Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati Revives CINDERELLA, Starting Tonight

Throw out that glass slipper and break out your library card! Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) revives one of its most treasured family-friendly holiday musicals CINDERELLA, by local playwright Joseph McDonough with lyrics by David Kisor and music by Fitz Patton, playing tonight, December 3, 2015 through January 4, 2016.

In the tradition of ETC's "fractured fairytale" holiday productions, CINDERELLA is a modern spin on the classic folk tale. This revamped production features a magical set design, an updated musical score and story, enchanting comedy, and the opportunity to see true beauty through new eyes (or glasses). Directed by D. Lynn Meyers. Premiere Sponsor is Macy's.

What do you get when you combine a nearsighted bookworm heroine, two fabulously self-absorbed stepsisters, one devilishly diva stepmother, along with a self-empowering Well-Wisher? A fun spin on the classic fairy tale that demonstrates being smart is true beauty! When the King pressures his romantically challenged son to choose a bride from hundreds of "applicants," a cross-country tour of the kingdom ensues to reunite a missing sneaker-yes a sneaker!-with its rightful owner. From the creators of Sleeping Beauty and Snow White, this enchanted and heart-warming musical will delight audiences of all ages this holiday season.

Each season, ETC produces a magical fairy tale musical written with families in mind. As a theatre that also seeks to nurture new audiences, ETC has specifically commissioned these shows that take classic fairy tales and give them a fresh, modern spin with contemporary cultural references to make the shows' message accessible for the next generation of arts patrons.

Following the success of recent holiday musicals, ETC's performance schedule includes over 30 chances for audiences to see this popular production. ETC will also offer a convenient show calendar for families with many weekend matinees, early 6:00 pm Sunday evening shows, and 7:00 pm evening shows throughout the holiday season. "CINDERELLA sends a message that inner beauty, strength, and intelligence are the keys to success," says ETC's Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers. "Our 30th anniversary season is all about celebrating what is unique about ETC and David Kisor and Joe McDonough's collaboration on this musical does just that. My hope is that everyone who comes to see CINDERELLA will leave feeling like princes and princesses."

About the Cast:

Brooke Steele (CINDERELLA) returns to ETC, having last appeared as Daisy in Sleeping Beauty. Her favorite roles include Suzy Simpson in three incarnations of The Marvelous Wonderettes at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Leni Riefenstahl in Monstrous Beauty (Northern Kentucky University), June the Ingenue in The Musical of Musicals (The Musical!) (Showboat Majestic) and the title role in Peter Pan (Covedale Center). She studied theatre at NKU and was honored to receive an Acclaim Rising Star award in 2011.

Warren Bryson (Prince Frederick) makes his ETC debut as Prince Frederick in CINDERELLA. He is a proud graduate of NKU where he studied acting. Some of his past stage credits include Rene Flambeau in Babes in Arms, Bobby Van Husen in The Boyfriend, Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Biff in 1940's Radio Hour, Melvin Wilder in The Diviners, and Henry Taggart in The Council. Select film and television credits include John Winters in Quarantine, Dirk Wallenhorst in Divine Will, Ryan in Forever's End, Sean Michaels in Finale, Alex in Cedarville and Cecil Dotson in Final Witness. Mr. Bryson's commercial work includes Toyota, Long John Silver's, Walmart, LaRosa's, Lexmark, Cincinnati Bell, Speedway, Gold Star Chili and more.

Deb G. Girdler (Brunhilda) has appeared numerous times on ETC's stage, often as the villain in the holiday shows. Her ETC credits include Janice Curtis in Hands on a Hardbody, Around the World in 80 Days, Wisteria in Sleeping Beauty, The Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, Betty in the smash hit The Great American Trailer Park Musical, as well as Old Bones in The Frog Princess. Ms. Girdler has appeared at the Olney Theatre as the Fairy Godmother in the now official version of Rogers and Hammerstein's CINDERELLA as well as in La Cage Aux Folles at the Gateway Playhouse in New Jersey. A CCM graduate, she began her career on the Showboat Majestic and has worked off-Broadway, in regional theatre, and in summer stock for over 30 years.

Michael G. Bath (King Frederick) returns to ETC's stage, marking this year as his nineteenth consecutive holiday show with Ensemble Theatre. He most recently appeared in ETC's productions of Sleeping Beauty, Hands on a Hardbody, Around the World in 80 Days, Alice in Wonderland, Snow White, Next Fall, CINDERELLA, Becky's New Car and My Name is Asher Lev. Other regional credits include Superior Donuts with The Clifton Players and Angels in America at Know Theatre. Mr. Bath has also performed with Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Children's Theatre, the Performance Gallery, Showboat Majestic, and Stage First Cincinnati.

Darnell Pierre Benjamin (Gaston) was last seen at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati as Sly in Detroit '67 and The Elephant Man in Around the World in 80 Days. Some favorite, past productions include: Titus Andronicus, To Kill a Mockingbird, Cock, Angels in America, Othello, Taming of the Shrew, and A Raisin in the Sun, all at theaters in the region. In 2013, Mr. Benjamin won Michigan's Wilde Award, "Best of the Bard," for his performance as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet at Hope Summer Repertory Theatre. Along with being a member of Pones, Inc. and Queen City Queer Theatre Collective, Mr. Benjamin spends his time off-stage teaching Shakespeare and dance to students in the Tri-state area.

Sara Mackie (Priscilla) is a graduate of Wright State's Acting BFA program. Ms. Mackie has been fortunate to share the boards with Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati in all three Wonderette iterations as Betty Jean as well as the productions of Sleeping Beauty, Hands on a Hardbody, Other Desert Cities, Rabbit Hole, Mauritius, and Alice in Wonderland, among others since 1999. Human Race Theatre Company credits include Olivia in Twelfth Night, and the premiere staged readings of three new musical works: Guarding Gold Street, The Trimble Wars, and Red Blooded All-American Man. She has performed with the Carnegie Theatre in Camelot in Concert, Pump Boys and Dinettes, and the staged reading of The Sandman. She appeared in the Hallmark Channel Original Movie The Christmas Spirit.

Torie Wiggins (Clarissa) last appeared in Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati's production of The Mountaintop as Camae. She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music with a B.F.A. in Dramatic Performance. She created three one-woman shows: Everywhere You Look, Everywhere Else You Look, and Torie on Ice. She co-adapted and performed another one-woman show, Your Negro Tour Guide, at various venues in Cincinnati and across the country. She has appeared on All My Children, the feature film Love Me Through It and her voice can be heard on numerous national television and radio commercials for H&M, Home Depot, and Burger King. She recently appeared in Know Theatre of Cincinnati's production of Pluto and was a Seasonal Resident Artist with the Know Theatre of Cincinnati, appearing in Abraham Lincoln's Big Gay Dance Party, Collapse, Afghan Women Writer's Project, and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. She also appeared in To Kill a Mockingbird and The Crucible at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and performed the title role in Black Pearl Sings! at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati.

Kate Wilford (Gwendolyn) was last seen at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati in Luna Gale, Hands On A Hardbody and Sleeping Beauty. Her other past Ensemble favorites are Becky's New Car, Good People, Dead Man's Cell Phone, The Women of Lockerbie, as well as the world premieres of the musicals Snow White, Don't Make Me Pull This Show Over, and Joe McDonough's drama Wayfarer's Rest. Elsewhere, she won Acclaim and CEA awards as best actress for her performance in Death of a Salesman. Other award-winning performances include When The Rain Stops Falling at Know Theatre of Cincinnati and Don't Make Me Pull This Show Over Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati. She has appeared at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in Romeo And Juliet, The Cherry Orchard, All My Sons, and Bedroom Farce. Regionally, she has also worked at The Lyceum Theatre, Beef N Boards, Westgate Theatre, The Kenley Players, and was a founding member of The Troupe, here in Cincinnati, as well as directed at Xavier University, Thomas More College, and for three years at Cincinnati Children's Theatre.

Rounding out the ensemble cast are ETC 2015-2016 Acting Apprentices Kendra Beitzel (Aristotle the Crow), Lauren Bowler (Plato the Toad), and Daniela N. Nenova (Socrates the Spider).

Production team includes Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), Jack Murphy (Technical Director), Matthew Hollstegge (Production Manager & Master Electrician), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Master & Design Assistant), Fitz Patton (Sound Designer), Scot Woolley (Musical Director), Dee Anne Bryll (Choreographer), Reba Senske (Costume Designer), and Kelly Yurko (Wigs & Makeup Designer). Production Stage Manager is Brandon T. Holmes. Assistant Stage Manager is Elizabeth Freyman.

Runs December 2, 2015-January 3, 2016. 7:00 p.m. performances Fri.; 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. performances Sat. and select weeknights; 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. No performances on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. A complete calendar of performances is available online at www.ensemblecincinnati.org.

Ticket prices are $44 for adults; advance student tickets are $25; and children are $18. For the 2015-2016 season, ETC continues its popular $15 student and half-price rush tickets for all performances, which are available two hours prior to show time and may be purchased by phone or in person at the box office. Available Discounts - Military, Educator, Public Radio Perks Card, ArtsWave FunCard, AAA, Senior, and Enjoy the Arts discounts available; tickets and seating are subject to availability.

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.

To post a comment, you must register and login.