By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds
EMMA presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through June 14th. I attended the Opening Night performance.
A.J. Baldwin, Ernaisja Curry, & Jasimine Bouldin. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Cincy Shakes is closing out its 2025-2026 season with Emma, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s charming novel by playwright Kate Hamill. While the play is set in the original text’s time period, many more modern references and Easter eggs make their appearance throughout.
Director Candice Handy has gathered a strong and energetic cast to tell the tale of Emma and her matchmaking skills. The stage action pacing is strong on this just-a-touch-too-long script and the separation of our “fourth wall” chats with Emma are staged and executed effortlessly. Scenic Design by Gabby Trice is detailed and delicate while still feeling larger than life. Costume Designer Lindsey McGee Jones had her work cut out for her, but delivers with flying colours. Choices with Emma’s looks in particular are both beautiful and clever (no spoilers from me). Special shoutout to Wig Designer Kayla Cieslinski for a great job as one of the most overlooked parts of any production crew; wonderful work on the coif choices.
Ernaisja Curry is exceptional in the production’s titular role. Ms. Curry has a wonderful quality about her acting where she masters the “sidebars” with the audience while still being entirely in the moment with her fellow cast members in action. Her grasp of the sweetness of Emma along with Emma’s flaws is excellent. A.J. Baldwin is utterly delightful as Harriet, Emma’s unwitting project. We see the character blossom before our very eyes and still wish to cheer her on even when she becomes a wee bit too enamored with herself thanks to Emma’s flawed tutelage. Kudos to the rest of the ensemble as well: Jasimine Bouldin, Brandon Burton, Burgess Byrd, Montez Jenkins Copeland, Sylvester Little Jr., Samuel Stricklen, Aleah Vassell, and Torie Wiggins.
While I’m admittedly not Kate Hamill’s biggest fan, I do think this is a fine adaptation of the original Jane Austen text – although it should be a bit shorter. I enjoy the penchant Ms. Hamill has for adding a speech or scene addressing the oppressive nature surrounding women in the times for which she adapts. Fortunately, this particular foray keeps true to the lovable heart of the story without losing its footing. This finale, as it were, for Cincy Shakes’ 2025-2026 season is simply a joyful time at the theatre.
Click here for more information about the production.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 