Brian Cox in THE SCORE
Brian Cox stars as Johann Sebastian Bach in Oliver Cotton’s *The Score*, directed by Trevor Nunn. Set in spring 1747, the drama follows Bach’s reluctant visit to the court of Frederick II, King of Prussia, where the powerful monarch challenges him with a musical puzzle. Bach must decide how to meet the king’s demands without compromising his artistic principles or morality. The production explores the survival of art under authoritarian power and marks the play’s only American engagement.
The production has been praised for its strong ensemble, dark humor, political resonance, and Cox’s forceful performance. It is presented in Harman Hall at Shakespeare Theatre Company and has been extended through October 25.
When: Performances are listed from October 7 through October 25, with the engagement extended through October 25.
Showtimes: October 7 at 7:30 p.m.; October 8 at 7:30 p.m.; October 9 at 7:30 p.m.; October 10 at 2 p.m.; October 11 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; October 13 at 7:30 p.m.; October 14 at 7:30 p.m.; October 15 at 2 p.m.; October 16 at 7:30 p.m.; October 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; October 18 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; October 20 at 7:30 p.m.; October 21 at 7:30 p.m.; October 22 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; October 23 at 7:30 p.m.; October 24 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and October 25 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Price not available.
Venue: Harman Hall at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
Run time: Approximately two hours and 45 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
Cast: Brian Cox as Johann Sebastian Bach; Nicole Cox as Anna Magdalena Bach; Peter Jersey as Voltaire; Juliet Garricks as Emelia; Stephen Hagan as Frederick II, King of Prussia; Will Kerr as Helstein and an understudy for Frederick II; Jordan Kilshaw as a courtier and understudy for Franz Benda, Carl Graun, and Johann Quantz; Claire Morrissey as the maidservant and understudy for Anna Magdalena Bach and Emelia; Max Pink as a courtier and understudy for Carl Bach and Helstein; Matthew Romain as Carl Graun; Christopher Staines as Johann Quantz; Geoffrey Towers as Herr von Meckelsdorf and an understudy for Johann Sebastian Bach and Voltaire; Toby Webster as Franz Benda; and Jamie Wilkes as Carl Bach.
Creative team: Written by Oliver Cotton and directed by Trevor Nunn. The design team includes Robert Jones for sets and costumes, Johanna Town for lighting, and Sophie Cotton for sound. Ginny Schiller is the casting director, Cordelia Monsey is the associate director, and Theatre Royal Bath Productions, Len Blavatnik, and Danny Cohen are producers.
Stage management: Felix Dunning is company stage manager, Lorna Earl is deputy stage manager, and Laura Smith is stage manager. Smith is a member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Accessibility: Open-caption performances are scheduled for September 23 and 24 and September 26, with matinee or evening designations as listed by the theatre. Harman Hall provides two caption screens, positioned on either side of the stage; seats in row F or farther back are recommended for the clearest view. Audio description is scheduled for the October 3 matinee. Live verbal description is provided for patrons who are blind or have low vision, with headsets available at the Orchestra Level coat check.
Accessibility audio: The theatre provides pre-show and intermission audio-description notes for *The Score* through Metropolitan Washington Ear.
Availability: Several late-October performances are marked “Best Availability” on the schedule, including October 20 through October 25 dates shown on the page. Availability is subject to change.
Note: The theatre states that performances, artists, venues, and dates may change.