Syncopation
A collaboration with State Street Ballet
By Allan Knee
Directed by Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill Choreography by William Soleau
“With charm and grace, [Syncopation] dances into the audience’s hearts.”
About the Play
Ensemble Theatre Company closes the 2016-17 Season with a magical romance set in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in the 1910’s. Desperate for an escape from his solitary life as a meatpacker and dishwasher, Henry places a classified ad in the newspaper in hopes of landing a dance partner. When the shy Anna answers his ad, Henry’s dreams of becoming a ballroom dancer are put to the test… but with each tango and foxtrot they are drawn closer together, setting off an unlikely romance. A fascinating blend of theater and dance from playwright Allen Knee, author of Little Women and The Man Who Was Peter Pan — the inspiration for the Academy Award-winning film, Finding Neverland.
Syncopation premiered in 1999 and received an American Theater Critics Award for Best New Play. The play has been performed at numerous regional theatres throughout the country, and was originally slated for a Broadway debut in 2004.
Artists
Cast
ZANDER MEISNER (Henry) is thrilled to be doing such great theatre in this awesome town. West coast audiences may recognize him from Once at the Pantages in Hollywood while on its First National Tour, and in Annie at the Kodak (Dolby) Theatre in Hollywood while on its twenty-third National tour. Favorite theatres: Northlight and Apple Tree Theatre (Chicago), Kitchen Theatre, Drilling Company, New Ohio Theatre, Engeman Theatre (NY), several NYC fringe productions, and three national tours. Recipient of the Denver Post Ovation Award for Best Actor in a Musical. An accomplished actor, musician, songwriter, and educator, he has been honored to perform onstage with Glen Hansard, and was recently profiled in the Wall Street Journal. Indiana Grad. AEA. zandermeisner.com.
SARA BROPHY(Anna) is delighted to make her Ensemble Theatre Company debut! She’s been on Broadway in Amazing Grace, off-Broadway in Iron Curtain, and traveled across the great United States, both on tour with Damn Yankees! (Lola), and at several regional theatres. Some favorites include Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy), Sister Act, and Chicago (Velma). Ms Brophy loves bringing new works and characters to life, both on stage and film (In the Night (Laura)).
Press & Reviews
Sponsors
-
Sponsored by: Leatrice Luria and Bob and Leah Temkin
-
2016-17 Season sponsored by The Stephen and Carla Hahn Foundation.