Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

THE BIRDS Runs Oct. 17-Nov. 8

Sherman Fracher. Photo by Cal Harris.

Sherman Fracher. Photo by Cal Harris.

THE BIRDS
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Oct. 17-Nov. 8
Downtown

Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips

Cast: Sara Clark, Sherman Fracher, Nicholas Rose & Brent Vimtrup

The classic Hitchcock thriller that’s been terrifying audiences for generations is winging its way toward Cincinnati for Halloween.  For reasons unknown, the birds have turned against man, attacking them maliciously and relentlessly. In a small seaside cabin, a group of strangers find themselves thrust together, each seeking sanctuary from the savage avian menace. But as the situation becomes increasingly dire and the tension between the survivors inexorably grows, it isn’t long before the atmosphere turns ugly, and they discover that the horror hovering outside is nothing compared to that which lurks within.

  • In preview Wed-Thu, Oct. 15-16 at 7:30pm. All seats $21.
  • Fri-Sat, Oct. 17-18 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Sat, Oct. 23-25 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Oct. 26 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 2 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, Nov. 6-7 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Nov. 8 at 2pm & 7:30pm

Official page |

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THE GREAT GATSBY 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.

THE GREAT GATSBY presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Oct. 4. More information.

CSC_The Great Gatsby2Now THAT is how you start a play! I really enjoyed how the energy of the opening scene exploded off the stage with the first light cue. It grabs your attention and immediately pulls you into the show.

Justin McCombs as Nick Carraway. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Justin McCombs as Nick Carraway. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

As in the book, the character of Nick Carraway (played by Justin McCombs) also serves as the narrator. He gives a solid performance, but the character felt a bit restrained emotionally to me. Also, several times, in the transitions, McCombs seemed to rush into the special lighting without acknowledging the transition back into his role as narrator.

Sara Clark as Daisy Buchanan and Jared Joplin as Jay Gatsby. Photo by Mikki Schaffner,

Sara Clark as Daisy Buchanan and Jared Joplin as Jay Gatsby. Photo by Mikki Schaffner,

Sara Clark brings a unique energy to Daisy that I really enjoyed. The character seems to be always on the edge of an emotional cliff and Clark does an excellent job of portraying how her circumstances (and her refusal to actually make a decision to change those circumstances) push her closer to the edge.

Based on the physical description in the novel, Billy Chance would not be my first choice to cast as Tom Buchanan. In the role, Chance has a tendency to roll his shoulders forward and lean in at the waist, a posture that doesn’t evoke athlete to me. Better posture and a bit more of the “smaller guy on the team” swagger would help sell the character physically.

Billy Chace as Tom Buchanan and Miranda McGee as Myrtle Wilson. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Billy Chace as Tom Buchanan and Miranda McGee as Myrtle Wilson. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Kelly Mengelkoch also does solid work as Jordan Baker. The flashback scene between Jordan and Daisy was very strong and a favorite moment in the play. Jordan’s final scene with Nick was also handled very well.

From the stage, Jared Joplin doesn’t appear as a contemporary of the other performers which seems a little off. While Gatsby’s aloofness towards others is in character, I would have liked to see that facade fall away a bit more in the presence of Daisy and his other confidants.

The show includes strong supporting character work by Jeremy Dubin as Meyer Wolfsheim, Miranda McGee as Myrtle Wilson, Nicolas Rose as George Wilson. Also solid work from the ensemble.

Kelly Mengelkoch as Jordan Baker & Justin McCombs as Nick Carraway. Photo by Mikki Shaffner.

Kelly Mengelkoch as Jordan Baker & Justin McCombs as Nick Carraway. Photo by Mikki Shaffner.

For the most part, the video projections on the back walls worked well throughout the show. There was one scene in the first act when Daisy is looking out the window, the projection threw a shadow down her face that was distracting. The use of green lighting and the every present eyes were great visual references to the novel.

A nice idea in setting up the triangle tableau of the victims, but unfortunately with two bodies downstage on the floor, all three could not be seen by the majority of the audience.

Overall, a solid production with some really good moments. For me, the dynamic of the three male leads felt a bit off and was distracting at times.

More information |

My rating: 4 out of 5

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LCT Recognizes THE GREAT GATSBY With a 4 Star Rating

CSC_The Great Gatsby2Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of THE GREAT GATSBY, an adaptation of F. Scott with a 4 Star Rating.

THE GREAT GATSBY is an adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel of America in the twenties, exploring the notions of love, identity, morality and the corruption of the American Dream. Panelists praised the show: “All the actors in this show were fantastic. They really brought the story to life…The show is a crowd-pleaser and I would definitely recommend it.”

THE GREAT GATSBY continues through October 4th. Tickets can be purchased at http://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.

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Adult Acting Classes at CSC

ADULT ACTING CLASSES AT CINCINNATI SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

CSC_20 logoNow Enrolling

New Topics in Acting for Adults- Fall 2014
Register Now (or https://docs.google.com/forms
/d/1GOjj9CrI2rbE2IFKO4CJzthq17
ILoVv3U0W2OzDivN8/viewform
)
This new course will focus on a particular topic each week, allowing students to develop a deeper base of knowledge and experience in a variety of subjects!  The topics that will be covered in this course include Movement for the Actor, Voice for the Actor, Ensemble Building, Actioning, Shakespeare Text, and Audition Techniques and Coaching. This course is for adults only.
All skill levels welcome!
Cost $195/ course.   Make a payment online here. Or at http://tiny.cc/camppay1
Instructor: Maggie Lou Rader, CSC Resident Ensemble Member & Education Associate.

  • Oct. 21, 5:30-7:25pm
  • Nov. 4, 5:30-7:25pm
  • Nov. 11, 5:30-7:25pm
  • Nov. 25, 5:30-7:25pm
  • Dec. 2, 5:30-7:25pm
  • Dec. 9, 5:30-7:25pm
  • Dec. 16, 5:30-7:25pm

Advanced Shakespeare Acting for Adults- Fall 2014
Register Now (or https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1GOjj9CrI2rbE2IFKO4CJzthq17ILoVv3U0W2OzDivN8/viewform )
This rigorous course will build upon past studies and experience with Shakespeare for an  in-depth exploration into proven techniques that illuminate the text for study and performance. Students have the opportunity to work with a member of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Resident Company.  This course is for adults only.
Pre-requisite: Adult Shakespeare Acting course as CSC or permission from the instructor.
Cost $195/ course.   Make a payment online here. Or at http://tiny.cc/camppay1
Instructor: Maggie Lou Rader, CSC Resident Ensemble Member & Education Associate.

  • Oct. 21, 7:30-9:30pm
  • Nov. 4, 7:30-9:30pm
  • Nov. 11, 7:30-9:30pm
  • Nov. 25, 7:30-9:30pm
  • Dec. 2, 7:30-9:30pm
  • Dec. 9, 7:30-9:30pm
  • Dec. 16, 7:30-9:30pm

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THE GREAT GATSBY Coming Soon at Cincinnati Shakespeare!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Presents their Highly Anticipated Production of
THE GREAT GATSBY!

Cincinnati’s stage for the classics, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, is thrilled to bring this American masterpiece to the stage in this Regional Premiere production.

 Jared Joplin as Gatsby and Sara Clark as Daisy. By J. Sheldon Photo.

Jared Joplin as Gatsby and Sara Clark as Daisy. By J. Sheldon Photo.

CINCINNATI,— August 13, 2014— Cincinnati Shakespeare Company officially opens their 2014-2015 season with the highly anticipated production of the Regional Premiere of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” adapted for the stage by Simon Levy.  This production is directed by Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips and features Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Resident Ensemble of actors including Jared Joplin, Justin McCombs, Sara Clark and Kelly Mengelkoch.  The Ensemble is generously sponsored by BKD and Taft and the Design is sponsored by Legg Mason.

It is the height of prohibition and young Nick Carraway (Justin McCombs) has taken up residence in Long Island’s “West Egg”, home to the nouveau riche near his cousin Daisy Buchannan (Sara Clark). He is soon befriended by his neighbor, the mysterious Jay Gatsby (Jared Joplin), and is drawn into his glitzy, if garish, world of lavish parties and secret speakeasies. But as Gatsby’s secretive past is uncovered and his intentions revealed, Nick finds himself a pawn in a love triangle so scandalous, it threatens to destroy all those around him.  This American classic is a poignant examination of America in the early twentieth century, exploring the notions of love, morality, identity and the corruption of the American Dream.  F. Scott Fitzgerald’s best known and most beloved work, “The Great Gatsby” finally comes to the stage in this exclusive new adaption by Simon Levy.

“The Great Gatsby” is a 1925 novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald and is widely considered to be a literary classic and a contender for the title of the Great American Novel.  The story has been told in many art forms including opera, radio, and ballet as well as in film including the 1974 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, and the most recent 2013 version directed by Baz Luhrmann staring Leonardo DeCaprio.  This new adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” by Simon Levy for the stage is the only one authorized and granted exclusive rights by the Fitzgerald Estate and is the only version permitted to be produced in the US and Canada.  The play had its world premiere at The Guthrie Theater and was subsequently produced by Seattle Repertory Theatre. In 2012 a revised/reworked version was produced at Arizona Theatre Company and Grand Theatre in London, Ontario, Canada. In September, it is receiving its regional premiere in Cincinnati by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company!

For additional information or for interviews with any member of the cast or company contact Jeanna Vella, Director of Education and Communications as jeanna.vella@cincyshakes.com or 513.381.2273 ext. 3202. 

Performances of “The Great Gatsby” are scheduled from September 5- October 4, 2014 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm with an additional Saturday matinee on Oct. 4.  Preview performances are on Wednesday Sep. 3 and Thursday Sep. 4 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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