Photo Flash: First Look at Cincinnati Shakespeare's DANGEROUS LIAISONS

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati's stage for the classics, is presents Christopher Hampton's "Dangerous Liaisons", playing from tonight, February 15, through March 10, 2013. This production is directed by Drew Fracher and features CSC Resident Ensemble Members Giles Davies, Corinne Mohlenhoff, Sherman Fracher and Kelly Mengelkoch. The design of this production is generously sponsored by Legg Mason Investment Counsel and the media sponsor is CET Cincinnati Educational Television.

BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage in the photos below!

In pre-Revolutionary France, two long time friends and occasional passionate lovers, the Vicomte de Valmont (Giles Davies) and the Marquise de Merteuil (Corinne Mohlenhoff), amuse themselves by orchestrating a plot of seduction for two young women of virtue, Cécile Volanges (Bailie Breaux) and La Présidente de Tourvel (Kelly Mengelkoch). As their cynical game proceeds, their motives become darker - and more deadly. Filled with seduction, duplicity, and plenty of forbidden passion, this dark and delicious intrigue paints a portrait of the pre-Revolutionary French aristocracy in all its cynicism and decadence.

This production welcomes back Cincinnati favorite Giles Davies to the stage as the Vicomte de Valmont, a notorious bachelor who never expects to fall in love with one of the women he has been challenged to seduce. The production also features several of Cincinnati's best talent, including Corinne Mohlenhoff, Sherman Fracher and Kelly Mengelkoch (more details below). "Dangerous Liaisons" is a theatrical adaptation by Christopher Hampton of the 18th-century French novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos. It was staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1985 by a cast including Lindsay Duncan as the Marquise de Merteuil and Alan Rickman as the Vicomte de Valmont. In 1988, a drama film of "Dangerous Liaisons" was released featuring Glenn Close, John Malkovich, Uma Thurman and Michelle Pfeiffer. Audiences may also recognize the story from the popular 1999 movie "Cruel Intentions", which was also adapted from this classic play.

Please note that "Dangerous Liaisons" deals with mature subject matter, includes brief nudity and is best suited for adults and older teens.

Performances of "Dangerous Liaisons" are scheduled from February 15- March 10, 2013 on Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. Preview performances are on Tuesday Feb. 13 and Wednesday Feb. 14 at 7:30pm and tickets are $15. The theater is located at 719 Race Street, downtown Cincinnati, two blocks west of the Aronoff Center. Single ticket prices range from $22-$28 on Thursday Nights and Sunday Matinees and from $26-$32 on Friday and Saturday Nights. If available, $14 student rush tickets may be purchased 30 minutes before a show with a valid student ID. Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Ticketing fees may apply. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups as well as Enjoy the Arts and AAA members. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the CSC Box Office at 513.381.BARD (2273) ext. 1, or go online at www.cincyshakes.com.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages. Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season. CSC employs a resident company of actors and artists who live and work in Cincinnati year-round, and performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors' Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's Education and Outreach Programs see an average of 18,000 students each season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions at its home on Race Street. In Season 20, CSC will become one of only a handful of companies worldwide to have produced Shakespeare's 38-play canon in its entirety. CSC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible.

Photo Credit: J. Sheldon Photo

Giles Davies and Corinne Mohlenhoff

Sherman Fracher, Corinne Mohlenhoff and Amy Warner

Giles Davies and Kelly Mengelkoch

Giles Davies and Kelly Mengelkoch

Amy Warner

Giles Davies

Giles Davies and Corinne Mohlenhoff

Bailie Breaux, Corinne Mohlenhoff and Sherman Fracher

Giles Davies and Corinne Mohlenhoff

Bailie Breaux and Corinne Mohlenhoff