Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The annual holiday blockbuster comedy “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)” is playing Dec. 13-29, 2024

Billy Chace, Cary Davenport, Candice Handy, and Geoffrey Warren Barnes II. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Cincinnati, November 12, 2024 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is thrilled to announce the return of its annual holiday blockbuster comedy, “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” by Michael Carleton, James Fitzgerald, and John K. Alvarez. Running from December 13-29, 2024, this irreverent and heartwarming production promises a festive evening full of laughs and nostalgia.

What begins as a traditional production of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” quickly spirals into a side-splitting romp through everyone’s favorite holiday stories. From timeless classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to beloved TV specials like to beloved TV specials like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” no holiday tradition is safe from this whirlwind of humor. The show also features fresh, topical references to pop culture and current events, making each season’s production a unique experience. Content Advisory: PG-13. Features some adult humor and language. Recommended for teens and adults. Not recommended for any theatergoer who still believes in Santa. Contact the Box Office with questions.

This year’s production is again directed by Jeremy Dubin, a long-time CSC actor and director who brings his signature style and comedic timing to the show. The cast includes returning favorites Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Candice Handy, and Cary Davenport, whose chemistry and comedic talents delighted audiences last season. Joining the ensemble this season is Billy Chace, a CSC veteran making his return to the Christmas show ensemble, having last performed in the show in 2009.

“Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)” runs from December 13 – 29, 2024 for 19 performances. The full schedule is available online at cincyshakes.com/on-stage/every-christmas-2024.

CSC is committed to accessibility and inclusion. An Audio Description service will be available for the performance on Friday, December 13, at 7:30 PM, and the final Saturday matinee on December 28 at 2:00 PM will feature Sign Language Interpretation. Learn more online at cincyshakes.com/your-visit/accessibility.

###

For the best ticketing experience, and to avoid resale sites or scams, please be sure to only purchase tickets directly through Cincinnati Shakespeare Company online at cincyshakes.com or by calling our Box Office at 513.381.2273. Ticket prices range from $12- $82; don’t pay more!

Discounts are available for students, seniors, educators, military personnel, local residents, and community partners at all performances. Additionally, $14 “Access” tickets are offered in the Upper Gallery for each performance and can be purchased in advance online or by calling the Box Office.

For those seeking last-minute options, $12 Rush Tickets are available to anyone (not just students) starting one hour before each performance. These unreserved tickets, offered in various seating locations, are subject to availability and must be purchased in person at the Box Office within an hour of showtime.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or visit cincyshakes.com. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted, and ticketing fees apply.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at 1195 Elm Street, adjacent to Washington Park. Valet parking is available for $25 and self-parking for $15 is available in the adjacent lot. Make advance reservation online the website or contact the Box Office.  For more details, visit cincyshakes.com/your-visit/parking.

###

About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers and 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!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2024-2025 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

Jeremy Dubin, Cary Davenport, and Geoffrey Warren Barnes II. Photo by
Mikki Schaffner.

After the run in Cincinnati, this very production—cast, design, and all—will head to Prague, Czech Republic, for CSC’s first international collaboration with Prague Shakespeare Company 

Cincinnati, Nov 14, 2024 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is making a voyage to Illyria and beyond with William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night playing November 15 – December 7. This production is directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO, Brian Isaac Phillips and features an ensemble cast of 10 with multiple returning CSC Resident Ensemble Members, welcoming in fresh faces from Prague Shakespeare Company and beyond. The Ensemble for Twelfth Night is generously sponsored by PNC Bank and the Design is sponsored by Rance and Marilyn Duke.

Shakespeare’s delightful comedy of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements, is a family-friendly spectacle that promises laughter and joy for all. Set in the whimsical land of Illyria, the play follows the adventures of Viola, who, disguised as a man, finds herself at the heart of a hilarious series of misunderstandings and mishaps. With a colorful cast of characters, the play is a merry dance of romance, comedy, and playful deception perfect for audiences of all ages.

Courtney Lucien returns to the stage as Viola, with Jeremy Dubin starring as the fool, Feste. Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Cary Davenport, and Candice Handy comedic chemistry ignites in their roles of Toby Belch, Sir Andrew, and Maria as they trick Malvolio, played by Barry Mulholland.  Cameron Nalley as Sebastian and Leraldo Anzaldua as Orsino make their debut at Cincy Shakes. In an exciting first, Twelfth Night is a collaborative production with the Prague Shakespeare Company (PSC), the Czech Republic’s premier English-language theater! Founded by Guy Roberts, PSC is a renowned international company, celebrating 17 years of exceptional theater with productions spanning the globe. Actors Elissa Levitt and Josh Morrison join the cast from PSC and have travelled all the way to Cincinnati to be a part of this production. After its Cincinnati debut, the entire production and cast of Twelfth Night will travel to Prague for performances there, bringing CSC’s unique take on this classic to European audiences—a thrilling first for everyone!

Charlie Calvert returns as scenic designer, creating a multi-level set furnished by Lane Shoemaker’s properties design. Robert Carlton Stimmel is the sound and projections designer as well as co-lighting designer with Abigail Fluck. Rainy Edwards’ costumes, designed in Elizabethan style, are vibrant to match the comedic tone of Twelfth Night, and Kayla Cieslinski’s wig design adds the finishing touch to the actor’s appearances. Jeremy Dubin has composed original music to score the Shakespearean text.

###

For the best ticketing experience and to avoid resale sites or scams, please be sure to only purchase tickets directly through Cincinnati Shakespeare Company online at cincyshakes.com or by calling our Box Office at 513.381.2273. Ticket prices range from $12- $78; don’t pay more!

Twelfth Night runs from November 15 – December 7, 2024, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, plus two Saturday matinees on November 30 and December 7, and two Sunday matinees on November 24 and December 1 at 2:00 PM. A sensory friendly performance will be held on December 4 at 6:30 with tickets costing $5. This performance will be uniquely adapted for individuals with autism and/or those with developmental and/or sensory differences to enjoy with their families.

Preview Performances on Wednesday, November 13, and Thursday, November 14, for half-price tickets. Young Professionals can enjoy YP Preview Night on November 13 with $25 tickets, a free drink, and a post-show talkback. At all performances discounts are available for students, seniors, educators, military, local residents, and community partners, as well as $14 “Access” tickets in the Upper Gallery for each performance, available for advance purchase online or by calling the Box Office. Also, starting 1 hour before each show, unreserved tickets may be available as $12 Rush Tickets for anyone (not just students), in various seating locations, based on availability. Rush Tickets must be purchased in person at the Box Office within an hour of showtime.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or visit cincyshakes.com. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted, and ticketing fees apply.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at 1195 Elm Street, adjacent to Washington Park. Valet parking is available for $25 and self-parking for $15 is available in the adjacent lot. Make advance reservation online the website or contact the Box Office.  For more details, visit cincyshakes.com/your-visit/parking.

###

About Prague Shakespeare Company:

The Prague Shakespeare Company presents professional theatre productions, workshops, classes, lectures and other theatrical events of the highest quality, conducted primarily in English by a diverse multinational ensemble of professional theatre artists, with an emphasis on the plays of William Shakespeare. The Prague Shakespeare Company brings to Czech, European and international audiences performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking, and eminently accessible, connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today.

About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers and 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!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2024-2025 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.

Jay Wade. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Tickets are already selling fast for this thrilling version of the classic story just in time for Halloween 

Cincinnati, Oct. 9, 2023 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company bring a gothic classic monster to life in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein by David Catlin playing October 11^th – November 2^nd. This adaptation is directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO, Brian Isaac Phillips and features an ensemble of five actors comprised of Jasimine Bouldin. Alexis Bronkovic, Billy Chace, John Patrick Hayden, and Jay Wade. This production’s design is generously sponsored by Rance and Marilyn Duke.

On a dark and stormy night, a group of friends challenge each other to tell a frightful tale and thus Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is born. Cast away by his creator, Victor Frankenstein’s rejected creature is thrust into a world that recoils in terror, disgusted by his inhumanity. A new spin on the gothic tale from the mother of science fiction promises to be a spine-tingling encounter with one of literature’s most iconic monsters. Ideal for the Halloween season, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will ask the question: who is the real monster, creature or creator?

This version of Frankenstein was adapted by David Catlin in 2019 and originally produced by the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago, IL. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein takes place on the night Mary Shelley conceived the story of Frankenstein. Actors portray the historical figures present at the story’s creation, including Percy Bysshe Shelley, Lord Byron, and Mary Shelley herself, as they gather to tell each other grim tales of the macabre. They begin to recount the story of Frankenstein, using props and costumes from the set to embody the characters of the gothic tale, bringing the story to life! Director Brian Isaac Phillips remarks, “It’s full of thrills and chills, but it also has this really fantastic heart to it… specifically with Mary Shelley’s journey and who she is and how she creates the story.” Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is thrilled to bring this over 200 year old classic to life this Halloween season!

This production of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein will have a life following this run in Cincinnati.  Produced in partnership with Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, Massachusetts, the production will travel and perform at the partner organization from November 8^th– 24^th. Designers from Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Merrimack Repertory Theatre will work together to bring Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to life at both cities.  Producing productions in partnership like this is cost-effective, helping theaters streamline operations, maximize budgets, and deliver high-quality performances to a wider audience.

The set, designed by Samantha Reno, is inspired by the villa in Geneva where the story of Frankenstein was created. Costume designs by Rainy Edwards use various accessories, coats, and even fur rugs to transform the small ensemble of actors into a variety of roles. Robert Carlton Simmel’s projection designs use water color and sketch book styles to transport audiences from Dr. Frankenstein’s eerie lab to the desolate frozen arctic. Massachusetts-based designer Jeff Adelberg will make his Cincinnati debut with his lighting design, and Zack Bennett has designed a soundscape that will give audiences the chills.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has added two special event showings to the run of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein: Blinkenstein and Frankenstein’s Monster Bash:

See Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein before a night of BLINK at BLINKenstein Oct.19^th at 6:30 PM. This performance features themed cocktails, dazzling surprises, and glowing goodie bags for audiences. This early showing gives audiences plenty of time to park, enjoy the show, and then dive into BLINK festivities.

Audiences can join Cincy Shakes Halloween night at “Frankenstein’s Monster Bash.” Audiences are invited to see Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein while dressed in their spookiest duds and costumes. Featured cocktails, thrilling performances, and monstrous surprises await ticket holders October 31^st at 7:30 PM.

###

For the best ticketing experience and to avoid resale sites or scams, please be sure to only purchase tickets directly through Cincinnati Shakespeare Company online at cincyshakes.com. or by calling our Box Office at 513.381.2273. Ticket prices range from $12- $76; don’t pay more!

Tickets are on sale now and going fast, with some performances already SOLD OUT! Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein runs from October 11th – November 2nd, 2024, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, plus two Saturday matinees on October 19th and November 2nd, and two Sunday matinees on October 20th and 27th at 2:00 PM. Additional shows include Wednesday, October 16 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, October 19 at 6:30 PM to accommodate BLINK. CSC offers accessible performances: Live Audio Descriptions and Sign Language Interpretation are available at the November 2nd matinee.

Preview Performances on Wednesday, October 9, and Thursday, October 10, for half-price tickets. Young Professionals can enjoy YP Preview Night on October 9 with $25 tickets, a free drink, and a post-show talkback. At all performances discounts are available for students, seniors, educators, military, local residents, and community partners, as well as $14 “Access” tickets in the Upper Gallery for each performance, available for advance purchase online or by calling the Box Office. Also, starting 1 hour before each show, unreserved tickets may be available as $12 Rush Tickets for anyone (not just students), in various seating locations, based on availability. Rush Tickets must be purchased in person at the Box Office within an hour of showtime.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or visit cincyshakes.com Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted, and ticketing fees apply.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at 1195 Elm Street, adjacent to Washington Park. Valet parking is available for $25 and self-parking for $15 is available in the adjacent lot. Make advance reservation online the website or contact the Box Office.  For more details, visit cincyshakes.com/your-visit/parking.

###

About Merrimack Repertory Theatre:

Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s mission is to “create remarkable new and contemporary plays that bring joy to our art form while engaging, entertaining and enriching our community.” The non-profit company guarantees that shows are accessible to audiences of all incomes; partners with businesses and other non-profits to fully engage the community; and contributes to the economic vitality of Lowell by attracting diverse audiences from throughout the region.

About Cincinnati Shakespeare Company:

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for all.  In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. CSC’s repertoire is composed of the works of William Shakespeare, literary adaptations, world premieres, and contemporary classics. CSC performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with the Actors’ Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare is a member of Theater Communications Group and Shakespeare Theatre Association. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Education and Outreach Programs reach more than 50,000 young people and community members by meeting audiences where they are. This includes sharing programming in schools, parks, community centers and 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!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2024-2025 Season is generously presented by our Operating Support Partners: The Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. Foundation; The Ohio Arts Council; The Robert and Adele Schiff Family Foundation; The National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest; The Shubert Foundation; Maureen and John Bridgeland, Cindy Bridgeland Crilley, and Debby and Jim Mason in honor of Jim Bridgeland; Lightborne, and the tens of thousands of people who give generously to the ArtsWave Community Campaign.