Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati Presents SLEEPING BEAUTY, 12/2-1/3/2010

In celebration of over ten years of creating holiday musicals specifically written with multigenerational appeal, one of Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati's (ETC) most popular family-friendly holiday productions, SLEEPING BEAUTY by Joseph McDonough and David Kisor, returns December 2 through January 3 and is directed by D. Lynn Meyers. In the tradition of ETC's "fractured fairytale" holiday productions, SLEEPING BEAUTY is a modern spin on the classic fairytale, and features Briar Rose, her overprotective parents, a rock n' roll prince, and three wacky fairies (and an evil one!).

"This show is centered around the universal theme of thinking with your heart and takes us from '50s rock n' roll music to a demanding operatic battle," say D. Lynn Meyers. "I'm delighted to present a nondenominational celebration of music during the holiday season that everyone can enjoy."

ETC will offer a convenient performance schedule for families with many weekend matinees, Sunday early evening shows, and 7 p.m. evening shows throughout the holiday season.

Alaina Mills and Will Selnick, both making their ETC debuts, will perform as Briar Rose and Prince William/Prince Edward, respectively. Ms. Mills is a junior Musical Theatre major at CCM where she has appeared in recent productions of HELLO, AGAIN, TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA and HOW TO SUCCEED... She has also performed regionally at Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, Music Theatre Louisville, and Stage One. Mr. Selnick is a recent graduate of Northwestern University with a degree in Musical Theatre and Opera. A Cincinnati native, he performed The Star Spangled Banner at one of the Bengals' home games last season.

Lesley Hitch, Sara Mackie, and Shannon Rae Lutz play the three fabulous fairies Lilac, Marigold, and Daisy. Ms. Hitch most recently appeared on ETC's stage in MACK AND MABEL. Her recent credits include, THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS: THE MUSICAL! at the Showboat Majestic for which she and the rest of the cast won a Cincinnati Acclaim Award, and as Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS at The Covedale for which she earned Acclaim and CEA awards for supporting actress. Ms. Mackie recently was seen on ETC's stage in last season's hit MAURITIUS and ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Ms. Lutz's recent acting credits include ALICE IN WONDERLAND, FICTION, and SLEEPING BEAUTY (2004).

Deb G. Girdler reprises her role as the evil fairy Wisteria. Recently, she appeared on ETC's stage as The Queen of Hearts last year in ALICE IN WONDERLAND and as 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 also reprises his role as the Falcon. His recent ETC credits include MAURITIUS, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, THE FROG PRINCESS, MORE FUN THAN BOWLING and OPUS. His other ETC credits include: THE EXONERATED, CINDERELLA, SLEEPING BEAUTY, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, WILD OATS and KEEPING THE FAITH. Mr. Bath has also performed with the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Children's Theatre, the Performance Gallery, Theatre IV/Artreach, Showboat Majestic, and Stage First Cincinnati.

Annie Fitzpatrick (Queen Olivia) most recently appeared in DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE this season, as well as in last season's MAURITIUS and ALICE IN WONDERLAND. She also performed in RABBIT HOLE and THE FROG PRINCESS, as well as in ETC's regional premiere of STRING OF PEARLS and the world premiere of UGLY DUCK. INTIMATE APPAREL, CINDERELLA, THE EXONERATED, EARHART, and DINNER WITH FRIENDS are just a few of her many other ETC performances. She has also worked at St. Louis Repertory Theatre, CATCO, Human Race Theatre Co., Porthouse Theatre, Florida Stage, and Cincinnati Children's Theatre.

Ken Early (The Wizard) recently appeared on ETC's stage in ALICE IN WONDERLAND, GREY GARDENS and THE FROT PRINCESS. His musical theatre credits include: PARADE, Footlighters, Inc.; MAN OF LA MANCHA, The Rose Theatre; RAGTIME, Jersey Productions; SIDE SHOW, New Stage Collective; and DREAMGIRLS, Mainstreet Theatre. His acting credits include: THE ODD COUPLE, The Rose Theatre and THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, Know Theatre. Jared D. Doren returns to ETC his role as King Stefan. Last year, he appeared in ALICE IN WONDERLAND as The Mock Turtle, and has also performed in ETC's holiday productions of THE FROG PRINCESS, SLEEPING BEAUTY (2004). A member of the 1995-1996 Acting Intern Company, other past ETC credits include A QUESTION OF MERCY, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK and DURANG, DURANG. Other local credits include OF MICE AND MEN at The Children's Theatre, 1776 with Downtown Theatre Classics, and COMPANY with Showboat Majestic. He is currently the Associate Artistic Administrator for the Cincinnati Opera.

ETC 2009-2010 Acting interns Christine Fallon (Buttercup), Christopher Pitts (Bud/Dragon), Lauren Shmalo (Bloom), Leah Strasser (Blossom), and Kim Rogers (Begonia) round out the ensemble cast.

Production team includes Brian c. Mehring (Resident Scenic & Lighting Designer), AaRon Clements (Technical Operations Director), Matthew Hollstegge (Production Coordinator & Master Electrician), Shannon Rae Lutz (Properties Master & Design Assistant), Chuck Hatcher (Sound Designer), Reba Senske (Costume Designer), Dee Anne Bryll (Choreographer), and Scot Woolley (Musical Director). The Stage Manager is Wendy Dorn.

Single tickets are on sale for all 2009-2010 season productions. Subscription packages range from $132-$174. Single tickets range from $30 to $40 for adults and vary upon day of the week; $16 for children ages 12 and under. Senior/student, Public Radio Perks Card, FAF Card, and Enjoy the Arts discounts available. Group rates are available for 10 or more people. Patrons may purchase tickets in person at the ETC box office (1127 Vine Street), by calling (513) 421-3555, or online at www.cincyetc.com.

$15 rush tickets are available for all performances, 15 minutes prior to curtain (subject to availability).

Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, a professional Equity theatre, is dedicated to the production and development of new works and works new to the region. For more information visit www.cincyetc.com.

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