A community theatre’s take on Shakespeare’s fantastical play.
A raging storm swirled around the Blackrock Rexville Amphitheater as Shakespeare Northwest’s The Tempest made its first debut on July 15th. Directed by Bjorn Anders (the President and Artistic Director of Shakespeare Northwest), The Tempest readily fits their summer theme, “Of Fathers and Daughters.” Prepare for a night of magic, romance, and trickery.
The Tempest is thought to be William Shakespeare’s last play, likely written 1610-1611. The plot follows three interconnected storylines: the first, the wizard Prospero and his daughter Miranda. Prospero tells of how he used to be a Duke of Milan but was usurped and found his way to this remote island. But revenge is nigh! With the help of his spirit Ariel, he weaves a spell upon the king’s company, who just crash landed their boat upon his island. Prince Ferdinand stumbles upon Miranda, and of course, they fall in love. Second, Prospero’s brother Antonio convinces Sebastian, the king’s brother, to kill the king so Sebastian can rule. And third, two fools and Prospero’s beastly slave, Caliban, revel in drunk mischief with a plot to kill Prospero.
Several stand-out actors constituted the strength of the show. In fact, Caliban (Nate Wheeler) had to be the favorite. As he crawls around on all fours hissing and spitting, I had the distinct impression of Tolkien’s Gollum. He was entertaining and real, and I found that the comedic scenes with him and the two clownish figures were the most amusing. Of the actors to handle Shakespeare’s language the best, Prospero (Carolyn Travis) wins the prize. Not only could I understand all the words, I understood their meaning. She carried a slow, larger-than-life countenance befitting a wizard. Antonio (Radio McComas) and Sebastian (Sarah Moore) made a witty pair, and Stephano (Jaime Mastromonica) had me chuckling as he bandied words with Caliban.
The costume design was set in a traditional Elizabethan manner, but Ariel’s costume had a goodly effect. As Ariel (Maia Newell-Large) dances across the stage, her flowing sleeves gave me the impression of a darting sparrow.
Some weaknesses: I struggled to understand Gonzalo (Lisa Judd), who talked softly and through a fake beard. Likewise, the show would be served well with more dynamic blocking. And though the play was meant to run until 9pm, I was out of there at 9:45 – though I can chock that up to a late start and opening-night hitches.
The Tempest will run through August, along with its companion show, The Taming of the Shrew. Make sure to bring a lawn chair and a sweater!
The Tempest by William Shakespeare. Shakespeare Northwest Association, Rexville-Blackrock Amphitheater, 19299 Blackwell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Various dates July 15 – August 12th, 7pm or Sun 4pm. Free parking on lawn available.
Tickets: https://shakesnw.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=07-2023