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September 9 - October 1, 2017 , Allen Theatre

Shakespeare in Love

Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall
Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard
Directed by Laura Kepley

Run time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (including intermission)

The Academy Award-winning romantic comedy Shakespeare in Love comes to the stage, complete with swordfights, secret trysts, and backstage drama. Young playwright Will Shakespeare is short on inspiration until he encounters the beguiling Viola, and their star-crossed love inspires a masterpiece. Filled with action-packed adventure, fiery romance, and wit, get ready to fall head over heels for CPH Artistic Director Laura Kepley’s lush, lavish, and lusty production that celebrates the power of live theatre.

Photos & Videos Download Hi Res Photos

Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare) and the cast of Shakespeare in Love. Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Foreground left to right: Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare), Nigel the Dog (Spot), Peter Hargrave (Lord Wessex). Background: Grant Goodman (Ned Alleyn). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare), Andhy Mendez (Kit Marlowe) and the cast of Shakespeare in Love. Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare), Marina Shay (Viola de Lesseps). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

The cast of Shakespeare in Love. Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare), Marina Shay (Viola de Lesseps). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Foreground left to right: Donald Carrier (Henslowe), Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare). Background: Randy Merrill (Ensemble). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Foreground left to rigth: Peter Hargrave (Lord Wessex), Allen O'Reilly (Sir Robert de Lesseps). Background: Paul Bugallo (Ensemble). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare) and the cast of Shakespeare in Love. Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Tommy Bilczo (John Webster). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Kyle Cherry (Sam), Chuck Richie (Ralph). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Foreground from left to right: Kyle Cherry (Ensemble), Nigel the dog (Spot), Tina Stafford (Queen Elizabeth). Background from left to right: Allen O'Reilly (Ensemble), Marina Shay (Viola de Lesseps), Sarah Cuneo (Ensemble), Paul Bugallo (Tilney), Megan Medley (Ensemble). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare), Marina Shay (Viola de Lesseps). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Foreground from left to right: Brian Owen (Adam), Evan Zes (Fennyman), Lavour Addison (Lambert). Background from left to right: Chuck Richie (Ralph), Mariah Burks (Ensemble), Grant Goodman (Ned Alleyn), Marina Shay (as Thomas Kent). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Paul Bugallo (Tilney). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Foreground: Evan Zes (Fennyman), Background: Mariah Burks (Ensemble), Chuck Richie (Ralph). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Marina Shay (Viola de Lesseps), Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Brian Owen (Burbage). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

From left to right: Donald Carrier (Henslowe), Paul Bugallo (Peter), Kyle Cherry (Sam), Grant Goodman (Ned Alleyn), Chuck Richie (Ralph), Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare), Randy Merrill (Robin), Lavour Addison (Lambert). Photo Credit: Roger Matroianni.

Tina Stafford (Queen Elizabeth), Peter Hargrave (Lord Wessex). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Foreground fom left to right: Marina Shay (Viola de Lesseps), Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare), Peter Hargrave (Lord Wessex). Background: Randy Merrill (Ensemble). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni

From left to right: Mariah Burks (Ensemble), Megan Medley (Kate), Grant Goodman (Ned Alleyn), Sarah Cuneo (Molly), Chuck Richie (Ensemble), Evan Zes (Fennyman). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Foreground: Marina Shay (as Thomas Kent) Background left to right: Lavour Addison (Nol), Paul Bugallo (Peter), Allen O'Reilly (Ensemble), Chuck Richie (Ensemble), Randy Merrill (Robin). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Foreground from left to right: Paul Bugallo (Ensemble), Andhy Mendez (Kit Marlowe), Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare), Background from left to right: Randy Merrill (Ensemble), Drew Bastian (Maestro). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Charlie Thurston (Will Shakespeare) and Marina Shay (Viola de Lesseps). Photo Credit: Roger Mastroianni.

Artists

Lavour Addison

Lavour Addison

(Nol/Lambert/Boatman/Ensemble/Understudy: Kit Marlo) Lavour Addison was last scene as Macbeth in the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program’s Macbeth. A 2017 Member of the Chautauqua Theatre Company where he Played Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. Recently seen in Shakespeare in Love at CPH. CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program credits include: She Stoops more(Nol/Lambert/Boatman/Ensemble/Understudy: Kit Marlo) Lavour Addison was last scene as Macbeth in the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program’s Macbeth. A 2017 Member of the Chautauqua Theatre Company where he Played Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. Recently seen in Shakespeare in Love at CPH. CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program credits include: She Stoops to Conquer, Clybourne Park, Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses, and a cameo in The Two Gentlemen of Verona. At Cleveland Play House he has performed in The CPH Centennial Plays, the world premiere of Quiara Alegria Hudes' The Good Peaches in collaboration with the Cleveland Orchestra, and the world premiere reading of FEED by Eric Coble. Other credits include serving as the Acting Captain of the Hawaii Pirate Ship Adventures and working as a full time member of the Professional Acting Company with the Honolulu Theatre for Youth. Favorite credits include The Wild Party, The Genteel Sabai, and Bug. Thank you to my wife Brittni Addison. You have always pushed me and made me better in every way. I could not have done this without you. I love you to the moon and down again around the world a back again. I love you to the sun and down again around the stars and back again.

Drew Bastian

Drew Bastian

(Maestro/Musician/Ensemble) was most recently seen Off-Broadway in Theatre for a New Audience’s Measure for Measure where he played and co-wrote original music. In 2014, Drew performed in the national tour of HAIR where he played drums, acted in the ensemble, and understudied the role of Woof. Other favorites behind more(Maestro/Musician/Ensemble) was most recently seen Off-Broadway in Theatre for a New Audience’s Measure for Measure where he played and co-wrote original music. In 2014, Drew performed in the national tour of HAIR where he played drums, acted in the ensemble, and understudied the role of Woof. Other favorites behind the kit include RENT with PA Centre Stage and playing for and co-producing Somewhere With You in the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Favorites on stage include Romeo and Juliet in NYC with Occupy Verona, The Fantasticks as Matt with Arcadia players, and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story as Jerry Allison with numerous regional theatres. As a musician, Drew has played historic venues such as Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, the Edison Ballroom, and Birdland backing up performers such as Annaleigh Ashford, James Monroe Inglehart, Randy Graff, Mandy Gonzalez, and Daveed Diggs. drewbastiandrums.com

Tommy Bilczo

Tommy Bilczo

(John Webster/Ensemble ) is ecstatic to be returning to A Christmas Story and to CPH, his home away from home. This is Tommy's fifth Cleveland Play House production. Tommy's CPH debut role was Ralphie in 2016’s A Christmas Story. After this, he performed on the CPH stages more(John Webster/Ensemble ) is ecstatic to be returning to A Christmas Story and to CPH, his home away from home. This is Tommy's fifth Cleveland Play House production. Tommy's CPH debut role was Ralphie in 2016’s A Christmas Story. After this, he performed on the CPH stages in Disney's Freaky Friday (Fletcher u/s, performed), Shakespeare in Love (John Webster) and the CWRU/CPH MFA Class of 2018’s production of Macbeth (Fleance). Tommy has also been a member of the CPH Theatre Academy's Musical Theatre Ensemble, performing as Sheldon/Herb in last spring's production of Junie B. Jones, The Musical. Tommy has workshopped in NYC with the Broadway Artists Alliance and A Class Act NY. He has performed in many Cleveland area productions, and has been a featured soloist in a variety of local venues. Tommy would like to thank his family and friends for their never ending love and support. Enjoy the show! Visit tommybilczo.com.

Paul Bugallo

Paul Bugallo

(Tilney/Peter/Caitling/Ensemble) Paul Bugallo was born in Miami but raised in Seattle where he discovered his passion for the performing arts. He attended Central Washington University where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatrical Performance. Paul has performed in many of Seattle's professional spaces, including the Seattle more(Tilney/Peter/Caitling/Ensemble) Paul Bugallo was born in Miami but raised in Seattle where he discovered his passion for the performing arts. He attended Central Washington University where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatrical Performance. Paul has performed in many of Seattle's professional spaces, including the Seattle Repertory and Center House Theatres, as well as improvisational theatres such as Unexpected Productions and Jet City Improv. Now residing in the proud city of Cleveland, Paul is absolutely ecstatic about finishing up his final year in the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program. You may have seen him over the last two years in CWRU/CPH’s productions of Macbeth, Clybourne Park and She Stoops to Conquer. Paul most recently appeared as Lord Tilney in CPH's 102nd season opening show Shakespeare in Love and as First Man in The Diary of Anne Frank.

Mariah Burks

Mariah Burks

(Mistress Quickly/Musician /Ensemble) is a native Clevelander, and for the past 20 years has had a blossoming bond with the Cleveland theatre scene. Recent works include Dobama Theatre: Airness; CPH: Blackademics, Clue: A New Comedy (Cook), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne), Marie and Rosetta (understudy for more(Mistress Quickly/Musician /Ensemble) is a native Clevelander, and for the past 20 years has had a blossoming bond with the Cleveland theatre scene. Recent works include Dobama Theatre: Airness; CPH: Blackademics, Clue: A New Comedy (Cook), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Logainne), Marie and Rosetta (understudy for Sister Rosetta Tharpe/Marie Knight) and Shakespeare in Love. Mariah is an alum of the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program Class of 2018, with credits that include Macbeth, Clybourne Park, She Stoops to Conquer and others. A graduate of Bowling Green State University’s musical theatre program, Mariah received the Regional and National Irene Ryan Scholarship Acting Award at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Regional/local work includes Caroline, or Change (Tantrum Theatre) and Ragtime (Cain Park). Love and gratitude toward my Burks sisters and family, and the entire Cleveland community for your genuine love and support. Mom, thank you for being my ultimate Wonder Woman. Ky, you stay my inspiration ALWAYS and Robert thank you for being in my corner. Instagram: @magical_mariahb

Kyle Cherry

Kyle Cherry

(Sam/Ensemble/Understudy: Burbage ) Kyle Cherry was born in Wisconsin and raised in California. While at Cleveland Play House he has appeared in Shakespeare in Love, the world premiere of The Good Peaches with the Cleveland Orchestra, the NGTF reading of The Chinese Lady by Lloyd Suh, The CPH Centennial more(Sam/Ensemble/Understudy: Burbage ) Kyle Cherry was born in Wisconsin and raised in California. While at Cleveland Play House he has appeared in Shakespeare in Love, the world premiere of The Good Peaches with the Cleveland Orchestra, the NGTF reading of The Chinese Lady by Lloyd Suh, The CPH Centennial Plays, and the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program’s productions of Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, Clybourne Park, She Stoops to Conquer, and Macbeth. Other credits include The Seagull (Huntington Theatre Company), Gross Indecency (Bad Habit Productions), Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Brown Box Theatre Project), Romeo and Juliet, and To Kill a Mockingbird (New Repertory Theatre), as well as readings and workshops with the Cherry Lane Theatre, Red Bull Theater, and Theatre Now New York. He is a company member at The Middle Voice Theater Company in New York, for whom he has acted, written, and stage-managed. Kyle holds a B.A. in English from Tufts University.

Sarah Cuneo

Sarah Cuneo

(Molly/Ensemble/Understudy: Viola de Lesseps ) Sarah Cuneo is a born-and-raised Jersey girl who fell in love with theater at an early age – one of her earliest memories is seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and getting upset when she wasn’t allowed to get up on stage to dance more(Molly/Ensemble/Understudy: Viola de Lesseps ) Sarah Cuneo is a born-and-raised Jersey girl who fell in love with theater at an early age – one of her earliest memories is seeing the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and getting upset when she wasn’t allowed to get up on stage to dance with the Rockettes. After graduating from Princeton University with a major in Psychology and certificates in Neuroscience and Theater, Sarah decided to hone her technique and pursue her MFA at the Tony-Award winning Cleveland Play House in the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program. While there, Sarah appeared in CPH productions such as The Diary of Anne Frank (Margot) and Shakespeare in Love (Molly, Viola u/s). She also appeared in MFA productions, including She Stoops to Conquer (Kate Hardcastle), Clybourne Park (Bev/Kathy), Macbeth (Witch/Lennox), and Metamorphoses (Alcyone/Various). Though she is enthusiastic about many different acting styles, Sarah particularly loves working on heightened language texts such as Sarah Ruhl, Shakespeare, Tennessee Williams, and good old-fashioned farce. Sarah is a die-hard cat lover, sci-fi nerd, and coffee enthusiast. If she's not acting, she's probably reading, playing a board game, or re-watching Parks and Recreation for the hundredth time.

Grant Goodman

Grant Goodman

(Ned Alleyn/Frees/Ensemble) most recently appeared in Heartbreak House at Hartford Stage directed by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak. National Tours include The Merchant of Venice starring F. Murray Abraham. New York credits include: Richard II (Pearl Theatre); Antony & Cleopatra, The Merchant of Venice (Theatre for a New more(Ned Alleyn/Frees/Ensemble) most recently appeared in Heartbreak House at Hartford Stage directed by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak. National Tours include The Merchant of Venice starring F. Murray Abraham. New York credits include: Richard II (Pearl Theatre); Antony & Cleopatra, The Merchant of Venice (Theatre for a New Audience); King Lear, The Iliad (Lincoln Center); Pericles (Red Bull Theater). Regional credits include extensive work with such theatres as: Yale Repertory, Hartford Stage, Shakespeare Theatre Company (DC), Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Old Globe, Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Court Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, PlayMakers Repertory, Indiana Repertory, Syracuse Stage, People's Light (Philadelphia), Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Milwaukee Repertory, Pioneer Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company and the Utah, Illinois, Notre Dame and Kentucky Shakespeare Festivals among many others. Film/Television includes: As the World Turns, Sex and the City, Sleepers. Training: Graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. grantgoodmantheatre.com

Peter Hargrave

Peter Hargrave

(Wessex/Musician/Ensemble) is a proud graduate of the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program and considers Cleveland his second home. At CPH, he's been lucky enough to be in the world premiere of Tiny Houses, Shakespeare in Love, The Diary of Anne Frank, and The Good Peaches more(Wessex/Musician/Ensemble) is a proud graduate of the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House MFA Acting Program and considers Cleveland his second home. At CPH, he's been lucky enough to be in the world premiere of Tiny Houses, Shakespeare in Love, The Diary of Anne Frank, and The Good Peaches (world premiere). TV credits: Law and Order: SVU and Madam Secretary. Off-Broadway: The First Annual Trump Family Special. OtherRegional: Actors Theatre of Louisville, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Gateway Playhouse, Musical Theatre West, and Disney Cruise Line.

Megan Medley

Megan Medley

(Kate/Ensemble) Megan Medley is so grateful to this class for all that they have shared together in this program and is ready to hit the Big Apple and start the next adventure. Most recently, she tore it up with her classmates as Lady M in Macbeth. At Cleveland Play more(Kate/Ensemble) Megan Medley is so grateful to this class for all that they have shared together in this program and is ready to hit the Big Apple and start the next adventure. Most recently, she tore it up with her classmates as Lady M in Macbeth. At Cleveland Play House she learned a lot understudying Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank, and had a blast playing in Shakespeare in Love. Since joining the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program she has performed alongside her classmates in She Stoops to Conquer, Clybourne Park, Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, and the world premiere of The Good Peaches. She had the wondrous opportunity to perform in the world premiere of These Mortal Hosts at the New Ground Theatre Festival. Other credits include Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Giselle (NoExit Performance); and Rapture, Blister, Burn (Theatre on the Square). She would like to thank her love Aurélien Bayo and her family for their love and support and her sweet kitties!

Andhy Mendez

Andhy Mendez

(Kit Marlowe/Ensemble) recently appeared at the Folger Shakespeare Library’s production of Timon of Athens. Off-Broadway credits include Sotto Voce and Strawberry & Chocolate. Other New York credits include Daughter of the Waves (Theatre for the New City), Between Two Worlds (NYC’s HERE Festival), and Downside Risk (Wings Theatre). Regional more(Kit Marlowe/Ensemble) recently appeared at the Folger Shakespeare Library’s production of Timon of Athens. Off-Broadway credits include Sotto Voce and Strawberry & Chocolate. Other New York credits include Daughter of the Waves (Theatre for the New City), Between Two Worlds (NYC’s HERE Festival), and Downside Risk (Wings Theatre). Regional credits include Hamlet: Prince of Cuba (ASOLO Repertory Theatre). Film credits include Gunny, Cecilia’s Birthday, Half the Perfect World, Cuban Blood, and For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story. Television credits include the upcoming Netflix series Seven Seconds, Blue Bloods, Orange is the New Black, The Blacklist, Gossip Girl, Forever, Elementary, NYC 22, and Golden Boy.

Randy Merrill

Randy Merrill

(Robin/Ensemble/Understudy: Will Shakespeare) Randy Merrill hails originally from Tampa, Florida but was raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Most recent credits include the regional premier of Really, Really (Jimmy); Macbeth (Macduff), directed by Taibi Magar; Clybourne Park (Jim/Tom); and She Stoops to Conquer (Charles Marlow). He has also recently appeared in more(Robin/Ensemble/Understudy: Will Shakespeare) Randy Merrill hails originally from Tampa, Florida but was raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Most recent credits include the regional premier of Really, Really (Jimmy); Macbeth (Macduff), directed by Taibi Magar; Clybourne Park (Jim/Tom); and She Stoops to Conquer (Charles Marlow). He has also recently appeared in La Cage Aux Folles (Jean Michele) at The Lake Dillon Theatre Co, and the original cast and International/Asia tour of Barbie Live! The Musical. BFA: Florida State University. GO NOLES!

Allen O'Reilly

Allen O'Reilly

(Sir Robert de Lesseps/Wabash/Ensemble) has regional credits that include Hamlet (The Alliance Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Geva Theatre), Our Country’s Good (Clarence Brown), and twenty-four seasons at Georgia Shakespeare in Atlanta. Cleveland area credits include: Barefoot in the Park and The Winter’s Tale (Oberlin Theatre Festival), Billy Elliot more(Sir Robert de Lesseps/Wabash/Ensemble) has regional credits that include Hamlet (The Alliance Theatre), A Christmas Carol (Geva Theatre), Our Country’s Good (Clarence Brown), and twenty-four seasons at Georgia Shakespeare in Atlanta. Cleveland area credits include: Barefoot in the Park and The Winter’s Tale (Oberlin Theatre Festival), Billy Elliot (The Beck Center), Denial (Oberlin College), and Cleveland Treatment Center in INCOGNEGRO. Film and TV credits include: Legacy, Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius, Crimes and Mr. Meanors, Sleepy Hollow and TURN: Washington’s Spies. Allen has also narrated over forty audio books, most recently Sons of Wichita. Allen is a proud member of Actors Equity and SAG/AFTRA and serves as the Education Programs Manager at Cleveland Play House.

Brian Owen

Brian Owen

(Burbage/Adam/Ensemble) is thrilled to return to Cleveland Play House after last season’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. New York credits include Mr. Collins in a new musical adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Never Have I Ever (TinyRhino at Joe’s Pub), and Lisa and Leonardo. Regional credits include Camelot (with more(Burbage/Adam/Ensemble) is thrilled to return to Cleveland Play House after last season’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. New York credits include Mr. Collins in a new musical adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Never Have I Ever (TinyRhino at Joe’s Pub), and Lisa and Leonardo. Regional credits include Camelot (with Robert Sean Leonard at Westport Country Playhouse), Baskerville (CPH, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, and Dorset Theatre Festival), Sweeney Todd, Peter and the Starcatcher, South Pacific, Both Your Houses, The Matchmaker, and Sense and Sensibility (with Jon Jory at ATL). He’s been in A Midsummer Night’s Dream too many times to count. Film/TV credits include Hack my Life and Make Rome Great Again. He is a member of the political art collective Never Caesar whose viral video Trump-rested Development was featured by Time Magazine, Slate, and Vulture. His favorite role is husband to his wife Nicole. MFA: FSU/Asolo. Proud member AEA and Team Boals. briandouglasowen.com @bistrowen

Chuck Richie

Chuck Richie

Marina Shay

Marina Shay

(Viola de Lesseps) recently appeared in New York as Julie in Miss Julie at the Access Theatre. Regional credits include Estella/Biddy in Great Expectations (Syracuse Stage), Sasha in Ivanov (Trinity Repertory Company), Iphigenia in Iphigenia 2.0 (Cleveland Public Theater), Eleanor in Pulse (The Guthrie), Roxanne in Cyrano De Bergerac more(Viola de Lesseps) recently appeared in New York as Julie in Miss Julie at the Access Theatre. Regional credits include Estella/Biddy in Great Expectations (Syracuse Stage), Sasha in Ivanov (Trinity Repertory Company), Iphigenia in Iphigenia 2.0 (Cleveland Public Theater), Eleanor in Pulse (The Guthrie), Roxanne in Cyrano De Bergerac (Heartwood Theater), Elma in Bus Stop (Oberlin Summer Theater Festival), and Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Oberlin Summer Theater Festival). Other New York credits include Eurydice in Eurydice and Emily Dickinson: Paranormal Investigator. Independent films include Go On, Lux, Dog, and De Capo.

Tina Stafford

Tina Stafford

(Nurse/Queen Elizabeth/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at CPH! She was last seen as Queen Elizabeth and the Nurse in Shakespeare in Love, toured through Cleveland with Once First National Tour, and Jolson, and appeared at Willoughby Fine Arts with Liz Swados’ Missionaries. She has played leading roles at more(Nurse/Queen Elizabeth/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at CPH! She was last seen as Queen Elizabeth and the Nurse in Shakespeare in Love, toured through Cleveland with Once First National Tour, and Jolson, and appeared at Willoughby Fine Arts with Liz Swados’ Missionaries. She has played leading roles at Arena Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Milwaukee Rep, Paper Mill Playhouse, Kansas City Rep, Goodspeed Musicals, La Jolla Playhouse, Denver Center, Westport Country Playhouse, Bucks County Playhouse, Cape Playhouse, Shakespeare Theatre of NJ, the Maine, Texas and Utah Shakespeare Festivals, and she’s done many interesting Off-Broadway shows you’ve never heard of. All My Children fans may remember Ms. Stafford as Erica Kane’s gruff but loveable prison guard, Slim. Proud Equity member.

Charlie Thurston

Charlie Thurston

(Will Shakespeare ) is an actor and playwright who splits his time between NYC and Providence, RI, where he’s been a member of the resident acting company at Trinity Rep since 2013. There he most recently starred as Beowulf, in Dave Malloy’s rock musical Beowulf: A Thousand Years of more(Will Shakespeare ) is an actor and playwright who splits his time between NYC and Providence, RI, where he’s been a member of the resident acting company at Trinity Rep since 2013. There he most recently starred as Beowulf, in Dave Malloy’s rock musical Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage. He is also a founding member of The Williams Project in Seattle, WA and has appeared in theatres across the country including Fault Line Theatre, Intiman Theatre, Arden Theatre Company, Baltimore Centerstage, Chautauqua Theater Company, Riverside Theatre, and Redmoon Theatre. As a writer, his play, The History Room, was nominated for a Henry Award for best new play for its production at Creede Repertory Theatre in CO. He also appeared in the ABC pilot Broad Squad, and the films Money Monster, directed by Jodie Foster, and Life, Itself which comes out in 2018. He holds an MFA from Brown/Trinity Rep.

Evan Zes

Evan Zes

(Fennyman/Ensemble) Evan’s New York credits include, Incident at Vichy at The Signature Theatre; Rent Control (writer and performer) at Soho Playhouse; Freedom of the City, Man and Superman, White Woman Street, Around the World in 80 Days at Irish Repertory Theatre; and American Dreams with The Acting Company. His more(Fennyman/Ensemble) Evan’s New York credits include, Incident at Vichy at The Signature Theatre; Rent Control (writer and performer) at Soho Playhouse; Freedom of the City, Man and Superman, White Woman Street, Around the World in 80 Days at Irish Repertory Theatre; and American Dreams with The Acting Company. His international credits include Julie Taymor’s The King Stagg at the Barbican, London and Dream Play at the Moscow Art Theatre. Select regional credits include The McCarter, The Alley, The Goodman, The Old Globe, NY Stage and Film, Westport Country Playhouse, La Jolla Playhouse, Arena Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The Shakespeare Theatre DC, Pittsburgh Public Theater, St. Louis Repertory Theater, Baltimore Centerstage, and Berkeley Rep. Evan's Film and TV credits include: The Path, The Street and Last Night at Angelo’s, and All My Children. He has an MFA from A.R.T/ Moscow Art Theatre at Harvard University. Upcoming: Murder on the Orient Express at Hartford Stage. Follow Evan’s award winning one-man show at evanzesrentcontrol.com

Donald Carrier

Donald Carrier

(Henslowe/Ensemble) most recently directed The Liar for the MFA Program, Othello at Texas Shakespeare Festival, Ellis Island: The Dream of America for The Cleveland Orchestra and Doubt for the Beck Center. For the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program, he has also directed Passage, Fifth of July, Clybourne Park, The Misanthrope, more(Henslowe/Ensemble) most recently directed The Liar for the MFA Program, Othello at Texas Shakespeare Festival, Ellis Island: The Dream of America for The Cleveland Orchestra and Doubt for the Beck Center. For the CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program, he has also directed Passage, Fifth of July, Clybourne Park, The Misanthrope, Too True to Be Good, and The Violins of Hope. Other directing includes Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Seminar, and Really Really (Beck Center for the Arts); and Becky Shaw (Dobama Theatre). Other selected directing credits include The Crucible, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, Habeas Corpus, The Pirates of Penzance, and Oh! What a Lovely War. He has appeared at Cleveland Play House in Shakespeare in Love; All the Way; Luna Gale; The Crucible; The Little Foxes; Yentl; In the Next Room, or the vibrator play; Ten Chimneys; Noises Off; and Lincolnesque. Regional credits include The National Arts Center, Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theater, The Studio Theatre, The Shakespeare Theatre, The Wilma Theater, The Huntington Theatre, The Intiman Theatre, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. He spent nine seasons at the Stratford Festival, three seasons at the Old Globe, and two seasons at the Shaw Festival. Television/Film: Guns, The Time Traveler’s Wife, The Passion of Ayn Rand, and Dead by Monday. Don is a proud Lunt/Fontanne Fellow and is the Director of CWRU/CPH MFA Acting Program.

Russell H. Champa

(Lighting Designer) current and recent projects include Sacred Valley (New York Stage and Film), Imaginary Invalid (Fiasco/Old Globe), Can You Forgive Her (The Vineyard Theater), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (The Old Globe), The Light Years (The Debate Society/Playwrights Horizons), The Hard Problem (American Conservatory Theater), and Thresh|Hold (Pilobolus). more(Lighting Designer) current and recent projects include Sacred Valley (New York Stage and Film), Imaginary Invalid (Fiasco/Old Globe), Can You Forgive Her (The Vineyard Theater), Picasso at the Lapin Agile (The Old Globe), The Light Years (The Debate Society/Playwrights Horizons), The Hard Problem (American Conservatory Theater), and Thresh|Hold (Pilobolus). Broadway credits include China Doll (Gerald Schoenfeld Theater); In The Next Room, or the vibrator play (Lyceum Theatre/Lincoln Center Theater); and Julia Sweeney’s God Said “Ha!” (Lyceum Theatre). Work with New York companies includes Lincoln Center Theater, New York Shakespeare Festival/The Public Theater, Second Stage Theatre, Manhattan Theatre Club, Atlantic Theater Company. Regional credits include Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Arena Stage, The Wilma Theater, Long Wharf Theatre, Trinity Repertory Company, CalShakes, Mark Taper Forum, and The Kennedy Center. Thanks J + J. PEACE.

Drew Fracher

(Fight Director) is a Fight Master and past President of the Society of American Fight Directors. His work as a Fight Director has been seen at theatres throughout the United States, including staging fights for the Tony Award Winning Best Revival of Company at the Ethel Barrymore in more(Fight Director) is a Fight Master and past President of the Society of American Fight Directors. His work as a Fight Director has been seen at theatres throughout the United States, including staging fights for the Tony Award Winning Best Revival of Company at the Ethel Barrymore in New York, NY. Other theatres include Actors’ Theatre of Louisville, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Opera, Atlanta Opera, the American Shakespeare Center, and the Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and Cincinnati Shakespeare Festivals. He is a Master Teacher of stage movement and theatrical combat, instructing students at training programs and universities throughout the U.S. and internationally; including being a guest instructor for the Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Playhouse MFA program. Mr. Fracher is a proud member of Actor’s Equity Association and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

John Godbout

(Stage Manager ) was Cleveland Play House's resident stage manager from 2001 to 2008 and returned to CPH in the fall of 2011. "Most recently, John stage managed A New Brain at Barrington Stage Company. John has also stage managed at North Shore Music Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, more(Stage Manager ) was Cleveland Play House's resident stage manager from 2001 to 2008 and returned to CPH in the fall of 2011. "Most recently, John stage managed A New Brain at Barrington Stage Company. John has also stage managed at North Shore Music Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, The Weston Playhouse, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Northern Stage, Seaside Music Theatre, and Porthouse Theatre.

Lee Hall

(Adapter) was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1966 and studied English Literature at Cambridge University. He has worked as a writer in theatre, TV, radio and film. He has been writer in residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Live Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Theatre: Wittgenstein on Tyne, more(Adapter) was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne in 1966 and studied English Literature at Cambridge University. He has worked as a writer in theatre, TV, radio and film. He has been writer in residence at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Live Theatre, Newcastle Upon Tyne. Theatre: Wittgenstein on Tyne, Live Theatre 1996; Bollocks, RSC Fringe, 1998; Genie, Paines Plough, 1998; Cooking With Elvis, Live Theatre/West End 1999 - nominated for an Oliver Award for Best Comedy; Spoonface Steinberg, Ambassadors Theatre, London 2000; Two's Company, Live Theatre/Bristol Old Vic, 2001; Billy Elliot the Musical, 2004 - Oliver Award Best Musical; Pitmen Painters, Live Theatre, Newcastle/Royal National Theatre/ National tour/Broadway, 2007-2010. Theatre adaptations: Leonce and Lena (Buchner), The Gate Theatre, 1997; Mr Puntila and his man Matti (Brecht) Almedia Theatre, 1998, A Servant to Two Masters (Goldoni) RSC/ Young Vic 1999; The Adventures of Pinocchio (Collodi), Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, 2000; Mother Courage (Brecht), Shared Experience/Ambassadors Theatre; The Good Hope (Heijermans) Royal National Theatre, 2001; The Barber of Seville (Beaumarchais), Bristol Old Vic, 2003. Opera: Adaptation of Il Pagliacci/The Comedians for the English National Opera, 2008. TV : Spoonface Steinberg 1997, BBC; A Prince of Hearts 1998, BBC; Wind in the Willows 2007 BBC. Film: Billy Elliot, Working Title Films, 2000. His screen play for War Horse directed by Steven Spielberg came out in 2011.

Tom Humes

(Assistant Stage Manager) returns for his sixth season as a resident member of the stage management staff at Cleveland Play House. Selected area stage management credits include Memphis, Rock of Ages, Godspell, The Frogs, Smokey Joe's Café, Avenue Q, Pippin, and Oliver! (Cain Park); Le Nozze di Figaro more(Assistant Stage Manager) returns for his sixth season as a resident member of the stage management staff at Cleveland Play House. Selected area stage management credits include Memphis, Rock of Ages, Godspell, The Frogs, Smokey Joe's Café, Avenue Q, Pippin, and Oliver! (Cain Park); Le Nozze di Figaro and Cosi Fan Tutte (The Cleveland Orchestra); Tosca, La Boheme, and Lucia Di Lammermoor (Opera Cleveland); Caroline, or Change (Dobama Theatre and Karamu House); and History Boys (Beck Center for the Arts). He is a proud member of both Actors' Equity Association and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in Mathematics from Bowling Green State University.

Thom Jones

(Voice, Speech, and Text Coach ) is the head of Voice and Speech for Brown University/Trinity Repertory Company's Master of Fine Arts in Acting and Directing and has coached voice, dialects, and text extensively in theatre, film, and television. Theatres where he has coached include: The Public Theater, more(Voice, Speech, and Text Coach ) is the head of Voice and Speech for Brown University/Trinity Repertory Company's Master of Fine Arts in Acting and Directing and has coached voice, dialects, and text extensively in theatre, film, and television. Theatres where he has coached include: The Public Theater, Shakespeare in the Park, Noel Coward Theatre (London’s West End), Yale Repertory Company, Dallas Theater Center, McCarter Theatre, Cleveland Play House, The Huntington Theatre, Trinity Repertory Company, Hartford Stage, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Syracuse Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Hangar Theatre. For Film and Television, he has voice, dialect and text coached numerous actors, including: Nicole Kidman, Ben Mendelsohn, Sissy Spacek, Alan Rickman, Vanessa Redgrave, Robin Williams, Emma Watson, Andra Day, Miles Teller, Jennifer Hudson, Bill Skarsgard, Lashana Lynch, Lakeith Stanfield, Aaron Eckhart, Katey Segal, Ciaran Hinds, David Oyelowo, Amy Adams, Lily Rabe, Mel Gibson, Olivia Cooke, Tye Sheridan, Simon Peg, Mark Rylance, Sherie Rene Scott, Sienna Miller, Brendan Gleeson, Melissa Leo, Emily Van Camp, Blythe Danner, Logan Lerman, Linda Emond, Ryan Reynolds, and others, as well as for directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorcese, Lee Daniels, Ridley Scott, Ben Younger, and others.

Laura Kepley

Laura Kepley

(Director ) (she/her) became Artistic Director of Cleveland Play House in 2013, and has directed numerous CPH mainstage productions, including The Crucible; Sweat; The Diary of Anne Frank; In the Next Room, or the vibrator play; Into the Breeches!; Every Brilliant Thing; and the world premieres of Tiny Houses, more(Director ) (she/her) became Artistic Director of Cleveland Play House in 2013, and has directed numerous CPH mainstage productions, including The Crucible; Sweat; The Diary of Anne Frank; In the Next Room, or the vibrator play; Into the Breeches!; Every Brilliant Thing; and the world premieres of Tiny Houses, The Good Peaches, Fairfield, and A Carol for Cleveland. She joined CPH in 2010, having arrived from Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island, where she was Resident Director and Artistic Associate for four seasons and Interim Director of the Brown/Trinity Rep M.F.A. in Directing Program for one. She has also at Playhouse Square clevelandplayhouse.com 25 directed for The Alliance Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Chautauqua Theater Company, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Syracuse Stage, Trinity Rep, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, among others. A native Ohioan, Laura received her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and her Master of Fine Arts from Brown University/Trinity Rep. She is a Drama League Fellow, a recipient of the 2009– 2011 National Endowment for the Arts/Theatre Communications Group Career Development Program for Directors, and a member of Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 2021. Locally, she has been recognized with multiple Outstanding Director commendations from The Cleveland Critics Circle, a Cuyahoga Community College Smart Business Smart Women Award, and a Crain’s Cleveland Woman of Note designation.

Stephanie Klapper, CSA

(Casting) ’s award-winning work is frequently seen on Broadway, off-Broadway, regionally, on concert stages, film, television, and streaming media. Select recent credits include: Becomes a Woman; The Rat Trap; The Daughter in Law; Chains (Mint Theater); Hip Hop Cinderella (Amas Musical Theatre/New Victory) The Rewards of Being Frank (NY more(Casting) ’s award-winning work is frequently seen on Broadway, off-Broadway, regionally, on concert stages, film, television, and streaming media. Select recent credits include: Becomes a Woman; The Rat Trap; The Daughter in Law; Chains (Mint Theater); Hip Hop Cinderella (Amas Musical Theatre/New Victory) The Rewards of Being Frank (NY Classical and CSF); The Lucky Star; Goldie, Max, and Milk; The New Golden Age (Volt Festival at 59E59); Shout Sister Shout; Grace, the musical (Ford’s Theatre) Elf Quest, the audio movie, Ranked, the musical/HBO Documentary; A Chorus Line (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Candide (Cincinnati Symphony / Philadelphia Orchestra). Stephanie, along with her exceptional team, is dedicated to continuing to expand and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business and is passionate about arts education. Teaches for NYU’s New Studio on Broadway; USC’s Dept of Theatre/Musical Theatre; participant NYU Tisch Women’s Mentorship Program; Fordham HS for the Arts. Board Member Casting Society of America and Casting Society Cares. For Bob and Florence.

Lex Liang

(Scenic and Costume Designer) is delighted to be back at CPH where he previously designed Shakespeare in Love (SD/CD), Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville (CD), The Three Musketeers (CD), The Little Foxes (SD/CD) and many others. Int’l/Nat’l Tours/NYC/Off-B’way: 100+ productions, including Judy Gold’s Yes, I Can Say That! currently playing at more(Scenic and Costume Designer) is delighted to be back at CPH where he previously designed Shakespeare in Love (SD/CD), Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville (CD), The Three Musketeers (CD), The Little Foxes (SD/CD) and many others. Int’l/Nat’l Tours/NYC/Off-B’way: 100+ productions, including Judy Gold’s Yes, I Can Say That! currently playing at Primary Stages, directed by BD Wong. Other recent work includes the world premieres of Emma, Mr. Holland’s Opus, The Tattooed Lady, and May We All. Other Regional: Actor’s Theatre Louisville, Alliance Theatre, Asolo, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Dallas Theatre Center, Denver Center, Geva, Guthrie, La Jolla, Long Wharf, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Playmaker’s Rep, Portland Center Stage, St. Louis Rep, Syracuse Stage, Woolly Mammoth, ... Lex is the founder and principal of LDC Design Associates, the experiential event design and production company in NYC. Recent projects/clients include Absolut Vodka, Operation Smile, Johnson & Johnson, Ubuntu Pathways, Invesco, The Tony Awards Gala, NYFW, NYWFF, William Hill, and others. www.LexLiang.com @Lex92

Nathan Motta

(Music Director) is the artistic director at Dobama, Cleveland’s off-Broadway theatre, where he’s directed award-winning productions of An Octoroon, The Flick, and Peter and the Starcatcher, among many others. At CPH, he acted as assistant director for Brecht’s Galileo and Stoppard’s Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, and music director more(Music Director) is the artistic director at Dobama, Cleveland’s off-Broadway theatre, where he’s directed award-winning productions of An Octoroon, The Flick, and Peter and the Starcatcher, among many others. At CPH, he acted as assistant director for Brecht’s Galileo and Stoppard’s Every Good Boy Deserves Favor, and music director for A Carol for Cleveland, Steel Magnolias, and Shakespeare in Love. Credits include Great Lakes Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Oberlin College, Baldwin Wallace, John Carroll, Cleveland State University, Ohio Light Opera, Cain Park, Cleveland Orchestra, Pittsburgh Symphony, Mercury Opera Rochester, Civic Light Opera (Pittsburgh), and Opera Cleveland. He has composed two original musicals, Little White Gloves and Midsummer, with a third, The Land of Oz, set to premiere in December 2022. Motta is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the Eastman School of Music.

Jane Shaw

(Sound Designer/Composer) for Cleveland Play House: Sweat; The Royale; Shakespeare in Love (original music); All the Way; Steel Magnolias; The Crucible; The Little Foxes; Grounded; A Carol for Cleveland; and In the Next Room, or the vibrator play. Her credits include Engagement Party (Hartford Stage), Actually (MTC), Annie Get more(Sound Designer/Composer) for Cleveland Play House: Sweat; The Royale; Shakespeare in Love (original music); All the Way; Steel Magnolias; The Crucible; The Little Foxes; Grounded; A Carol for Cleveland; and In the Next Room, or the vibrator play. Her credits include Engagement Party (Hartford Stage), Actually (MTC), Annie Get Your Gun (Bay Street), They Promised Her the Moon (Old Globe), Oo Bla Dee (Two River), and productions at Theatre for a New Audience, New York Theatre Workshop, the Mint Theater, Asolo, Northern Stage, Dorset Theater Festival, and American Repertory Theater. Ms. Shaw’s sound designs have earned a Drama Desk, Bessie Award, Henry Award, Connecticut Critics Circle Awards, Premios ACE 2012, Meet the Composer grant, Theatre Communication Group's Career Development Program and nominations for two Lortels, Henry Hewes and Elliot Norton awards. She was born in Kansas and lives in Brooklyn.

David Shimotakahara

(Choreographer) is the Founder and Artistic Director of GroundWorks DanceTheater. The company is dedicated to creating and producing new dance in collaboration with other disciplines. In 2010 Shimotakahara choreographed an acclaimed new adaptation of Stravinsky’s A Soldiers’ Tale in collaboration with Cleveland Play House and the Cleveland Orchestra. more(Choreographer) is the Founder and Artistic Director of GroundWorks DanceTheater. The company is dedicated to creating and producing new dance in collaboration with other disciplines. In 2010 Shimotakahara choreographed an acclaimed new adaptation of Stravinsky’s A Soldiers’ Tale in collaboration with Cleveland Play House and the Cleveland Orchestra. In 2015 he again collaborated with CPH and the Orchestra on The Good Peaches for CPH’s New Ground Theatre Festival under the direction of Laura Kepley. He is grateful to continue working so creatively with Laura at the Playhouse for this reimagining of Shakespeare in Love. Shimotakahara was awarded the 2000 Cleveland Arts Prize for Dance. He has received 7 Individual Artist Fellowships for Choreography from the Ohio Arts Council. In both 2010 and 2014 Shimotakahara was a recipient a Creative Workforce Fellowship, a program of the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture, funded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Wigs and Whiskers

(Wig Master) owned and operated by Mary Schilling-Martin and Caitie Martin; provides wig, hair and specialty makeup services to performing arts organizations and educational institutions around the country. Their motto is: “To hair is human, to wig divine.” Local credits include Cleveland Play House, Great Lakes Theater, Dobama Theatre, more(Wig Master) owned and operated by Mary Schilling-Martin and Caitie Martin; provides wig, hair and specialty makeup services to performing arts organizations and educational institutions around the country. Their motto is: “To hair is human, to wig divine.” Local credits include Cleveland Play House, Great Lakes Theater, Dobama Theatre, Case Western Reserve University, Baldwin Wallace University, and Cleveland Opera Theatre. Regional credits include The Goodman Theatre, Old Globe Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Great Lakes Theater, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, Marriott Theatre, San Diego Repertory Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, Victory Gardens, Theatre at the Center, American Theatre Company, Chicago Theatre for Young Audiences, Lyric Opera Works, Northwestern University, Roosevelt University in Chicago, University of California at San Diego, San Diego State University, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

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Meet CPH Managing Director Rachel Fink

Meet CPH Managing Director Rachel Fink

MEET RACHEL FINK, CPH’S NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR! By Craig Joseph, Literary Director What are you looking forward to as you return to Cleveland...

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Our Theatres

Allen Theatre

Allen Theatre

Helen Theatre

Helen Theatre

Outcalt Theatre

Outcalt Theatre

The Allen, Helen and Outcalt theatres are located at Playhouse Square
1407 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115

Administrative Offices and Education Center
1901 E. 13th Street, Suite 200 Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 400-7000

Production Center
7401 Detour Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103

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