Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati to Close 2013-14 Season with SIZE MATTERS, 5/7-25

Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati closes out its 2013-2014 main stage season with the world premiere of Size Matters, a one-man show about every man's weight, written and performed by Raymond McAnally. Co-directed by Ed Stern and D. Lynn Meyers, Size Matters plays May 7-25, 2014.

Raymond McAnally won over audiences and critics alike in last season's sold-out smash hit Mrs. Mannerly, when he hilariously took on more than a dozen characters from a cutthroat 1960s etiquette class. Now, Mr. McAnally returns to Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, having penned his own autobiographical one-man show where he will once again shift from himself to a myriad of other characters throughout the performance.

In this world premiere, a heavy-set man opens up about his weight and cannot help but see the comedy in everyday uncomfortable situations. Living life as a "Big Guy" is one obstacle, but imagine carrying an extra hundred pounds, living in a crowded city, and getting work based primarily on your appearance. Welcome to the life of Raymond McAnally, an actor who's weighed over 280 pounds since he was 18 years old. Working in a profession that forces his body issues to take center stage, he's learned how size matters...and how it doesn't. Based on true events, this heartfelt and eye-opening comedy will resonate with anyone-male or female-who's ever wrestled with body issues and self-confidence.

As mentioned in the play, Cincinnati is where Raymond McAnally met his wife, Cincinnati Opera Production Stage Manager Whitney McAnally, while performing in The Foreigner at The Playhouse in the Park in 2009. Even though the couple has lived in both New York and Los Angeles, Cincinnati is always a summer time second home thanks to the Opera. In 2012, Raymond returned to perform the role of Jeffrey Hatcher in Mrs. Mannerly here at Ensemble Theatre.

As an actor, Raymond's work can be found on both stage and screen. Theatre credits include Defending the Caveman (Broadway National Tour, One-Man Show); God's Ear (Off Broadway, The Vineyard Theatre & New Georges); Mrs. Mannerly (Regional, TheaterWorks Hartford); A Midsummer Night's Dream (Regional, Long Wharf); amongst others. His television credits include Mozart in the Jungle; Law & Order SVU; 30 Rock; Royal Pains; Boardwalk Empire; Nurse Jackie; Lights Out; and others. His film credits include Compliance, I Don't Know How She Does It, Ghost Town, and Gods Behaving Badly. As a playwright, Size Matters is Raymond's first full-length play in production. His short plays The Odd Ball and Homeland have been produced at festivals on both coasts. As a screenwriter, Raymond's first television pilot script is a semi-finalist in the 2014 L.A. Comedy Shorts Film Festival script competition (A Top Ten International Comedy Festival). Raymond has had over fifty original comedy shorts produced by Daily Fiber Films, LLC. His comedies have been featured on FunnyOrDie.com, CNN, New Media Rockstars, and The Food Network. Raymond holds an MFA in Acting from Rutgers University and a BA in Philosophy from Sewanee: The University of the South.

Production team includes Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Jack Murphy (Technical Operations Director), Matthew Hollstegge (Production Coordinator & Master Electrician), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Master & Design Assistant), Matthew Callahan (Sound Designer), and Reba Senske (Costume Designer). Production Stage Manager is Brandon T. Holmes.

Tickets are $39 for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday performances. Tickets are $43 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances. Half-price rush tickets and $15 student rush tickets are available starting two hours prior to show time. Tickets and seating subject to availability.

Other Single Ticket Discounts: Military/Educator, Public Radio Perks Card, ArtsWave FunCard, AAA, Senior and Enjoy the Arts discounts available; tickets and seating are subject to availability. ETC accepts all major credit cards and Downtown Cincinnati gift cards. A full list of available discounts and performance calendar is available at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

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