This April, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is bringing audiences the rarely produced Pericles. It is a show in the Shakespearean canon –although its true authorship remains controversial. This tale, here set in a science fiction-esque utopia, is about the search for love across many lands and through turbulent storms –both actual and emotional.
The Production Team
CSC Producing Artistic Director and CEO Brian Isaac Phillips along with Assistant Director Liz Carman steer this ship with ease. With a large cast of actors portraying an even larger number of characters, stage pictures are on point and blocking is beautiful. The pacing and movements themselves are smart and purposeful, making excellent use of the magnificent world dreamed up by Scenic Designer Andrew Hungerford. Mr. Hungerford masters the execution of an infinitely detailed and complicated set which does not feel busy or overwhelming, much like Mr. Phillips’ and Ms. Carman’s direction of their artists.
Sound Design by Zack Bennett is appropriately nostalgic, yet original. Projections Designer Robert Carlton Stimmel are expertly placed for all the audience to enjoy; however, the scrolling lyrics did have some timing issues against the music and might be better saved for use only on the introduction and epilogue. However, kudos for the gamer-inspired projections during the earlier fight scenes! Finally, special shoutout to Costume Designer Rainy Edwards for pieces created with a true understanding of how to incorporate fresh perspectives into retro sci-fi fashion statements.
The Performing Artists
Who else to play the Prince of Tyre but the man, the myth, and the legend: Giles Davies. As a character beleaguered by tragedy while somehow staying strong and affable through the lion’s share of it, Mr. Davies gives us a heart-wrenching and solid performance. The confidence he exudes in everything he does while remaining humble and kind is exactly what this role needs in its portrayal.
Jasimine Bouldin steps into the role of Marina, an ethereal young woman who possesses the best characteristics of each parent. Ms. Bouldin consistently brings an honest likability and relatability to every role she touches and this one is no exception. Other standouts include Aiden Sims as Thaisa (truly, some of the best character work we’ve seen from her – brava!); Jim Hopkins as Helicanus (I challenge each of you not to wish you had as reliable and thoughtful a cohort) and Hayley Guthrie as Dionyza (her villainous take is everything we could possibly want in an antagonist).
Once more, CSC has chosen an ideal ensemble of actors to play a plethora of roles while still maintaining cohesive chemistry: Geoffrey Warren Barnes II; Billy Chace; Cary Davenport; Jeremy Dubin; Hannah Gregory; Sylvester Little, Jr.; Courtney Lucien; Kelly Mengelkoch; Elizabeth Chinn Malloy; Barry Mulholland; and Patrick Earl Phillips.
The Sweet and Lowdown
I had been looking forward to seeing this show since it was announced: Giles Davies and space, duh! But another reason: it is one of the few Shakespeare pieces I had neither read nor seen. While it might not be everyone’s favorite and it might not be entirely written by Will (look it up), it’s still an interesting romp to experience at least once. Even with its emotional journey, it has a beautiful thread of idealism which keeps it going. No time is ever a bad time to remind ourselves that a wee bit of hope can sometimes take us farther than we could have possibly imagined.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s Pericles runs now through May 3rd. For more information about the production and to purchase tickets, please visit here.
