Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Cincy Shakes brings back a crowd favorite with the with the highly requested comedy that is already breaking Box Office records! 

Cincinnati, July 17, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will launch its 2025–2026 season with an encore engagement of The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, running July 18–August 10, 2025 directed by Brian Isaac Phillips. Following the production’s sold‑out success in 2024, Cincy Shakes is thrilled to bring the hit comedy back to their stage in this encore to give audiences another chance to experience- or discover- its uproarious mayhem.

About the show: It’s Opening Night at the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production, The Murder at Haversham Manor and the stakes have never been higher. But none of the on-stage drama is in the script! The theater is filled with accident-prone actors, a corpse that can’t play dead to save his life, and a knocked-out knock out of a leading lady. When all goes wrong, can this theater company make it to Opening Night and bring down the house (in a good way)? This fantastic, farcical, fiasco of a show and Off-Broadway and West End comedic hit is back and the age-old adage is true: “the show must go wrong!” oops sorry, we mean “the show must go on!”

Since its debut in London in 2012, The Play That Goes Wrong has become a global phenomenon. Its success caught the eye of producer-director J.J. Abrams, who brought the play to Broadway in 2017, where it was met with enthusiastic acclaim. This slapstick comedy has since become a favorite of theater companies nationwide, delighting audiences with its blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and sheer theatrical disaster. After 2024’s “must see” production, Cincy Shakes is thrilled to bring the madness back this summer with the encore of The Play That Goes Wrong!

Directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO, Brian Isaac Phillips, the returning cast of The Play That Goes Wrong, Billy Chace, Jeremy Dubin, Jared Earland, Candice Handy, Matthew Lewis Johnson, and Kelly Mengelkoch, is ready to bring the house down one more time. New cast members Montez Jenkins Copeland, Cary Davenport, and Sylvester Little Jr. join the ensemble for this encore.

The production’s creative team includes Samantha Reno (Scenic Design), who creates the perfect set for chaos to ensue, and Rainy Edwards (Costume Design), who dresses the actors in era-appropriate attire that adds to the humor. Alice Trent (Lighting Design) illuminates the stage to enhance the comedic mishaps, while Chris Guthrie (Sound Design) provides sound effects that punctuate every comedic turn. Gina Cerimele-Mechley (Fight Choreography) choreographs the slapstick and physical comedy, and Kara Eble Trusty (Properties Design), with coordination done by Alice Hopkins, ensures that every prop plays its part in the calamity. Stage Manager Cole Sweasy and Assistant Stage Manager Danitza Piper keep the backstage chaos under control.

The Play That Goes Wrong runs from July 18 – August 10, 2025. Performances of The Play That Goes Wrong are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with 3 Saturday Matinees at July 26, August 2, & 9, and 3 Sunday matinees on July 27, August 3, & 10 at 2:00 PM. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. Live Audio Descriptions are available on July 18, and there is a Sign Language Interpreted performance on August 10.

Tickets are on sale now. Preview performances are on Wednesday, July 16, and Thursday, July 17, 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 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 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 2 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!

Cassandra Reeves as Puck. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

The annual Cincinnati tradition continues this summer with a magical production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 40 locations across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana

Cincinnati, May 15, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated schedule of this summer’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour, featuring the beloved comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare.  Between July 11 and August 31, 2025, nearly 40 parks across the tri-state area will host free performances in Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Montgomery, Miami, and Clermont counties in Ohio; Kenton, Mason, and Boone Counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn and Wayne counties in Indiana.

The complete schedule can be viewed online here.

Step into an enchanted woodland where mischievous fairies play, young lovers chase their heart’s desires, and magic sparkles under the summer moon! Bring the whole family and enjoy Shakespeare’s beloved comedy for free in the great outdoors. With a playful spirit and whimsical surprises around every corner, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” promises laughter, wonder, and memorable moments under the stars.

This production of is directed by CSC’s Candice Handy, who recently directed “The Tempest” on the mainstage and “Hamlet” in the parks last summer.  She also led last season’s critically praised mainstage production of James Baldwin’s “The Amen Corner,” as well as CSC’s 2022 unforgettable staging of August Wilson’s “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s FREE! Shakespeare in the Park brings the excitement of Shakespeare’s plays directly to the community, with FREE outdoor performances staged in various parks across the tri-state area. These productions, featuring one of Shakespeare’s classic plays, are open to all, with no tickets or RSVP required. Audiences can simply bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars. For questions regarding a specific location’s policies on parking, outside food and drink, etc., please contact the venue directly or visit our website at cincyshakes.com/park.

This annual tradition reflects CSC’s commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, providing an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power of live theater in a casual and welcoming environment. Because of this CSC offers audio described and sign language interpreted performances of FREE! Shakespeare in the Park. The dates will be posted last this Spring.

FREE! Shakespeare in the Park is sponsored by Western & Southern Financial Group and ArtsWave, and is supported by generous donors to the FREE Shakespeare in the Park Fund.

Explore the impact this program has on the community:

• 73% have more pride in their community because of the park tour.
• 97% feel their neighborhoods are positively impacted through this program.
• 86% of audiences report that their community needs more arts opportunities
• 89% of audiences report that this is the easiest and most accessible way to attend live theatre

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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 the 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.

Leslie Brott as Prospera. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Cincy Shakes creates theatre magic with an eco-friendly twist; the set is made entirely out of recycled or reused materials

Cincinnati, April 9, 2025 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents Shakespeare’s The Tempest directed by CSC’s Associate Artistic Director, Candice Handy. This eco-friendly production will be on stage April 11 – May 4, 2025 with ensemble cast of 12 actors and performed in-the-round. The Tempest is generously sponsored by Design Sponsor KeyBank. The Community Partner Sponsors are Richard and Debbie Westheimer, and the Education Partners are the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest. This project is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Marooned on an enchanting, yet ecologically fragile island, the exiled sorcerer Prospera waits, consumed by thoughts of revenge. So when fate places all her old enemies within reach, tempests (both literal and metaphorical) stir. As the climate shifts, so do allegiances, while young love takes root in this unpredictable environment. This romantic tale, replete with magic and monsters, love and liquor, and retribution and redemption is a voyage not to be missed.

Favorite faces return to the Cincy Shakes Stage including Leslie Brott as Prospera and Joneal Joplin as Gonzalo. Jason Coffenberry and Dani Grace Nissen return playing Ferdinand and Miranda after their debut in this season’s Macbeth. Hannah Gregory takes the stage as the spirit Ariel and Sylvester Little Jr. plays Caliban brining magic and monsters to the show. Cary Davenport and Sara Mackie play the hilarious duo of Stephano and Trinculo. and Jasimine Bouldin, Jeremy Dubin, and Jim Hopkins round off the cast as the members of the king’s court, playing Sebastian, Antonio, and King Alonzo respectively. After an amazing collaboration on last season’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Q-Kidz are back as Island Spirits guided by Aiden Sims who plays Boatswain/Island Spirit.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is delighted to collaborate once again with the Q-Kidz Dance Team on The Tempest after last season’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream featured them as well. These talented young dancers take the stage as the island spirits, 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, add an enchanting dimension to this production. The Q-Kidz performers are Davian Brooks, Zakari Clark, Laurion Cook, De’Unniey Crawford, Queen Hadden, Shalin Harmon, and Taylor Tolliver (Understudy).

This production of The Tempest was designed with an eco-conscious objective: all costumes, props, and the entire set have been created with recycled and reused materials. The set, designed by Samantha Reno, will be recycled after the show, making The Tempest almost completely sustainable. Ms. Reno said “Cincy Shakes collaborated with the Cincinnati Recycle and Reuse Hub and members of the community, like our own patrons, to supply our team with the needed materials to bring magic to the stage!”

The production team of The Tempest has worked hard to bring Shakespeare’s enchanted island to life. Samantha Reno’s sustainable scenic design sets the play on an island strewn with discarded objects and lost treasures. Rainy Edwards’ costume design, assisted by Kayla Cieslinski, transforms remnant and collected fabric into beautiful island spirits. Lighting designer Andrew Hungerford, sound designer Christopher Guthrie, and projections designer Robert Carlton Stimmel work together to bring Prospera and the spirits’ magic to life. Aleah Vassell acts as composer and music director creating the music that the Q-Kidz will dance to, choreographed by Darnell Pierre Benjamin. Beasley served as Dramaturg on this production and Gina Cerimele-Mechley returns as fight and intimacy director.  The Tempest is stage managed by Cole Sweasy with assistant stage manager Rowan Rozzi.

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The Tempest runs from April 11 – May 4, 2025. Performances of The Tempest are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with 3 Sunday matinees on April 20, 27, and May 4 at 2:00 PM. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. Live Audio Descriptions are available on April 11, and there is a Sign Language Interpreted performance on May 4.

Tickets are on sale now. Preview performances are on Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, with tickets at $45. Young Professionals are invited to YP Preview Night on Wednesday, April 9, with discounted tickets at $25, including a free drink and post-show talkback.

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 the Box Office at 513.381.2273. Ticket prices range from $12-$82; don’t pay more!
Discounts are available for students, seniors, educators, military personnel, local residents, and community partners at all performances.

For those seeking last-minute options or additional ways to save, $12 Rush Tickets are available to anyone (not just students) starting one hour before each performance. These tickets, offered in various seating locations, are subject to availability and must be purchased in person at the Box Office within an hour of show time. Additionally, $14 “Access” tickets are offered in the Upper Gallery for each performance and can be purchased in advance online or by calling the Box Office.

At The Tempest: Sit On-Stage for Just $14! Extra access seats are also available for The Tempest! This magical production is performed in-the-round, so audiences can experience it from a whole new perspective: on-stage and for only $14. Seats are available by clicking the Buy Tickets button and selecting available orange colored Access seats in the “Stage Gallery” section. No code or offer needed, only 32 available per night! Learn more about the seating online here. Please note: On-stage seating requires stairs. For wheelchair-accessible or stair-free $14 seats, contact our Box Office.

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. In addition to abundant public parking options in the immediate vicinity, CSC offers parking services, including valet parking for $25 (managed by Star Parking) and self-parking for $15 (managed by 3CDC) in the adjacent lot. Reservations can be made in advance online or by contacting the Box Office. For more details, visit cincyshakes.com/your-visit/parking.

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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 the 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.