“What’s Left!?” was jokingly exclaimed at the annual Pride of Cincinnati planning meeting in July, upon hearing that we are about to celebrate thirty years of WGI.  That’s thirty years of brilliant performances, innovative shows, rich history, and unbelievable evolution.  What’s Left? Of course, that’s the challenge for every unit, but the answer is undoubtedly:  More than we can ever imagine!  The question did however lead the meeting down a very interesting path . . .

During World War I, an accomplished concert pianist named Paul Wittgenstein was wounded and lost his right arm to amputation.  After the initial, obvious set-backs, he began his crusade to once again play the piano.  This remarkable challenge included seeking out composers to write pieces specifically for the left hand.  Benjamin Britten, Paul Hindemith. Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Richard Strauss, Maurice Ravel, and Sergei Prokofiev each produced pieces for him.  The 2007 Pride of Cincinnati has chosen Britten’s Diversions for Piano (left hand) and Orchestra; Opus 21 as the sound track for this season’s production.

Pride’s cast of twenty-seven young men and women will explore “What’s Left” from every possible angle; including music, direction, motion, dexterity, sides of the brain, political philosophy, innovation, and perserverance.   These abstract themes will be realized metaphorically through floor and costume design, while also striving to, once again, set standards in staging, choreography, and performance execution.  The 2007 Pride of Cincinnati staff, board, and performing members are extremely pleased to present – “What’s Left?”