CSC brings Kate Hamill’s play to life in a big, grand, and pink production that showcases a picture of the Black elite and includes three special events in conjunction with the show!
Cincinnati, May 21, 2026 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present Kate Hamill’s Emma, based on the novel by Jane Austen, running May 22 through June 14, 2026. This production is directed by CSC Associate Artistic Director Candice Handy. The production also features three special events during its run, including the annual REVEL fundraising gala, an exclusive Bridgerton Affair gathering co-hosted with Voice of Your Customer, and a special Sensory Friendly Performance. Full details are included below.
In Emma, audiences follow the headstrong matchmaker, convinced she could never possibly fall in love herself, as she orchestrates romance for those around her with heartwarming and hilarious results. This madcap romp through the Regency era brings Austen’s beloved characters to life in a delightful celebration of friendship, romance, and self-discovery. Audiences will experience a clever and charming adaptation that breathes fresh life into this classic story.
Director Candice Handy shared her vision for a production “that showcases a portrait of the Black elite, a historically exclusive, wealthy, and educated upper-class community of African Americans that emerged in northern cities during America’s Gilded Age (approximately 1870–1900).” She continues, saying she has “layered the contemporary elements of the play with glimpses of modern Black culture, including string quartet arrangements of hip hop and R&B classics, the tradition of line dancing at large celebratory gatherings, and references to iconic comedic moments from Black romantic comedies. It is my hope that audiences will appreciate experiencing Black joy and beauty alongside the witty and feminine voices of both Jane Austen and Kate Hamill.”
Bringing this story to life is an incredibly talented ensemble. Returning to the Cincy Shakes stage in the title role is Ernaisja Curry as Emma. Playing her childhood friend and unlikely romantic match, Mr. Knightley, is Samuel Stricklen. A.J. Baldwin appears as the lovable Harriet, while Montez Jenkins Copeland takes on the role of Mr. Elton, joined by Jasimine Bouldin as Mrs. Elton as well as additional ensemble roles. Torie Wiggins plays Mrs. Weston, whose marriage was one of Emma’s successful matchmaking successes. Sylvester Little Jr. appears as both Mr. Woodhouse and Mr. Weston, while Brandon Burton plays the elusive Frank Churchill. Rounding out the ensemble are Burgess Byrd as Miss Bates and Aleah Vassell as Jane Fairfax.
Leading the production is director Candice Handy alongside a creative team that has crafted a grand, glamorous, and delightfully pink Regency-meets-Gilded Age world on stage. Gabby Trice’s scenic design creates a whimsical landscape filled with florals and vibrant pink hues, while Lindsey McGee Jones’ costume design, paired with Kayla Cieslinki’s wig design, brings these classic characters to life in bold, over-the-top style. Baxter Chambers’ lighting design and Robert Carlton Stimmel’s projection design work together to transport audiences through the many locations of Highbury. Zack Bennett’s sound design features classical takes of modern songs that serve as the backdrop for Susan Jung’s dance choreography. Torie Wiggins also serves as intimacy director, guiding the actors through the production’s many romantic moments. Emma is stage managed by Danitza Piper, with Colton Wolf serving as Assistant Stage Manager.
There are several special events presented during the run of Emma:
–Friday June 5 is REVEL and Wit: REVEL is Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s annual Gala and Benefit Performance. Guests will enjoy festive libations, dinner-by-the-bite, and an exclusive performance of Emma as we gather to honor Glenn and Cass Plott this year. Guests’ support helps CSC continue making Shakespeare and the classics accessible for all. Tickets range from $125-$500. The event begins at 5:45pm, followed by a performance of Emma at 7:45pm. Learn more online here.
–Sunday June 7 is The Bridgerton Affair: Co-Hosted by Crystal Kendrick of Voice of Your Customer, this pre-performance afternoon gathering features stunning photo booth opportunities, a peek into the world of costumes and design, a charming craft to keep, fun vendors, and a short dance lesson fit for the Ton. Guests are encouraged to arrive in their most splendid Regency attire! The event begins at 12:30pm, followed by a 2pm performance of Emma, and is free with the purchase of tickets to Emma, ranging from $14-$78 depending on seat location. Learn more online here.
–Wednesday June 10 is a Sensory Friendly Performance: These special performances are uniquely adapted for individuals with autism and/or those with developmental and sensory differences to enjoy alongside their families. The performance of Emma begins earlier at 6pm, and tickets are only $5 and are generously sponsored by Glenn and Cass Plott. Learn more online here.
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Emma runs May 22 through June 14, 2026. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30pm, with an additional Wednesday evening performance on June 3 at 7:30pm. Saturday matinees take place on May 30 and June 13, with Sunday matinees on May 31, June 7, and June 14 all at 2:00pm. Special events during the run include REVEL on Friday, June 5; the Bridgerton Affair on Sunday, June 7; and a Sensory Friendly Performance on Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00pm.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company also offers these performances with accessibility resources: Live Audio Description will be available on Friday May 22, and an American Sign Language-interpreted performance will take place on June 14 at 2:00pm.
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Tickets are on sale now. Discounts are available for students, seniors, local residents, and community partners. Each performance also includes a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets, available in advance online or by calling the Box Office. Beginning one hour before each performance, any remaining unreserved seats may become available as $12 Rush Tickets for anyone, not just students. Rush Tickets may be located anywhere in the theater depending on that evening’s availability, cannot be reserved in advance, and must be purchased in person at the Box Office.
All major credit cards are accepted. Ticketing fees apply. To purchase tickets or learn more, contact the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1 or visit the website online at cincyshakes.com.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. Many parking spaces are available on the street and in nearby lots and garages- for more information, visit online here.
CSC has coordinated a prepaid self-parking option right next door to the theater for a hassle‐free, guaranteed spot. A limited number of reserved spaces are available starting 1.5 hours before performances and lasting through the end of the show. The 3CDC parking attendant will have your name on the list with advance purchase, guaranteeing your spot and price. Visit www.cincyshakes.com/parking to reserve self-parking.
This is the final production in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2025-2026 Season which is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Linnemann Family Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.
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About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all. In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers and hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions. In 2015, 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!
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