Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

November 29, 2014 · 11:10 pm

Know Theatre Annouces TBA Production

Corinne Mohlenhoff in 2011 THE HANDMAID'S TALE. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Corinne Mohlenhoff in 2011 production of THE HANDMAID’S TALE. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

At tonight’s opening performance of BUREAU OF MISSING PERSONS, Artistic Driector Andrew Hungerford announced the next show of their season.

It is THE HANDMAID’S TALE by Margaret Atwood, adapted for the stage by Joe Stollenwerk. The world premiere of this production was presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in April 2011 as a season extra for nine performances only. That run of the one-woman show was directed by Brian Isaac Phillips and starred Corrine Mohlenhoff. Both are returning for the fully-staged production at Know Theatre of Cincinnati.

I was lucky enough to attend a performance and it was an extremely well-done. Well-written, directed and acted. I look forward to seeing it again. Below I have pulled some information about Stollenwerk and that production from the original press release.

The author, Joe Stollenwerk is originally from Cincinnati where he spent nearly ten years as the Artistic Director of Ovation Theatre Company. A vibrant member of the local theater community, Mr. Stollenwerk has also directed and/or acted with Cincinnati Music Theatre, Covedale Theatre, Cincinnati Playwright Initiative and Madisonville Arts Center. It was during this time in Cincinnati, that Mr. Stollenwerk and Ms. Mohlenhoff first met and began working with each other actually inspiring Mr. Stollenwerk to create this piece with Corinne in mind during the process.

“I first read The Handmaid’s Tale in a course on feminism and utopia/dystopia in literature in 2002. This was in the wake of 9/11 and it seemed that our country might all too easily be teetering on the brink of something reminiscent of Gilead from this novel. I immediately began thinking about turning it into a play, despite the fact that this seemed an insurmountable task. Then I remembered that one of my favorite genres of plays is the one-woman show, and that was that.” Mr. Stollenwerk began with a draft in 2006 which was well over six hours long. “I cut, and cut, and cut, always trying to be mindful that I wanted to preserve the plot and characters but also the social/political commentary as well as the marvelous language Atwood employs.”

The artistic process continued and Mr. Stollenwerk invited close friends over for informal readings of the script in his living room throughout 2007. “Finally, I felt ready to give Corinne a draft of the script, and in May of 2009 we did a staged reading here at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. I’m so pleased that I was finally able to secure the rights to have a production staged and to present the world premiere right here in Cincinnati, OH.”

I will post more details on the upcoming production when they become available.

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November 25, 2014 · 7:03 pm

CSC’s THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Awarded 4 Star LCT Recommendation

Jeremy Dubin as Dromio of Syracuse & Paul Riopelle as Dromio of Ephesus. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Jeremy Dubin as Dromio of Syracuse & Paul Riopelle as Dromio of Ephesus. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

LCT announces Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s THE COMEDY OF ERRORS is a 4-Star show.

“Cincinnati Shakespeare has mounted another fast-paced, thoroughly entertaining production of a classic Shakespearean comedy. The carnival concept worked perfectly, and the sight gags were hilarious” states one panelist.

Billed as one of Shakespeare’s silliest and earliest comedies, it features not just one but two sets of twins and all the hijinks that follow due to the mistaken identities. Jeremy Dubin and Paul Riopelle delight as “the Dromios” with “their fantastic comedic timing and facial expressions.”

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS runs through December 12 and tickets can be purchased at www.cincyshakes.com.

Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT party in the summer.The League of Cincinnati Theatres was founded in 1999 to strengthen, nurture and promote Cincinnati’s theatre community. LCT provides its member companies and individual members with education, resources and services to enhance the quality and exposure of the theatre community in Cincinnati and increase community awareness, attendance and involvement. More information about the League can be found at www.leagueofcincytheatres.info.

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November 25, 2014 · 1:11 am

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS 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.

Justin McCombs as Antipholus & Jeremy Dubin as Dromio (of Syracuse). Photo by By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Justin McCombs as Antipholus & Jeremy Dubin as Dromio (of Syracuse). Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Dec. 13. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the final preview performance.

CSC offers a fun and quirky production of the Bard’s THE COMEDY OF ERRORS. The setting for the show, the town of Ephesus, is re-imagined as a 1930s carnival.  Here the commoners are the performers, the wealthy the patrons, and the government is management.

I am continually impressed with the talent level of the entire CSC ensemble. The show features strong performances by Jeremy Dubin as Dromio of Syracuse, Justin McCombs as Antipholus of Syracuse, Miranda McGee as Adrianna, Maggie Lou Rader as Lucianna, Paul Riopelle as Dromio of Ephesus & Courtney Lucien as the 2nd Merchant. Very fun to watch were the characters of Nell [actress not credited in the program] and The Abbess played by Abby Rowold. Considering how hideous Nell is supposed to be, I think you missed an opportunity to make her the bearded lady. As the Dromio twins, Dubin and Riopelle look enough alike that I didn’t immediately realize that the first switch had occurred.

Brent Vimtrup as Solinus & Frank Delaney as Egeon. Photo by By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Brent Vimtrup as Solinus & Frank Delaney as Egeon. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Guest Director Patrick Flick aims for the funny bone, giving the humor a broad and slapstick bent which succeeds for the most part. I enjoyed the use of the silhouettes to help tell Egeon’s (Frank Delany) story of the loss of his family. The asides to the audience worked really well with McCombs stepping out of his “wife’s” embrace a personal favorite. At times, the energy wasn’t there to maintain the slapstick tone and some of the bits seemed more rehearsed than spontaneous. Also, the blocking for the final scene of the show felt a bit stagnant with most of the cast lined up along either side of the stage.

Maggie Lou Rader as Lucianna, Paul Riopelle as Dromio of Ephesus $ Miranda McGee as Adrrianna. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Maggie Lou Rader as Lucianna, Paul Riopelle as Dromio of Ephesus $ Miranda McGee as Adrrianna. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Noelle Wedig makes her CSC debut as Guest Costumer Designer. Very good work for the most part, but there were a few costumes that weren’t as successful. The cut of Luciana’s pants did not flair out enough to be baggy trousers of the period, making them look a bit too modern. Adriana’s dress was a bit too common-looking for a woman of her means and next to her husband, they did not look like a couple. The dress also read a bit too matronly, making her look more like Adriana’s mother than sister. I also didn’t understand the purple cape worn by Angelo (Billy Chance), the goldsmith.

Jeremy Dubin as Dromio of Syracuse & Paul Riopelle as Dromio of Ephesus. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Jeremy Dubin as Dromio of Syracuse & Paul Riopelle as Dromio of Ephesus. Photo by Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Andrew Hungerford’s scenic and lighting designed worked well, with the use of banners helping to quickly change locations. I really enjoyed the ferris wheel in the distance, but I would have liked to have seen something upstage right to continue the eye-line a bit.

Overall a fun and satisfying production of high-energy hi jinks and mistaken identities.

My rating: 4.25 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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November 21, 2014 · 2:09 pm

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) Runs Dec. 17-28

(Clockwise from left) Justin McCombs, Miranda McGee, Billy Chace and Sara Clark in CSC’s annual production. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

(Clockwise from left) Justin McCombs, Miranda McGee, Billy Chace and Sara Clark in CSC’s annual production. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Dec. 17-28
Downtown

Directed by Jeremy Dubin

Cast: Justin McCombs, Sara Clark, Billy Chace & Miranda McGee

What starts as an annual performance of “A Christmas Carol” quickly descends into a playful skewering of everyone’s favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics.”  Using just three actors and a little help from the audience, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) crams an entire season’s worth of stories, carols, and television specials into ninety minutes of non-stop laughs.

  • Wed-Thu, Dec. 17-18 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 19 at 7:30pm & 11pm
  • Sat, Dec. 20 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 21 at 2pm
  • Mon-Tue, Dec. 22-23 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Dec. 26 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Dec. 27 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 28 at 2pm

Official page |

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November 17, 2014 · 2:20 pm

Cincy Shakes’ Runaway Holiday Blockbuster Returns for 9th Straight Season

Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Runaway Holiday Blockbuster
EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) Returns for an 9th Straight Season!

The popular Cincinnati holiday tradition, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!), appears on CSC’s stage for a limited run of 13 performances December 17-28, 2014!

(Clockwise from left) Justin McCombs, Miranda McGee, Billy Chace and Sara Clark in CSC’s annual production. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

(Clockwise from left) Justin McCombs, Miranda McGee, Billy Chace and Sara Clark in CSC’s annual production. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

CINCINNATI, October 29, 2014— For the ninth straight year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is thrilled to offer a full season of holiday cheer in just 90 minutes with EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez.  This hilarious production is a non-stop holiday romp through everyone’s favorite Christmas stories performed by just four actors in ninety minutes.  Justin McCombs and Sara Clark, both now ninth year veterans of the company, return to poke fun at the holiday season, joined by Billy Chace, an eighth year company member.  Miranda McGee, fifth year company member, returns as a special guest.  CSC Artistic Associate, Jeremy Dubin, returns to the director’s chair.  This production is one of the most popular events in Cincinnati Shakespeare Company history breaking attendance and sales records every year.  All tickets are $28, making this show an affordable holiday treat.  Audiences are encouraged to get their tickets soon!

What starts as an annual performance of “A Christmas Carol” quickly descends into a playful skewering of everyone’s favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics.”  Using just three actors and a little help from the audience, EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) crams an entire season’s worth of stories, carols, and television specials into ninety minutes of non-stop laughs. EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) premiered in 2005 at Orlando Shakespeare Company under the direction of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger.

New this year- Cincinnati Shakespeare will be offering for the first time in its history, an 11pm performance on Friday Dec. 19!  This extra late night production will give audiences a chance to extend their holiday cheer into the early morning hours.  The Canon Club Bar will be open and available for audience members aged 21+ for this performance as well as the entire run.

Audiences and critics have made the show a sold-out success for the last seven Decembers.  Rick Pender of CityBeat wrote of the show, “If you’ve laughed yourself silly watching any of the scripts developed by the Reduced Shakespeare Company – you’ll find yourself in similar territory.  Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez clearly went to the same school… This production will certainly appeal to audiences looking for relaxing, adult holiday amusement.”   Director Jeremy Dubin remarks, “This cast has so much fun together that the show has become a very personal holiday tradition for all of us. Returning audiences will enjoy a fresh round of new fruitcake jokes, and new audiences will be amazed at Sara Clark’s frighteningly accurate Jimmy Stewart impression.”

Performances of EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY TOLD (AND THEN SOME!) are scheduled for a limited run of 13 performances from Dec. 17-28, 2014.  Performances on Dec. 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 26 and 27 are at 7:30pm.  Performances on Dec. 20, 21 and 27 are at 2:00pm.  There is an additional performance at 11pm on Friday Dec. 19, 2014.  All performances are held at CSC’s Theatre, 719 Race St.  No passes, subscriptions, group rates, or discounts apply.  All tickets are $28.  Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted.  To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273), or visit us online at www.cincyshakes.com.

Performance Schedule:

  • Wed 12/17/14 7:30pm
  • Thu 12/18/14 7:30pm
  • Fri 12/19/14 7:30pm
  • Fri 12/19/14 11:00pm
  • Sat 12/20/14 2:00pm
  • Sat 12/20/14 7:30pm
  • Sun 12/21/14 2:00pm
  • Mon 12/22/14 7:30pm
  • Tue 12/23/14 7:30pm
  • Fri 12/26/14 7:30pm
  • Sat 12/27/14 2:00pm
  • Sat 12/27/14 7:30pm
  • Sun 12/28/14 2:00pm

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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