Photo Flash: First Look at Cincy Shakespeare's HAMLET, Opening Tonight

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati's stage for the classics, continues their 20th Anniversary Season with William Shakespeare's classic tragedy "Hamlet", beginning tonight, January 10, and continuing through 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. Check out a first look below!

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."

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.

Photos by Rich Sofranko