Paradise Blue Music-filled Drama
March 20, 2027 – April 11, 2027
Ensemble Theatre
Starting at $22
See Paradise Blue at Ensemble Theatre from March 20 to April 11
Welcome to the sultry, jazz-filled Paradise Club. It’s 1949 in Detroit, and Blue, a gifted trumpeter and owner of the once-vibrant nightclub, is ready to leave this town and his family demons behind. But where does that leave his devoted Pumpkin, who has dreams of her own? And what does it mean for the club’s resident band?
When a seductive stranger enters the picture with plans of her own, everything is turned upside down, and the club’s makeshift family and their troubled bandleader find themselves fighting for the future of Paradise.
From the Tony Award–nominated playwright of Ain’t Too Proud and Detroit ’67, this chapter of Morisseau’s three-play Detroit Project is a powerful noir-inspired, music-filled drama that explores ambition, loyalty, and the meaning of community.
Paradise Blue is a powerful, jazz-infused drama exploring race, identity, community, and the impact of systemic oppression. Set in 1949 Detroit, it includes discussions of racism, segregation, and gentrification.
The play contains mature themes, including sexual references, substance use, emotional abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation, as well as intense conflict and references to violence. Strong language, including racial slurs, is used in historically grounded contexts. While infused with music and moments of humor, the overall tone is serious and emotionally charged.
Tickets to Paradise Blue
Tickets to Paradise Blue start at $22.
Associated Events
Meet the Artists
April 1, post-show
Join after the performance for an engaging discussion with members of the cast/artistic team.
ETC Essentials & Meet the Artists
April 4, 1 p.m. and post-show
Join before the matinee performance for a discussion with local panelists about themes in Paradise Blue.
ASL Interpretation
April 7, 7:30 p.m.
Audio Description
April 10, 2 p.m.
About Ensemble Theatre
Noted for its intimacy and celebrated for its dedication to bringing socially conscious and thought-provoking contemporary theatre to the region, Ensemble Theatre is nestled in the heart of Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and maintains a steadfast belief in the transformative power of the arts to create vibrant, sustainable communities.
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Remaining Season
Ensemble Theatre Venue Details
Parking
Download the City of Cincinnati’s CincyEZPark app to pay for metered street parking using your smartphone. Surface lots and garages are also available nearby. Limited first-come, first-served accessible parking is located in front of the theatre’s main entrance at 1127 Vine Street.
Accessibility
Accessible accommodations include:
- All-gender restrooms on the second and third floors
- Automatic doors from the street into the theatre’s main entrance
- Wheelchair-level ticket counter at the box office
- First-floor level access to main lobby bathrooms
- Elevator access between floors
- Unobstructed view seats for guests using mobility devices and adjacent companion seating
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Image provided by Ensemble Theatre
