FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 2, 2003
Contact: Christa Skiles
Public Relations Director
513-345-2242, ext. 232

CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK'S THOMPSON SHELTERHOUSE SEASON BEGINS WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CINCINNATI PLAYWRIGHT JOSEPH MCDONOUGH'S ONE, SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 26

(CINCINNATI) — One, a world premiere drama by Cincinnati playwright Joseph McDonough, will kick off the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s 2003-2004 Thompson Shelterhouse theatre season. Three compelling stories of self-discovery interweave in surprising ways in the play, which begins public previews on September 27 and continues through October 26.

One is a story built from three separate, extended monologues, with characters that at first seem to be so different as to possess little to connect them. Emily is a troubled young woman whose outward appearance masks a shattering inner turmoil. Kyle is a famous television actor whose life of luxury and indulgence fails to erase the longing for an unrequited love from the past. Finally, Jill is a woman struggling to move past a heartbreaking loss.

These three lives are tied together by an unusual common thread — a series of letters written by a Civil War soldier to his lady love. The letters provide just one of the mysteries at the center of the play. For, when all three stories ultimately are revealed, they paint a surprising, if inevitable, picture.

According to Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Edward Stern, who chose the play for the Shelterhouse season and who also is directing One, “It’s beautifully written. It’s wonderful how rich the dialogue in the play is. Each character makes a decision to go on a very personal journey. And the audience is going to be committed to a similar journey. This is a play that demands one’s attention. But that attention will be paid with deep dividends.”

With One, Joseph McDonough becomes the first Cincinnati playwright to have a work appear on a Playhouse stage since the 1988 production of Thomas Atkinson’s Clear Liquor And Coal Black Nights. While he is making his debut at the Playhouse, Mr. McDonough is no stranger to Tristate audiences. His other works have appeared locally on the stages of Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati (where he has collaborated with composer David Kisor on the annual holiday shows for the last seven seasons), Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival and The Children’s Theatre. Mr. McDonough’s plays also have been produced by Actors Theatre of Louisville; Theatre in the Square; The Changing Scene in Denver; and Georgia Repertory Theatre, where his The Age of Discovery was nominated for the 2002 American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award. He also has developed work with Chicago Dramatists and the Abingdon Theatre Company in New York.

Mr. McDonough is a member of the Dramatists Guild and has received four fellowships from the Ohio Arts Council. He lives in Cincinnati with his wife Lori and two young sons, Brendan and James.

The cast for One features Tim Altmeyer, who appeared at the Playhouse in the 1996 U.S. premiere production of Tennessee Williams’ The Notebook of Trigorin, as Kyle. Anney Giobbe, who portrayed Laura in the 1999 production of The Glass Menagerie, returns as Emily. Henny Russell makes her Playhouse debut in the role of Jill.

The show is directed by Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Edward Stern. Other production team members include Joseph P. Tilford (Set Designer), Elizabeth Covey (Costume Designer), Thomas C. Hase (Lighting Designer) and Douglas Lowry (Composer). The stage manager is Andrea L. Shell.

Tickets to One are on sale now. Prices range from $38.50-$46.50, depending on day and seat location. All tickets are $31.50 for the preview performances at 9 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 7 p.m. Sunday, September 28, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 1. The official opening night performance is Thursday, October 2 at 8 p.m.

Any unreserved tickets are half-price every day when purchased at the Playhouse between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on the day of the show (for performances Tuesday through Saturday) and from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Playhouse is fully accessible. Audio enhancement receivers, large print programs and complete wheelchair access are available.

For tickets to One or for more information, call the Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888 or toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana at 800/582-3208. Call 513/345-2248 for TDD accessibility. For single tickets purchased by telephone through the Playhouse box office there is a $2 convenience fee per call. Tickets also can be purchased on the Playhouse web site at www.cincyplay.com.

On October 5, the Meet the Artists performance of One will be featured as part of Enjoy the Arts/START’s 20/20 II Festival, 20 days and 20 nights of cool, funky and hip arts events. On October 10 through 12, One will be highlighted as part of the Festival of the New, a citywide arts celebration in which the local arts and cultural community will showcase new exhibitions, performances and programs. For more information about either the 20/20 II Festival or Festival of the New, visit www.CincinnatiArts.com.

Artists fly to and from Cincinnati on Delta Connection COMAIR, the Playhouse’s official airline.

The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

The Playhouse also receives funding from the City of Cincinnati.

Meet the Artists
These free programs allow audiences to interact with cast members and others associated with the production following the show.

2 p.m. Sunday, October 5
2 p.m. Sunday, October 12
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 15
8 p.m. Thursday, October 23

Dining Options

Karlo's Bistro at the Playhouse offers full-service dining prior to most evening performances. Dinners include salad, entrée and dessert. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. The price is $21, which does not include gratuity. Karlo's Casual Fare offers busy theatre patrons an alternative light, quick bite prior to the show. Options include salads, sandwiches, soups, pasta and desserts. No reservations are required.

Sponsors

Production Sponsor:
Schiff, Kreidler-Shell, Inc.

Production Design Sponsor:
Cincinnati Coin Laundry

Fine Arts Fund Partner:
Cincinnati Financial Corporation

The 2003-2004 Shelterhouse Series is presented by
Heidelberg Distributing Co.

The Shelterhouse Season Design Sponsor is
The Sheakley Group of Companies.

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