NETWORK Review

By Katrina “Kat” Reynolds

NETWORK presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through September 26th. I attended the Opening Night performance.

Jim Hopkins as Howard Beale. Photo by Phil Armstrong.

This September, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is going live on the air (well, sort of) with its premiere of Network adapted for the stage by Lee Hall, based on the Paddy Chayefsky film. Set in mid-1970s America, a veteran anchorman begins to unravel while the executives see nothing but dollar signs.

Director Brian Isaac Phillips should consider this venture one of the jewels in his proverbial crown. Mr. Phillips’ pacing is ideal and the action across the entire stage is appropriately focused. Scenic Design by Jon Savage is nothing short of perfection with his smart use of screens along with tactile pieces. Costume Designer Erin Reed Carter has a keen eye for exactly the brand of 1970s fashion we would see on network employees and executives alike. Special shout-out to Sound Design by Zack Bennett for his seamless blend of “on air” versus “in person” sound effect and volume; it was no small feat and he did it beautifully. (And kudos to Danitza Piper for her rock-star Stage Managing skills on this one!)

I could quite literally just list the entire ensemble of performing artists by name and call it a day – and I’m tempted to do it because choosing stand-outs is like choosing your favourite child. But I shall try to be specific.

In your entire life, you will probably never be as suave as Barry Mulholland – but it would sure be fun to try. Mr. Mulholland brings the ideal blend of gentleman and cad to his role as Max Schumacher, head of the news division. While he is an actor who excels at playing confident characters, he is also lovely when he is vulnerable. In the role of Howard Beale, Jim Hopkins gives probably one of the best performances we’ve seen. Howard is a complicated character and Mr. Hopkins’ earnest portrayal is stellar; from disappointed anchorman who believes he has nothing more to give to accidental spokesman of the people, we buy into it all. Bravo, Mr. Hopkins, and thank you for the master class in acting.

Finally, I would be remiss not to mention the incredible Hayley Guthrie as cutthroat Diane Christiensen. Part of the trio of characters who somehow remain likable, flaws and all, Ms. Guthrie does not disappoint. She is a fundamentally likable performer and offers true grit and honesty in her depiction. She and the rest of this impressive ensemble – Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Jasimine Bouldin, Eva Olivia Catanzariti, Montez Jenkins Copeland, Cary Davenport, Giles Davies, Phil Fiorini, Candice Handy, Kelly Mengelkoch, Connan Morrissey (Ms. Morrissey’s Act II monologue is worth the price of admission alone!), Patrick Earl Phillips, Robert Carlton Stimmel, and Brent Vimtrup – are all necessary to this impeccable show.

And last but not least, the exquisite Bryan Cranston (yes, Heisenberg) makes a cameo that will remind you of just how freaking brilliant he is.  

Like many things Cincy Shakes chooses to produce, Network is still terribly relatable despite its action being placed 5 decades ago: oil costs rising, wars on their brink, the rich men out only for themselves – it can be enough for us to wonder if things ever really change. I choose to believe there have always been highs and lows in our existence as humans and while things are bleak at present, they will get better. In the meantime, theatre helps and with an incredible Design Team, an energetic Production Team, and a superb ensemble of performers, this is one which should not be missed. As my partner in mischief and I both agree, we will be talking about this one as being a top contender this 2026-2027 theatre season for some time.

Click here for more information about the production.