Monthly Archives: September 2014

The Classic Hitchcock Thriller, “The Birds” Wings its Way to Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Stage for Halloween!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present the classic Hitchcock thriller that’s been terrifying audiences for generations, now in a fresh stage adaptation

Sherman Fracher as Diane. Photo by Cal Harris.

CINCINNATI, September 26, 2014— Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues their season with a Regional Premiere for the Halloween season of “The Birds” by Conor McPherson, from the short story by Daphne du Maurier October 17- November 8, 2014. This production is directed by Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips and features Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Resident Ensemble members Sara Clark, Sherman Fracher, Nicholas Rose and Brent Vimtrup. The design is generously sponsored by Raymond James.

“The Birds” is a novelette by British writer Daphne du Maurier, first published in 1952. The story was the inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film “The Birds” released in 1963. In 2009, Irish playwright Conor McPherson adapted the story for the stage setting it in an isolated seaside cabin somewhere in the near future. The production has been presented with great acclaim at The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota and The Gate Theater in Dublin, Ireland, among others. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of “The Birds” will be the Regional Premiere!

For reasons unknown, the birds have turned against man, attacking them maliciously and relentlessly. In a small seaside cabin, a group of strangers find themselves thrust together, each seeking sanctuary from the savage avian menace. But as the situation becomes increasingly dire and the tension between the survivors inexorably grows, it isn’t long before the atmosphere turns ugly, and they discover that the horror hovering outside is nothing compared to that which lurks within. The cast features Brent Vimtrup and Sherman Fracher as Nat and Diane, respectively, two strangers who form a bond to survive their harrowing experience. They are joined by Sara Clark as Julia, a mysterious young woman who brings conflict to the desperate situation, and Nicholas Rose as the cryptic, watchful neighbor Tierney.

For additional information or for interviews with any member of the cast or company contact Jeanna Vella, Director of Education and Communications as jeanna.vella@cincyshakes.com or 513.381.2273 ext. 3202.

Audiences are invited to wear a costume to the October 31, 2014/ Halloween evening performance! Please note that this play contains strong language and mature themes.

Performances of “The Birds” are scheduled from October 17- November 8, 2014 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm with an additional Saturday matinee on Nov. 8 Preview performances are on Wednesday October 15 and Thursday October 16 at 7:30pm and tickets are $21. The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$32 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$36 on Fridays and Saturdays. This show is a part of the 2014-2015 subscription season. If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased 30 minutes before a show with a valid student ID. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as AAA members. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.

About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages. Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season. The repertoire is made up of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of the Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theater Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reached nearly 30,000 young people and underserved community members last season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions at its home on Race Street. Last season, CSC was proud to become one of the first five theaters in the United States to “Complete the Canon” by producing all 38 plays by William Shakespeare. CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to be Cincinnati’s stage for the classics!

About the 2014-2015 Season:
This season is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council, the Shubert Foundation and is supported, in part, by the generosity of thousands of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of “Henry V” is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. The season design sponsor is Mark & Sue Ann Painter. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.