By Sarah Blenis

Shakespeare enthusiasts were treated this week, October 17th - October 20th, with a delightful production of The Tempest. Directed by Elizabeth Chase, the audience had the pleasure to witness one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies, and the production was an overall hit.

The play is centered on a remote island, where the dispossessed duke of Milan, Prospero, lives with his daughter, Miranda, and their misshapen servant, Caliban. Prospero, who was preoccupied with magic and power, had been usurped from the throne by his conniving brother, Antonio, and the scheming king of Naples, Alonso. As fortune has it, Antonio and Alonso, along with Antonio's son Ferdinand and a host of other nobles, pass by Prospero's island in a boat on their way to Italy. Prospero pounces on the opportunity for revenge, and uses his magic to conjure up a tempest to shipwreck the traitors on his island. Although separated, the crew makes it safely to the island, where Prospero has many surprises in store for them. With the help of a spirit, Ariel, Prospero torments his traitors while keeping the audience in stitches. The play progresses with a plethora of humorous hijinx, a marriage, and ultimately a reconciliation.

The Tempest was definitely a feast for the eyes. The set was simple yet highly effective as the stage was covered in book-shaped platforms to emphasize Prospero's occupation with magic. Set designer George Fry paid close attention to detail on these book-like platforms, and the use of different levels really helped the overall look of the play. Barb Ryan did an amazing job on costumes, using richly colored crushed-velvet for the nobles and billowy, delicate gowns for the spirits.

The play definitely had a strong repertoire of actors. The role of Prospero was played by Dean Turner, who had a powerful, booming voice that carried well across the auditorium. Emily Davidson donned the role of sweet, subservient Miranda, which proved a great contrast to Prospero's powerful dictatorship. The breakthrough performances were definitely those of Caliban and Ariel. Caliban, the island's monster and Prospero's servant, was played by Michael Holmes-Lauder. Lauder, whose face was painted a grotesque shade of green, hopped and crawed around the stage like a perfect savage. The friendly spirit, Ariel, was played by east-coast newcomer Mandy Workman. Workman glided around the stage with such grace and airy elegance, and her voice transfixed the audience.

Overall, director Elizabeth Chase did a wonderful job taking Shakespeare's play from the page and putting it on the stage. The performance was well rehearsed with virtually no glitches. The Tempest kept the audience laughing, and received a standing ovation at curtain's close. It was definitely a night of hilarious cultural entertainment.