This weekend, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company opened Kate Hamill’s Emma. Directed by Candice Handy, Hamill’s script offers a fresh take on the regency era. The story centers around Emma (Ernaisja Curry), a woman with wealth and style. She sees herself as being the best matchmaker in town. When she begins to pry into the romantic lives of others, comedic chaos ensues.
Excellent Cast
Curry as Emma gives a strong performance. Her comedic timing does not miss. She breathes life into Hamill’s script, and pours authenticity into her character. Her delivery is sharp and witty as ever. She’s locked into her performance and does a stellar job. She commands the stage, to audience delight.
A.J Baldwin as Harriet is also full of with effervescent energy. Together, Baldwin and Curry are a joy to watch. They play off one another with effortless ease.
As an ensemble, the actors have great chemistry in their scenes. Jasmine Bouldin as Mrs. Elton and Montez Jenkins Copeland as Mr. Elton absolutely steal the show and are a treat together. Their onstage hijinks will leave you rolling with laugher. Beyond dialogue, the actors bring great comedic physicality to their characters. During Copeland’s scenes, you’ll find them stretched out on the stage encouraging their wife’s mischief. Also humorous, throughout the show Mr. Elton (Copeland) and Mrs. Elton (Bouldin) comedically embrace one another.
Direction and Design
Classic theatre can become homogeneous in presentation with no originality. Director Candice Handy has redefined this genre with a fresh perspective. Emma has everything one would expect from a Jane Austin inspired play. Handy’s intentional interpretation reframes Hamill’s work for a 2026 audience.
Wig designer Kayla Cieslinski did a great job with shaping the hair of Emma. Their wig work gives characters a unique look that stands out.
Scenic designer, Gabby Trice visually sets us in the regency era as does costume designer Lindsey McGee Jones.
CSC’s Emma has a lot of heart with great performances from a talented ensemble cast, including: Brandon Burton, Burgess Byrd, Sylvester Little Jr., Samuel Stricklen, Aleah Vassell and Torie Wiggins. Handy has actors interacting with the audience and utilizing every level of the stage. When Emma (Curry) showcases her vulnerability, we see her downstage pouring her heart out.
Overall
If you love shows like Bridgerton, then you’ll love Emma. Handy will have audiences crying tears of laugher. You can’t help but smile when watching the ensemble cast in action. Emma offers great physical comedy, top notch acting, and a feminist forward script. Handy’s ensemble cast is some of Cincy Shakes best work and should not be missed. This is classical contemporary theatre at its best. Emma runs now through June 14th, 2026
Purchase tickets here at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s box office.
