AS YOU LIKE IT

By William Shakespeare

Adapted by Brant Russell & Jemma Levy

Music & Lyrics by Cary Davenport

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company – 2023

"Director Brant Russell from UC’s College Conservatory of Music, provides a fresh perspective while hammering home the key parts of the show–the love story and the comedy. He and Jemma Alix Levy adapted the script. But to make it really smell like teen spirit, he adds a lot of 90’s era music, and capitalizes on the contrasting words and expectations." – League of Cincinnati Theaters

"Shakespeare nerds need not fear that the silliness of As You Like It is diluted by this modernization, staged by Brant Russell, who chairs the acting department at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. He keeps all the comic plates spinning and uses the musical numbers to underscore the characters' simple emotions… Translating Shakespeare's play into other times and settings is risky business, but this production of As You Like It, admittedly one of Shakespeare's most lightweight plays, makes a strong case for how the process can work." - Talkin' Broadway

MALVOLIOS

By Gracie Gardner

Drama Studio London / Playground Theatre – 2022

MALVOLIOS

By Gracie Gardner

Drama Studio London / Playground Theatre – 2022

MALVOLIOS

By Gracie Gardner

Drama Studio London / Playground Theatre – 2022

MALVOLIOS

By Gracie Gardner

Drama Studio London / Playground Theatre – 2022

MALVOLIOS

By Gracie Gardner

Drama Studio London / Playground Theatre – 2022

MALVOLIOS

By Gracie Gardner

Drama Studio London / Playground Theatre – 2022

THE FIVE INCIDENTAL ENCOUNTERS…

By Dean Simakis Collaboraction Sketchbook – Chicago – 2004

CINCINNATI DIONYSIA – two Greek plays translated/adapted by Ellen McLaughlin

CCM – 2022

CINCINNATI DIONYSIA – two Greek plays translated/adapted by Ellen McLaughlin

CCM – 2022

CINCINNATI DIONYSIA – two Greek plays translated/adapted by Ellen McLaughlin

CCM – 2022

CINCINNATI DIONYSIA – two Greek plays translated/adapted by Ellen McLaughlin

CCM – 2022

CINCINNATI DIONYSIA – two Greek plays translated/adapted by Ellen McLaughlin

CCM – 2022

TWENTYONE

By Brett Neveu

The Side Project – Chicago – 2011

”Russell skillfully brings out the young characters’ strivings….  fascinating to watch.”  – Time Out Chicago

TWENTYONE

By Brett Neveu

The Side Project – Chicago – 2011

TWENTYONE

By Brett Neveu

The Side Project – Chicago – 2011

THE GOG/MAGOG PROJECT

By Jason Lindner

MoonPie Productions @ Steep Theater – Chicago – 2012

“Under the masterful direction of Brant Russell, multiple short scenes effectively showcase the ongoing performances….  The Gog/Magog Project is not a one man show. It’s more an exhaustive display of multiple personality disorder.”  --  Chicago Theater Beat

"… a prime example of the immediacy and community that can only be captured onstage. If theater has the power to inspire and provoke, through Alexander Gog we also see its ability to corrupt and destroy."  – Time Out Chicago

ASSOCIATION OF CONTROLLED DREAMERS – Workshop Production

By MJ Kaufman

CCM – 2019

ASSOCIATION OF CONTROLLED DREAMERS – Workshop Production

By MJ Kaufman

CCM – 2019

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

By Neil Simon

Queens Theatre – NYC – 2019

This version is an easygoing, easy to watch glimpse of slightly confused adults. They eventually conquer their greatest enemy — self-inflicted misunderstandings… Director Brant Russell’s selections for performers and staging have worked out well. – QNS.com

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

By Neil Simon

Queens Theatre – NYC – 2019

BOEING-BOEING

By Marc Camoletti, trans. Cross & Evans

CCM & The Carnegie – Covington, KY – 2013

"Starts strong and finishes stronger… laugh-out-loud funny…

[Brant Russell] is a thrilling addition to our artistic community."

• CityBeat, Critic's Pick

Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn 

Written by Sandy Rustin 

Additional Material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price 

Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture 

Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE 

Original Music by Michael Holland

CCM – 2024

Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn 

Written by Sandy Rustin 

Additional Material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price 

Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture 

Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE 

Original Music by Michael Holland

CCM – 2024

Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn 

Written by Sandy Rustin 

Additional Material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price 

Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture 

Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE 

Original Music by Michael Holland

CCM – 2024

Based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn 

Written by Sandy Rustin 

Additional Material by Hunter Foster and Eric Price 

Based on the Paramount Pictures Motion Picture 

Based on the Hasbro board game CLUE 

Original Music by Michael Holland

CCM – 2024

DARKEST NIGHT AT THE GNARLY STUMP

By Elizabeth Martin & Lauren Hynes

Music & Lyrics by Paul Strickland

Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2016

“A gift to anyone who enjoys inventive theater.” – CityBeat, Critic’s Pick

“CCM’s Brant Russell comes down to OTR to direct with panache…

I wish The Gnarly Stump were real." – River City News

DICKLESS

By Aisha Josiah

Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2023

“Thanks to a very capable small cast and detailed directing by Brant Russell, the colorful, sometimes horrifying tales told as monologues are etched with precision and vitality.” – Talkin' Broadway

“Director Brant Russell deserves a standing ovation alone for his insightful direction of a piece that can easily be stagnant in the wrong hands. Every movement is deliberate, every stillness is necessary. Russell has a keen eye and his direction collaborates well with the actors’ natural instincts.” – League of Cincinnati Theaters

DICKLESS

By Aisha Josiah

Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2023

DICKLESS

By Aisha Josiah

Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2023

ELECTION DAY

By Josh Tobiessen

Theater 7 – Chicago – 2008

“With Brant Russell at the helm, everything moves, I mean really moves, with a purpose.” – Chicago Tribune

THE HUNCHBACK OF SEVILLE

By Charise Castro-Smith

CCM / Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2015

THE HUNCHBACK OF SEVILLE

By Charise Castro-Smith

CCM / Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2015

THE HUNCHBACK OF SEVILLE

By Charise Castro-Smith

CCM / Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2015

THE HUNCHBACK OF SEVILLE

By Charise Castro-Smith

CCM / Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2015

THE HUNCHBACK OF SEVILLE

By Charise Castro-Smith

CCM / Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2015

IN THE NIGHT TIME (BEFORE THE SUN RISES)

By Nina Segal

Know Theatre of Cincinnati – 2020

“There’s little doubt you’ll leave Know Theatre in a thoughtful, introspective state after seeing In the Night Time, which is exactly why it’s worth the price of admission… This world-building feels full and fleshed out even before it segues neatly into the present with the birth of their newborn baby. As they experience deprivation of sleep due to their fussy new responsibility, all their fears about the future of the world begin to vigorously rattle their psyche—as well as ours.” – Cincinnati Refined

“Brandon Burton and Elizabeth Chinn Molloy both give note-perfect performances. In brief flashbacks and moments of hope, they radiate warmth and charm. As the night wears on and the cracks in their lives and the world at large grow, the desperation drips off of them like sweat. The chemistry between them fits the bill perfectly at every moment. For the most part, that means unbearable tension. But in those rare glimpses of better times, you get a sense of the joy the two have shared.” – ArtsWave

“In the Night Time deftly defies theater-going expectations by deploying a unique narrative style that draws us into its world and holds us there while everything wavers in the face of uncertainty.” – Cincinnati Refined

“Whether you leave the show with a positive or negative reaction largely depends on your outlook on life. Unsure whether you’re an optimist or pessimist? This is required theater.” – CityBeat (Critic’s Pick)

LOVE & INFORMATION

By Caryl Churchill

CCM – 2018

LOVE & INFORMATION

By Caryl Churchill

CCM – 2018

LOVE & INFORMATION

By Caryl Churchill

CCM – 2018

LOVE & INFORMATION

By Caryl Churchill

CCM – 2018

LOVE & INFORMATION

By Caryl Churchill

CCM – 2018

LOVE & INFORMATION

By Caryl Churchill

CCM – 2018

LOVE & INFORMATION

By Caryl Churchill

CCM – 2018

LOVE & INFORMATION

By Caryl Churchill

CCM – 2018

MACBETH

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2014

MACBETH

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2014

MACBETH

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2014

MACBETH

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2014

MACBETH

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2014

MACBETH

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2014

THE MIRACLE WORKER

By William Gibson

Queens Theatre – NYC – 2017

"The production, under the astute direction of Brant Russell, has been wisely adapted from three acts into two, with the many shifts in scene accomplished with tremendous fluidity, aided immeasurably by the superb lighting designer of Steve Wolf.  The ambitious two-tiered set designed by Ryan Howell is one of the finest to be seen on the theater’s stage in recent memory." – Queens Chronicle

"While Schwartz and Hogg are a dynamic pairing and a thrill to watch, the striking performances of the supporting players make it clear that director Brant Russell wanted to expand the show beyond the two main characters to emphasize how dealing with disabilities can affect an entire family." – Queens Times-Ledger

THE MIRACLE WORKER

By William Gibson

Queens Theatre – NYC – 2017

OUR TOWN

By Thornton Wilder

CCM – 2021

OUR TOWN

By Thornton Wilder

CCM – 2021

OUR TOWN

By Thornton Wilder

CCM – 2021

OUR TOWN

By Thornton Wilder

CCM – 2021

OUR TOWN

By Thornton Wilder

CCM – 2021

OUR TOWN

By Thornton Wilder

CCM – 2021

PARK PLAYS (Festival Director & Producer)

Queens Theatre – NYC – 2017

Plays commissioned from Lauren Yee, Jess Barbagallo, MJ Kaufman, Ngozi Anyanwu, Don Nguyen, and Jenny Lyn Bader, Rex McGregor, Frank Paiva, Gracie Gardner, and Richard Hinojosa. Directed by Marilee Talkington, Emma Miller, Michele O’Brien, Evan T Cummings, and Mary Hodges.

"They’re definitely working some kind of charm in Queens Theater’s 'Park Plays,' a program of 10 short one-acts set in and around the teeming world of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park." – The New York Times

RED BUD

By Brett Neveu

Signal Ensemble – Chicago – 2015

“Brant Russell’s production for Signal Ensemble brings out the best in Neveu’s drama: the performances are strong and subtle, and the pacing is just leisurely enough for us to feel the fear and quiet desperation that grips them all.” – Chicago Reader

“The hyper-realism that permeates this production affects, alienates and engrosses the audience all at once.” – Newcity Chicago

“Russell skillfully pulls us into this authentic Red Bud world. His talented crew become these people at the motorcross roads of life. We begin to understand each individual’s reality compared to the collective dreams of the group over the years.  The regret is palpable.  And just when we are commiserating with the fellas over a beer, Russell throws gasoline on the campfire.   RED BUD is what happens when the bromance is over.” – The Fourth Walsh

“Fleet and hard hitting performances…the cast dives into the nasty pyrotechnics with zest.” – Chicago Tribune

ROMEO & JULIET

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2016

ROMEO & JULIET

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2016

ROMEO & JULIET

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2016

ROMEO & JULIET

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2016

ROMEO & JULIET

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2016

ROMEO & JULIET

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2016

ROMEO & JULIET

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2016

ROMEO & JULIET

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2016

ROMEO & JULIET

By William Shakespeare

CCM – 2016

THE MAN-BEAST

By Joseph Zettelmaier

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

2018

“Russell uses the claustrophobic cubby-hole like a pressure cooker, forcing Jean and Virginie to collide and combust.” – CityBeat

“Watching Joplin and Hopkins mix it up is every bit as enthralling as the tale they are wrapped up in. It’s like watching a pair of top-ranked tennis players. Or master debaters. You know this match must finish. And you know there can only be one winner. But the duel itself is so mesmerizing, you never want it to end.” – Cincinnati Enquirer

“If you’re in the mood for some mystery, professionally performed by some of Cincinnati’s top talent, Know is your place this Halloween season.” – League of Cincinnati Theaters

“Every moment, from the very first to the visceral climax, fits neatly into the elevation, giving you a feeling like you’re climbing the first hill of a roller coaster, then suspending you for the barest instant at the pinnacle of the hill before dropping you completely into the action.” – ArtsWave

“The Know has a reputation for exciting, inventive theater precisely because of shows like “The Man-Beast.” They’ve taken an excellent, challenging script and worked their magic on it to build something truly special. As unnerving as it gets, the ending — which I won’t give away — was one of the most satisfying I’ve seen in recent memory.” – ArtsWave

THE MAN-BEAST

By Joseph Zettelmaier

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

2018

THE MAN-BEAST

By Joseph Zettelmaier

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

2018

THEATRE: A LOVE STORY

By Caridad Svich

A streaming live/video event

Filmed at Know Theatre of Cincinnati and The Imperial Theater – 2021

Co-directed with Tamara Winters and Daryl Harris

"Bracingly ambitious direction and design … a courageous production … thrillingly true to all that it means to be fully alive, as part of the never-ending love story that represents theater at its best.” – Forward Theatre

“Theatre: A Love Story — which has dancing and music and playful video art overlaying the performances — seems proof these theater makers in Cincinnati still have that faith.”– New York Theatre

"The lines between the play and reality are paper thin. … Theatre: A Love Story is a wake-up call and warning.” – ArtsWave

"[The cast] kept us enthralled the entire time. … You should see this act of consecration for yourself.” – The Young-Howze Theatre Journal

THEATRE: A LOVE STORY

By Caridad Svich

A streaming live/video event

Filmed at Know Theatre of Cincinnati and The Imperial Theater – 2021

Co-directed with Tamara Winters and Daryl Harris

THEATRE: A LOVE STORY

By Caridad Svich

A streaming live/video event

Filmed at Know Theatre of Cincinnati and The Imperial Theater – 2021

Co-directed with Tamara Winters and Daryl Harris

THEATRE: A LOVE STORY

By Caridad Svich

A streaming live/video event

Filmed at Know Theatre of Cincinnati and The Imperial Theater – 2021

Co-directed with Tamara Winters and Daryl Harris

VERY DUMB KIDS

By Gracie Gardner

CCM – 2017

"CCM’s Very Dumb Kids are brilliant." – League of Cincinnati Theaters

VERY DUMB KIDS

By Gracie Gardner

CCM – 2017

VERY DUMB KIDS

By Gracie Gardner

CCM – 2017

VERY DUMB KIDS

By Gracie Gardner

CCM – 2017

VERY DUMB KIDS – Workshop Production

By Gracie Gardner

CCM – 2016

VERY DUMB KIDS – Workshop Production

By Gracie Gardner

CCM – 2016

VERY DUMB KIDS – Workshop Production

By Gracie Gardner

CCM – 2016

VERY DUMB KIDS – Workshop Production

By Gracie Gardner

CCM – 2016

THE WORLD’S FAIR PLAY FESTIVAL (Festival Director & Producer)

Plays commissioned from Todd Almond, Craig Lucas, Wendy MacLeod, Lauren Yee, Theater 167, Halley Feiffer, Harrison Rivers, Kris Diaz, Deen, and Caridad Svich.

Directed by Brant Russell, Lauren Keating, Erik Pearson, and Ari Laura Kreith.

Queens Theatre – NYC – 2014

NY Times Critic’s Pick

YOU’RE WELCOME: A CYCLE OF BAD PLAYS

By The Debate Society

CCM – 2015

YOU’RE WELCOME: A CYCLE OF BAD PLAYS

By The Debate Society

CCM – 2015

YOU’RE WELCOME: A CYCLE OF BAD PLAYS

By The Debate Society

CCM – 2015

YOU’RE WELCOME: A CYCLE OF BAD PLAYS

By The Debate Society

CCM – 2015

YOU’RE WELCOME: A CYCLE OF BAD PLAYS

By The Debate Society

CCM – 2015

YOU’RE WELCOME: A CYCLE OF BAD PLAYS

By The Debate Society

CCM – 2015

YOU’RE WELCOME: A CYCLE OF BAD PLAYS

By The Debate Society

CCM – 2015

YOU’RE WELCOME: A CYCLE OF BAD PLAYS

By The Debate Society

CCM – 2015

YOU’RE WELCOME: A CYCLE OF BAD PLAYS

By The Debate Society

CCM – 2015