To kick off the 2006-07 season, the Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati presents a reinvention of the past Broadway hit "Mack and Mabel."
This new concert version of Jerry Herman’s score, opening Sept. 13, is set against the backdrop of the silent film era and will feature Cincinnati favorite Gary Sandy ("WKRP in Cincinnati" on TV, "Side Man" at ETC) as Mack Sennett.
Once this show closes on Oct. 1, journeys to The Falcon Theatre in Burbank, founded by television visionary Garry Marshall ("Happy Days," "Laverne and Shirley")
"Whether it is through the magic of cinema, music, or literature, this season centers upon the stories of several remarkable artists — and one ugly duck — who have helped to define and illuminate the human condition through their creativity, vision, and passion," said artistic director D. Lynn Meyers.
The season also includes:
• "String of Pearls," by Michele Lowe, Oct. 18-Nov. 5. Follow the journey of one pearl necklace as it touches, influences, and connects the lives of nearly two dozen women.
• "Ugly Duck," a world premiere musical by Joseph McDonough and David Kisor, Nov. 29-Dec. 31. From the team that created "The Frog Princess," "Sleeping Beauty" and last year’s hit, "Cinderella" for ETC comes a new spin on the classic Ugly Duckling tale.
• "Fiction," by Steven Dietz, Jan. 31-Feb. 18. Accomplished authors Michael and Linda have been happily married for twenty years. When a diagnosis gives Linda only a few weeks to live, how can Michael refuse her dying request to read his diaries?
• "Opus," by Michael Hollinger, March 14-April 1. As a world-renowned string quartet prepares for the performance of a lifetime, their practices quickly become volatile rehearsals when tensions mount, personalities clash, and their brilliant but unstable founder leaves under mysterious circumstances.
• "Souvenir," by Stephen Temperley, April 25-May 13. Direct from its smash Broadway and Tony-nominated run, "Souvenir" tells the story of Florence Foster Jenkins, an eccentric socialite, who gave a series of annual charity concerts during the 1930s. The only problem: Jenkins suffered under the illusion that she was a great coloratura soprano, when in fact she was tone deaf.
Individual tickets are $32 for adults, $29 for students and seniors, and $16 for children ages 12 and under. Season tickets for Friday and Saturday performances are $154 each for adults. Wednesday (except opening nights) and Thursday evening and Sunday matinee "Super Saver" season passes are $144 each.
For information, call (513) 421-3555 or visit www.cincyetc.com on the Internet.