Bruce Cromer* as The Poet. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.
Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have awarded Ensemble Theatre’s production of AN ILIAD with a 5 star recommendation.
In AN ILIAD, the ancient thrilling tales of the Trojan War and the modern world collide in this captivating theatrical experience as we explore the psychology of passion and rage. Cincinnati actor Bruce Cromer embodies the Greek classic’s famous characters Achilles, Hector, Agammemnon—even the beautiful Helen of Troy–in a one man performance. This lean, muscular, tour-de-force performance conjures the fury of the gods as it delves deep into mankind’s unshakeable attraction to violence, destruction, and chaos.
Panelists raved about the production: “Every element of it worked beautifully, from the versatile, ‘meta’ setting design, pacing, and, finally, Bruce Cromer’s riveting performance as the poet. I rarely find a production so flawless, but this one sweeps the audience away, emotionally and intellectually.” Bruce Cromer “is stellar; his mercurial shifts into different characters, from gods to heroes to warriors and their women, his wonderful physicality, the agility with which he owns and uses the stage is just mesmerizing…this may be the best performance by an actor that I’ve seen In Cincinnati.” Director Michael Haney “did an excellent job of keeping the story clear and highlighting the complexity of human nature from the Greeks to the 21st century.” Technical aspects of the show, including Brian C. Mehring’s set and lighting design, and Matt Callahan’s sound design, were also singled out, all “masterfully planned and executed”. Overall the panelists said the show was “not to be missed—whether you know The Iliad well or not at all.”
ETC’s AN ILIAD runs through November 2nd. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ensemblecincinnati.org.
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.
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.info.
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