Photo Flash: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Presents THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED)

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company opens its 25th Anniversary Season with the comical Shakespeare send-up The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)

by Jess Wingfield, Adam Long, and Daniel Singer, playing July 20 - August 11, 2018. The production is directed by CSC Associate Artistic Director, Sara Clark, and features Resident Ensemble Members Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, Justin McCombs, and Miranda McGee. This production reunites the cast from two previous comedy hit productions from CSC summers past: The Complete History of America (abridged) and All the Great Books (abridged). This production is generously sponsored by Beam Suntory.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) features three actors on a mission: to bring the entirety of Shakespeare's works to life on the stage in one fell swoop. Gallop along with them as they careen wildly through all the comedies, histories and tragedies using a trunkful of props, wigs, and outrageous costumes - it's a joyous Shakespeare jambalaya you definitely don't want to miss. "If you like Shakespeare, you'll like this show. If you hate Shakespeare you'll love this show!" said The Today Show and The New York Times said this play is "Pithier than Python. Irresistible."

Associate Artistic Director Sara Clark says of directing the production, "Directing The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) is always one of those 'I can't believe they're paying me to do this' sort of experiences. The script is wonderful...filled with actual jokes (not just references), so that even if you've never seen a Shakespeare play in your life, you still get to come along for the ride. Like all the best comedies, it's fast, it's deeply committed to the novelty of the conceit, and it offers three actors the opportunity to flex the full range of their comedic chops--verbal dexterity, rapid-fire delivery, physical shtick, puns, goofy props, silly hats, boys in dresses...the list goes on."

The cast features Miranda McGee, Geoffrey Warren Barnes II, and Justin McCombs all long-time members and fan favorites of Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's Resident Company of actors. This comedic trio returns to the CSC stage after hit performances of The Complete History of America (abridged) and All the Great Books (abridged) at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company in 2015 and 2016 and Ms. McGee and Mr. McCombs have been splitting audience sides for over a decade in Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!). CityBeat said of the trio that "all three are strong and versatile actors on Cincy Shakes' stage and beyond, which makes it a delight to see them off of their leashes and yukking it up in a bawdy and lower-brow way." And "together they seem to have a great deal of fun onstage, and their energy is infectious...the actors' unflagging and inventive energy is more than enough to keep you entertained." The Cincinnati Enquirer agreed, "with a cast like this...All of them are inveterate laugh-chasers. If there is a laugh to be extracted from the material, they are very likely to find it."

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) runs July 20 - August 11 with performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM, as well as Saturday August 11 at 2:00 PM. Preview performances are July 18 and 19 at 7:30.

On Saturday, August 4 and Sunday, August 5, 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!

Single ticket prices range from $14-$54. Previews on Wednesday, July 18 and Thursday, July 19 are $30. Advance student tickets are only $28 and day-of Student Rush tickets are $14 and may be purchased thirty minutes before a show with a valid student ID if available. This production is not part of this season's subscription package but subscribers receive 15% off tickets and pay no fees. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply. 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.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at The Otto M. Budig Theater at 1195 Elm Street in OTR, adjacent to Washington Park. There are many parking spaces available on the street and in nearby lots and garages- for more information visit http://www.otrchamber.com/pages/WheretoPark.

Valet Parking is also offered by CSC 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!

Photo Credit: Mikki Schaffner Photography

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