William Shakespeare's The Tempest is the final, brilliant work from a master craftsman. His only script not to be based on another's work, this is a deeply moving piece about an old, deposed Duke-turned-wizard setting the world right before his final exit. It could not have been a better metaphor for the aging Bard, planned or not. It is my personal favorite, and a difficult piece to mount with its simultaneous looks at literal and fairy worlds. Southwest Shakespeare Company, under the helm of newly appointed Artistic Director Jared Sakren, has taken the challenge, and save for a few weak, though minor, performances, this is a magical production of which Director Tracy Hill and her company should be proud.
Prospero is a Duke who let his evil brother, Sebastian, usurp his title while spending too much time studying. He and his small daughter, Miranda, were set out to sea to die, but they wound up instead on a magical island. Over 13 years, Prospero learned the ethereal arts and became master to two of the islands inhabitants; Caliban, a misshapen savage born of a powerful witch who is an unwilling slave, and Ariel, an airy spirit who serves him with love. When given the chance, Prospero creates a giant storm that forces the King of Naples' ship to land on the island. There, the King, his son, Ferdinand, the King's brother, Sebastian, and Prospero's own traitorous sibling, Antonio, are taken on a magical journey that brings together Miranda and Ferdinand, and all siblings.
Ms. Hill has brought the stage of the Mesa Amphitheatre down into the audience, raking it and creating a thrust that solves sight line problems, even as it creates some volume problems. Her interesting stage pictures are beautiful, and she has filled this presentation with energetic movement and pacing, while bringing together a cast that is generally impressive.
Among the strongest of the cast are the five main leads, offering great interpretations of their characters. As Prospero, Anthony De Fonte is a beneficent tyrant, wise and likeable, even as some of his motives and actions can seem harsh. His innocent daughter is played with wide-eyed appeal by Edis Donoghue-Chavez. Acrobatically treading the line between evil and comedic, spiteful creature Caliban is wholeheartedly given life by Daniel Good. Loving spirit Ariel, oft played by a woman to imply a romantic edge in service to Prospero, is wonderfully played here by Christopher Williams. He is energy personified. Finally, as the Prince of Naples, Sean Twomey is very sweet as the willing dupe who falls mightily for Miranda.
Other great performances shine from the ensemble. As the clowns, drunken Stephano and Trinculo are played with precise and hilarious bumbling by Noel Larrieu and Kyle Sorrell. The five female spirits, Elizabeth Peterson, Tara Furcini, Tracy Alexander, Kate Dressler, and Courtney Weir are lovely and convincingly magical. It is only in the court, usually given short shrift by directors because of their lack of stage time and limited character arcs, that the production is weak. The actors seem hesitant, and range from tentative to unremarkable.
The movement is well choreographed by Lawrence Rollins, who gives the spritely world a beautiful flow. The rough, knockabout, and comedic fight choreography by Mike Timm is precise and enjoyable.
William H. Symington's spare set, which offers a working fire, a small pool, and many surprise entrances, is a great space for the proceedings. Michael Eddy's lighting is bright and colorful, although some of the gobos leave shadows on faces during quieter scenes. The sound design initially overwhelmed the dialogue, but one on the island, Mike Wawrzyk's offerings are harmonious with the show. A special congratulations goes to Lois K. Myers for her beautiful costume design, which captures the three different feels of each group, and to magnificent effect.
The mix of superb direction, generally great acting, thematically supportive design, and the added joy of being outdoors (despite air traffic and the chill) make this a great production well worth attending.
Production Details:
The Tempest by William Shakespeare
Southwest Shakespeare
Company
The Mesa Amphitheatre, Mesa
(480) 641-7039
October 12th - 21st, 2000