Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

April 7, 2014 · 6:55 pm

THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Runs May 2-25

CSC_Two Noble KinsmenTHE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
May 2-25
Downtown

Captured and imprisoned during war, two friends become impassioned rivals as they fall in love with the beautiful princess Emilia. Deceit and fighting arise in this romance, as Palamon and Arcite both vie for the princess’ love. Originally derived from Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, do not miss out as CSC presents the final story in the quest to Complete the Canon!

  • In preview Wed-Thu, April 30-May 1 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, May 2-3 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Sat, May 8-10 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 11 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, May 15-17 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 18 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, May 22-24 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, May 25 at 2pm

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April 1, 2014 · 10:39 am

CSC’s HENRY IV Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Matt Johnson as Falstaff & Justin McCombs as Prince Hal.

Matt Johnson as Falstaff & Justin McCombs as Prince Hal.

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of the HENRY IV: Part 1 & 2 with a 4 Star Rating.

HENRY IV is Shakespeare’s classic history that mixes rebellion and treachery with the humorous coming of age of Prince Hal and his companion Falstaff. Panelists praised the production as “exuberant and boisterous…a really great ride!” “CSC drums up big attention with the play… I would highly recommend this production, especially for anyone who previously thought the History Plays were boring!” Brian Isaac Phillips was applauded for “flawless” direction, “maintaining order during the swiftly moving sequences.” Andrew Hungerford’s lighting was noteworthy, “heightening the drama and the mood scene by scene and keeping the audience focused and entranced”. Drew Fracher was also recognized for his effective fight choreography.

Panelists were impressed by the entire ensemble, who “sing and cavort and run the aisles and play with good energy and focus…I felt riveted.” Standouts included Matthew Lewis Johnson’s Falstaff and Justin McComb’s Prince Hal. “Their affection and sense of mischief was wonderful. McComb captured a Prince untethered, in the last throes of ribald chicanery…Johnson as Falstaff was delightful and fully flirtatious – waxing wordily as he justifies his lies and cowardice.”

Henry IV continues through April 91th. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.cincyshakes.com.

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.

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.com.

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March 7, 2014 · 1:10 pm

CSC’s Game of Thrones Continues with HENRY IV: PARTS 1 & 2

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

Jim Hopkins & Joneal Joplin.

Jim Hopkins & Joneal Joplin.

CINCINNATI, March 5 2014 — Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati’s stage for the classics, is proud to present William Shakespeare’s HENRY IV: PARTS 1 & 2, playing from March 28- April 19, 2014. This production is directed by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips and features CSC Resident Ensemble Members Jim Hopkins, Justin McCombs and Matthew Lewis Johnson. The History Cycle Sponsor is Osborne Rohs Williams & Donohoe and the design is sponsored by Messer Construction.

“Henry IV” features an incredible mix of exhilarating battles, boisterous comedy and heart-wrenching emotion. After usurping the throne from King Richard II (Brent Vimtrup), King Henry IV (Jim Hopkins) finds he has inherited a country in chaos. Rebellions abound, lines are being drawn and one false step could plunge the country into civil war. To make matters worse, his son Hal (Justin McCombs) is now heir to the throne but has forsaken his duties at court and taken up with a band of brigands under the charge of that notorious drunkard and pot-bellied prankster, Sir John Falstaff (Matthew Lewis Johnson), one of Shakespeare’s most hilarious characters!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is only the 2nd theater company in the United States to present Shakespeare’s 8 play history cycle in chronological order. Last season’s “Richard II” began this multi-season history cycle at Cincinnati Shakespeare that includes this upcoming production of “Henry IV: Part 1 & 2” as well as next season’s recently announced “Henry V”. The cycle concludes with “Henry VI: Parts 1, 2 & 3” and “Richard III” which CSC will present in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips has noted that “as the company has produced Shakespeare’s less familiar works, like the wildly popular “Henry VIII: All is True” and “The Life and Death of King John”, audiences and artists alike have discovered something wonderful in each play that expands their appreciation of Shakespeare’s artistry and skill.”Performances of “Henry IV: Parts 1 & 2” are scheduled from March 28- April 19, 2014 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. No show on Easter Sunday April 20, so a performance has been added for Saturday April 19 at 2pm. Preview performances are on Wednesday Mar. 26 and Thursday Mar. 27 at 7:30pm and tickets are $20. The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$31 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$35 on Fridays and Saturdays. 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 Enjoy the Arts and 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.

Performances on Thursday feature a pre-show presentation about the production and performances on Sundays feature a Q&A with the cast following the show. Both are free and included in the ticket.

Performance Schedule:

  • Wednesday March 26th at 7:30 pm *Preview
  • Thursday March 27th at 7:30 pm *Preview
  • Friday March 28th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday March 29th at 7:30 pm
  • Thursday April 3rd at 7:30 pm
  • Friday April 4th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday April 5th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday April 6th at 2:00 pm
  • Thursday April 10th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday April 11th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday April 12th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday April 13th at 2:00 pm
  • Thursday April 17th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday April 18th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday April 19th at 2:00 pm
  • Saturday April 19th at 7:30 pm

*Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers (SDC) Union

About the 20th Anniversary Season:
The 20th Anniversary 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. The season design sponsor is Mark & Sue Ann Painter. Production dates and information on the 20th Anniversary are available online at http://www.cincyshakes.com. 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.

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. This season, CSC is proud to become one of only 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!

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March 4, 2014 · 6:22 pm

HENRY VI: Part 1 & 2 Runs March 28-April 19

CSC_Henry IVHENRY VI: Part 1 & 2
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
March 28-April 19
Downtown

Cast: Darnell Pierre Benjamin, Billy Chance, Sara Clark, Charlie Cromer, Giles Davies, Jeremy Dubin, Jim Hopkins, Justin King, Matt Lytle, Justin McCombs, Miranda McGee, Caitlin McWethy, Kelly Mengelkoch, Maggie Lou Rader, Paul Riopelle, John Scheller, Zach Schute & Brent Vimtrup

After usurping the throne from King Richard II, King Henry finds he has inherited a country in chaos. Rebellions abound, lines are being drawn and one false step could plunge the country into civil war. To make matters worse, his son Hal (now heir to the throne) has forsaken his duties at court and taken up with a band of brigands under the charge of that notorious drunkard and pot-bellied prankster, Sir John Falstaff.

  • In preview Wed (SOLD OUT)-Thu, March 26-27 at 7:30pm. All seats $20.
  • Fri-Sat, March 28-29 at 7:30pm
  • Thu-Sat, April 3-5 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, April 6 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, April 10-12 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, April 13 at 2pm
  • Thu-Fri, April 17-18 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, April 19 at 2pm & 7:30pm

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February 26, 2014 · 6:52 pm

CSC Announces 2014-2015 Season

Here is a quick listing of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s 2014-2015 Season:

  • WAITING FOR GODOT featuring Bruce Cromer and Joneal Joplin. Photo by J. Sheldon Photo.

    WAITING FOR GODOT featuring Bruce Cromer and Joneal Joplin. Photo by J. Sheldon Photo.

    THE GREAT GATSBY
    Sept. 5-Oct. 4
    Featuring Jared Joplin and Sara Clark
    It is the height of prohibition and young Nick Carraway has taken up residence in Long Island’s “West Egg”, home to the nouveau riche. He is soon befriended by his neighbor, the mysterious Jay Gatsby, and 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 BIRDS
    Oct. 17-Nov. 8
    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.
  • THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
    Nov. 21-Dec. 13
    Double the antics! Double the hijinks! Double the twins! That’s right, Shakespeare’s earliest and wackiest comedy features not one, but TWO sets of identical twins, leading to twice the confusion, and twice the fun. Twin masters Antipholus and Antipholus and their twin servants Dromio and Dromio, separated at birth and each unknown to the other, just happen to end up in the same town on the same day. What ensues is an increasingly unlikely string of misunderstandings and mistaken identities as the twins unintentionally wreak havoc on each other’s lives.
  • WAITING FOR GODOT
    Jan. 16-Feb. 7
    Featuring Bruce Cromer and Joneal Joplin
    The greatest play of the Twentieth Century returns to the CSC stage for the first time in over a decade!  In a vaudeville of cosmic proportions, the two loveably hapless vagrants, Gogo and Didi, grapple with the mysteries of the universe, trading barbs and banter as they await the arrival of the eternally truant Godot. A profound comedy punctuated with instants of dread.
  • LITTLE WOMEN
    Feb. 20-March 21
    Louisa May Alcott’s treasured classic, Little Women tells the enduring story of the March family – a lively, American household living in refined poverty.  With her husband away in the American Civil War, Marmee is left alone to bring up their four girls; romantic Meg, shy Beth, willful Amy and of course, fiery and independent Jo.  Through the intertwining lives of the sisters we see the familiar frustrations, contradictions and duties that constitute family life and love. We share in the hardships and heartbreak, humor and humility of these passionate and unique young women.
  • THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
    April 3-25
    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?
  • HENRY V
    May 8-30
    Featuring Justin McCombs
    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.
  • ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS
    June 12-July 5
    The Tony-award winning smash comedy that wowed audiences in London’s West End and on Broadway now comes to Cincinnati! Fast-talking Francis Henshall finds himself in a sticky predicament when, in his constant quest for a quick buck and a bite to eat, he ends up simultaneously working for two rival masters. Can he prevent his bosses from meeting face-to-face, or has Francis bitten off more than he can chew? This raucous new adaptation of Goldoni’s classic Italian comedy, Servant of Two Masters is filled with improvisation, audience interaction, and even a real live skiffle band. Lauded as “comic perfection” and “the funniest show in the western world”

Productions not included in subscription packages

  • THE COMPLETE WORK OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED)
    July 25-Aug. 16, 2014
  • EVERY CHRISTMAS STORY EVER TOLD (AND THEN SOME!)
    Dec. 17-28

Click here for additional information.

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