In 1982, Actors' Theatre of Columbus (ATC) kicked off its first season with a single production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The success of that season proved that Schiller Park was an excellent venue for open air Shakespearean theater, and the troupe has continued this tradition for 35 years. "To Tell the Truth," Actors' Theatre's 2016 season, features four plays that ask questions about how far relationships can be strained and even broken by dishonesty, falsehood and slander.
A distinguished politician's youthful indiscretions come to light in An Ideal Husband (August 11 - September 4), Oscar Wilde's sophisticated satire directed by ATC Artistic Director Philip J. Hickman. Sir Robert Chiltern's (Ross Shirley) political career and marriage are put to the test as the true nature of his virtue is revealed. His problem is compounded by his wife's intolerance of the slightest character flaw. Wilde's classic comedy features two of his best characters, the deliciously sly Mrs. Cheveley (Beth Josephsen) and the wonderfully witty Lord Goring (Amari Ingram).Ross Shirley is thrilled to be returning to Actors' Theatre as Sir Robert Chiltern. Ross has appeared in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Measure for Measure, The Tempest, Much Ado About Nothing, Amadeus,The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Crucible and has directed Romeo and Juliet for Actors' Theatre. Ross has also acted in and directed productions for The Miami University Department of Theatre, The Human Race Theatre, Stage 5 Rep, Reality Theatre, Act Out Productions, and Gallery Players. Last year Ross had the great privilege to direct the All Ohio Thespian production of Spring Awakening.Photo Credit: Jenn Geiger
Ross Shirley, with (from left to right) Sonda Staley as Sir Robert and Lady Chiltern
Sonda Staley, with (from left to right) Beth Josephsen as Lady Chiltern and Mrs. Chevely
Beth Josephsen, with (from left to right) Amari Ingram, Sonda Staley and Ross Shirley
Amari Ingram, with (from left to right) Beth Josephsen as Viscount Goring and Mrs. Chevely
Ross Shirley as Sir Robert Chiltern, with (from left to right) Sonda Staley as Lady Chiltern and Amari Ingram as Viscount Goring
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