Tag Archives: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

November 3, 2013 · 12:22 pm

CSC Presents Shakespeare’s Classic Comedy Gender-Bender, TWELFTH NIGHT

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents this popular Shakespeare comedy, set in a lavish and traditional Elizabethan style, to kick off the holiday season!

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.

CINCINNATI, November 1, 2013 — Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati’s stage for the classics, continues their 20th Anniversary Season with William Shakespeare’s comedy TWELFTH NIGHT, playing November 22- December 15, 2013. This production is directed by CSC Artistic Associate, Sara Clark and features CSC Resident Ensemble members Brent Vimtrup, Corinne Mohlenhoff and Maggie Lou Rader. The production is generously sponsored by Rippe & Kingston and the production design is sponsored by Matson Money and Towne Properties.

In the wake of a shipwreck, Lady Viola (Maggie Lou Rader) 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 (Brent Vimtrup) to the object of his infatuation, the aloof Lady Olivia (Corinne Mohlenhoff). 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. Audiences will enjoy a traditional Elizabethan staging of this classic Shakespearean gender-bender, TWELFTH NIGHT.

TWELFTH NIGHT will be directed by CSC Artistic Associate Sara Clark who directed last season’s smash hit “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Sara says that “TWELFTH NIGHT is a lay of interweaving rhythms, moods, and tones; a showcase of high verbal wit, low drunken antics, and everything in between—sitcom scenarios shot through with moments of true poignancy, elements of high farce contrasted with dark humor and a little tinge of melancholy. It’s one of the best ensemble pieces in the canon, making it a great fit for this company of performers.” She continues saying that “we’ve chosen to set the production as close to its original premiere as possible: during the Twelfth Night festivities at the Inns of Court around 1602. I look forward to embracing both the youth, vigor, and daring of the Elizabethan Age as well as the atmosphere of carnivalesque revelry characteristic of the Twelfth Night festival season in which rational hierarchy is turned topsy-turvy and nothing is quite what it seems.”

Performances of TWELFTH NIGHT are scheduled from November 22- December 15, 2013 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Preview performances are on Wednesday Nov. 20 and Thursday Nov. 21 at 7:30pm and tickets are $20. No performance on Sunday Nov. 24 or Thursday Nov. 28. 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.

Performance Schedule:

  • Wednesday November 20th at 7:30 pm (Preview)
  • Thursday November 21st at 7:30 pm (Preview)
  • Friday November 22nd at 7:30 pm (Opening)
  • Saturday November 23rd at 7:30 pm
  • Friday November 29th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday November 30th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday December 1st at 2:00 pm
  • Thursday December 5th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday December 6th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday December 7th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday December 8th at 2:00 pm
  • Thursday December 12th at 7:30 pm
  • Friday December 13th at 7:30 pm
  • Saturday December 14th at 7:30 pm
  • Sunday December 15th at 2:00 pm (Closing)

TWELFTH NIGHT
By William Shakespeare

Directed by Sara Clark
Stage Manager: Alice Flanders*
Sound Designer: Doug Borntrager
Scenic & Lighting Designer: Andrew J. Hungerford
Costume Designer: Heidi Jo Schiemer

Cast List (in alphabetical order):

  • 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

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Ticket Deals

Tagged as , ,

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Press Releases

Tagged as ,

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 |

Leave a comment

Filed under On Stage

Tagged as

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.

Leave a comment

Filed under Reviews

Tagged as