Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
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2023–2024 SEASON
Our 38th season includes a Pulitzer Prize finalist, a world premiere comedy, an autobiographical tour-de-force, and the revival of a unique rock musical. Along with this compelling lineup, next season also features the world premiere holiday musical about Cincinnati’s larger-than-life hippo heroine.
Subscribe today by calling our box office at (513) 421-3555.
On-sale dates
- 2023-2024 Season subscriptions are on sale now. Call our box office at (513) 421–3555 to subscribe.
- July 24: Single tickets on sale for non-holiday productions.
- August 28: Single tickets on sale for Fiona: The Musical.
What the Constitution Means to Me
Regional Premiere Dramedy
By Heidi Schreck
Sep 9–Oct 1, 2023
Pulitzer Prize Finalist | Tony Award Nominee
Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human new play, she embodies her teenage self in order to trace the founding document’s profound impact on not just her own life, but the past four generations of women in her family, starting with the first to set foot in America: a mail-order bride. This boundary-breaking play breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans.
Fiona: The Musical
World Premiere Musical
Book by Zina Camblin | Music & lyrics by David Kisor
Nov 29–Dec 29, 2023
Based on the true story of the hippo that captured the world’s heart, this story follows Fiona’s journey from a premature baby to a larger-than-life heroine! When Fiona is born two months early at only 29 pounds, the odds are stacked against her. But when a determined team of zookeepers and doctors refuses to give up on the little hippo that could, the beautiful friendships that form might just give Fiona the strength she needs. This touching story reminds us of the power of perseverance, compassion, and never giving up on the underdogs—or underhippos! This family-friendly musical is suitable for all ages.
August Wilson’s How I Learned What I Learned
Regional Premiere Drama
Co-conceived by Todd Kreidler
Feb 17–Mar 10, 2024
This autobiographical tour-de-force chronicles Wilson’s days as a struggling young writer. In this intimate one-person play, experience his first jobs; his first loves; a stint in jail; his encounters with racism, violence, and music; and how the people of Pittsburgh’s Hill District inspired his celebrated cycle of plays. Following his rise from a young poet to the literary giant we honor today, this timeless and heartfelt memoir charts one man’s journey of self-discovery and what it means to be a Black artist in America.
The Match Game
World Premiere Comedy
By Steven Strafford
Apr 13–May 5, 2024
Steph has typical mid-life woes on her plate: a precocious daughter about to graduate high school and an absentee father who just moved in, who may or may not be faking dementia. Oh, and did we mention she has a little bit of cancer? Steph has ulterior motives for letting in her dad and a grand scheme to pull it off. When the family gathers for a birthday party with a hidden agenda, they’re forced to confront the truths they’ve been too afraid to acknowledge. The 2022 winner of the Jackie Demaline playwriting competition, this world premiere comedy hilariously reflects on how families aren’t always well-matched.
Hands on a Hardbody
Regional Musical Revival
Book by Doug Wright | Lyrics by Amanda Green | Music by Trey Anastasio & Amanda Green
Jun 8–30, 2024
Tony Award Nominee
Based on the 1997 documentary film of the same name, Hands on a Hardbody features a brilliant score from Amanda Green and Trey Anastasio (Phish), along with a masterful story by Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, Grey Gardens). For ten hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor, and ambition, they’ll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it. Inspired by true events and infused with a “fresh roots-rock vibe,” this is the hilarious, hard-fought contest where only one winner can drive away with the American dream.
Tickets
Find details about how to book tickets, score sweet deals, and find your perfect seat.
Accessibility
We’re dedicated to making our performances and outreach initiatives welcoming to and enjoyable by all audiences.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’ve been here before or it’s your first time attending, here’s some information to help prepare for your visit.
Photo credits | Tickets, Bryant Bentley, Burgess Byrd, & Leslie Goddard Baum in Detroit ’67 (Mikki Schaffner); Accessibility, Nathan Robert Pecchia & Phil Fiorini in Fly By Night (Ryan Kurtz); Plan Your Visit, Kathleen Wise in Grounded (Ryan Kurtz).
1127 Vine Street