BPA Shakespeare Society to Stage THE TEMPEST at IslandWood, Begin. 8/1

BPA has formed a partnership with IslandWood to present an outdoor summertime performance. The BPA Shakespeare Society will perform The Tempest for one week in August at the Creaky Tree Meadow on the campus of IslandWood.

A story about magic, romance, and regret, The Tempest will entertain audiences of all ages, especially by taking advantage of the natural beauty of the Northwest. "Despite being over four hundred years old, Shakespeare's works remain deeply entrenched in our language and world view," says Director Tom Challinor. "Taking a Shakespeare play outside gives it new sights and sounds and smells, making it seem fresher than it does in a theatre or on a page."

Supported by assistant director Lee Ann Hittenberger, Challinor leads an experienced cast featuring Charlie Hamilton as Alonso, Tres Cozine as Sebastian, Joel Underwood as Prospero, Matt Eldridge as Antonio, Evan Thomas as Ferdinand, George Shannon as Gonzalo, Bob Cederwall as Adrian, Maris Fravel as Francisco, Chris Soldevilla as Caliban, Lincoln Grismer as Trinculo, Kristi Jacobson as Stephano, Nic Shipley as Master, Ron Mackley as Bosun, Kat Zommers as Miranda, Jenna May Cass as Ariel, and Zac Norberg, Barbi-Jo Smith, Grace Ann Smith, Anna Russell, and Kate Carruthers as Spirits.

IslandWood's Creaky Tree Meadow, with its tall cedars and moss-covered snags, will serve as the venue for the production. "We're proud to offer community events and programs that seamlessly blend science and the arts with immersion in nature," says Christina Doherty, IslandWood's Community Education Coordinator. "By bringing Shakespeare to IslandWood, we have a unique opportunity to entertain and engage our guests through performance art."

Audience members should be prepared for a 15-minute walk between the parking area and meadow. Just shy of two hours, the production has no intermission. Those attending may bring lawn chairs or blankets. Seating is limited, and patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.

The Tempest appears August 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8 at IslandWood, 4450 Blakely Ave NE, Bainbridge Island. All performances are at 7:00 p.m. Tickets, $20 for adults, and $15 for seniors, students, youth, military, and teachers, may be purchased online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org, by phone at 206.842.8569 or in person at BPA, 200 Madison Avenue North, Bainbridge Island. BPA Box Office hours are 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to each performance. Contact Tom Challinor at 206.842.8569 for additional information.

Bainbridge Performing Arts extends special thanks to Media Sponsor KUOW 94.9 FM Public Radio. BPA is supported, in part, by Bainbridge Community Foundation and One Call for All.

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