Photo Flash: MCCC Theatre Students to Present Tempest

One of Shakespeare's final plays, "The Tempest" weaves together complex themes. According to Assistant Professor Jody Person, coordinator for the MCCC Theatre Program and the play's director, this production focuses primarily on the theme of forgiveness and uses a pool of water as a primary set piece at center stage. The pool is used creatively throughout the play, but its main purpose is to provide a way for characters to reflect on themselves.
Explaining the symbolism of the pool, Person observes, "In Shakespeare's plays, ambition flows like water. Ambition in 'The Tempest' is developed differently because Prospero acknowledges his own culpability in his brother's betrayal. As he wrestles with his feelings, Prospero's true nature is reflected in the water like a mirror."

Starring in "The Tempest" are Nick Andrejco of Hamilton as Prospero; Apurva Bhalerao of Princeton as Miranda; Jessica Stanley of Lawrenceville as Ariel; De Haven Rogers of Hamilton as Caliban; Parker Harris of Lawrenceville as Ferdinand; Jackie Nguyen of Lawrenceville as Alonso; Ned Ianacone of Princeton Junction as Antonio; David Walter of Allentown as Sebastian; Nicole Erkoboni of Lawrenceville as Gonzala; Taylor Pickett-Stokes of Trenton as Trincula.

The cast also features Rob Henry of Hopewell as Stephano; Melissa Kettner of Bordentown as Iris; Stephanie Ortiz of Lawrenceville as Ceres; Stephanie Moon of Yardville as Juno and Adrian; Jakub Sowirko of Hamilton as Boatswain; and Aminata Keita of Trenton as Master.

The production crew includes Richelle Bodensiek as assistant director, Theresa Zicolello as stage manager, and Abigail Lynn as assistant stage manager. Mercer's Entertainment Technology students will assist with lighting and sound under the direction of EnTech Program Coordinator Bob Terrano. Kelsey Theatre staff member Kate Pinner is costume and set designer.

Tickets for "The Tempest" are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available next to the theater.