The Tempest, by William Shakespeare

TAPA and TLC Federal Credit Union are proud to present THE TEMPEST by William Shakespeare, which will grace the stage at the Barn Community Playhouse beginning March 26th. Thought by many to be his personal statement about his career in theater, THE TEMPEST presents an exploration of the relationship between the dramat…ist and the magician. Both create something from nothing, literally out of thin air; the dramatist through his words and imagination, the magician through dark art. After his death, this play became the favorite of his friends in the theater, and was always at the beginning of any collection of his works.

Prospero (Zack Smith) and his young daughter, Miranda (Chey Clifford), are set adrift to die by his evil brother Antonio (Harry Kaiser) and the king, Alonso (Bill Farnum); but are saved by the goodness of an old friend, Gonzalo (Gerry Cortimilia). They arrive safely on an island filled with spirits including Ariel (Nicole Oekerman) and the monster Caliban (Shane Gass). After many years, Prospero is able to use magic to control the fates and bring his enemies to him by means of a tempest. He is bent on vengeance, and will use everything at his disposal—including his magic and his beautiful daughter—to that end. As the play continues, he begins to question whether he is on the right path, and by play’s end, realizes that forgiveness and the happiness of his daughter in the arms of the king’s son, Ferdinand (Sam Kuzma), will be better than revenge.

The play is filled with metaphors comparing theater and magic, and at one point, he sadly admits that “we are such stuff that dreams are made on . . . “, acknowledging the fleeting existence of stages and actors.

Also on hand are a drunken butler, Stephano (TJ Newton), who imagines he will become the king of the island and a fearful court jester, Trinculo (Micah Smith), just for fun! The cast of characters is rounded out with the king’s murderous brother, Sebastian (Larry Blum), the Boatswain (Joe Wrabek) and three goddesses (Regina Eckles, Briar Smith, and Sandra Koops). The play is directed by Kelli McMellon.

Performances will be March 26, 27, April 2, 3, 9, and 10 at 7:00 p.m., and March 28 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets can be reserved at Diamond Art Jewelers; call 503-842-7940. Adult tickets are $12, student/senior tickets are $9, and a family four-pack is $35.

Back row left to right are Larry E. Blum III, Micah Smith & T.J. Newton.

Second row left to right are Joe Wrabek, Gerry Cortimilia, Bill Farnum, Nicole Oekerman, Zach Smith, Harrison Kaiser, Briar Smith, Regina Eckles & Sandra Koops.

Front row on floor left to right are Shane Gass, Sam Kuzma & Chey Clifford.