Cincinnati Shakespeare's Game of Thrones Spirals to Thrilling Climax

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its season and concludes its multi-year history cycle with Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses, Part 2 and Richard III, by William Shakespeare. This production is directed by CSC Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips. This production features Cincinnati Shakespeare's Resident Ensemble members including Darnell Pierre Benjamin at King Henry VI, Kelly Mengelkoch as Queen Margaret, and Billy Chace as King Richard III. The History Cycle sponsor is Osborn, Rohs, Williams & Donohoe, LLC.

With these productions, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company becomes the second theater company in the United States to complete Shakespeare's entire history cycle in chronological order. The cycle began in 2013 with Richard II and continued through 2014's Henry IV, 2015's Henry V, and 2016's Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses, Part 1.

In Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses, Part 2, sides have been chosen and loyalties of family and friendship are tested as the Wars of the Roses blaze through England. The ambitious Duke of York (Giles Davies) has challenged the rule of the kindly but weak Henry VI (Darnell Pierre Benjamin) and his ruthless queen, Margaret (Kelly Mengelkoch). Amidst this tumult of battle and chaos, Richard (Billy Chace), the hunchbacked and hideous Duke of Gloucester, sets his eyes on kingship and begins his slow but inexorable rise to power. His story continues in Richard III, in which Richard's murderous manipulations finally place him on the throne, only to find his tyrannical rule opposed by the fledgling Tudor dynasty.

"Richard III is one of Shakespeare's best-loved histories, and so many people know Richard as the evil hunchbacked king. Henry VI is performed less often, and so our production gives our audiences an exciting chance to get to know Richard as a young man, and to watch his progression through all the experiences that put him where he is at the start of Richard III," says Brian Isaac Phillips, CSC's Producing Artistic Director.

Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses, Part 2 runs January 20-February 11, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sunday at2:00 PM as well as Saturday Feb. 11 at 2:00 PM. There is no performance on Sunday, Jan. 22. Preview performances are Wednesday Jan. 18 and Thursday Jan. 19 and tickets are $25. Richard III runs February 17-March 11, with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM as well as Saturday March 11 at 2:00 PM. There is no performance on Sunday, Feb. 19. Preview performances are Wednesday Feb. 15 and Thursday Feb. 16.

The theater is currently located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$38 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$42 on Fridays and Saturdays. Previews are $25. If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased one hour 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.

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