Ensemble Theatre presents annual Colombi Festival of new plays

It comes around only once a year, and it’s an event worth waiting for. It’s the third annual Colombi New Plays Festival presented by Ensemble Theatre. The New Plays Festival premieres works by local playwrights for Heights audiences and is dedicated to the memories of Lucia, Licia and Christopher Colombi (founder, artistic director, and player in the original company, respectively). The plays will run throughout the month of March and into the first week of April. 

The four productions that make up this year’s festival are “For the Love of a Leica” by Cynthia Dettelbach, directed by Brian Zoldessy; “Zebediah” by Barbara Harkness, directed by Martin Cosentino; “Lives of the Saints” by Jean Cummins, directed by Celeste Cosentino; and “Road Kill” by Ed Walsh, directed by Ian Hinz.

“For the Love of a Leica” is set in the midst of the chaos of World War II, and concerns one man’s obsession with a camera. It’s a coming-of-age story based on actual events.

“Zebediah” looks at justice in a small mining town from a historical perspective. This play promises to provoke many post-show conversations.

In “Lives of the Saints,” five elderly Irish siblings do their best to put an end to their niece’s long overdue romance. See the play to learn whether they succeed.

The coal mines are closing in “Roadkill,” but the casinos are thriving. When two friends learn what a their buddy finds alongside a country road, it looks as if their luck has changed . . . or has it?

The four plays are presented in repertory beginning Thursday, March 13, at Ensemble Theatre, 2842 Washington Blvd. Go to Ensemble’s website, www.ensemble-theatre.com, or call 216-321-2930 for the complete schedule or to purchase tickets.