Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

March 19, 2015 · 2:07 pm

Cincy Shakes Presents Shakespeare Classic, Comedic Battle of the Sexes, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Cincinnati Shakespeare Presents Shakespeare’s classic, comedic battle of the sexes, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW!

Sometimes finding your match, means meeting it…

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

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

CINCINNATI, March 19, 2015— Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its season with the much anticipated return of the audience favorite, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW by William Shakespeare.  This production is directed by Kevin Hammond, Artistic Director of Humber River Shakespeare in Toronto making his CSC debut.  This production features Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Resident Ensemble members Kelly Mengelkoch as Kate and Nicholas Rose as Petruchio.  The production is generously sponsored by Barnes Dennig.

Baptista has a problem, and her name is Kate (Kelly Mengelkoch). His eldest daughter is so strong-willed, stubborn and downright shrewish that, despite her considerable family fortune, not a single man in Padua is willing to marry her. That is until the arrival of Petruchio (Nicholas Rose), a brash and bumptious fortune-seeker who has come “to wive it wealthily in Padua.” Confident in his ability to “tame” the cantankerous Kate, he takes her to wife. Is he up for the challenge, or has Petruchio finally met his match? Who will end up taming who? Audiences will find out in Shakespeare’s classic, comedic battle of the sexes, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.

Kevin Hammond, the Director of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Humber River Shakespeare in Toronto where he has directed “Twelfth Night”, “Macbeth”, “Much Ado About Nothing”, “The Taming of the Shrew”, “As You Like It”, “Comedy of Errors”, “Romeo & Juliet”, “The Sonnet Show”, “Hamlet & Ophelia: A Cabaret”, and “Henry V”.  He spent two seasons as an assistant director at the Stratford Festival. Kevin is also the featured voice performer for Oxford University Press’ OXFORD NEXT on-line Shakespeare Program. He is very excited to be making his CSC debut this season.

Performances of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW are scheduled from April 3-25, 2015 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm with an additional Saturday matinee on April 25.  Preview performances are on Wednesday April 1 and Thursday April 2 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.  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.

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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.  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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March 17, 2015 · 10:39 am

The Folger Shakespeare Library Wants to Hear from YOU

CSC_FolgerWhy does Shakespeare matter?  The Folger wants to hear from YOU!

CSC_logoCincinnati Shakespeare Company is collaborating with the Folger Shakespeare Library to better understand what you need to enjoy and connect with Shakespeare. We are inviting you to weigh in by taking a brief survey that can be found online here.

All survey respondents will be entered into a drawing to win one of ten $100 Visa Gift Cards. Your ideas will help inspire programs and services to enrich Shakespeare experiences across the country. Please take the survey today!
Survey closes on March 25, 2015.

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March 16, 2015 · 12:09 pm

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Announces the First Annual PROJECT38 FESTIVAL

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Announces the First Annual PROJECT38 Festival
featuring 38+ Free Shakespeare Events Concluding with the Signature Event, Revel and Applause!

Join Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and 1,000s of students for a week of 38+ free arts events in downtown Cincinnati!

CSC_Project38 Festival logoCINCINNATI, OH, March 14, 2015- This school year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company launched their new groundbreaking arts education initiative titled PROJECT38.  CSC teaching artists have spent nearly 250 hours this school year working with over a 1,000 students at more than 38 different schools to bring each of Shakespeare’s 38 plays to life in creative ways.  From April 15-22, 2015 all of the Cincinnati community will get to experience these amazing performances at a week-long free festival in downtown Cincinnati!  Starting at 3pm on Wednesday April 15 through the following Wednesday, there will be over 38 events and nearly 60 hours of free arts events in Washington Park, Memorial Hall, and at Cincinnati Shakespeare that the entire community is invited too!

There were be a myriad of events going on throughout the festival that bring all 38 of Shakespeare’s plays to life in many ways including  9 full productions, 19 performance-based projects, 5 visual arts project, 4 writing projects, 2 dance project, 2 music programs and 2 film making/multimedia projects and more!  Audience members and students will be given the opportunity to try and see as many of the plays as possible to earn prizes.  There will educational materials available throughout as well as activities and details in the free festival guides.  This festival is appropriate for audiences of all ages and families with young children are encouraged to attend!

Memorial Hall will serve as the home base for the week and will be open during all of the festival activities.  Audience members can check in there to get information and learn about the upcoming performances.  There will also be art installations inside Memorial Hall related to Shakespeare’s 38 plays.  And, as a bonus treat, Cincinnati Shakespeare’s professional touring ensemble will present a FREE encore performance of the Shakespeare in the Park touring performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Saturday at 3pm in Washington Park.  This performance is free and open to the public!

Over 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 is what inspired them to take on this exciting new endeavor.  Last season, Cincinnati Shakespeare became one of the first 5 theaters in the United States to “completing the canon” by producing all 38 of Shakespeare’s plays over 20 years.  The 38 plays have served as the inspiration for the title of PROJECT38 and will allow CSC and the community at large to “complete the canon” every year over a week-long period!

For information about how to support or get involved with PROJECT 38, please contact Jeanna Vella, Director of Education and Communications at jeanna.vella@cincyshakes.com or 513.381.2273 ext. 3202, or visit www.cincyshakes.com.

The entire festival schedule can be found at www.cincyshakes.com/PROJECT38

The conclusion of the festival will be celebrated at Revel and Applause, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s second annual gala event and fundraiser, April 22, 2015.  This year’s event will be the culminating celebration of our very first year of PROJECT38, April 15th thru 22nd.

Last year’s Revel and Feast event was touted as one of the best events of 2014.  For the second Revel, on April 22, 2015 CSC will present another world class celebration.  Join CSC for an evening of exclusive live performances, fine wines and enticing cuisines, a multimedia culmination of PROJECT38 and a big round of applause for the guest of honor, Ms. Elizabeth “Lib” Stone.  CSC will be presenting Lib with the Globe Award for her vigorous commitment to education through the arts in our community.  Her generous support and vision have been the driving force behind Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s summer camps, Groundlings, and Groundlings Jr. programs and now, PROJECT38.  The Swan Award will be awarded to Jill Fritz from Lebanon High School for her dedication and tireless work as an educator bringing Shakespeare and the classics to her students.  And the Rose Award will be given to the student Emma Rader-Roth who has shown passion, dedication and expertise in exploring Shakespeare’s works and helping to bring them to life in fresh and exciting ways.

Complimentary valet parking begins at 5:30 for our exclusive VIP reception at 6:00.  This seated affair will feature delectable food and wine pairings and live presentations and performances by area students from our PROJECT38 festival.

The evening’s entertainment continues at 7:30 in Memorial Hall’s beautiful auditorium and will include music, art, awards, theatrics and a show stopping musical finale.

Finally, we will gather downstairs and lift a glass to good food, good drinks and good  friends with raffle and auction items that are not to be missed.  The featured silent auction item, generously donated by Ft. Mitchell Mercedes-Benz, will be a 5-night Black Forest/Alps vacation!

Festive Cocktail Attire. Complimentary valet parking

Pricing Breakdown:

  • $250    VIP Ticket, doors open at 5:30 for an exclusive seated affair at 6:00 which includes food and wine pairings and live performances from our PROJECT38 festival.
  • $150    Revel and Applause Ticket, seating begins at 7PM for our awards celebration and featured live performances by PROJECT38 students and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company members.  The show begins at 7:30
  • $100    Special Subscriber ticket price, includes a ticket to the Revel and Applause awards and performances as well as our post show celebration with open bar and catering by Elegant Fare.

For tickets visit cincyshakes.com or call 513.381.2273 ext. 3205.

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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March 3, 2015 · 2:23 pm

LCT Review of LITTLE WOMEN

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

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s “Little Women” is a fine production of a beloved classic story, staged and performed in a way that preserves and honors the novel. The show should please everyone who has fond memories of reading it as a child.

“Little Women,” written in 1868 by Louisa May Alcott, is the story of the March family of New England during and just after the Civil War. The ‘little women’ are the family’s four daughters – Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. When the play opens, Mr. March is serving as a chaplain in the Union Army. Mrs. March and teenage daughters are keeping a poor but loving home.

(Clockwise from top) Maggie Lou Rader as Jo, Kelly Mengelkoch as Meg, Courtney Lucien as Amy, Annie Fitzpatrick as Marmee, and Caitlin McWethy as Beth. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

(Clockwise from top) Maggie Lou Rader as Jo, Kelly Mengelkoch as Meg, Courtney Lucien as Amy, Annie Fitzpatrick as
Marmee, and Caitlin McWethy as Beth. By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

The script, so faithful to the novel that it lifts actual lines of dialogue, spans several years to follow the sisters through spats, love interests, marriages, illness, and even death.

The backbone of the family is Mrs. March (we never do see Mr. March). She is wonderfully played by Annie Fitzpatrick, who evokes the character’s calm dignity, quiet resolve, and compassion. Fitzpatrick does get some emotional scenes, though – the finest when she learns her at-war husband is ill and she must go to him.

Dominant of the sisters is the tomboy Jo, who has no use for airs and pretension. Maggie Lou Rader is terrific in the part, displaying a fiery energy and a “what you see is what you get” temperament – all her emotions are on display. Rader developed a perfect signature gesture for Jo of flouncing into a chair sideways, arm flung over the back.

The role of the youngest, Amy, is possibly the most difficult. Actress Courtney Lucien has to evolve from a prissy preteen with ringlets in Act 1 to a beautiful young woman in Act 2, while still keeping some of her self-centered traits. Lucien brings the audience right along with her.

There is great supporting work from the rest of the cast. Notable is Abby Roward as Aunt March. Believable makeup and a great physical acting job turn Roward into this elderly woman with a sharp tongue, but the ability of wealth to make a difference in the March sisters’ lives.

Director Sara Clark keeps the acting focused and the pacing tight through a show that spans several years and multiple locations.

The multifunctional set has the ability to serve many locales but still keep certain areas fixed in the audience’s mind – the attic where Jo writes, the bedroom where Beth dies, and the family living room where all gather. There is good use of projected images to let us watch the passing of the seasons out a window and images of dancers at a ball to create the illusion of more people on stage.

Cincinnati Shakespeare’s production is an excellent adaption of “Little Women,” both for those who love the work and those seeing it for the first time.

The show continues weekends through March 21. Call 513-381-2273 or visit www.cincyshakes.com.

For more information on the production, click here.

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March 3, 2015 · 10:15 am

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Runs April 3-25

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

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

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
April 3-25
Downtown

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

Baptista has a problem, and her name is Kate. His eldest daughter is so strong-willed, stubborn and downright shrewish that, despite her considerable family fortune, not a single man in Padua is willing to marry her. That is until the arrival of Petruchio, a brash and bumptious fortune-seeker who has come “to wive it wealthily in Padua.” Confident in his ability to “tame” the cantankerous Kate, he takes her to wife. Is he up for the challenge, or has Petruchio finally met his match? Who will end up taming who? Find out in Shakespeare’s classic, comedic battle of the sexes THE TAMING OF THE SHREW.

  • In preview Wed-Thu, April 1-2 at 7:30pm. All seats $21.
  • Fri-Sat, April 3-4 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Sat, April 9-11 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, April 12 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, April 16-18 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, April 19 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, April 23-24 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, April 25 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Official page |

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