We kicked off the Halloween season last week at the premiere of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company‘s latest and greatest production, “The Birds”. A nice dinner out and a scary play was an ideal date this time of year. I have loved Hitchcock’s version of “The Birds” since I was a young lass. On the weekends when we were kids we would have family movie marathons and watch classic old movies. “The Birds” both enthralled and terrified me when I watched it for the first time, and has ever since. I still cringe a bit when I see a large flock of birds overhead. Cincy Shakes is performing “The Birds” more like it was written by Daphne du Maurier’s in her novelette rather than the Hitchcock movie version. I’m not familiar with the story (although I’d love to get my hands on a copy to read), but I LOVED the Cincy Shakes play! It was creepy, intense and just a tad bit funny at times to break the tension. Because you could feel the tension! This is a great date night movie if you are in to spooky sorts of dates. It’s definitely not a family friendly sort of show, as there’s quite a bit of cursing in the show. Which is ok by me, because here’s a little known fact about me…I curse like a sailor. And I’m pretty sure anyone who was stuck in a house hiding from attacking birds would have a few choice words to say.
We’ve been to many plays at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and I’m always impressed at how they use the rather small space they have for their performances. They always manage to create the perfect set to help tell the story, and this set is my favorite so far. My husband also wanted me to give a shout out to whomever controls the lighting for this show, because the lighting certainly lent to the eeriness of the tale they were telling. And as always, the acting was outstanding. My favorite thing about attending so many shows at Cincy Shakes is to watch the performers mold themselves into so many different characters. This show had only four performers who brought their characters to life with intensity, passion and just a touch of madness.
We very much enjoyed this creepy play and I suggest you celebrate Halloween with Cincy Shakes as well. Get your tickets soon, the opening night performance was completely sold out, so I predict more of their shows may just follow suit. And while you are at the show be sure to stop by the bar and grab one of their custom cocktails created especially for this show, the “Tipsy Hedren” or Christian Moerlein’s special Cincy Shakes beer: “Taming of the Brew”.
More Details About The Birds ::
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues their season with a Regional Premiere for the Halloween season of “The Birds” by Conor McPherson, from the short story by Daphne du Maurier October 17- November 8, 2014. This production is directed by Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Producing Artistic Director, Brian Isaac Phillips and features Cincinnati Shakespeare’s Resident Ensemble members Sara Clark, Sherman Fracher, Nicholas Rose and Brent Vimtrup. The design is generously sponsored by Raymond James.
“The Birds” is a novelette by British writer Daphne du Maurier, first published in 1952. The story was the inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film “The Birds” released in 1963. In 2009, Irish playwright Conor McPherson adapted the story for the stage setting it in an isolated seaside cabin somewhere in the near future. The production has been presented with great acclaim at The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota and The Gate Theater in Dublin, Ireland, among others. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of “The Birds” will be the Regional Premiere!
For reasons unknown, the birds have turned against man, attacking them maliciously and relentlessly. In a small seaside cabin, a group of strangers find themselves thrust together, each seeking sanctuary from the savage avian menace. But as the situation becomes increasingly dire and the tension between the survivors inexorably grows, it isn’t long before the atmosphere turns ugly, and they discover that the horror hovering outside is nothing compared to that which lurks within. The cast features Brent Vimtrup and Sherman Fracher as Nat and Diane, respectively, two strangers who form a bond to survive their harrowing experience. They are joined by Sara Clark as Julia, a mysterious young woman who brings conflict to the desperate situation, and Nicholas Rose as the cryptic, watchful neighbor Tierney.
Performance & Tickets Information ::
Audiences are invited to wear a costume to the October 31, 2014/ Halloween evening performance! Please note that this play contains strong language and mature themes.
Performances of “The Birds” are scheduled from October 17- November 8, 2014 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm with an additional Saturday matinee on Nov. 8 Preview performances are on Wednesday October 15 and Thursday October 16 at 7:30pm and tickets are $21. The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$32 on Thursdays and Sundays and from $26-$36 on Fridays and Saturdays. This show is a part of the 2014-2015 subscription season. 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 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.
The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is located at 719 Race Street, Cincinnati. You can find important details about tickets, shows,
parking and more on the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company website. And be sure to follow Cincy Shakes on Facebook! Cincy Shakes Photos by Mikki Schaffner
