Category Archives: Press Releases

Barry Mulholland as Julius Caesar

This unique production is presented in-the-round, features a full cast of 14, embraces a distinct Roman mob aesthetic, and even includes a performance on the Ides of March complete with a Togas and Tarot Night

Cincinnati, February 29, 2024 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present a groundbreaking rendition of William Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” set against the enthralling backdrop of the Roman Mafia. This innovative production directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips, promises to captivate audiences with a fresh take on power, betrayal, and loyalty, blending the iconic story with the high-stakes drama of organized crime. The production opens Friday, March 1 and runs through the 24^th.  This production’s presenting sponsors are Monteverdi Tuscany and Blank Rome.  The design sponsors are Rance and Marilyn Duke, and Marcie and Jim Kinney.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. The cutthroat world of Roman politics is exposed when the ambitious, yet oblivious, Julius Caesar becomes the target for assassination. To add insult to injury, it’s his trusted associates who are conspiring. Their actions set off a chain of events, plunging Rome into a civil war. Taking a contemporary view of this ferocious tale of power and loyalty, these infamous characters face the consequences of betrayal and the brutal nature of tyranny.

The talented cast of CSC fan-favorites brings Shakespeare’s characters to life with a modern twist. Barry Mulholland takes the stage as Julius Caesar, while Candice Handy and Sean Hagerty play Caesar’s conspirers Cassius and Brutus, respectively. Fellow cast mates include Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Billy Chase, Cary Davenport, Jeremy Dubin, Warren Jackson, Courtney Lucien, Justin McCombs, Kelly Mengelkoch, Elizabeth Chinn Molloy, Ray K. Soeun, and Robert Carlton Stimmel.

Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Otto M. Budig Theater, renowned for its architectural flexibility, is thrilled to present “Julius Caesar” in an immersive in-the-round configuration, a testament to the venue’s innovative design that accommodates a variety of staging formats, including full proscenium and thrust performances. This unique setup places the audience in a 360-degree arrangement around the actors, with the action unfolding in the center, offering an unparalleled intimacy and engagement with the performance. To experience this captivating setup firsthand, audiences are encouraged to purchase seats in the Stage Gallery, promising an up-close and unforgettable experience that brings Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy to life like never before.

In a striking convergence of art and history, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of “Julius Caesar” will feature a special performance on the fateful Ides of March, March 15th, famously foretold in the play as the day of Caesar’s demise. To mark this momentous occasion, Cincy Shakes is excited to announce a “Togas and Tarot Night,” on March 15th inviting audience members to immerse themselves in the spirit of ancient Rome. Guests are encouraged to don their favorite togas or Roman attire and enjoy the unique opportunity to sit on stage in the Stage Gallery for a special price of $14 (if dressed up!) Additionally, the evening will be enriched with complimentary tarot card readings in the lobby, echoing the soothsayer’s mystical warning to Caesar within the play. This event promises to blend theatrical charm with the mystique of the ancient world, offering an unforgettable experience to all who attend on the Ides of March.

“Julius Caesar” designers seamlessly merge the opulence of ancient Rome with the gritty realism of the Mafia underworld. The creative team features scenic design by Charlie Calvert; lighting design by Watson; and costume design by Rainy Edwards. Properties Design is by Kara Eble Trusty; and Sound Design by Zack Bennett. Projections are designed by Robert Carlton Stimmel. Gina Cerimele-Mechley and Darnell Pierre Benjamin are the Fight Director/Aerial Lyra Coach and Choreographer, respectively, while Sarah Summerwell is the Text and Vocal Coach. Cole Sweasy is the Production Stage Manager and Shelby Scaffidi is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Director Brian Isaac Phillips has merged the classic themes of “Julius Caesar” with the gripping intensity of the Roman organized crime. The juxtaposition of these two worlds not only adds a thrilling layer to the narrative but also provides a fresh perspective on the timeless themes of power, betrayal, and loyalty. And with Cinna the Poet (Robert Carlton Stimmel) taking charge as DJ for the pre-show party, CSC creates an immersive experience that extends beyond the stage, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the fusion of Shakespearean brilliance, Mafia intrigue, and a pre-show celebration that will kick off the evening with style and flair.

“Julius Caesar” runs from March 1-24. Performances of “Julius Caesar” are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM with 3 Sunday matinees on March 10, 17, and 24 at 2:00 PM. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. The final Sunday matinee on March 24 is a Sign Language Interpreted performance and Live Audio Descriptions are available.

Tickets are on sale now. 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.  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 30^th Anniversary 2023-2024 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!