Cincinnati Shakespeare Company/Xavier University“™s “œThe Crucible“ Earns 4 Star LCT Rating

Brent Vimtrup and Kelly Mengelkoch in
Brent Vimtrup and Kelly Mengelkoch in “The Crucible”

Panelists for the League of Cincinnati Theatres (LCT) have recognized the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Xavier University“™s collaborative production of The Crucible, Arthur Miller“™s powerful drama of hysteria and moral choices in colonial Salem, with a 4 star recommendation.

Panelists described the production of The Crucible as “œriveting“¦a revelation!“ Brian Isaac Phillip“™s direction was lauded, not only for his compelling and intense staging and pacing, but for successfully “œwelding together hardened Cincinnati Shakespeare veterans and wet-behind-the-ears Xavier students into a seamless and well-oiled ensemble cast.“ Many excellent performances were highlighted, but particularly Brent Vimtrup“™s  “œhonest and moving“ portrayal of John Proctor“”“œhe lived within the character, allowing the text and physicality to evolve naturally““”and Xavier student Patrick Phillip as Reverend Hale, “œwho was engaging and believable, and more than held his own with the other professional actors in the company.“ Overall the panelists were very impressed by the outstanding collaboration between the two companies and the experience and opportunity it provided the Xavier students, and looked forward to seeing similar collaborations in the future.

The Crucible continues through November Monday, November 4th. Tickets can be purchased at http://xaviertheatre.ticketleap.com/crucible.

League of Cincinnati Theatre panelists evaluate productions on a 5 star scale and recommend shows at either a 4 star or 5 star level. Nominations for LCT awards will be determined and announced at the end of the season and winners awarded at the annual LCT gala in the spring.