A BLAST FROM THE PAST – LITERALLY
Sunset Players
Dec. 6-15
Arts Center at Dunham [West Price Hill]
Written and Directed by Bob Kelley
World famous figures–real and literary–drop into a classroom. A small group of students and a teacher must help guide these figures to ensure that they fulfill their destinies without changing history forever.
Filed under On Stage
By Katrina “Kat” Reynold
WITCH presented by UC College-Conservatory of Music and The Carnegie through November 17th. I attended the Opening Night performance.
Carson Mehlbauer as Cuddy Banks & Nikolas Gray as Frank Thorney. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.
As part of its new artistic partnership with The Carnegie, UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) is bringing WITCH by Jen Silverman to audiences this weekend. Described as “an inventive retelling of a Jacobean drama” (aka The Witch of Edmonton), the fable debates how much souls are actually worth when hope seems lost.
Director Lindsey Augusta Mercer has gathered an impressive village to surround an equally impressive group of CCM students. Pacing of the show is strong and the aesthetics are top-notch. Scenic Design by Doug Stock is quite literally worth the price of admission alone (and mad props to Scenic Carpenters Ethan Kuchta, Jack Murphy, Nathan Neorr, and Patrick Earl Phillips for their execution of it). Excellent, detailed work is also done by Costume Designer Maria Fernanda Ortiz Lopez – she is absolutely one of my favourites in terms of costuming that I have seen in recent years. Finally, particular kudos to Fight Director Gina Cerimele-Mechley for a beautifully choreographed fight scene on stairs. Bra – freaking – va!
WITCH boasts a solid ensemble of performing artists, but this should come as no surprise to CCM fans. Starting the show off strong is Debra Najor as our titular character. Ms. Najor’s delivery of the fresh dialogue is both confident and natural. When I grow up, I’d like to play the role of Scratch – but thankfully until I do, Nico Graves’ iteration of this character will more than satiate your desires. Mx. Graves excels at the physical embodiment of a presumed evil and then just as easily shows us a charming and sensitive side few could resist – excellent work! Finally, special shout-out to Carson Mehlbauer who gives a top-notch turn as Cuddy Banks, an unlikely heir. Mr. Mehlbauer carries out his character’s roller coaster of an arc with the skill envying those of many professionals in the city and beyond. Without a doubt, you will not want to avert your eyes from him when he is present in a scene.
While placed in a very different time period WITCH is ridiculously poignant and significant today, especially in light of some very recent events. The themes of hope and enduring through tough times are ultimately relatable and the play is in turn engaging. Mx. Mercer et al have bestowed a lovely gift upon theatre-goers with this piece and I highly encourage those who were not present for its opening to try and attend before it closes this coming Sunday. What do you do when hope seems lost? For me, theatre helps.
Click here for more information about the production.
Filed under Reviews
Jeremy Dubin, Cary Davenport, and Geoffrey Warren Barnes II. Photo by
Mikki Schaffner.
After the run in Cincinnati, this very production—cast, design, and all—will head to Prague, Czech Republic, for CSC’s first international collaboration with Prague Shakespeare Company
Cincinnati, Nov 14, 2024 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is making a voyage to Illyria and beyond with William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night playing November 15 – December 7. This production is directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO, Brian Isaac Phillips and features an ensemble cast of 10 with multiple returning CSC Resident Ensemble Members, welcoming in fresh faces from Prague Shakespeare Company and beyond. The Ensemble for Twelfth Night is generously sponsored by PNC Bank and the Design is sponsored by Rance and Marilyn Duke.
Shakespeare’s delightful comedy of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements, is a family-friendly spectacle that promises laughter and joy for all. Set in the whimsical land of Illyria, the play follows the adventures of Viola, who, disguised as a man, finds herself at the heart of a hilarious series of misunderstandings and mishaps. With a colorful cast of characters, the play is a merry dance of romance, comedy, and playful deception perfect for audiences of all ages.
Courtney Lucien returns to the stage as Viola, with Jeremy Dubin starring as the fool, Feste. Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Cary Davenport, and Candice Handy comedic chemistry ignites in their roles of Toby Belch, Sir Andrew, and Maria as they trick Malvolio, played by Barry Mulholland. Cameron Nalley as Sebastian and Leraldo Anzaldua as Orsino make their debut at Cincy Shakes. In an exciting first, Twelfth Night is a collaborative production with the Prague Shakespeare Company (PSC), the Czech Republic’s premier English-language theater! Founded by Guy Roberts, PSC is a renowned international company, celebrating 17 years of exceptional theater with productions spanning the globe. Actors Elissa Levitt and Josh Morrison join the cast from PSC and have travelled all the way to Cincinnati to be a part of this production. After its Cincinnati debut, the entire production and cast of Twelfth Night will travel to Prague for performances there, bringing CSC’s unique take on this classic to European audiences—a thrilling first for everyone!
Charlie Calvert returns as scenic designer, creating a multi-level set furnished by Lane Shoemaker’s properties design. Robert Carlton Stimmel is the sound and projections designer as well as co-lighting designer with Abigail Fluck. Rainy Edwards’ costumes, designed in Elizabethan style, are vibrant to match the comedic tone of Twelfth Night, and Kayla Cieslinski’s wig design adds the finishing touch to the actor’s appearances. Jeremy Dubin has composed original music to score the Shakespearean text.
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For the best ticketing experience and to avoid resale sites or scams, please be sure to only purchase tickets directly through Cincinnati Shakespeare Company online at cincyshakes.com or by calling our Box Office at 513.381.2273. Ticket prices range from $12- $78; don’t pay more!
Twelfth Night runs from November 15 – December 7, 2024, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, plus two Saturday matinees on November 30 and December 7, and two Sunday matinees on November 24 and December 1 at 2:00 PM. A sensory friendly performance will be held on December 4 at 6:30 with tickets costing $5. This performance will be uniquely adapted for individuals with autism and/or those with developmental and/or sensory differences to enjoy with their families.
Preview Performances on Wednesday, November 13, and Thursday, November 14, for half-price tickets. Young Professionals can enjoy YP Preview Night on November 13 with $25 tickets, a free drink, and a post-show talkback. At all performances discounts are available for students, seniors, educators, military, local residents, and community partners, as well as $14 “Access” tickets in the Upper Gallery for each performance, available for advance purchase online or by calling the Box Office. Also, starting 1 hour before each show, unreserved tickets may be available as $12 Rush Tickets for anyone (not just students), in various seating locations, based on availability. Rush Tickets must be purchased in person at the Box Office within an hour of showtime.
To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or visit cincyshakes.com. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted, and ticketing fees apply.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at 1195 Elm Street, adjacent to Washington Park. Valet parking is available for $25 and self-parking for $15 is available in the adjacent lot. Make advance reservation online the website or contact the Box Office. For more details, visit cincyshakes.com/your-visit/parking.
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About Prague Shakespeare Company:
The Prague Shakespeare Company presents professional theatre productions, workshops, classes, lectures and other theatrical events of the highest quality, conducted primarily in English by a diverse multinational ensemble of professional theatre artists, with an emphasis on the plays of William Shakespeare. The Prague Shakespeare Company brings to Czech, European and international audiences performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking, and eminently accessible, connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today.
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!
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2024-2025 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. 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.
Filed under Press Releases
EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Dec. 13-29
[Over-the-Rhine]
Directed by Jeremy Dubin
Cast: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II as Geoff, Billy Chace as Santa, Cary Davenport as Cary & Candice Handy as Candice
CSC’s holiday smash hit Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent (but undeniably adoring) look at all of your “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more! Add in topical references that always keep this annual tradition fresh and fun as we send up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in an evening of high octane jollity and frivolity. Rated PG-13. Not recommended for any theatregoer who still believes in Santa.
Filed under On Stage
Cincinnati – The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is thrilled to announce a second, transformative gift of $500,000 from the Farmer Family Foundation to benefit TCT’s campaign to revitalize Cincinnati’s historic Emery Theater and make it the company’s permanent MainStage home. This contribution from the Farmer Family Foundation brings TCT significantly closer to fully funding this ambitious $51.5 million dollar project, A Crown for the Queen City, which aims to provide a world-class, family-focused performing arts space for generations to come, and ensure the company’s future as a premiere arts organization. The remaining amount to raise is $3,250,000.
TCT President & CEO Kim Kern expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s continued commitment: “The Farmer Family Foundation’s generous support is instrumental in bringing our vision for TCT at the Emery to life. Their belief in this project reflects a shared dedication to enhancing our community’s cultural fabric, and we are immensely grateful for their enduring partnership in building a venue that will create lifelong memories for young audiences and families.”
TCT’s renovation of the storied Emery Theater includes modern upgrades to create a state-of-the-art performance space while preserving the historic charm of the venue. Campaign Co-Chair Allison Kropp emphasized the impact of the Farmer Family Foundation’s latest contribution: “With this gift, we are within reach of a landmark cultural center designed with families in mind. We hope this inspires others to join us in realizing this dream for Cincinnati’s youth and families.”
The Farmer Family Foundation, known for its deep-rooted commitment to enriching the lives of local families, has a long-standing history of supporting impactful community projects in Cincinnati. Their focus on education, health, and youth aligns seamlessly with TCT’s vision to create accessible arts programming for all.
As the oldest professional children’s theatre in the United States, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati has inspired, entertained, and educated young audiences for over 100 years. With the renovation of the Emery Theater, TCT seeks to elevate its programming and expand its reach, offering a vibrant gathering place where young people can experience the transformative power of the arts.
What TCT imagines is not simply a restoration but a reinvention of the theater into a modern and memorable venue equipped with the latest technology that both inspires and teaches. TCT’s plans to incorporate the most modern technology, a turntable stage lift, an automated fly system, a 40’x 60’video wall, and projection mapping will provide an immersive audience experience and overcome backstage and wing space limitations.
With The Emery as its home, TCT will unlock its potential to inspire diverse audiences with original works and even more innovative programming. TCT will also expand programming for younger children (theatre for the very young) and teenagers, with work considered a revenue risk in its current rented space.
After the completion of fundraising and construction, The Children’s Theatre will open the Emery in Fall 2025, as planned, with its 2025-2026 MainStage season.
History of The Emery Theater:
Imagined by philanthropist Mary Emery and designed by the famed architectural firm of Samuel Hannaford & Sons, the Emery Auditorium opened in January 1912 with an inaugural concert by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The acoustically exceptional 2,200-seat theater in Over-the-Rhine was once considered one of the top concert halls in the country. Sergei Rachmaninoff, John Philip Sousa, George Gershwin, Eleanor Roosevelt, Bette Davis, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all stood on the Emery stage at various points in its history. The Emery was also the performance home of TCT until 1969, when the University of Cincinnati took ownership of the property and ran it as the College of Applied Sciences until 1989. The theater was used for films, lectures, and meetings for the next decade. While the building’s upper floors were developed as apartments in 2001, the theater has fallen into disrepair since that time. TCT is the Emery Theater’s best hope to be restored to its former glory and to regain its place as a memorable and iconic arts venue.
About The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati:
Celebrating 105 years this season, The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is the oldest professional theatre for young audiences in the country, creating lifelong memories and lasting impact for children and families for more than a century. TCT brings art to life through three divisions: TCT MainStage productions, TCT on Tour/WorkShops, and TCT Academy. TCT draws more than 100,000 youth and adults to its MainStage productions, over 50,000 K-8 students to TCT on Tour Shows, and 1,200 students participate in TCT Academy. Each season, 60,000 students attend TCT MainStage productions with their schools. Delivering much more than entertainment, TCT offers an inclusive space and innovative programming for children and adults to learn confidence, patience, and imagination. TCT’s partnerships with regional schools allow thousands of students each year to reap the lifelong benefits of a quality arts education that they might otherwise not experience.
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Filed under Press Releases
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 