Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

K. P. Powell as Berowne & Jasimine Bouldin as Rosaline.

Inspired by iconic films of the decade, the production at Cincy Shakes reimagines the comedy with a totally tubular and nostalgic design

Cincinnati, November 12, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present Love’s Labour’s Lost playing November 14 – December 6, 2025 and directed by Guest Artistic Associate Matthew Lewis Johnson. This production is generously sponsored by our Season Shakespeare Sponsor, The Linnemann Family Foundation, and our Design Sponsor Key Bank.

When a group of friends try to swear off love to focus on their schoolwork, their plans go hilariously off the rails as new arrivals and unexpected attractions shake up their studies. Transported to a totally tubular 80s-inspired high school setting, this production blends all the classic laughs, mischief, and romance with vintage fashion, big hair, and rad vibes. “Inspired by the classic, teen-filled films of John Hughes, this production of Love Labour’s Lost takes place in a preppy high school in the 1980’s” says Director Matthew Lewis Johnson; “Like Shakespeare, Hughes’ scripts would fly from absurdist meta-comedy to heart-on-your-sleeve-earnest in the same scene, always underscored by the perfect soundtrack. Our plot is the same as Shakespeare’s, only the trappings surrounding it have changed.”

Love’s Labour’s Lost features an ensemble cast of 16 fantastic actors. King Ferdinand, played by Patrick Earl Phillips, swears off dating for scholarly pursuits. The Lords, Berowne (K.P. Powell), Longaville (Grant Niezgodski), and Dumaine (Jason Coffenberry) decide to join the King’s pact. Their plans come crashing down when the Princess of France, played by Courtney Lucien arrives with her ladies: Rosaline (Jasimine Bouldin), Katherine (Dani Grace Nissen), and Maria (Elizabeth Chinn Molloy). Adding to the delightful chaos are Giles Davies as the eccentric Don Armado, Cary Davenport as his silly friend Moth, Jeremy Dubin as a quick-tongued janitor Costard, Hannah Gregory as Jaquenetta the lunch lady, Jim Hopkins as Mr. Holofernes, Aiden Sims as the nerdy Nathaniel, and Robert Carlton Stimmel in multiple roles as Dull, Forester, and Messenger.

The design team is bringing the ‘80s to Cincy Shakes! Guest Artistic Associate Matthew Lewis Johnson embraces the John Hughes vibe as Director. Samantha Reno’s scenic design, inspired by the bold patterns and colors of Memphis Style, pops under Watson’s vibrant lighting design. Rainy Edwards’ costume design and Kayla Cieslinski’s wig design deck the cast out in iconic ‘80s fashion inspired by John Hughes films and pop stars like Madonna. Robert Carlton Stimmel has crafted a rocking 1980’s soundtrack for Susan Jung’s dance choreography. This production of Love’s Labour’s Lost is stage managed by Danitza Piper, with assistant stage management by Tessa Killen.

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Love’s Labour’s Lost runs from November 14 – December 6, 2025. Performances of Love’s Labour’s Lost are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with three Saturday Matinees on November 22, 29, and December 6 and two Sunday Matinees on November 23 and 30 at 2:00 PM. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. Live Audio Descriptions are available on November 14, and there is a Sign Language Interpreted performance on December 6 at 2:00 PM. Content Advisory: Contains Shakespearean innuendo and adult themes. Contact the Box Office for more details.  Run Time: Approx. 2.5 hours, plus one intermission

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Tickets are on sale now. Preview performances are on Wednesday, November 12, and Thursday, November 13, with half-price tickets. Discounts are available for students and seniors. Each performance night has a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets.  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 has coordinated a prepaid self-parking option right next door to the theater for a hassle‐free, guaranteed spot. A limited number of reserved spaces are available starting 1.5 hours before performances and lasting through the end of the show. The parking attendant will have your name on the list with advance purchase, guaranteeing your spot and price. Visit www.cincyshakes.com/parking to reserve self-parking.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2025-2026 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Linnemann Family 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.

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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!

This Off-Broadway and West End hit comes to Cincinnati, just in time for spooky season! 

Cincinnati, October 2, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is proud to present Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors, playing September 5 – 20, 2025 and directed by Producing Artistic Director and CEO, Brian Isaac Phillips. This production is generously sponsored by Rance and Marilyn Duke.

About the show: Sink your teeth into a hilarious new take on the world’s most famous vampire! Filled with outrageous twists, playful innuendo, and more laughs than you can count, this delightful romp reimagines Bram Stoker’s gothic classic like you’ve never seen before. This dangerously debonair Dracula brings seductive chaos, proving that sometimes the Prince of Darkness can be as captivating as he is cunning. Join the hilarious hunt this Halloween season, where the only thing sharper than Dracula’s fangs are the gags that’ll leave you in stitches. Don’t miss the riotous ride that’s sure to leave you howling with laughter! 

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors premiered Off-Broadway at New World Stages on September 4, 2023, where it quickly gained popularity with critics and audiences for its fast-paced farce and campy spin on Bram Stoker’s classic. The production became a viral sensation and went on to enjoy strong success in regional theatres across the U.S. Following its New York run, it made its UK premiere in March 2025 at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory, marking a significant step in its international reach and continued popularity.

Bringing the outrageous world of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors to life is a stellar cast of CSC favorites. Christopher Guthrie sinks his teeth into the title role of Count Dracula, while Kelly Mengelkoch showcases her versatility as both Mina Westfeldt and the fearless Dr. Van Helsing. Candice Handy takes on the role of Jonathan Harker, with Jasmine Bouldin as the spirited Lucy Westfeldt. Rounding out the ensemble, Billy Chace delivers double the laughs as both Dr. Westfeldt and the delightfully unhinged Renfield.

Directed by CSC Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips, with Assistant Director Robert Carlton Stimmel, this creative team is bringing Halloween hilarity to life! Scenic Designer Chris Holloway sets the stage for comedic chaos, while Costume Designer Rainy Edwards—along with Kayla Cieslinski’s wig design—gives Dracula and the cast their iconic looks. Lighting Designer Aiden Bezark and Sound Designer Doug Borntrager add to the fun with a playful mix of gags and sound effects. Properties Designer Robert Carlton Stimmel provides the cast with an assortment of whimsical props, including puppets designed by Matthew Lewis Johnson. Gina Cerimele-Mechley serves as Fight and Intimacy Director, and Susan Jung brings movement to the stage as Dance Choreographer. The production is stage managed by Cole Sweasy, with Assistant Stage Management by Colton Wolf.

Content Advisory: Contains adult humor and situations, PG-13 recommended. Includes flashing lights and loud noises.

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Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors runs from October 3 – November 1, 2025. Performances of Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with two Saturday Matinees on October 25 and November 1 and three Sunday matinee on October 12, 19, and 26 at 2:00 PM. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. Live Audio Descriptions are available on October 3, and there is a Sign Language Interpreted performance on November 1.

Tickets are on sale now. Preview performances are on Wednesday, October 1, and Thursday, October 2, with half price tickets. Discounts are available for students, seniors, local residents, and community partners. Each performance night has a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets.  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 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 has coordinated a prepaid self-parking option right next door to the theater for a hassle‐free, guaranteed spot. A limited number of reserved spaces are available starting 1.5 hours before performances and lasting through the end of the show. The parking attendant will have your name on the list with advance purchase, guaranteeing your spot and price. Visit www.cincyshakes.com/parking to reserve self-parking.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2025-2026 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Linnemann Family 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.

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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!

This extraordinary gift is the largest bequest ever made to Cincinnati Shakespeare Company 

CINCINNATI, OH (September 18, 2025) — Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is humbled to announce a $1,000,000 bequest from longtime friend, patron, and supporter Virginia “Jinny” Browning. This extraordinary gift – the largest bequest ever made to CSC – will strengthen CSC’s programming, operations, and endowment, helping ensure that the power of live classical theatre will inspire and connect generations to come.

Jinny’s relationship with CSC began in 2012, when she saw Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips perform in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. From that night on, she became not only a faithful audience member but also a dedicated donor. Her generosity touched nearly every part of CSC: she provided annual support for operations, invested in the campaign to build the Otto M. Budig Theater, and, most importantly, offered friendship, encouragement, and belief in the Company’s mission.

“Our dear friend Jinny was incredibly generous to CSC in so many ways,” said Brian Isaac Phillips. “Her time, her expertise, and her passion helped make CSC a better place. I am humbled that she chose to remember CSC in this meaningful way. She will always be a part of who we are and what we do.”

For many at CSC, Jinny was more than a patron—she was family. In one memory, Sara Clark, CSC’s Director of Development, visited Jinny at her home in Maysville, Kentucky. Together with a colleague, she performed the famous Romeo and Juliet balcony scene right in Jinny’s living room. “That’s the kind of supporter Jinny was,” Clark recalled. “She welcomed us into her home, celebrated the art we created, and made sure it would thrive long into the future. Her bequest is an act of love as much as generosity.”

Jinny’s gift also shines a light on CSC’s growing Planned Giving program, which invites supporters to make a lasting difference by including CSC in their estate plans. Donors inspired by Jinny’s example can learn more at cincyshakes.com/Legacy or reach out directly to Sara Clark at sara.clark@cincyshakes.com for a confidential conversation.

“We hope Jinny’s generosity encourages others to imagine the legacy they can leave,” Clark added. “Her gift ensures that CSC will continue bringing people together for Shakespeare and the classics for years to come.”

Virginia Browning’s full obituary is available here.

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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!