Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST Lands Three League of Cincinnati Theatres Awards
Ian Bond, Maggie Lou Rader, Cary Davenport, Lindsay Jolin Polasek, Miranda McGee, William H. Chace, Kelly Mengelkoch and Darnell Pierre Benjamin.
(CINCINNATI, DEC. 7, 2011)– League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) panelists have recognized Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s (CSC) production of LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST with three awards for its direction, lead actor and ensemble. Panelists called the production “all around great Shakespeare.”
LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOSTt demonstrates Shakespeare’s gift for wordplay and wit. In the show, the King of Navarre and his men take an oath to devote their lives to study — without the company of women. However, they don’t count on a visit from the Princess of France and her ladies in waiting, who quickly test the strength of their oath and the men’s ability to withstand the allures of love.
Billy Chace was singled out by LCT panelists for an award for leading actor in a play for his portrayal of Berowne. A fifth-year ensemble member, his other recent roles at CSC include The Life and Death of King John and Dracula. Panelists described him as “a natural fit for this role,” saying that “his utter command of the nuances that bring his character to life is proof that Mr. Chace is at the top of his game.”
Sara Clark also received an award for her direction. A six-year member of CSC’s company, she marks her main stage directorial debut with LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST. According to LCT panelists, “Clark’s direction was subtle when it needed to be and equally broad when it needed to be.” One panelist praised Clark’s ability to make the show relevant, “a remarkable achievement which Sara did stunningly with her framing and overall conception.”
Finally, panelists recognized the entire cast with an ensemble award. In addition to Chace, the show features Darnell Pierre Benjamin, Ian Bond, Charlie Clark, Cary Davenport, Jeremy Dubin, Jim Hopkins, Miranda McGee, Kelly Mengelkoch, Jolin Polasek, Maggie Lou Rader, Brent Vimtrup and Teresa Wellman.
William Shakespeare’s clever comedy of rhetoric and romance runs through Dec. 31. Details and ticket information for LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST are available at www.cincyshakes.com.
The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at http://www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.
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