Eve Ensler's provocative Vagina Monologues will get its first professional Cincinnati showing when it starts a three-week run at the Aronoff's Jarson-Kaplan Theater Jan. 1.

        The theatrical sensation marks the first presenting collaboration between Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Cincinnati and Playhouse in the Park.

Ensler

        Based on interviews with a diverse group of women, Monologues explores the power, pain, humor, wisdom, mystery and wonder of female sexuality. An Obie-winning hit off-Broadway, Monologues has been a hit across the United States and internationally since its 1996 debut.

        A headliner is expected to be announced in November. The three-woman cast includes Lisa Tharps, fresh from August Wilson's King Hedley II on Broadway, and Geneva Carr, who comes to Monologues with several off-Broadway credits.

        The collaboration between Broadway in Cincinnati and the Playhouse could have a long-term effect if stars can be persuaded to do more national tours of Broadway hit plays, as Brian Dennehy did two years ago in Death of a Salesman. Mr. Dennehy returns to Broadway in spring in Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night.

        “Hopefully we can continue to be partners and provide this community with even more quality shows that our audiences may not otherwise have the opportunity to see,” Broadway in Cincinnati president Brad Broecker says.

        Playhouse producing artistic director Ed Stern agrees and adds that more is possible. “What happens if (well-received new Broadway musical) Urinetown were to tour?” he ponders. “There is real potential” in the partnership.”

        Vagina Monologues tickets go on sale Oct. 30 at the Broadway in Cincinnati office in the Mercantile Center, at the Aronoff and at Music Hall box offices and at Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets will be $45-$49. Tickets to the Jan. 1 preview are $44-$48.

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