Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

PROJECT HAMLET continues at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company with this Pulitzer Prize winning comedy by James Ijames.

Je’Shaun Jackson as Juicy. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

CINCINNATI, OH (September 5, 2024) – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) is thrilled to bring a cutting-edge production of Fat Ham by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames to the stage from September 6-22, 2024. This innovative and hilarious reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet has taken the theater world by storm with its contemporary setting, fresh perspective, and powerful themes of identity, revenge, and personal freedom. After an acclaimed Broadway run and five Tony Award nominations, including Best Play, Fat Ham makes its Cincinnati debut, offering audiences a bold new look at one of the most iconic stories in literature.  Fat Ham at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is generously sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and Mount St. Joseph University President H. James Williams and First Lady Carole Campbell Williams.

From September 6-22, 2024, CSC will stage Fat Ham by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames. This daring reimagining of Hamlet swaps the Danish court for a Southern backyard barbecue, transforming the classic tale of revenge, power, and family dynamics with a modern twist. Centered on Juicy, a queer Black man grappling with the murder of his father and the demand for vengeance, Fat Ham delivers a hilarious yet poignant examination of identity, legacy, and personal freedom.

Fat Ham premiered in 2021 as a filmed production at The Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, where Ijames is a resident artist. Its powerful and inventive take on Hamlet quickly garnered national attention, and in 2022, it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The play then made its way to The Public Theater in New York, where it continued to receive critical acclaim for its humor, depth, and fresh take on the Shakespearean narrative.

In 2023, Fat Ham made its Broadway debut at the American Airlines Theatre, where it was celebrated as a bold and contemporary interpretation of a classic, earning five Tony Award nominations, including Best Play. Described by critics as “a hilarious yet profound tragedy smothered in comedy,” the play has cemented itself as a modern theatrical sensation, offering an insightful exploration of race, identity, queerness, and family ties.

Directed by Darnell Pierre Benjamin, a frequent collaborator with CSC, Fat Ham brings this award-winning and groundbreaking production to Cincinnati for the first time. Benjamin, who also directed CSC’s acclaimed 2021 production of Romeo and Juliet, is excited to helm this vibrant interpretation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, blending comedy, tragedy, and modern-day relevance in one unforgettable performance.

CSC Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips, remarks, “We’re thrilled to bring Fat Ham to our stage. It’s an extraordinary piece that adds a vibrant and thought-provoking layer to the Hamlet narrative, showing the incredible versatility of Shakespeare’s work in speaking to modern audiences.”

In addition to Fat Ham, PROJECT HAMLET is a season-long celebration of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, offering audiences three distinct versions of the story. The project began with a FREE Shakespeare in the Park performance of Hamlet during the summer of 2024, making the Bard’s work accessible to all in Cincinnati. Then, audiences can experience Ijames’ inventive take in Fat Ham, followed by the world premiere of Lauren Gunderson’s A Room in the Castle in January 2025, which tells the story of Hamlet from the perspectives of the women of Hamlet.  Phillips continues, “Each of these productions brings something new to the Hamlet story, whether it’s a shift in perspective or setting. PROJECT HAMLET invites our audiences to rediscover the depth, humanity, and complexity of this tragedy in unexpected and thrilling ways.”

For tickets and more information on Fat Ham and PROJECT HAMLET, visit www.cincyshakes.com or call the CSC Box Office at (513) 381-BARD (2273).

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CSC offers discounts for students, seniors, and local residents, with a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets available for each performance, purchasable in advance. One hour before each performance, any unreserved tickets become available as $12 Rush Tickets, which must be purchased in person. For tickets or more information, call 513.381.BARD (2273) or visit cincyshakes.com.

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.

Bringing Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit back to life with new world-premiere sequel!

Featuring: Jasimine Bouldin, Kelly Mengelkoch, Austin Tichenor, and Courtney Lucien. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

Cincinnati, August 1, 2024 – Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) proudly presents the world premiere of “Kindred Spirits,” a new play by Alice Scovell, inspired by the characters and story of Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit. Directed by CSC’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO, Brian Isaac Phillips, Kindred Spirits will be on stage from August 2-18, 2024.

In this World Premiere sequel to Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit, the whimsical chaos of the spirit world collides, once again, with the realm of the living. Haunted by his past loves (literally), Charles Condomine finds it challenging to finish his latest book and pursue a beguiling love interest. Romance, jealousy, and unexpected reunions combine for a spirited, comedic romp, filled with witty repartee and otherworldly surprises. In Kindred Spirits, Alice Scovell— the playwright behind the Oscar Wilde sequel The Rewards of Being Frank— brings back to life many of Coward’s beloved characters, and introduces a few new, memorable ones.

The production stars Broadway luminary Christine Pedi* as Gertrude Condomine, Austin Tichenor* as Charles Condomine, and Kelly Mengelkoch* as Madame Arcati. Fellow cast members include Courtney Lucien*, Tora Nogami Alexande*r, Jasimine Bouldin, and Connie Castanzo*.

KINDRED SPIRITS’ creative team features Samantha Reno (Scenic Design); Chris Holloway (Assistant Scenic Design); Rainy Edwards (Costume Design); Watson (Lighting Design); Kevin Semancik (Sound Design); Robert Carlton Stimmel (Properties Design); Gina Cerimele-Mechley (Fight Director); Cole Sweasy+ (Stage Manager); and Abby Sherr (Assistant Stage Manager). 

Hailed as one of Broadway’s most captivating performers, Christine Pedi has enthralled audiences with her astonishing versatility, dazzling vocal range, and magnetic charisma. Known for her previous critically acclaimed portrayals in smash-hit musicals like Chicago, Little Me, and Talk Radio, Pedi’s career has been studded with numerous accolades, cementing her status as a true force in the realm of live performance. Pedi has graced CSC’s stage as Lady Bracknell in last season’s The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, and its new sequel, The Rewards of Being Frank, by Alice Scovell.

Kindred Spirits runs from August 2-18, 2024. Performances of Kindred Spirits are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM, with 2 Saturday Matinees on August 10 and 17 at 2:00 PM, and 2 Sunday matinees on August 11 and 18 at 2:00 PM. CSC offers performances with accessibility resources. There is a Sign Language Interpreted performance and available Live Audio Descriptions on August 18.

Tickets are on sale now. Half-price preview performances are on Wednesday, July 31, and Thursday, August 1, with tickets between $14 and $38, depending on seat location. Young Professionals are invited to YP Preview Night on Wednesday, July 31, with discounted tickets at $25, including a free drink and post-show talkback. Discounts are available for students, seniors, local residents, and community partners, as access to all is important to CSC. Each performance night has a limited number of $14 “Access” tickets in the Upper Gallery and Stage Gallery.  These can be purchased in advance by going online or calling the Box Office.  And starting 1 hour before each performance, any unreserved tickets may be available as a discounted Rush Ticket to anyone, not just students. These tickets are only $12 and could be located anywhere in the house, depending on that evening’s availability. These cannot be reserved more than 1 hour before a show and must be purchased in person in the Box Office. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees apply.  To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at cincyshakes.com. 

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park.  Many parking spaces are available on the street and in nearby lots and garages- for more information, visit otrchamber.com/pages/WheretoPark.  

CSC also offers Valet Parking for every performance! Make reservations for $25 in advance when purchasing tickets, or visit www.cincyshakes.com/parking. Purchasing in advance guarantees a spot.  Valet is available right at the corner of 12th and Elm Street in front of the theater and begins approx. 1.5 hours before a performance. Cars can be picked up for up to one hour following a performance. (After one hour, you will need to arrange pick up with the valet service directly.) After purchasing, the valet will have your name on the list— it’s that easy!

NEW! Reserved parking spaces are available for $15 in the lot adjacent to CSC on Elm Street, conveniently located next to the theater at 1119 Elm St. Parking opens approximately 2.5 hours prior to each performance. Upon purchase, your name will be added to the list by the 3CDC parking attendant – it’s hassle-free! Booking in advance ensures your space, but drive-ups are welcome if spots are available. Please note that this option is not offered on FC gamedays. Visit cincyshakes.com/your-visit/parking to reserve now.

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.

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*Appearing through an Agreement between this theatre, the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
+Member of SDC- The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers

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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 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!