 |
|
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival begins its Studio Stage programming with the well-loved classic The Tempest. It plays Tuesdays through Sundays in the 240-seat Douglas Campbell Studio Stage tent in Vanier Park from June 26 through September 20, 2008. The Tempest is directed by accomplished actress and sound designer Meg Roe, making her directorial debut. Twelfth Night and King Lear continue at the same time in the Mainstage tent. Magic and intrigue are at the heart of this fantastical romance. Prospero, a magician and the exiled Duke of Milan, lives on an enchanted island with his daughter Miranda, the spirit Ariel, and the slave Caliban. Stranded there years ago by his usurping brother, Antonio, and Alonso, King of Naples, Prospero conjures up a storm that shipwrecks his old enemies on the island's shores. As Ariel and Prospero weave their magic, new alliances form, plots of murder brew, and romance blossoms between Miranda and Ferdinand, King Alonso's son. The Tempest features Allan Morgan as Prospero and Julie McIsaac as his daughter Miranda. Jennifer Lines is the spirit Ariel and Bob Frazer plays the mean-spirited Caliban. Those shipwrecked on the island include John Murphy as Prospero’s brother Antonio, Simon Bradbury as Alonso, King of Naples, Russell Roberts as Gonzalo, Haig Sutherland as Sebastian, and Kyle Rideout as Francisco. Darren Dolynski plays Prince Ferdinand, the love- struck son of Alonso. Adding to the humour are Colleen Wheeler and Naomi Wright as the drunken courtiers Stephana and Trincula, who team up with Caliban. Omari Newton is the Boatswain who steers the ship through the storm while Charles Christien Gallant and Hamza Adam play the other spirits that inhabit this magical island. In this production, classical, 17th century flavours blend with the organic and colourful feeling of the Caribbean. Pam Johnson’s set hints at ancient civilizations,as the backdrop of crumbling Roman arches transitions into a thrust stage running into the audience. Costume designer Christine Reimer dresses the shipwrecked courtiers in Jacobean attire, while she has created fantastical, island-inspired costumes incorporating moss, leaves and shells for the spirits and shapes. Consultant for the puppets is Sandy Buck. Alessandro Juliani has composed an original score for a string trio to help create both the supernatural effects as well as the romantic world of the play. Inspired by Jacobean music but with unconventional twists, the music is performed live on stage by bassist Mark Beaty, and violinists Masae Day and Llowyn Ball. John Webber’s lighting heightens the sense of portent and magic, while Movement Choreographer Kevin James and Fight Director Nicholas Harrison oversee the island antics. Stage Manager Joanne P. B. Smith is assisted by Samara van Nostrand (Assistant Stage Manager) and Raelynne Gagnon (Apprentice Stage Manager).
Performance details for The Tempest are as follows:
Bard-B-Q & Fireworks evenings: July 23, 26, 30 & August 2 at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $33 (evenings); $21 to $27.50 (previews/matinees). Order on-site, by phone at 604-739-0559, or on-line at . Season Sponsor is Starbucks; Production Sponsor for The Tempest is RE/MAX. |
