Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

April 3, 2017 · 6:05 pm

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Announces the 2017 PROJECT38 Festival Featuring 38+ Student Shakespeare Events, Workshops, and Performances – now with Shakespeare’s Globe!

CSC_PROJECT38 Best 5Join Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and thousands of students for a week of 38+ free arts events in downtown Cincinnati!

CINCINNATI, OH, March 30, 2017 –  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is pleased to continue their groundbreaking arts education initiative titled PROJECT38 with the public FREE PROJECT38 Festival!  CSC teaching artists have spent over 250 hours this school year working with over 1,600 students at more than 45 different schools to bring each of Shakespeare’s 38 plays to life in creative ways.  On April 20-23, 2017 all of the Cincinnati community will get to experience these amazing performances at a weekend-long free festival in downtown Cincinnati!  Running from Thursday, April 20 and concluding on Sunday April 23 (Shakespeare’s birthday), Memorial Hall will be full of 45 hours of free arts events for the entire community! Additional free Performances and Workshops will occur in Washington Park on Sunday April 23, in celebration of the Bard’s birthday. Last year, the PROJECT38 Festival drew over 5,000 people to OTR.

Student Performances will run in blocks from 9:00am-5:30pm and present Shakespeare through every medium imaginable: dance, computer animation, snap chats, dramatic adaptations, visual art, puppet shows, and much more! These performances will give students the chance to perform in Memorial Hall’s newly renovated theater. Director of Creative Education and PROJECT38 Artistic Director, Jeremy Dubin said “This year we are working with more schools than ever before, well beyond the 38 we originally envisioned (we’d change the name of the project, but, you know, we already had the t-shirts). We are seeing a wider variety of mediums than ever before, from traditional performance, to music, to dance, to visual art and make-up design (on display in the PROJECT38 Gallery), to a feature-length Shakespeare film!”.  All performance are free and opens to the public.

GLOBE Workshops and Performances: Mr. Dubin continues to say “most exciting of all, PROJECT38 has gone international. While we unhesitatingly aver that our Teaching Artists are the best in the city, we would never be so presumptuous as to claim they’re the best in the world. So we’ve brought in the best in the world. CSC has partnered with none other than Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. The Globe was incredibly excited when they learned about PROJECT38, and this past fall sent out two of their practitioners to run a series of workshops for our P38 Teachers and Teaching Artists, equipping them with knowledge, insight and exercises to take with them into the classroom throughout the year.  The experience was simply too amazing not to share, and so during this year’s festival we will have two more Globe practitioners in residence, running workshops for students, teachers, and even interested members of the public. Exciting, right? But wait, there’s more! One of the practitioners is also an official Globe Storyteller, and throughout the festival will be giving Storytelling performances of some of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.” 

PROJECT38 Festival Schedule
All Performances and free and open to the public

Thursday 4/20/17

  • 9-11:30am  School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 12-2:30pm  School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 3-5:30pm    School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 6-8:30pm         School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)

Friday 4/21/17

  • 9-11:30am  School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 12-2:30pm  School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 3-5pm         School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 8-9pm         The Globe Storytelling Presentation The Tempest  (Memorial Hall Main Stage) 

Saturday 4/22/17

  • 9-11:30am  School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 12-2:30pm  School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 3-5:30pm    School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 6-7pm         The Globe Storytelling Presentation Macbeth (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 7:00pm       Miami University Hamilton screening of film Cymbeline  (Memorial Hall Main Stage) 

Sunday 4/23/17

  • 9-11am       Screening of Student Projects (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 11-12pm     The Globe Storytelling Presentation The Tempest (Washington Park Civic Lawn)
  • 12-2:30pm  School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)
  • 2-3pm         The Globe Storytelling Presentation Twelfth Night (Washington Park Civic Lawn)
  • 3-5:30pm    School Performances (Memorial Hall Main Stage)

For information about how to support or get involved with PROJECT 38, please contact Kristen Race, PROJECT38 Coordinator at kristen.race@cincyshakes.com or 513.381.2273 ext. 3210, or visit 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.  Currently located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season. In the summer of 2017, the theater will relocate 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.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reached 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 2016-2017 Season:
This season 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 http://www.cincyshakes.com.

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April 3, 2017 · 5:47 pm

THE TEMPEST Runs April 28-May 20

CSC_The Tempest promo

Nicholas Rose as Prospero in THE TEMPEST. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

THE TEMPEST
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
April 28-May 20
Downtown

Betrayed and exiled to a deserted island, with only his books and his infant daughter for company, the magician Prospero has spent years plotting his revenge. When fate places all his old enemies within his reach, Prospero summons a magical storm that brings them crashing down onto his shores. This romantic tale replete with magic and monsters, love and liquor, and retribution and redemption is a voyage you won’t want to miss.

  • In preview, Wed-Thu, April 26-27 at 7:30pm. All seats $25.
  • Fri-Sat, April 28-29 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Sat, May 4-6 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 7 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, May 11-13 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 14 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, May 18-19 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 20 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Official page |

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March 31, 2017 · 3:00 pm

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Review

A RAISIN IN THE SUN presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through April 15. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

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Burgess Byrd as Lena Younger. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s dedication to bringing theater Classics to the stage reaches new heights with their amazing production of Lorraine Hansberry’s A RAISIN IN THE SUN.

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Geoffrey Warren Barnes as Walter Younger and Torie Wiggins as Ruth Younger. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Guest director Christopher V. Edwards has a clear vision for the production and easily pulls the audience into the completely believable world he has created. I really can’t remember anything that pulled me out of the moment. Although the three acts clock in at two and a half hours, I never found the pace lagging.

As family matriarch Lena Younger, Burgess Byrd shines. Her character is equal parts strong-willed and God-fearing, who doesn’t suffer fools lightly, especially within her own family. Byrd is easily likable and completely believable in a role beyond her years. Her joys and sorrows touch the audience.

Geoffrey Warren Barnes II is appropriately, borderline-unlikable as Lena’s son, Walter Lee. Unhappy with his lot in life, he pins his hopes that a looming family windfall will open the door to his search for success. Walter Lee’s jealousy, rise, fall, and redemption are handled extremely well by the actor.

The old saying that men tend to marry a woman like their mother rings true with Torie Wiggins in the role of Ruth Younger, Walter Lee’s wife. Many of the qualities of Lena are mirrored in her character. I very much enjoyed how Torrie maintained an active presence in every scene.

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Darnell Pierre Benjamin as Joseph Asagai and Renika Williams as Beneatha Younger. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Renika Williams is a force of nature as Benetha Younger (Lena’s daughter). She brings a maturity beyond her years and a great sense of self to the character.

The solid ensemble is rounded out with Shadow Avili as Travis Younger (Ruth and Walter Lee’s son), Darnell Pierre Benjamin as Joseph Asagai (the Nigerian student in love with Benetha), Jeremy Dubin as Karl Lindner (the Clybourne Park Improvement Association representative), Sylvester Little, Jr. as Bobo (Walter Lee’s business partner), George Murchison as Crystian Wiltshire (a wealthy suitor of Benetha’s) and Shanessa Sweeney in a hilarious turn as the Younger’s busy-body neighbor, Mrs. Johnson.

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Burgess Byrd as Lena Younger, Torie Wiggins as Ruth Younger, and Shanessa Sweeney as Mrs. Johnson. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

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Burgess Byrd as Lena Younger and Shadow Avili’ as Travis Younger. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The set, properties, and costumes convincingly defined the period. Congratulations to scenic designer Shannon Moore, costume designer Amanda McGee, lighting designer Justen N. Locke, sound designer Douglas J. Borntrager, property master Sara Sharos and their supporting teams.

Many times, reviewers speak of how an older script (this one debuted on Broadway in 1959) remains relevant today. Sadly, almost 60 years later, A RAISIN IN THE SUN speaks to how little progress has been made on many of the social issues explored in this drama.

Overall a near-perfect, emotionally-satisfying production of this wonderful, seldom-staged production. I highly recommend that you take advantage of this rare opportunity.

My rating: 5 out of 5

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

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March 13, 2017 · 6:32 am

American Classic A RAISIN IN THE SUN Comes Alive at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

CSC_A Raisin in the Sun- Press 3

Geoffrey Warren Barnes as Walter Younger, Torie Wiggins as Ruth Younger, Shadow Avili’ as Travis Younger, Renika Williams as Beneatha Younger & Burgess Byrd as Lena Younger. Photo by By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

CINCINNATI, March 10, 2017 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s mainstage season continues with the American classic A Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry. The production, running March 24 – April 15, 2017, is directed by Christopher V. Edwards and features Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Burgess Byrd, and Torie Wiggins in the leading roles. The production is generously sponsored by Johnson Investment Council and Thompson Hine LLP.

A Raisin in the Sun tells the story of the Youngers, a working-class family in 1950s Chicago. An unexpected financial windfall gives them an opportunity for a better life, but tensions between Walter Lee (Geoffrey Warren Barnes) and family matriarch Lena (Burgess Byrd) combine threaten to shatter their opportunity at the American dream. A Raisin in the Sun’s premiere in 1959 made Lorraine Hansberry the first black female playwright to have a play produced on Broadway, as well as the youngest American playwright to win the New York Critics Drama Desk Award. The production also had Broadway’s first-ever black director, and was nominated for four Tony Awards. The play was notably revived on Broadway in 2004, and has been adapted multiple times to film, most notably in 1961 and in 2008, with productions featuring Sidney Poitier and Sean Combs, respectively, as Walter Lee.

Veteran director Christopher V. Edwards joins Cincinnati Shakespeare Company for the first time to direct this production. He says he is “very excited to be directing A Raisin in the Sun, as it’s one of the iconic plays that changed the landscape of American theater. It’s an epic play with a lot of dynamic language and deep relationships, and a Shakespeare company is well-prepared to handle that, because it’s the sort of thing they do all the time!”  Mr. Edwards is currently the Artistic Director of Nevada Conservatory Theatre in Las Vegas, Nevada.  He is also on the faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas where he teaches Directing, Theatre Management, Stage Combat and Performance. Prior to this, Chris was a company member, Director of Education, Associate Artistic Director and on the Interim Creative Team for the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival in Cold Spring, NY.

A Raisin in the Sun runs March 24 – April 15, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM as well as April 15 at 2:00 PM. There is no performance on Sunday, March 26. Preview performances are Wednesday April 22 and Thursday April 23.

The theater is currently located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center.  Single ticket prices range from $22-$38 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$42 on Fridays and Saturdays.  Previews are $25.  If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased one hour before a show with a valid student ID.  This production is a part of this season’s subscription package. 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 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.  Currently located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season. In the summer of 2017, the theater will relocate 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.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reached 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 2016-2017 Season:
This season 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.

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March 2, 2017 · 7:06 pm

A RAISIN IN THE SUN Runs March 24-April 15

CSC_A Raisin in the Sun promo

Geoffrey Warren Barnes as Walter Young in A RAISIN IN THE SUN. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

A RAISIN IN THE SUN
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
March 24-April 15
Downtown

Directed by Christopher V. Edwards

Cast: Geoffrey Warren Barnes as Walter Young

A Raisin in the Sun tells the story of the Youngers, a working class family in 1950s Chicago. When an unexpected financial windfall gives them the opportunity for a better life, conflicts within the family and pressures from without threaten to shatter their opportunity at the American dream. The recipient of four Tony Award nominations, A Raisin in the Sun is a true masterpiece of the American stage.

  • In preview, Wed-Thu, March 22-23 at 7:30pm. All seats $25.
  • Fri-Sat, March 24-25 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Sat, March 30-April 1 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, April 2 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, April 6-8 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, April 9 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, April 13-14 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, April 15 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Official page |

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