Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

May 29, 2015 · 11:08 am

LCT Review of HENRY V

LCT_VThis review has been reposted courtesy of the League of Cincinnati Theatres. For more LCT reviews click here to visit their reviews page.

There are many reason why you should put Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of Henry V on your must see list of shows this year. Of course, Shakespeare’s war epic is a masterpiece and its language makes English majors tingle in their ears (you could hear it in the audience), but this particular production, directed by Brian Isaac Phillips with Justin McCombs in the starring role, is quite simply a love affair of theatrical genius.

Justin McCombs as Herny V.

Justin McCombs as Herny V.

It is not that the production transplants the Bard’s play into some unique setting, suddenly giving the story new meaning; this production remains in England and then Agincourt where Henry’s army of nobles and commoners battle and massacre the French army’s much larger fighting force.

No, what makes this production of Henry V so startling, so fantastic, is the pure breath of humanity that Phillips’ and his fabulous ensemble of actors have given to its story. This production is so utterly human, in fact, that you will laugh, feel heartsick (Act Three’s death of Falstaff is heartbreaking as the hostess describes trying to keep him warm until she realized he was dead), become suddenly uplifted, and then totally distraught all in a matter of 3 hours. In the end, however, you will leave the theatre aware of just how powerful Shakespeare’s Henry V can be.

The way McComb handles the text and embodies the character is so totally genuine that you will not have to suspend your disbelief; he makes Shakespeare’s words so much the king’s and provides such authentic behavior that you will find yourself identifying with this young man in every scene.

The rest of the ensemble also does a superb job, from Paul Riopelle’s chorus setting the scene to Caitlin McWelthy’s Katherine of France, whose courtship scene with Henry was an absolute gem, capturing with awkward grace the warrior Henry’s naïveté in matters of romance, even as it demonstrates Katherine’s growing comfort with the idea of marrying a man who just slew thousands of her countrymen.

Phillips’ direction takes its cues from Shakespeare’s own meta-theatrics, explicitly drawing on the audience to buy into the make-believe necessary to make “this wooden O” of the little stage hold throne rooms, taverns, the ocean, and the towns and fields of France.

I truly think that one could not ask for anything more from the stage. If there is only one Shakespeare show that you will see in CSC’s Henry V must be that show. Not only will it give you a glimpse of theatrical excellence, but it will also reveal a level of humanity that our contemporary artistic culture rarely brings to light.

For more information on the production, click here.

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May 20, 2015 · 10:44 am

Award-Winning Comedy ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS to Open in June

Cincinnati Shakespeare Presents the Regional Premiere of the Laugh-Out-Loud Award-Winning Comedy, ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS!

Cincinnati Shakespeare’s 2014-2015 season concludes with this internationally acclaimed smash hit

One Man, Matthew Lewis Johnson as Francis Henshall (center) tries to serve his two “guvnors”, Justin McCombs as Stanley Stubbers & Caitlin McWethy as Rachel Crabbe. Photo by Cal Harris.

One Man, Matthew Lewis Johnson as Francis Henshall (center) tries to serve his two “guvnors”, Justin McCombs as Stanley Stubbers & Caitlin McWethy as Rachel Crabbe. Photo by Cal Harris.

CINCINNATI, May 19, 2015— Cincinnati Shakespeare Company concludes its season with the premiere of the much anticipated and hilarious “One Man, Two Guvnors” by Richard Bean based on “The Servant of Two Masters” by Carlo Goldoni with songs by Grant Olding.  “One Man, Two Guvnors” promises to be a riotous bash of a production complete with a colorful cast of characters in a hysterical world of mistaken identities, love triangles, and live music not to be missed.  This production is directed by CSC Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips and features a large cast of Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Resident Ensemble members including Matthew Lewis Johnson, Justin McCombs and Caitlin McWethy joined on stage by a skiffle band of live musicians!  The production design is generously sponsored by Thompson Hine and Matson Money.

The Tony-award winning smash comedy that wowed audiences in London’s West End and on Broadway now premieres in Cincinnati! Fast-talking Francis Henshall (Matthew Lewis Johnson) finds himself in a sticky predicament when, in his constant quest for a quick buck and a bite to eat, he ends up simultaneously working for two rival masters (Justin McCombs and Caitlin McWethy).  This raucous new adaptation of Goldoni’s classic Italian comedy, “Servant of Two Masters” sets the story in 1960’s Brighton, England and is filled with improvisation, audience interaction, and even a real live skiffle band.  Lauded as “comic perfection” and “the funniest show in the western world”, “One Man, Two Guvnors” promises to be a side-splitting evening of theatre unlike anything else.

A West End smash hit, “One Man, Two Guvnors” premiered at the National Theatre in 2011 eventually moving to Broadway where it was nominated for 7 Tony Awards including a win of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play to James Corden, now the host of “The Late Late Show with James Corden” on CBS.  “One Man, Two Guvnors” has received nothing by overflowing praise ever since. “[An] inspired adaptation… It gleefully skewers the tortured metaphors of lovers’ flights of fancy and traffics unapologetically in the childish, tongue-twisting pleasures of alliteration,” raved the New York Times. “Ingenious… Unlike many farces, this one is also verbally funny,” proclaimed the London Guardian.  Cincinnati audiences are encouraged to get their tickets early as this production is expected to be a sell-out!

Performances of “One Man, Two Guvnors” are scheduled from June 12- July 5, 2015 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm.  There is no performance on June 14th or July 4th. Preview performances are on Wednesday June 10 and Thursday June 11 at 7:30pm and tickets are $21.

The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center.  Single ticket prices range from $22-$32 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$36 on Fridays and Saturdays.  This show is a part of the 2014-2015 subscription season.  There is a post-show Q&A with the cast following Sunday’s matinee performances.  If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased 30 minutes before a show with a valid student ID.  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.

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.  Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season.  The 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 nearly 30,000 young people and underserved community members last season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions at its home on Race Street.  Last season, 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 2014-2015 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.  Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of “Henry V” is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.  The season design sponsor is Mark & Sue Ann Painter.  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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May 13, 2015 · 1:00 pm

Production Manager Position Available at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

CSC_logoJob Description: Production Manager of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (Cincinnati, OH)

The Role

The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company seeks an experienced Production Manager to manage a team of design and production professionals to create world-class theatrical experiences for audiences of Cincinnati and the tri-state region.

Each year the PM, along with his or her team, will create a plan for the budgeting and creation of an eight to ten show mainstage season and three show tour, and then implement that plan.

The PM will be knowledgeable and able to assist in all areas of production including but not limited to lighting/electrics, set construction and install, and costumes and properties.

  • The PM will be responsible for all production budgets, and track progress throughout the season.
  • The PM is responsible for hiring and supervising scene shop staff including assistants, electricians, carpenters, interns, and volunteers. He or she will hire designers as needed.
  • He or she will maintain safety standards in all areas of the theatre and shop spaces, including meeting fire and building code requirements.
  • The PM will run all production meetings and send out weekly production meeting reports.
  • The PM will work with department heads to schedule completion dates for all production elements and ensure that all those dates are met.
  • The PM will be responsible in working with the Producing Artistic Director to ensure the overall quality of each production meets world class standards.

Design opportunities are available.
Positive and collaborative attitude is a must.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company operates under an SPT agreement with Actors Equity Association.

The successful candidate will be proficient the following:

  • Microsoft Office, especially Excel when creating budgets and purchase reports, Google Drive, Microsoft Outlook
  • ETC Ion, ETC Source Four Lighting fixtures, basic understanding of DMX controlled fixtures and equipment
  • Typical Scene Shop equipment and tools, including table saw, miter saw, panel
  • Collaborate with artistic directors, designers and department teams

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three references to Will O’Donnell at will.odonnell@cincyshakes.com

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May 12, 2015 · 8:37 am

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS Runs June 12-July 5

One Man, Matthew Lewis Johnson as Francis Henshall (center) tries to serve his two “guvnors”, Justin McCombs as Stanley Stubbers & Caitlin McWethy as Rachel Crabbe. Photo by Cal Harris.

One Man, Matthew Lewis Johnson as Francis Henshall (center) tries to serve his two “guvnors”, Justin McCombs as Stanley Stubbers & Caitlin McWethy as Rachel Crabbe. Photo by Cal Harris.

ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
June 12-July 5
Downtown

Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips

Cast: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Cary Davenport, Jeremy Dubin, Jim Hopkins, Matthew Lewis Johnson, Josh Katawick, Courtney Lucien, Justin McCombs, Miranda McGee, Caitlin McWethy, Kelly Mengelkoch & Nicholas Rose

Fast-talking Francis Henshall finds himself in a sticky predicament when, in his constant quest for a quick buck and a bite to eat, he ends up simultaneously working for two rival masters. Can he prevent his bosses from meeting face-to-face, or has Francis bitten off more than he can chew? This raucous new adaptation of Goldoni’s classic Italian comedy, Servant of Two Masters is filled with improvisation, audience interaction, and even a real live skiffle band.

  • In preview Wed-Thu, June 10-11 at 7:30pm. All seats $21.
  • Fri-Sat, June 12-13 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Fri, June 18-19 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, June 20 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, June 21 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, June 25-26 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, June 27 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, June 28 at 2pm
  • Wed-Fri, July 1-3 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, July 5 at 2pm

Official page |

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April 24, 2015 · 9:52 am

VIDEO: Project38 – End of Festival Collection

CSC_Project38 Festival logoOver the last 20 years, CSC has brought classical theatre and literature to life for over 200,000 students from 150 schools in more than 100 zip codes across three states. This close connection with students and educators has inspired them to take on this exciting new endeavor. Last season, Cincinnati Shakespeare also “completed the canon” by producing all 38 of Shakespeare’s plays. The 38 plays have served as the inspiration for the title of PROJECT38.

In this program, CSC will collaborate with 38 different area schools. Each school will be given one of the 38 plays in Shakespeare’s canon. Then, over the course of the year, teaching artists from CSC will go out to each of the schools and work with the students and faculty on bringing that play to life in various ways. This could be through a traditional production, a monologue or scene, or a dance piece, or music piece, a mural, etc.- anything the students & school can conceive of and feel passionately about. It will culminate in the PROJECT38 festival at the end of the school year which will become a multi-day celebration in which all the students will gather, and share what they’ve created with each other, their schools, family and friends and with the community at large.

For more information visit http://cincyshakes.com/project38/

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