Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s regional premiere of Network, running September 11 through 26, 2026 delivers a mesmerizing and intensely relevant theatrical experience. Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall from Paddy Chayefsky’s iconic film, Network proves that a story about television in the 1970s can still feel startlingly relevant. In an era when a rant or outrageous moment can go viral in minutes, this production offers a sharp look at what happens when the pursuit of attention comes at the expense of everything else.
The Story
Howard Beale, a veteran television news anchor, receives devastating career news. His on-air response becomes a ratings sensation, attracting the attention of network executives who see an opportunity to turn his anger into entertainment. As the lines between news and spectacle begin to blur, what starts as a ratings success quickly takes on a life of its own.
Stellar Cast
Jim Hopkins as Howard Beale is mesmerizing and exceptional. His performance is commanding and unpredictable, drawing the audience into Howard’s unraveling while making his moments of clarity impossible to ignore. Hopkins owns the stage, making every outburst and reflection impossible to look away from.
Barry Mulholland as Max Schumacher brings warmth and humanity while also capturing Max’s own restlessness and complicated choices. His friendship with Howard provides an emotional center, even as Max’s personal life unravels around him. Brent Vimtrup as Frank Hackett is intense, bringing the network executive’s ambition and ruthlessness to the surface with an edge that keeps you watching. Haley Guthrie as Diane is driven, cutthroat, and magnetic, bringing a fierce intelligence to a woman who knows exactly how to turn attention into power.
And then there’s Mr. Jensen, the chairman of the conglomerate that owns the television network. Prepare to gasp with excitement. His appearance is one of the most memorable moments. Bryan Cranston himself filmed the role for Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.
The Creative Team
Under the direction of Brian Isaac Phillips, CSC’s Producing Artistic Director and CEO, Network moves with precision and urgency. Danitza Piper’s stage management is flawless, keeping the highly technical production running seamlessly as the story moves between Howard Beale’s personal crisis and the larger spectacle of a television network chasing ratings. Jon Savage’s scenic design and Robert Carlton Stimmel’s media design bring the television network to life. Scenery and media are complemented by the work of lighting designer Baxter Chambers and sound designer Zack Bennett. Costume designer Erin Reed Carter, wig designer Kayla Cieslinski, round out the visual team. Fight and intimacy director is Alicia Rodis.
Themes and Overall Impression
At its core, Network asks what happens when the pursuit of attention becomes more important than truth. It looks at the relationship between media, money, power, and public outrage, themes that feel particularly timely in an era when sensationalism spreads in an instant.
What makes Network so memorable is its ability to balance sharp social commentary with powerful performances. It is entertaining without being superficial and thought-provoking without becoming a lecture.
Get Tickets
Network reminds you how quickly attention can become currency and how easily the line between news and entertainment can disappear. It is a show that stays with you, and one I highly recommend seeing.
Network at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company runs September 11–26, 2026. For tickets go to CincyShakes.com or call the Box Office at 513-381-2273
Runtime: 2 hours, including one intermission
