Richard II at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The lovely Robin and I had the joy this evening of sharing together a fine performance of Richard II at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

It has been too long since we've seen a play on the CSC stage (though we've enjoyed Shakespeare in the Park performances). The tickets were a gift from our favorite daughter, son-in-law, son, and daughter-in-law, front row center.

The story, of the power struggles between Richard II and Henry Bolingbroke (who became Henry IV)--and of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses--is a fascinating one, and it was ably acted and inspiringly staged. Anchored by the strong performances of Brent Vimtrup (Richard), Jim Hopkins (Bolingbroke), Nicholas Rose (York), and Joneal Joplin (John of Gaunt/Bishop of Carlisle), the play provoked laughter, tears, and a standing ovation at the end.

There are few things I like better than a good performance of Shakespeare's amazing lines...and this was certainly that.