Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

October 30, 2013 · 11:47 am

$15 Tickets to THE CRUCIBLE on Halloween Night

Brent Vimtrup as John Proctor & Sara Clark as as Abigail.

Brent Vimtrup as John Proctor & Sara Clark as as Abigail.

Join us on Halloween night this Thursday for THE CRUCIBLE. All tickets only $15!

This production is directed by Brian Isaac Phillips, Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Producing Artistic Director, and features Cincinnati Shakespeare resident ensemble members Bruce Cromer, Sara Clark, Brent Vimtrup, Kelly Mengelkoch, Billy Chace, Torie Wiggins, Stephen Skiles, Michael Bath andRegina Pugh working alongside of Xavier University theater students. More information is below!

Performances take place at the Gallagher Student Center Theater on Xavier’s campus. Get tickets online: http://xaviertheatre.ticketleap.com/crucible/#view=calendar or call 513-381-2273

Co-production between Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Xavier University Department of Music & Theatre

THE CRUCIBLE
By Arthur Miller

Directed by Brian Isaac Phillips

Only 4 performances left! Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7:30pm
Tickets only $15-30.
Get tickets online: http://xaviertheatre.ticketleap.com/crucible/#view=calendar or call 513-381-2273

Arthur Miller’s THE CRUCIBLE is a powerful dramatic portrayal of mass hysteria, intolerance and vengeance. In Salem in the late 1600s, a group of young girls accuse others of witchcraft sparking an alarming series of events. The self-righteous leaders of the church respond with suspicion and put those accused on trial for their lives ultimately leaving a town in fear, and the man at the center of it all questioning his faith and morality. One of the greatest American plays of all time and winner of the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play, this heart-pounding drama is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society.

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October 28, 2013 · 6:00 pm

CPI hosts Artistic Director of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

CPI_logoCincinnati Playwrights Initiative

Sunday, November 24, 2013, at 7 PM – Guest Speaker – Brian Isaac Phillips & Holiday Party

CPI hosts Brian Isaac Phillips, the Producing Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

“Cincinnati Shakespeare Co., Process, Submissions, Selections and more.”

Open discussion and Q&A will follow.

BRIAN ISAAC PHILLIPS is the Producing Artistic Director of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company for the last 3 years and Artistic Director for the last 10 years. He is also a member of Actor’s Equity Association and the Stage Director’s and Choreographer’s Society. Brian is originally from Pittsburgh, and a graduate of Morehead State University. In addition to the Shakespeare Company, he has worked for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, The Children’s Theatre, Know Theatre of Cincinnati, as well as over 100 productions with CSC. He also has worked regionally at theatres in North Carolina, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Northern Ohio. On May 3, 2013, Brian was recognized by the City of Cincinnati for his decade of achievement and service at CSC by having that day named Brian Isaac Phillips Day.

Free, general seating. For reservations call chair Sandi Kivkovich, sandikivi3@gmail.com, or call 513.861.0004. We ask those who come, to bring an appetizer or beverage to share.

Location & Directions:
French Hall’s actual address is 2815 Commons Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219. Room 2225 (ground floor)

If you go on Jefferson Ave, park your car near intersection with University Ave. (Free parking on Jefferson Ave. / fee at the Garage). Walk toward the campus. Turn left at the rotunda (circle) and go on Commons Way to the 1st building on the right French Hall. Enter the lobby and just follow the signs to room 2225.

Important Note: Unless you display a UC decal or Handicap tag, DO NOT park on any campus streets.

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October 26, 2013 · 3:58 pm

TWELFTH NIGHT Runs Nov. 22-Dec. 15

Brent Vimtrup as Orsino, Maggie Lou Rader as Viola & Corinne Mohlenhoff as Olivia. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

Brent Vimtrup as Orsino, Maggie Lou Rader as Viola & Corinne Mohlenhoff as Olivia. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

TWELFTH NIGHT
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Nov. 22-Dec. 15
Downtown

Reviews: Behind the Curtain |

Directed by Sara Clark

Cast: Billy Chace* as Antonio, Charlie Cromer as Sebastian, Jeremy Dubin* as Feste, Jim Hopkins* as Sir Toby, Justin King as Fabian, Matt Lytle as Captain/Priest, Justin McCombs* as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Miranda McGee as Maria, Caitlin McWethy as Valentine, Corinne Mohlenhoff* as Olivia, Maggie Lou Rader as Viola, Paul Riopelle* as Malvolio, Zach Schute as Curio/Officer & Brent Vimtrup* as Orsino
*Member of AEA

In the wake of a shipwreck, Lady Viola washes up on the shores of Ilyria, penniless and alone. Disguising herself as a boy, she procures employment delivering love letters from the amorous Duke Orsino to the object of his infatuation, the aloof Lady Olivia. Things get sticky when Viola herself falls for the lovesick Duke, then stickier still when Lady Olivia falls for the disguised Viola. Add into the mix a drunken uncle, a prudish steward and a wise-cracking fool, and you’ve got a knot only time can untangle. Enjoy a traditional Elizabethan staging of this classic Shakespearean gender-bender.

  • In preview Wed-Thu, Nov. 20-21 at 7:30pm. All seats $20.
  • Fri-Sat, Nov. 22-23 at 7:30pm
  • Fri-Sat, Nov. 29-30 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 1 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, Dec. 5-7 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Nov. 8 at 2pm
  • Thu-Sat, Dec. 12-14 at 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 15 at 2pm

Official page |

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October 23, 2013 · 1:20 pm

OF MICE AND MEN Review

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links and more are available on my FaceBook fan page. You can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

Jeremy Dubin as George and Jim Hopkins as Lenny. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Jeremy Dubin as George and Jim Hopkins as Lenny. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

OF MICE AND MEN presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company through Nov. 10. Read the show description.

If Cincinnati Shakespeare Company keeps this up, they may need to change their name to Cincinnati Classic Theatre Company. CSC follows OLIVER TWIST with another excellent adaptation of a literary classic, this time John Steinbeck’s OF MICE AND MEN.

I want to start off by saying I am very impressed by Jim Hopkins’ and Jeremy Dubin’s versatility. Going from Bill Sikes and Fagin to Lenny and George really showcases their range and talent.

Jeremy Dubin as George and Joneal Joplin as Candy with Rufus. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Jeremy Dubin as George and Joneal Joplin as Candy with Rufus. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

The performances across the ensemble are top notch. Every character has their own clearly defined personality. The movement on stage is confident, natural and had purpose. Not once did I see anyone on stage out of character or not in the moment.

I liked how the energy of Charlie Cromer’s Curly was so different from the rest of the guys. There was great character rapport between Slim (Justin McCombs) and George (Jeremy Dubin). Ken Early as Crooks and Joneal Joplin as Candy brought hope and a quiet dignity to the roles. A good Lenny can make or break this show. Jim Hopkins brings a flawless and and totally believable Lenny to the stage. Maggie Lou Rader finds a great balance with the “hussy-ness” and loneliness of Curley’s wife. Other ensemble members include Randy Lee Bailey as Carlson, Marc Liby as The Boss, Zach Schute as Whit and Rufus as Dog.

Jim Hopkins as Lenny & Maggie Lou Rader as Curly’s Wife. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Jim Hopkins as Lenny & Maggie Lou Rader as Curly’s Wife. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

On top of his excellent direction, Drew Fracher’s stage combat is the best I’ve ever seen for a production OF MICE AND MEN. The scene in the bunkhouse was smart, well-rehearsed and very believable. The barn scene built naturally and the unintentional finality was quick and shocking. Great job by Maggie Lou Rader in physically committing to it.

Technically the show excelled as well with costume design by Madeline Greenwalt, lighting design by Sara Watson and sound design by Doug Borntrager.  Travis McElroy’s set design was simple yet extremely versatile. The set changes were well-choreographed and maintained the pace of the show. Since the changes were on the long side, I think it was smart to leave enough light to allow the audience to watch the changes in silhouette.  Good work by stage manager Alice Flanders and crew.

Ken Early as Crooks & Jim Hopkins as Lenny. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

Ken Early as Crooks & Jim Hopkins as Lenny. Photo by Rich Sofranko.

OF MICE AND MEN is a classic story told with great heart and integrity. It is extremely well-done across all areas and stands as one of my favorite shows of the season.

Complete list of show times for OF MICE AND MEN.

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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October 21, 2013 · 8:38 am

CSC’s OF MICE AND MEN Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

LCT panelists recommend OF MICE AND MEN with a 4-Star rating

Jim Hopkins as Lenny & Jeremy Dubin as George. Photo by J. Sheldon Photo.

Jim Hopkins as Lenny & Jeremy Dubin as George. Photo by J. Sheldon Photo.

Based on John Steinbeck’s classic novel of enduring friendship amidst unendurable hardship, panelists lauded it as “near perfect – all the elements of acting, staging, set design and lighting design combined into a thoroughly compelling, emotionally draining (but satisfying) theater experience”….”poignant and accessible.”

Panelists singled out Drew Fracher’s direction for particular praise, “building up our understanding and affection for all these characters as well as the suspense and foreshadowing of the story…with perfect pace and timing.” They also applauded Jim Hopkin’s portrayal of Lenny: “There was not a single misstep in Hopkins’ absolutely believable and sympathetic portrayal of the mentally disabled, physically strong Lenny. I never once doubted that I was experiencing the person, not an actor portraying a character.”

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. www.leagueofcincytheatres.info

OF MICE AND MEN continues through November 10th. Tickets can be purchased at www.cincyshakes.com.

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