Thu 3/6 – Sat 3/22
Performances Thu-Sat & Mon @ 7:30pm
(Special Performance Sun 3/16 @ 3pm)
Cleveland Public Theatre’s latest production can best be described as Shakespeare meets Rocky Horror Picture Show. However, this isn’t your typical Shakespeare. TITUS: A Grand and Gory Rock Musical is a rock opera rendition of Shakespeare’s first tragedy, Titus Andronicus — considered his darkest script. It’s a tragic story of revenge – of the origins of violence – with a lighthearted twist and lots of singing.
“The combination of comedy and tragedy [in TITUS], and the plot line itself, is so bizarre, but in some ways, very relatable,” says TITUS creator and director Craig J. George. “These kinds of things are still happening—revenge cycles—and they were happening back then, almost 1500 or 2000 years ago, all the way to ancient Rome. The revenge cycle, once it gets started, just feeds itself. That is ultimately what this play is about; the origins of violence.
“And yet, the way it’s written—but not often performed—is an entertaining play. There is comedy that [Shakespeare] intentionally wrote into it; bad puns, word play used in bad taste. We’re embracing that quality from the very first moments of the play. It’s a deadly serious story, but it’s fun, too.”
TITUS is a cautionary tale of a Roman General (Titus Andronicus) returning home from war after ten years. He arrives to learn that the Emperor and all but four of Titus’ 25 sons have died. Titus returns with a captive bride, Tamora (Queen of the Goths that he was at war with), her three sons and her secret lover. Titus sacrifices one of Tamora’s sons to avenge his loss, and the tragic series of revenge is set into motion.
The original play was considered gruesome in its day. Countless people die, hands and heads get chopped off, tongues get cut out…This obviously isn’t Romeo and Juliet. It’s clear that CPT plans to amplify the blood and gore for contemporary audiences. “The blood budget is more than my salary,” jokes George.
“The first production of my first season as Executive Artistic Director was a Shakespeare play conceived by Craig—it was awesome. Recently, while he was in town directing Standing on Ceremony, we got to talking and this wild idea started to emerge,” explains CPT’s Raymond Bobgan. “Yes, there are a lot of ‘takes’ on Shakespeare, but TITUS: A Grand and Gory Rock Musical is a version that you would only expect in Cleveland at CPT!”
Whether you’re a fan of Shakespeare, rock operas, campy horror films or just copious amounts of blood and gore, TITUS is made for you. Craig J. George’s version is fresh and fun, while staying true to Shakespeare’s original intentions.
A special preview performance will be held on Thu 3/6. The Opening Night performance on Fri 3/7 will be followed by a reception with food and drinks after the show. Stop by on Free Beer Friday to mingle with the cast and crew while sampling a free beverage or two.