Photo Flash: Cincinnati Shakespeare Presents Madcap Comedy NOISES OFF

By: A.A. Cristi May. 16, 2018

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company closes their Debut Season at The Otto M. Budig Theater with Noises Off, by Michael Frayn. The production is directed by Ed Stern, the former Artistic Director of the Playhouse in the Park, The cast features CSC's Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips, as well as Dale Hodges, Joneal Joplin, Jeremy Dubin, Kelly Mengelkoch, Justin McCombs, and Brooke Steele. This show is generously sponsored by Towne Properties in memory of Lambert Agin, Messer Construction, and Thompson Hine.

The drama onstage is nothing compared to the drama backstage in this hysterical, fast-paced British sex farce about putting on a hysterical, fast-paced British sex farce. Lines, props, and pants are dropped in equal measure as long-suffering director Lloyd (Brian Isaac Phillips) struggles valiantly to keep his company's production from going totally off the rails, despite fizzling romances, desperate rivalries, and constant befuddlement among the cast.

Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips, who will appear in the cast of Noises Off, says of this production: "I've wanted to do this play since I started as Artistic Director here, because it's one of the funniest plays - if notthe funniest play - ever written. It requires a very particular kind of staging, and we just didn't have the space for it before we moved into the new theater. This is going to be a great example of the kinds of shows we can put on this new stage. If you want to squeal with laughter and delight - and who doesn't want to squeal with laughter and delight? - this is the show to see. And, of course, I'm so excited to play with this exceptionally talented group of people."

Director Ed Stern makes his Cincinnati Shakespeare Company debut with Noises Off. He is well-known for his twenty-year tenure as Producing Artistic Director of Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. While there he directed such diverse plays as Othello, God of Carnage, Sweeney Todd, Much Ado About Nothing, Of Mice and Men, and numerous others. Under his leadership the Playhouse received two Tony Awards: Regional Theatre of the Year and Best Musical Revival (Stephen Sondheim's Company). He has directed in regional theatres across the country, including the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and others. In the seventies he co-founded Indiana Repertory Theatre.

Noises Off runs May 18 - June 9 with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM, as well as Saturday June 9 at 2:00 PM. Preview performances are May 16 and 17 at 7:30 PM.

On Sundays, May 27 and June 3, bring your younger kids (4+) for artist-led childcare DURING the performance! The "Playdate" program is only $15 and free for subscribers. The option to add this program will be available as you are buying tickets for either of these show dates. Activities will range from Storytime to theatre games and crafts. Share the great benefits of CSC's programming with your children: Playdate will style activities to correspond with each production, so even your youngest can join in the discussion on the ride home!

The theater is now located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. Single ticket prices range from $14-$52. Student/Children and Preview tickets are only $28. If available that day, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased thirty minutes before a show with a valid student ID. This production is a part of this season's subscription package. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as 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.

Valet Parking is now available for every performance! Make reservations for $15 in advance when purchasing tickets. Purchasing in advance guarantees a spot at the discounted rate of $15 (vs. $20+ at the curb). 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.) The valet will have your name on the list after you purchase- it's that easy!

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages. In the summer of 2017, the theater relocated to the Otto M. Budig Theater, a brand new facility in OTR. CSC's 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. Each year, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's Education and Outreach Programs reach over 50,000 young people and underserved community members each season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by 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!

This season is funded by ArtsWave and 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. 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. Production dates and information on the season are available online at www.cincyshakes.com.

Photos By Mikki Schaffner Photography.

Photo Flash: Cincinnati Shakespeare Presents Madcap Comedy NOISES OFF
Brooke Steele and Jeremy Dubin