There is something for everyone this holiday season at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company with fresh and frozen production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” playing Nov. 10- Dec. 2, 2023 followed by the annual holiday blockbuster comedy “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” Dec. 7-30, 2023
Miranda McGee as Nick Bottom. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Cincinnati, November 8, 2023 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is pleased to announce more details on their upcoming productions this November and December. CSC celebrates the holiday season with two beloved holiday classics: Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” with a frozen twist and their holiday smash hit, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez. “Midsummer” is sponsored by Ensemble Sponsor Foster and Motley. This project is also part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
In “Midsummer,” two young lovers flee to the forest, hoping to find solace from the laws of the city, but feuding fairies have other ideas, throwing love triangles, potions, a troupe of bumbling thespians, and a donkey head into the mix. With a midwinter twist, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” brings whimsical warmth and adventures to this classically summer tale perfect for the whole family.
As the winter season begins, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” takes you to an enchanted frozen forest with costumes and set designs inspired by Scandinavian design and modern fairy tales like the popular Disney movie “Frozen.” The production is directed by Sara Clark, who most recently directed the hit production of “Pride and Prejudice” by Kate Hamill adapted from the novel by Jane Austen in 2020 and it’s reopening in 2022. The breathtakingly intricate costumes were designed by Rainy Edwards and sparkle and pop against the gorgeous and grand scenic design- featuring on-stage seats for patrons- by Samantha Reno. The design team also includes work by Light Designer Aiden Bezark, Sound and Projection Designer Robert Carlton Stimmel, Properties Designer Kara Eble Trusty and more with Choreography by Darnell Pierre Benjamin and, for the Q-Kidz, Mariah Jones and Chariah Jones.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is delighted to collaborate with the Q-Kidz Dance Team in this production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” These talented young dancers take the stage as the troupe of fairies, infusing the play with their boundless energy and captivating choreography. Founded by Marquicia Jones-Woods in 1982, Q-Kidz Dance Team plays a vital role in encouraging and inspiring the creative expression for Cincinnati’s youth through dance and education. For four decades, Marquicia, and her daughters, Chariah and Mariah, have been champions for the Cincinnati community, serving over 100 youths annually through Q-Kidz. This collaboration blends artistic excellence with community enrichment, highlighting the way creativity and collaboration transforms lives. The Q-Kidz dancers, with their dedication and talent, adds an enchanting dimension to this production. Sara Clark says, “We celebrate these young performers and their impact. Their involvement showcases the arts’ ability to unite communities and amplify young voices. Join us in applauding the Q-Kidz Dance Team as we bring the magic of Shakespeare to life!” The Q-Kidz performers are Karlee Armstead, Zakari Clark, De’Unniey Crawford, Queen Hadden, Shalin Harmon, and Makenzie Roberts.
This massive ensemble consists of twenty-two actors featuring many CSC favorites, including Miranda McGee as Nick Bottom, Angelique Archer as Puck, Geoffrey Warren Barnes II as Theseus/Oberon, and more. Packed with energy, witty banter, and stellar choreography, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” is a fairy tale for all.
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” runs from November 10 – December 2, 2023. Performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with two Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM on November 19 and 26, and two Saturday matinees at 2:00 PM on November 25 and December 2. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. The final Sunday matinee on December 2 is Sign Language Interpreted and Audio Description service is available.
CSC is proud to present a Sensory Friendly Performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a special performance is uniquely adapted for individuals with autism and/or those with developmental and/or sensory differences to enjoy with their families. The sensory friendly performance takes place on Wednesday, November 15 at 6PM.
Tickets are on sale now. Preview performances are on Wednesday, November 8, and Thursday, November 9, with tickets at $45. Young Professionals are invited to YP Preview Night on Wednesday, November 8, with discounted tickets at $25, including a free drink and post-show talkback.
After this Shakespearean comedy, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)” is coming back to town!
Geoffrey Warren Barnes II. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
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 look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “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.
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told” is directed by long-time CSC actor and director Jeremy Dubin and features familiar faces of this annual story: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Candice Handy, and Colleen Dougherty as Santa. This year’s production gives a warm welcome to the newest Christmas show ensemble member Cary Davenport, also a long-time CSC actor.
“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” runs from December 7 – 30, 2023. Performances are Thursdays through Sundays at 7:30 PM with one Tuesday performance on December 19 and two Wednesday performances on December 20 and 27. Matinees at 2:00 PM are also available on December 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, and 30. The final Sunday matinee on December 30 is Sign Language Interpreted and Audio Description service is available.
Discounts are available for students, seniors, local residents, and community partners, as access to all is important to CSC. Each performance night has a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets in the Upper Gallery and Stage Gallery. These can be purchased in advance by going online or calling the Box Office. And starting 1 hour before each performance, any unreserved tickets may be available as a discounted Rush Ticket to anyone, not just students. These tickets are only $12 and could be located anywhere in the house, depending on that evening’s availability. These cannot be reserved more than 1 hour before a show and must be purchased in person in the Box Office. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees apply. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at http://www.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 http://www.otrchamber.com/pages/WheretoPark.
CSC also offers Valet Parking for every performance! Make reservations for $25 in advance when purchasing tickets, or visit www.cincyshakes.com/parking. Purchasing in advance guarantees a spot. Valet is available right at the corner of 12th and Elm Street in front of the theater and begins approx. 1.5 hours before a performance. Cars can be picked up for up to one hour following a performance. (After one hour, you will need to arrange pick up with the valet service directly.) After purchasing, the valet will have your name on the list— it’s that easy!
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 30th Anniversary 2023-2023 Season is generously sponsored by The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr Foundation; along with our Education Season Sponsors, Debby and Jim Mason; and our Operating Support Partners, The Ohio Arts Council, The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the annual ArtsWave Campaign, the region’s primary source of arts funding.
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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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