lynne Meyers Gordon

Linda Holthaus

Kevin & Deborah Horton

Daniel Hurley

Steve Kenat

Charles D. King

Renee & Bradley Lemberg

Limestone Fund*^

Al & Mary Lopez

J.B. Lutz Family

Jackie Mack & Ted Silberstein

Jane MacKnight & Dennis Johnson

Bill & Karen McKim

John & Julie Mellott

Dr. Ralph Meyer

Josh Neumeyer

Burke Neville

Victoria Parlin

Terry & Jill Parsons~

Nancy L. Phelan

Thomas & Marianne Phillips

Sara H. Pritchard

Jared Queen

Blake Robison & Connan Morrissey

J.R. Rulon

Richard Russell

Abby & David Schwartz~

Stephen Schwartz

Peter Seidel

Will Selnick, in honor of Ruth Sawyer^

Bryan Shick

Daniel & Patty Shick

Eli E. Shupe, Jr. & Toby Ruben

Susan and David Smith

John & Martha Spiess

Ed & Anne Stern

Sara & Gunter Storjohann

Fred & Anne Straus Charitable Fund^

Marcia Togneri

Marty Tomb

Tom Umfrid & Phil Tworek

Nancye & Thomas Van Brunt~

Priscilla S. Walford

Buzz Ward~

SUPPORTERS, continued

STAGE MANAGERS COLUMN CONT

Ann & Victor Warner

Wendy & Norm Wasserman

Karen & Barry Webb

Pann & Terry Webb

Joseph Wessling

Jay and Kate Wilford

Karen Wittenberg

Anne J. Wrider

Kathryn Wright

Nora Zorich & Thomas Filardo Family Fund*

CREW COLUMN ($125-$249):

Anonymous (9)

Marjorie & David Aaron

Bob Amott & Janice Flanagan

Dan & Susan Ansel

Wilma & Herbert Beigel^

Barbara & Wayne Beimesch

Allen Bernard & Virginius Hall

Anna Braam

Charlin & Peter Briggs

Michele & Kevin Cain

Maria Carver

Anne E. Charles, in memory of Richard Charles & Rebecca Parker

Susan Cohen & Robert Schmuelling

Jacqueline Conner

Rev. Dr. Robert W. Croskery & Beverly Croskery, Ph.D.

Barbara Cummins

Steve & Daina Dennis

Downtown Resident Council~

Igor & Jane Dumbadze

Peggy Eberhard

Charles K. Eckert

Jerome & Jean Eichert~

Linda Erpelding

Barbara Feldmann

Chuck & Judy Foster

Drusilla Garms

Maureen Geiger

Mrs. Madeleine H. Gordon

Lois Gushin

Gary & JoAnn Hagopian

Patricia Hemmer~

Ann Hicks

Jacquelyn Hirt

David & Karen Hoguet

Cathy & Tom Huenefeld

Ken & Christine Jones~

Kenneth Kanter

Doug & Marguerite Katchen~

Crystal Kendrick

Eugene Ketchum

Susan Kreuzmann

Kroger

Wayne & Karen Krueger

Ms. Sooncha Lee

* Denotes a Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

^ Capital Campaign Donor

~ Next Stage Donor

John and Pat Leikhim

Susan Lennert

Nancy Lewis

Amy & Scott Litwin

John & Kathy Lorenz

Charles & Jennifer Margolis~

Anne McAdams

Julia B. Meister

Nancy Gordon Messer

Drs. Jacqueline & Steven Miller & Family

Kavin Miller

William & Sibyl Miller

Hatsuki Miyata

Sally Moore

Regine Moulton

Patricia Murray~

Neda J. Nutley

Ms. Kathleen O'Connell & Dr. H. Kenneth Peterson

Paul & Mary Ann Odegard

Nan Oscherwitz

Eugene & Barbara Otting

Morris & Patricia Passer Family Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Peaslee Neighborhood Center, Inc.

Bill & Nancy Phelan

David M. Piatt of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation

Suann Pollock, in memory of Juliana & George Pollock

Marsha Raanan

Martha Ragland

Jerri Roberts & Jim Thomas

H. Gary Roberts

Don & Connie Roesch

Fred Ross^

Barb & Rich Ruddy

Sally & Howard Sampson

Jeanie Schmidt

Jim Schmidt~

Ellen Sewell

Grace Sferra

Elizabeth Sherwood & Tina Stoeberl

Elaine Shinkle

Linda Silvati

Mrs. Barbara Simon

Mary Lee & Louie Sirkin

Ken & Ann Strunk

Jennifer Stucker & John Eck

Dennis & Helen Sullivan

J. Michael & Patricia Thierauf

Beverly Thomas

Dan & Lynn Ticotsky

Rosalie P. van Nuis^

Caroline Idinopulos-Vigran Gifting Fund

Charles Wagner

Richard & Debbie Westheimer

Lynne & D.H. Whitacre

Lois Widlansky

David & Nancy Wolf Philanthropic Fund

Fred Yaeger & Lisa Staggenborg

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Stephen M. King, Chair

Chip Gerhardt, President

Kathy DeLaura, Vice President

Mike Zimmer, Treasurer

Nick Apanius, Secretary

Founders' Circle

Ruth D. & John Sawyer

Ken & Mary "Murph" Mahler

Dr. Charles O. Carothers

Mitchell Meyers

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

D. Lynn Meyers

The Ruth Dennis Sawyer/Mary Taft Mahler Producing Artistic Director

Richard J. Diehl

Managing Director

Laura Proto Director of Development

Amy Weinstock Development Assistant

Jocelyn Meyer Director of Marketing & Communications

Amy Barbian

Marketing Manager

Lauren Carr Director of Education & Outreach

John Diehl Operations Associate

PATRON SERVICES

Jared D. Doren

Patron Services Manager

Amy Weinstock

Assistant Box Office Manager

Associates & House Managers

Jared Earland

Becca Howell

Ben Ochsner

Patrick E. Phillips

Sharisse Santos

Becca Schall

Lead Bartender

Sara Agee

BOARD AND STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Alicia Bond-Lewis

Otto M. Budig

Melanie Burden

Brenda A. Carter

Susan Friedlander

Dennis Geiger

Directors Emeriti

Skip Hickenlooper

Edward G. Marks

PRODUCTION STAFF

Nilesh Patel

Richard L. Postler

Jackie Reau

Rich Roedersheimer

Paul G. Sittenfeld

Mike Smith

Mary Stagaman

Financial Advisor

Chet Cavaliere

Brian c. Mehring Resident Set & Lighting Designer

Matthew Hollstegge Production Manager

Shannon Rae Lutz

Properties Master, Design Assistant & Director of Apprentice Programming

Jack Murphy

Technical Director

Doug Stock

Assistant Technical Director

Brandon T. Holmes

Production Stage Manager

Elizabeth Freyman

Assistant Stage Manager

Starr Fish

Costume Assistant

Rachel Kuhn

Scenic Charge Artist/Production Assistant

SECURITY

Nick Ligon

PROFESSIONAL ACTING APPRENTICES

Maggie Cramer

Reginald Hemphill

Dorothy Jolly

Aaron Krick

Eric Minion

Katie Mitchell

Natasia Reinhardt

MARKETING CONTENT INTERN

Alexis Jade Colón

BOX OFFICE POLICIES

ENSEMBLE

THEATRE CINCINNATI

1127 Vine Street | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 | www.ensemblecincinnati.org | (513) 421-3555

ETC BOX OFFICE HOURS & ACCEPTED PAYMENT

Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 2 hours prior to curtain. Weekend hours vary. VISA, MC, Discover, and AmEx are accepted, as well as Downtown Gift Cards.

TICKET RESERVATIONS & SALE POLICY

Reservations can be made by calling the box office, in person, or online. Ticket reservations are not accepted via email. Single-ticket purchases are final sale with no refund. Single tickets may, however, be exchanged for another performance during the run of a show for a fee, but may not be exchanged from one production to another. If a patron is a no-show for their reserved performance, ETC is under no obligation to reschedule his or her tickets.

TAX CREDITS

If for any reason you cannot attend your performance and cannot reschedule for another date, tickets released prior to performances by calling the ETC box office are fully deductible as a charitable contribution. No-shows or tickets released after curtain time do not qualify as tax credits.

PARKING

Patrons may park at the Gateway Garage (accessible via 12th Street) or at the surface lot, both are conveniently located at the corner of Vine and 12th Streets. Parking is also available at Washington Park Garage and Mercer Commons Garage.

CHILDREN

Children under the age of 4 will not be admitted to productions unless otherwise advertised. Parents with disruptive children will be asked to leave the theatre.

LATECOMERS & ADMITTANCE

Latecomers will be seated at the House Manager’s discretion and may be denied admission depending upon the demands or structure of a particular production. Should you need to leave the theatre during a performance, readmittance is not guaranteed. ETC reserves the right to deny admission and/or remove any disruptive patrons from the theatre at any time.

RESTROOMS

Public restrooms are located in the first and third floor lobbies. Should you need to use the restroom during a performance, readmittance will be at the House Manager's discretion.

ACCESSIBILITY

Please notify the box office in advance if you require wheelchair-accessible seating or have special seating needs and our staff will be happy to accommodate you. Audio-enhancement and large print programs available. Generally, sign-interpreted performances are on the third Wednesday of every production.

CAMERAS, CELL PHONES & STAGE

Actors’ Equity Association strictly prohibits the use of cameras or recording devices (including camera phones) in the theatre. Kindly turn off any cell phones or pagers prior to the show starting. Text messaging during the show disturbs other audience members and actors and will not be tolerated. For safety reasons, audience members are strictly prohibited from standing, sitting or otherwise being or putting anything onstage at any time.

GROUPS & DISCOUNTS

Groups of 8 or more can save on single-ticket prices. Student rates, rush discounts, Public Radio Perks Card, AAA, ArtsWave ArtsPass, Enjoy the Arts, and educator and military member discounts available for select shows (please consult your appropriate membership(s) for details and exclusions).

RANDOM ACT OF CONSERVATION

Water your lawn sparingly, only in the morning. Keeping your grass higher will help it survive summer drought before the autumn rains turn your lawn green again. Pure, fresh water is fundamental to human life, so let’s not waste it!