Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

April 14, 2015 · 9:23 am

Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Game of Thrones Continues with HENRY V

Brian Isaac Phillips directs the next installment in CSC’s 5 year, 8 play history cycle

Justin McCombs as Herny V.

Justin McCombs as Herny V.

CINCINNATI, April 13, 2015— Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its season and multi-year history cycle with “Henry V” by William Shakespeare. This production is directed by CSC Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips. This production features Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Resident Ensemble members including Justin McCombs as he returns to the stage to continue the journey of Henry V that he started as Prince Hal last season. The History Cycle sponsor is Osborn, Rohs, Williams & Donohoe, LLC. Additionally, 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 prodigal Prince Hal has cast off the unruly ways and unruly companions of his youth, and has ascended to the throne of England. But the civil wars that allowed his father, Henry IV, to ascend to the throne, have taken their toll. The country is bankrupt, and civil unrest bubbles just under the surface, threatening to erupt again. In order to refill the royal coffers and unify the country against a common enemy, the young King Henry sets his sights on the conquest of France. But his fervent army of nobles and commoners soon find themselves in hostile territory, surrounded and woefully outnumbered. At the center of Shakespeare’s history cycle, and featuring some of the most powerful oratory in the canon, “Henry V” tells the unforgettable tale of those few, those happy few, that band of brothers who stood up against overwhelming odds to fight for God, King and Country.

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. 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. This is the twelfth year of this national program, the largest tour of Shakespeare in American history. This additional funding has allowed Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to welcome 100s more students at no or low cost to experience “Henry V” during the school day or at evening performances alongside of extra educational activities made available by CSC.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is only the 2nd theater company in the United States to present Shakespeare’s 8 play history cycle in chronological order. The 2013 production of “Richard II” began this multi-season history cycle at Cincinnati Shakespeare and was followed by 2014’s “Henry IV: Part 1 & 2”. Then, following this production of “Henry V” is next season’s recently announced “Henry VI, Pt. 1”. The cycle will conclude with “Richard III”.

Performances of “Henry V” are scheduled from May 8-30, 2015 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm with an additional Saturday matinee on May 30. Preview performances are on Wednesday May 6 and Thursday May 7 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 free pre-show presentation on Thursdays about this production that begins at 7pm (preview excluded). 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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April 9, 2015 · 2:59 pm

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Review

Links to all reviews can be found using the REVIEWS link at the top of the page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my Facebook fan page. You can also receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Nicholas Rose as Petruchio and company. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Nicholas Rose as Petruchio and company. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through April 25. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

I’ve probably said it before, but large-cast productions, like this, really showcase the depth of talent in the CSC ensemble. No matter the size of the role, every actor on stage is committed to not only their character, but their relationships to every other character on stage.

Nicholas Rose as Petruchio and Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

Nicholas Rose as Petruchio and Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

Guest director Kevin Hammond offers a more-balanced take on the script. In this production, Petruchio is not bending Katherina to his will. Instead he is chipping-away (well, make that hammering-away) at the barriers “the shrew” has put around herself to protect her heart.

Nicholas Rose is excellent as Katherina’s (Kate’s) suitor, Petruchio. It is easy to see his attraction to the kindred spirit he sees in her. Even though the character goes to such lengths as denying Kate food and sleep, his soliloquy in Act II clearly shows his affection for Kate. Rose believably makes Petruchio’s actions come off as more playful and lovingly-intentioned than mean-spirited. Also to soften these tactics a bit, Petruchio suffers through them right along with her.

Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

Also strong is Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate. Her shrew-ness is presented as an almost knee-jerk reaction to any man or any notion that she needs a man to complete her. Her temperament seems to indicate that she had been deeply hurt in the past and refuses to allow it to happen again. Add in a bit of stubbornness and it’s understandable why Petruchio had to go to such lengths to break through.

There is a great “a-ha” moment when Kate finally realizes that Petruchio does not want her as a subordinate, but an equal partner in life. The results of this trust and understanding shines through in the satisfying final scene.

Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate and Caitlin McWethy as Bianca. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate and Caitlin McWethy as Bianca. By Mikki Schaffner Photography

The “battle” for the hand of Kate’s sister also plays out amusingly-well. Bianca (Caitlin McWethy) is woo-ed by disguised suitors Hortensio (Billy Chace) and Lucentio (Geoffrey Barnes). The latter with an assist from his flamboyant main servant Tranio (Justin McCombs).

Nicholas Rose as Petruchio and Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Nicholas Rose as Petruchio and Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Speaking of main servants, Jeremy Dubin is stellar fun as Gromio, partner in crime to Petruchio. Dubin’s ongoing bit was a guilty-pleasure. My inner child laughed every time, even though I knew it was coming.

Turning the set, I found it really clever for Andrew Hungerford to have the “inn” wrap around to stage-left and out of sight. It reinforced that concept of a play being performed by a traveling band of players. It also allowed for quick scene changes as pieces were moved from another part of the inn to the main playing area.

Overall, an excellent, fun, broad and bawdy battle of wills where the audience wins.

My rating: 4.5 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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April 8, 2015 · 5:14 pm

HENRY V Runs May 8-30

Justin McCombs as Herny V.

Justin McCombs as Herny V.

HENRY V
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
May 8-30
Downtown

Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips

Cast: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Billy Chance, Sara Clark, Giles Davies, Frank Delaney, Jeremy Dubin, Andrew Gehrlein, Jim Hopkins, Josh Katawick, Courtney Lucien, Justin McCombs, Miranda McGee, Caitlin McWethy, Paul Riopelle, Nicholas Rose, Tess Talbot & Brent Vimtrup

The prodigal Prince Hal has cast off the unruly ways and unruly companions of his youth, and has ascended to the throne of England. But the civil wars that allowed his father, Henry IV, to ascend to the throne, have taken their toll. The country is bankrupt, and civil unrest bubbles just under the surface, threatening to erupt again. In order to refill the royal coffers and unify the country against a common enemy, the young King Henry sets his sights on the conquest of France. But his fervent army of nobles and commoners soon find themselves in hostile territory, surrounded and woefully outnumbered. At the center of Shakespeare’s history cycle, and featuring some of the most powerful oratory in the canon, Henry V tells the unforgettable tale of those few, those happy few, that band of brothers who stood up against overwhelming odds to fight for God, King and Country. Don’t miss this history cycle favorite, as Shakespeare’s game of thrones continues.

  • In preview Wed-Thu, May 6-7 at 7:30pm. All seats $21.
  • Fri-Sat, May 8-9 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Sat, May 14-16 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 17 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, May 21-23 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 24 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, May 28-29 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, May 30 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Official page |

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April 7, 2015 · 5:00 pm

LCT Review of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

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

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is easily understood and well staged by Director Kevin Hammond. With such a reliable level of technical contributions, the set, lights and sound create a classic Shakespearean environment. All audiences will enjoy the campy antics of this most excellent rendition of a classic. Simple and focused, the 2 1/2 hour show moves quickly and is highly entertaining.   Hammond includes the often cut Christopher Sly prologue which frames the story is a satisfying way.

Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate & Nicholas Rose as Petruchio. Photo by Cal Harris.

Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate & Nicholas Rose as Petruchio. Photo by Cal Harris.

Baptista is a wealthy man with two daughters; his elder daughter is Katerina, or Kate, a screaming outspoken shrew and his younger daughter is Bianca, a soft-spoken virginal darling. Suitors clamor for Bianca’s hand but Baptista will let no man near her until nasty Kate is wed. The various suitors employ machinations and bribes to get Kate married off to someone, anyone – so they can vie for sweet Bianca. Along comes Petruchio, an older rascally bachelor who is enticed to woo Kate because of her dowry and the suitors’ promises of ducats aplenty. When Baptista gives Kate to Petruchio against her will, sparks fly and the warlike wooing is on.

The action takes place in a tavern and is performed by a band of roving actors who lapse often and well into bawdy drinking songs and the occasional anachronistic ad-lib. The very beige but functional English Tavern set worked really well, with enough doors for everyone to slam and yet neutral enough to pass for indoors or outdoors, a banquet hall, a town square, a classroom, a great room, a muddy road. Again, the lights and sound and costumes were all top notch. The costumes particularly ring true to the Bard’s classic style and yet still let the actors move and cavort.

The action is nonstop and all actors conduct themselves with great aplomb and dedication. Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate and Nick Rose as Petruchio rise above the excellent ensemble, as well they should. The show hinges on the combative dynamic between Petruchio and Kate as they wage their war with the concept of coupledom.   Well-matched, these two play off each other with intelligence and fury, with mischief and playfulness, Her long red locks flying, Mengelkoch revels in her shrewishness, growling and roaring on and off stage and takes us along for her “taming”, adding layers of nuance and letting us in on her AHA! moments.   Rose delivers a mercurial handsome Petruchio that is both charming and infuriating, understanding and tyrannical.

The entire ensemble is first rate and is playing at the top of their game. Standouts include Caitlin McWethy whose Bianca is saucier than many. Justin McComb as Servant Tranio and Jeremy Dubin as Servant Grumio both pull a lot of laughs with their polished comical skills. Strong character performances also from Frank Delaney, Jim Hopkins and Billy Chace. Well done, Players!

This is one of the easier plays for non-Shakespeare aficionados. Go and enjoy this classic battle of the sexes.

For more information on the production, click here.

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April 2, 2015 · 4:39 pm

Cincinnati CityBeat Best of Cincinnati Performing Arts-ish Winners

MISC_2015 Citybeat Best of CincinnatiHey Gang

Cincinnati CityBeat announced their 2015 Best of Cincinnati Winners. I’ve scanned through the list and pull the ones I thought would be of interest to you. -Rob

Click here for the complete list of 2015 Arts and Nightlight Staff Picks.

Performing arts-related winners include:

BEST ONE-MAN SHOW
You might think you know Bruce Cromer through his many years at the Cincinnati Playhouse as Ebenezer Scrooge. But he demonstrated his versatility and range in AN ILLIAD at Ensemble Theatre, a one-man retelling of Homer’s great epic of the Trojan War. Like a timeless reincarnation of the poet, Cromer bemoaned the devastation and futility of warfare, painting lurid pictures with words and dynamic physicality and bringing the story to life playing heroic Achilles, conscientious Hector, coy Helen of Troy and ambitious Patroclus. Cromer had a great script to work from, but he made it memorable with a stellar performance. Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-421-3555, ensemblecincinnati.org.

BEST OLD & NEW OPERATIC STORYTELLING
For its 2014 summer season, Cincinnati Opera showed how singing and storytelling have evolved across four centuries. At the School for Creative and Performing Arts, audiences had the chance to see a bawdy, laugh-out-loud piece of Baroque entertainment, Francesco Cavalli’s La Calisto (1651). Back at Music Hall, audiences were transported to the First World War’s “Christmas Truce” with a moving production of Silent Night, the winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for music. America’s second-oldest opera company has the formula for giving operagoers a memorable sampling of the art form. Cincinnati Opera, ensemblecincinnati.org.

BEST THEATRICAL HANDOFF
After a half-dozen years of artistic leadership at Know Theatre, Eric Vosmeier handed the keys over to Andrew Hungerford, a CCM master’s grad who has been designing sets for the Jackson Street company since 2007. Vosmeier was an energetic force there, especially pushing the annual Fringe Festival in creative directions and to new heights. The transition was announced late in 2013 and occurred seamlessly during the 2014 summer. Hungerford has brought a new kick of creativity with some new directors, staff and free performances on Wednesday evenings. Know Theatre of Cincinnati, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-300-5669, knowtheatre.com.

BEST VENUE FOR GETTING A MODERN DANCE FIX
If you’re looking to see modern dance in Cincinnati, you can count on the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater to deliver the goods. Several times a year, the mid-sized theater of the Aronoff’s trio of venues hosts performances from myriad companies across a broad range of contemporary styles. From local ensembles, such as the Jazz-tinged Exhale Dance Tribe and postmodern MamLuft&Co. Dance, to Contemporary Dance Theater’s Guest Artist Series (featuring national and international companies) and its annual Area Choreographers Festival, the 437-seat venue offers a rather intimate, no-bad-seat-in-the-house space to catch contemporary dance. Aronoff Center for the Arts, Jarson-Kaplan Theater, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-721-3344, cincinnatiarts.org/aronoff-center.

BEST CHANCE TO SEE BALLET DANCERS PUSH THE ENVELOPE
Catch Cincinnati Ballet at its most modern in the annual New Works season opener each September. As its name suggests, this program is designed to move dance forward, thanks to a broad range of big-name innovative choreographers, many of whom represent the cutting edge of the international dance scene. Of course, such boundary-pushing choreography demands top talent — enter Cincinnati Ballet dancers’ versatile terpsichorean prowess, which makes it all come alive. Audiences also enjoy the intimacy of these shows in a close-up space. (Until last year, New Works shows had been held in the Ballet’s home studios; now they’re in the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater.) Cincinnati Ballet, 1555 Central Parkway, Downtown, 513-621-5219, cballet.org.

BEST REASON FOR INDIE ROCK FANS TO GO TO THE SYMPHONY
It seems like only affluent old people attend the symphony, and one reason is because young people either can’t afford it or have no interest in listening to music that is 200 years old. But for the MusicNOW fest the past two years, Cincinnati-bred/Brooklyn-based group The National played an evening with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at Music Hall. Yes, your fave Indie band appeared at the symphony — National member Bryce Dessner heads up MusicNOW — so suddenly it was cool to be seen among the olds, and tickets were as cheap as $25. MusicNOW,musicnowfestival.org.

BEST FLASH FROM THE PAST
Although Rosemary Clooney’s nephew George is the one making headlines today, the girl singer who grew up in Maysville, Ky., and Cincinnati made her own name back in the ’40s and ’50s. Her rise, fall and comeback were neatly documented in TENDERLY: The Rosemary Clooney Musical at the Playhouse. It was like a trip back in time at the Cincinnati Playhouse’s intimate Shelterhouse, where performer Susan Haefner wonderfully captured the essence of Rosie’s singing career. Local audiences flocked to see her through the holidays in a twice-extended run to the middle of January. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Mount Adams, 513-421-3888, cincyplay.com.

BEST EXTENDED THEATRICAL MONOLOGUE 
The one-person theatrical adaptation of Joan Didion’s acclaimed memoir THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING, an anguished but poetic rumination of the death of her husband and extended (and ultimately fatal) illness of her daughter, is a tough, cathartic project to pull off. But Cate White, who starred in it in December as part of the Cincy One Act Festival of plays at College Hill Town Hall, was magnificent at portraying Didion as she addressed the audience in a small, intimate setting. She was assisted by director Lyle Benjamin, lighting designer Chris Carter and projection designer by Doug Borntrager. It deserved the revival it got this year. cincyoneact.com.

Click here for the complete list of 2015 Arts and Nightlight Readers Picks.

Performing arts-related winners include:

Local Theater Company 

  1. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
  2. Know Theatre of Cincinnati
  3. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Local Actor/Actress 
  1. Annie Fitzpatrick
  2. Erin Ward
  3. Miranda McGee
Local Dance Group 
  1. Cincinnati Ballet
  2. Cin City Burlesque
  3. Exhale Dance Tribe
Local Vocal Arts Group 
  1. Cincinnati Children’s Choir
  2. MUSE Cincinnati Women’s Choir
  3. May Festival Chorus

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