Maytag Virgin is the last show in Ensemble Theatre’s 2022-2023 season. Directed by Bridget Leak, it stars Maggie Lou Rader and Ryan Wesley Gilreath as neighbors who spend an inordinate amount of time talking about almost nothing. I’m not a big fan of shows where nothing happens. I wouldn’t wait for Godot if you paid me to, for instance - and the script for “Maytag Virgin” will never be considered in the same category as that supposed masterpiece. So, this is not a show for me.
That said, the opening night audience was engaged, laughing, and seemed to enjoy themselves with applause breaks at every scene change. Leak keeps the actors busy with stage business as to distract from the lack of action in the dialogue. And the actors are charming and charismatic. Of course, the technical elements are amazing, with a gorgeous set and some great lighting and sound effects.
Go see for yourself and decide what YOU think!
“Maytag Virgin” reminds us that the world is full of possibilities,” says Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers.“ It’s the perfect dramedy. You’re going to laugh out loud, and you’re going to be touched by the story that is far more than boy meets girl. It’s about how love really never leaves, even when the people who love each other do. It’s absolutely charming.
I’m very much looking forward to ETC’s next season, with a diverse lineup; the 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.
The shows are:
What the Constitution Means to Me by Heidi Schreck
Fiona: The Musical by Zina Camblin and David Kisor
How I Learned What I Learned by August Wilson
The Match Game by Steven Strafford
and the revival of Hands on a Hardbody by Doug Wright, Amanda Green, and Trey Anastario
Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati Season subscriptions are on sale now here. Tickets for Maytag Virgin can be found here.