Portland Shakespeare Project to Present THE TEMPEST & THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON in July

With William Shakespeare's farewell masterpiece, The Tempest, Portland Shakespeare Project will entertain summer audiences with some of the world's most glorious poetry in this production directed by Michael Mendelson. A staged reading of The Admirable Crichton by J.M. Barrie will serve as a delightful three-day theatrical complement, directed by Jon Kretzu. Both shows will be performed on the Alder Stage at Artists Repertory Theatre. Tickets are on sale through Artists Rep's Box Office. Performances of The Tempest are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2pm. Performances of The Admirable Crichton are Tuesday, July 22 and 29 at 7:30pm and Sunday, August 3 at 7:30pm. Full schedule, tickets link and more information at www.portlandshakes.org.

The Tempest (July 9-Aug 3) Featuring the indomitable Linda Alper as Prospera, this potent play is a magical journey of acceptance and reconciliation, power and control, and laced with betrayal, revenge and ultimately forgiveness. Artistic Director Michael Mendelson, who will direct the play, says: "These emotions are merely the tip of the iceberg of what lies within the text of this spectacular work. From the turbulent and harrowing first moments of the story, when Prospera summons a storm at sea, we are thrust into a world of amazement and spirits, wonder and love, freedom and release. We sit in wonder and watch the characters find their way to harmoniousness as best they can. During the five acts of the play, the question of a Utopian society is dreamed upon and the ideals of morality and fairness are played out. How does all of this prepare us for the future? I believe each of us strives to make the right choices as we move through life, and we do our best to set up those we love for success, but, in the moment it is never as simple as it seems."

The Admirable Crichton (July 22, 29 & Aug 3) In this play, another story with a tempestuous island setting, William Crichton is the butler to Lord Loam. Once a month, Lord Loam makes everyone uncomfortable when he invites all of his servants to join his guests for tea in his drawing-room, an event that causes discomfort for both Crichton and his staff. The situation is reversed when, on an outing on Lord Loam's yacht, Lord Loam, his three daughters, Crichton, two guests and a maid, Tweeney, end up stranded on a deserted island. For the next two years, Crichton takes charge, becoming "the Guv," and everyone else happily becomes his servants. Eventually the group is rescued, their world becomes as it was and Crichton reluctantly resumes his butler duties. Having had a taste of power and the affection of Tweeny, Crichton must move on to pursue a new life.

Portland Shakespeare Project's production of The Tempest is part of Portland's Complete Works Shakespeare Project.

In keeping with its mission of making classical theatre more accessible to its audiences, Portland Shakespeare Project is offering a wide variety of Audience Enrichment opportunities in conjunction with The Tempest and The Admirable Crichton this summer:

Friday and Saturday Pre-Show Discussions: On Friday and Saturday evenings, from 6:55 pm to 7:15 pm, before performances of The Tempest, Kate McMullan, a graduate of Linfield College and a dramaturge for Portland Shakespeare Project, will discuss the plot, key passages to look for, character development and overarching themes and explain what makes this production unique. This pre-show discussion will take place in the Alder Lobby.

Pre-Show for The Tempest: On Wednesday, July 16, before the performance of The Tempest, Scholar in Residence Dr. Daniel Pollack-Pelzer will share with you his ideas and suggestions for the performance you are about to see. This program will run from 6:15 to 7:15 in the Morrison Lobby.

Watch the Show Like A Director: On Sunday, July 20, before the matinee performance of The Tempest, Directors Michael Mendelson, Jon Kretzu and Professor Michael Nehring will share with you their ideas and suggestions for how to get the most out of the performance you are about to see. This program will run from 12:15pm to 1:15pm in the Morrison Lobby. Then, you will be able to join the presenters at the July 20 performance and enjoy the show with them.

Pre-Show for The Admirable Crichton: On Tuesday, July 22, before the first performance of The Admirable Crichton, Scholar in Residence Dr. Daniel Pollack-Pelzer will share with you his ideas and suggestions for the performance you are about to see. This program will run from 6:15 to 7:15 in the Morrison Lobby.

Watch the Show Like A Shakespearean Scholar: On Thursday, July 24, before the performance of The Tempest, Scholar in Residence Dr. Daniel Pollack-Pelzner will share with you his ideas and suggestions for how to get the most out of the performance you are about to see. This program will run from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm in the Morrison Lobby. You will then be able to join Dr. Pollack-Pelzner at the July 24 performance and enjoy the show with him.

After The Show Wine and Hors D'Oeuvres: On Sunday, July 27, after the matinee performance of The Tempest, please join our Scholar in Residence, Dr. Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, Assistant Professor of English at Linfield College, Artistic Director Michael Mendelson and Associate Artistic Director/Education Director Michael Nehring for wine and hors d'oeuvres. Dr. Daniel Pollack-Pelzner and Messrs. Mendelson and Nehring will discuss the show and answer your questions. If you would like to join us, the price of event is $15.

Post-Show Discussions with the Actors and Director Michael Mendelson will follow the matinee performances of The Tempest on the following Sundays: July 13, 20 and August 3.

For additional information about these Audience Enrichment Events, visit http://portlandshakes.org/education/audience-enrichment-programs/

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