Review: THE TEMPEST Delivers a Wave of Top-Notch Talent at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

A tale of mysticism, betrayal, love and the ultimate choice. THE TEMPEST is arguably one of Shakespeare's most cohesive works, with its central plot all taking place on the same day in one location. The storyline is easier to follow than some of the Bard's earlier plays, which is brought to light by the acting and direction in the Orlando Shakespeare production that opened in Central Florida on Friday night.

The play begins with fervor, taking us into the overarching plot where Prospero and his young, naive daughter Miranda have been stranded on an enchanted island for 12 years. Prospero works with Ariel, the island's spritely spirit, to conjure up a storm (the Tempest) to shipwreck a group that includes Prospero's conspirators who originally caused him to lose his duke-ship and strand him on the island. The main storyline is woven together by three subplots. The first involves the courtship of Miranda and Prince Ferdinand (son of conspirator, King Alonso), the second focuses on the mischievous dealings of Caliban (island native) and alcohol-loving schemers, Stephano and Trinculo, and the third includes the remaining shipwrecked betrayers' calculating plans for further wrongdoing. While there are plenty of characters and details, as is true for many of Shakespeare's works, this production does a remarkable job of using techniques to deliver the lines in a way where we can enjoy William's work without too much struggle.

I almost expected to feel a drop of rain hit my cheek as the initial storm rolls in during Act I. The audience is effortlessly brought into the fictional world for the evening, complete with rolling waves and crashing thunder. This true to life feeling in the room holds throughout the play due to exceptional team work from Sound Designer, Britt Sandusky, Set Design by Kat Conley and Lighting Design by Bert Scott.

Anne Hering directs this production of THE TEMPEST. Not only is she the Education Director at Orlando Shakespeare and frequently seen lead actor, but Hering also sits in the director's chair from time to time. With the three rather distinct subplots in THE TEMPEST, it can be difficult to ensure the audience stays spellbound and connected throughout the show. Hering delivers with a natural, alluring production. Her chosen dynamic with emphasis on physical comedy in the Caliban/Stephano/Trinculo scenes ensures that the audience remains delightfully engaged.

Indeed, the entire cast of THE TEMPEST creates the magic for "such stuff as dreams are made on." Greg Thornton is understatedly mesmerizing and natural as Prospero. It is almost as if he wrote his own lines. Dameka Hayes, as Ariel, moves with flow and slinky grace; her arms are reminiscent of the swan princess, Odette, from Swan Lake. Her fluidity never drops and her conflicted relationship with Prospero develops with sincerity.

The first subplot contains the ever-present love story. Miranda is played by Gracie Winchester in her first complete work at Orlando Shakespeare. Brad Frost (last seen as Paris in ROMEO AND JULIET) takes on the role of Ferdinand. Miranda's primal inspection of Ferdinand as they first meet is so peculiar, but perfectly portrayed by Winchester with eccentric instinct. The couple's unabashed infatuation for each other is surprisingly endearing and they have excellent on-stage chemistry. There is a slightly awkward song and dance sequence during the goddess serenade for the couple, but the scene remains true to the plot and involves beautiful staging to make up for what feels like a deviation from the flow.

The second of the subplots will undoubtedly be what audience members discuss in the car ride home. The conniving threesome, Stephano, Trinculo and Caliban, work together to bring us the best moments of the show, especially in Act I. John P. Keller returns to Orlando Shakespeare as the celestial liquor-loving Stephano, following knockout performances in, amongst other shows, DRACULA and THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY ... and this role is no exception to the trend. He is witty and comically flagrant; his rhythm is quirky and his choices keep the audience in a state of amusement. Brad Deplanche plays Trinculo with ease and every time I see him in a show I am convinced (pre-show) that he will be unable to live up to his last performance. Again, I stand corrected. How did this man get so many funny bones? His delivery and execution are nothing short of comedic genius in every scene. And, what do you get when you cross Hannibal Lecter from SILENCE OF THE LAMBS with Gollum from LORD OF THE RINGS? Richard Watson as Caliban. This man is fearlessly raw. He is legitimately grotesque at times and had my skin crawling from the moment his creepy arm emerged from below the stage floor. Most excellent and effective casting.

The remaining supporting cast members, most of which take part in the third subplot, all show great talent, including Stephen Lima's humorously dishonest Sebastian, Joe Vincent's noble portrayal of the helpful Gonzalo, Paul Bernardo's stern and stately King Alonso and Lisa Wolpe's forceful and defiant version of Antonia (Prospero's treacherous sister). I enjoyed the effect of creating two female roles (Antonia and Ariel) from this traditionally male dominated play.

The conclusion of THE TEMPEST involves the ultimate dilemma: to remain in a self-obsessed state of anger and bitterness towards those who have wronged you, or to replace the resentment with forgiveness. It's the age-old moral question, which inevitably we are all faced with at some point in our lives. Thornton shows true affliction and torment, with his acting at its finest as he searches his soul for the resolution.

Don't search your soul for too long... get tickets today for THE TEMPEST, which is playing in repertory with PERICLES (set to open on February 24) until March 27 in the Margeson Theater at Orlando Shakespeare. Tickets range from $21 to $46 with discounted pricing for seniors, large group sales and a special $25 under 35 performance on March 25. Visit www.orlandoshakes.org to reserve your tickets.

Photo Credit: Tony Firriolo | Orlando Shakespeare

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