Two all-time prolific English writers have showed up simultaneously — although very differently — in the Queen City through March 29. At the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park you can see Mrs. Christie (above, photo by Mikki Schaffner), a fanciful speculation behind the actual 1926 disappearance of the then-young mystery writer Agatha Christie. Heidi Armbruster’s recent script is getting a lavish staging by director Joanie Schultz on the Playhouse’s mainstage, Moe & Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre. It’s a bit of time travel with actors who successfully jump from a century ago to now to tell a story about two women coping with grief and finding themselves through writing. Here’s a link to my Talkin’ Broadway review: https://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/cincy/cincy590.html For tickets, 513-421-3888 or www.cincyplay.com
Meanwhile, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company has a faithful, traditional production of Othello, one of the Bard’s most gripping, heart-rending tragedies. Sylvester Little Jr., company member for a decade, takes on the title role. Billy Chace (who’s been around even longer — it’s his 17th season) embodies the deceitful Iago who manipulates Othello into a jealous, murderous rage that results in the murder of his new wife. (Photo above is by Mikki Schaffner) Powerfully staged by Cincy Shakes’ Candice Handy, this is a memorable piece of theater. My review: https://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/regional/cincy/cincy591.html For tickets: 513-2273 or www.cincyshakes.com