Photo Flash: First Look at AN IDEAL HUSBAND at Actors' Theatre of Columbus

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.

ATC Outreach Coordinator Beth Josephsen is delighted to be cast as a villain (Mrs. Cheveley) during her eighth summer season of performing "Shakespeare in the Park" with Actors' Theatre. Her favorite roles include Marian in Robin Hood, Mrs. Kate Sullen in The Beaux' Stratagem, and Dr. John Watson inThe Hound of the Baskervilles.

Amari J. Ingram is excited to perform in his first production with Actors' Theatre as Viscount Goring. Amari is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University where he earned his B.A. in sociology. He was able to perform with the OSU Opera and Lyric Theatre Department in their spring production of Sweeney Todd. He also spent his undergraduate career as a cheerleader for Ohio State. Amari is an accomplished musician who has been playing piano for 13 years and viola for 12.

Each performance runs Thursday-Sunday at 8 pm at Schiller Park's Amphitheatre Stage in German Village. Outdoor summer shows are free and open to the public, though donations are encouraged and vital to the continued success of Actors' Theatre. Inaugural memberships with Actors' Theatre have been created for the 35th anniversary season and are available by visiting theactorstheatre.org/membership.

Photo Credit: Jenn Geiger

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