Cincy Shakespeare Stages HAMLET, Now thru 2/8

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati's stage for the classics, continues their 20th Anniversary Season with William Shakespeare's classic tragedy "Hamlet", playing today, January 10- February 8, 2014. This production is directed by CSC Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips and features CSC Resident Ensemble members Brent Vimtrup, Bruce Cromer, Sherman Fracher and Sara Clark. The production design is generously sponsored by Legg Mason.

Considered by many to be the greatest play in the English language, "Hamlet" is a story both epic and intimate, encompassing both political and familial machinations, and exploring the consequences of the one upon the other. CSC's upcoming production will be set in the Edwardian era (a time period that will be familiar to any fans of the PBS series "Downton Abbey") on the eve of World War I. It was a time when the world teetered on The Edge of chaos, and the personal conflicts of those in power would have consequences that would be felt for decades to come. "It's going to be an extremely exciting production with a tremendous cast," says Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips, "Even if you've seen it before, this is going to be a production not to be missed."

Also exciting is the pairing of this classic masterpiece with Tom Stoppard's contemporary masterpiece "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead", which will open just days after "Hamlet" closes with the cast of "Hamlet" reprising their roles. It takes the story of "Hamlet" and turns it on its head, telling it from the befuddled point of view of the minor characters Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. "It is one of funniest and smartest comedies of the twentieth century," says director Jeremy Dubin, "Doing it back to back with "Hamlet" will give audiences a chance to see the other side of the coin- trust me, that's really funny especially if you know the play."

"Hamlet" features long-time resident company members including Bruce Cromer as Claudius in his first production with CSC this season. He was last seen on the CSC stage in the runaway hit "To Kill a Mockingbird" as Atticus Finch. Playing the titular role of Hamlet will be CSC Resident Ensemble member Brent Vimtrup. Audiences will remember Brent from many CSC productions over the last four seasons including the summer blockbuster "The Hound of the Baskervilles" and his incredible performance as Richard II in CSC 2013 production of Shakespeare's "Richard II". He was also recently seen as John Procter in his critically acclaimed role in "The Crucible", a co-production between CSC and Xavier. CSC Artistic Associate Sara Clark appears as Ophelia in "Hamlet". She has been seen most recently on the CSC stage as the Artful Dodger in "Oliver Twist" and in her critically acclaimed role as Abigail Williams in "The Crucible". Playing Gertrude is thirteen year CSC Resident Ensemble member Sherman Fracher for her premiere production at CSC this season. All of the above and the cast will reprise their roles in "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead".

Performances of "Hamlet" are scheduled from January 10- February 8 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Preview performances are on Wednesday Jan. 8 and Thursday Jan. 9 at 7:30pm and tickets are $20. No performance on Sunday January 12 or February 9. 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.

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