Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

Miranda McGee & Justin McCombs. Photo by By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The popular Cincinnati holiday tradition, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVERY TOLD, appears on CSC’s stage for a limited run of eleven performances December 21-31, 2017!

CINCINNATI, November 21, 2017 – For the twelfth straight year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is thrilled to offer a full season of holiday cheer in just 90 minutes with Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez. This hilarious production is a non-stop holiday romp through everyone’s favorite Christmas stories performed by just four actors in ninety minutes. Justin McCombs and Billy Chace, who are respectively twelfth-year and eleventh-year company members, return to poke fun at the holiday season, with returning special guest Miranda McGee, eighth-year company member. This year, CSC welcomes Resident Company Member Maggie Lou Rader to the cast for the first time! CSC Director of Creative Education, Jeremy Dubin, returns to the director’s chair. This production is one of the most popular events in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company history breaking attendance and sales records every year. All tickets are $38, making this show one of the best holiday deals in town. Audiences are encouraged to get their tickets soon!

What starts as an annual performance of A Christmas Carol quickly descends into a playful skewering of everyone’s favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics.” Using just three actors and a little help from the audience, Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) crams an entire season’s worth of stories, carols, and television specials into ninety minutes of non-stop laughs. Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) premiered in 2005 at Orlando Shakespeare Company under the direction of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger.

Audiences and critics have made the show a sold-out success for the last eleven Decembers. Rick Pender of CityBeat wrote of the show, “If you’ve laughed yourself silly watching any of the scripts developed by the Reduced Shakespeare Company – you’ll find yourself in similar territory.  Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez clearly went to the same school… This production will certainly appeal to audiences looking for relaxing, adult holiday amusement.”  Director Jeremy Dubin remarks, “This cast has so much fun together that the show has become a very personal holiday tradition for all of us. It’s occasionally a little irreverent but always warm-spirited, and it’s the perfect panacea to all your winter woes.”

 This show will be appreciated by adults and older teens, but is not recommended for anyone young enough to still believe in Santa.

 All performances are held at The Otto M. Budig Theater on 1195 Elm St in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. No passes, subscriptions, group rates, or discounts apply. All tickets are $38. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.  To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273), or visit us online at www.cincyshakes.com.

 For additional information on Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some), including photography, or for interviews with Mr. Dubin or any member of the company contact Jeanna Vella by email jeanna.vella@cincyshakes.com or by phone 513.381.2273 x. 3202.

Show dates and times are as follows:

• Thurs, Dec 21, at 7:30 PM
• Fri, Dec 22, at 7:30 PM
• Sat, Dec 23, at 2 PM
• Sat, Dec 23, at 7:30 PM
• Wed, Dec 27, at 7:30 PM
• Thurs, Dec 28, at 7:30 PM
• Fri, Dec 29, at 7:30 PM
• Sat, Dec 30, at 2 PM
• Sat, Dec 30, at 7:30 PM
• Sun, Dec 31, at 2 PM
• Sun, Dec 31, at 7:30 PM

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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 audiences of all ages.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in OTR. CSC’s repertoire is made up of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, and contemporary classics.  CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of the Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theater Association.  Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach over 50,000 young people and underserved community members each season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by 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!

About The 2017-2018 Season:
This season is funded by ArtsWave and is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council, the Shubert Foundation and is supported.  The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.

The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest presents Shakespeare in American Communities. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company was one of 40 professional theater companies selected to participate in bringing the finest productions of Shakespeare to middle- and high-school students in communities across the United States.

Cary Davenport as Tom Sawyer in THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Audiences will adventure through Mark Twain’s American classic, beloved by children and adults, alongside iconic heroes Tom and Huck

CINCINNATI, November 1, 2017 – THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER, adapted by Laura Eason from the novel by Mark Twain, will open at The Otto M. Budig Theater just in time for the start of the holiday season! This high-spirited adventure tale will be directed by Associate Artistic Director Sara Clark and features Resident Ensemble members Cary Davenport, Caitlin McWethy, Kyle Brumley, Miranda McGee, and Justin McCombs.  This production is sponsored by Dinsmore, Johnson Investment Council, and PNC.

Young Tom Sawyer (Cary Davenport) is a boy who lives a simple life but longs for adventure and glory – and to catch the eye of his pretty classmate Becky (Caitlin McWethy). Tom’s world of boyhood fantasy is turned topsy-turvy when he and his best friend Huckleberry Finn (Kyle Brumley) witness a crime and get swept up into a real-life adventure as they learn important lessons about bravery, honesty, and what it is to grow up.

“I’m so excited to give audiences of all ages a chance to use their imagination and engage with this performance,” says director Sara Clark. “It’s an exciting adventure for children, and a smart, funny, poignant experience for adults. This play beautifully captures the memory of being young – the surety in our own beliefs before doubt and cynicism starts to creep in, the extent to which we wear our hearts on our sleeve. Glory of high status among your peers. Wounded pride, the impulse to run away and make everyone feel sorry for how they treated you. We still feel things that deeply as adults, we just get better at concealing it. And as Mark Twain himself said, ‘My books are water; those of the great geniuses are wine. Everyone drinks water.’ It’s an accessible and friendly play for everyone.”

THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER runs November 17-December 9, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM, as well as Saturdays November 25 and December 9 at 2:00 PM.  There will be no performance on Thursday, November 23. Preview performances are November 15 and 16 at 7:30.

THE ADVENTURES OF TOM SAWYER is recommended for children ages 8+ but the whole family can still join us- on Sundays Nov. 26 or Dec. 3, bring your younger kids (4+) for Artist-led child care DURING the performance! The “Playdate” program is only $15 and free for Subscribers. The option to add this program will be available as you are buying tickets for either of these show dates. Activities will range from Shakespeare Storytime to theatre games and crafts. Share the great benefits of CSC’s programming with your children: Playdate will style activities to correspond with each production, so even your youngest can join in the discussion on the ride home!

The theater is now located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. Single ticket prices range from $14-$52.  Student/Children and Preview tickets are only $28. If available that day, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased thirty minutes before a show with a valid student ID. This production is a part of this season’s subscription package which is on sale through Dec. 31. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply.  Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as AAA members. 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.

Valet Parking is now available for every performance! Make reservations for $10 in advance when purchasing tickets. Purchasing in advance guarantees a spot at the discounted rate of $10 (vs. $15-20+ at the curb).  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 up to 1 hour following a performance. (After 1 hour, you will need to arrange pick up with the Valet service directly.) The Valet will have your name on the list after you purchase- it’s that easy!

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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 audiences of all ages.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in OTR. CSC’s repertoire is made up of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, and contemporary classics.  CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of the Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theater Association.  Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach over 50,000 young people and underserved community members each season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by 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!

About The 2017-2018 Season:
This season is funded by ArtsWave and is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council, the Shubert Foundation and is supported, in part, by the generosity of thousands of individuals and businesses that give annually to ArtsWave. The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.

The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest presents Shakespeare in American Communities. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is one of 40 professional theater companies selected to participate in bringing the finest productions of Shakespeare to middle- and high-school students in communities across the United States.

Miranda McGee as Lucy and Giles Davies as Dracula in DRACULA. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The Debut Season at The Otto M. Budig Theater continues with the iconic tale
of good versus evil

CINCINNATI, September 15, 2017 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its debut season at The Otto M. Budig Theater with DRACULA by Steven Dietz, from the novel by Bram Stoker opening Friday October 13. The production runs through November 4, and is directed by Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips. Longtime ensemble member Giles Davies reprises his role as Dracula, alongside Artistic Associate Miranda McGee as Lucy, Jim Hopkins as Van Helsing, Crystian Wiltshire as Jonathan Harker, Caitlin McWethy as Mina, Billy Chace as Renfield, and Kyle Brumley as Dr. Seward. All seats in the new Otto M. Budig Theater are less than 20 feet from the stage so audiences will be amazed at how close to the passion they will be!

British solicitor Jonathan Harker (Crystian Wiltshire) falls mysteriously ill as he travels to the Carpathian Mountains to conduct business with his client, the wealthy and elderly Count Dracula (Giles Davies). Upon recovering, Harker believes that the terrible things he has witnessed at the Count’s castle are nothing but the hallucinations brought on by a fever. Meanwhile, Dracula has departed for his new home in England, where Lucy (Miranda McGee), the best friend of Harker’s fiancée Mina (Caitlin McWethy), has likewise become inexplicably ill. As Lucy slowly dies, Harker realizes that he must revisit his own terrifying memories of Dracula to save his beloved Mina from the deaths that follow wherever the Count goes.

“I have long been a fan of horror novels, horror films, and all things macabre,” says Brian Isaac Phillips, CSC’s Producing Artistic Director and director of DRACULA. “To bring this script to life on the new stage at The Otto M. Budig Theater is a delightful Halloween treat – not just for myself, but for the whole city.” Stephen Dietz’s stage adaptation of the quintessential Victorian vampire tale is fast-paced and action-packed, utilizing frequent location jumps to create a narrative whirlwind. “As a Shakespeare company, we’re very well qualified to take on that format,” Mr. Phillips explains, “because Shakespeare does that so much, so we’re practiced in using storytelling tricks and techniques to make those transitions clear and exciting.”

DRACULA runs October 13- November 4, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM, as well as Saturday November 4 at 2:00 PM. Preview performances are on Wednesday October 11 and Thursday October 12 at 7:30.

The theater is now located at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. Single ticket prices range from $27-$52. Preview performances are $28. If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased thirty minutes before a show with a valid student ID. This production is a Special Event and is not part of this season’s subscription package but subscribers do receive 15% off tickets. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply.  Discounts are available for students, seniors, area residents, and groups as well as AAA members. 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. 

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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 audiences of all ages.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in OTR. CSC’s repertoire is made up of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, and contemporary classics.  CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of the Theater Communications Group and the Shakespeare Theater Association.  Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach over 50,000 young people and underserved community members each season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by 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!

About The 2017-2018 Season:
This season is funded by ArtsWave and is generously sponsored by The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company receives operating support from The Ohio Arts Council, the Shubert Foundation and is supported.  The Ohio Arts Council helped fund this program/organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.

The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest presents Shakespeare in American Communities. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company was one of 40 professional theater companies selected to participate in bringing the finest productions of Shakespeare to middle- and high-school students in communities across the United States.