I’m not a fan of dystopian fantasy stories, so when I skimmed the script sample for “Where the Lost Children Play,” I wasn’t sure what to expect. On the other hand, I’ve seen most of these five professional acting apprentices perform in different roles. I, of course, am a giant fan of Torie Wiggins and the shows she’s directed. And Shannon Rae Lutz’s work in wrangling this program over the years is legendary.
So, I took a breath and engaged with the story.
Thanks to the versatility, talent, and professionalism of Tashauna Ajoi Jenkins, Maddi O’Connell, Hannah Beaven, KG Rucker, and Jordan Whittaker, it was a pleasure. Playwright Hannah Lee Defrates basic plot is that Willow (O’Connell) and Poppy (Jenkins) live in a society where Order is chaos. They have found a constant- an empty stairwell they’ve claimed as their own secret Neverland. Appointing themselves Peter and Wendy, they vow to protect the Fourth Floor’s children (Chrys, played by Rucker, Daff, played by Whittaker, and Violet, played by Beaven) from the sinister truths of the world they live in. The show takes place throughout over more than a decade, where we follow these characters and watch their relationships grow and develop all under the ominous threat of . . . something.
The vast timeline allows the actors to play characters of different ages, which makes an excellent showcase for their versatility. Exploring the various relationships allows each actor a moment or two to shine while their ensemble work is equally compelling. Credit to Wiggins and her extraordinary sense of story for keeping this complicated piece on the rails. And kudos to the astounding design team for their stellar work with sound, lights, costumes, and props.
The professional apprentice company spends the entire year working both behind the scenes at ETC and on stage. They understudy or have roles in shows, participate in staged readings, and learn the various roles in the theatre—serving as stagehands, house managers, and more. Some of our favorite Cincinnati theatre mainstays were ETC interns who stuck around, and they credit their Ensemble Theatre experience as foundational to their careers.
I’m sure it’s rewarding to finish out the year with such strong performances; I know it was satisfying to watch as an audience member.
WHERE THE LOST CHILDREN PLAY runs through Sunday at Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati. Tickets and more information can be found here.