Onstage: Mrs. Mannerly

By Rick Pender for CityBeat

A stern teacher of etiquette knows the rules of proper behavior, and she keeps her students in line. But young Jeffrey (who seems to be closely related to playwright Jeffrey Hatcher) has a few ideas of his own — including some insight about his teacher that might help him earn a never-before-achieved perfect grade on the final exam. Playing the leading role in Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s regional premiere of "Mrs. Mannerly" is one of the city’s most admired professional actresses, Dale Hodges. The director is Ed Stern, recently retired from the Cincinnati Playhouse.

In 2003, Stern staged the local premiere of Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen for ETC, with Hodges in a central role. By the way, while behavior is expected to be beyond reproach, ETC warns that due to strong language, Mrs. Mannerly is recommended for mature audiences. Through Oct. 28. $38-$42. Ensemble Theatre, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-421-3555, ensemblecincinnati.org.