April is bringing all kinds of showers with the help of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of The Tempest. The tale centers around Prospera, an exiled sorcerer who uses her powers for evil–but will she ultimately realize it’s better for her loved ones and enemies alike to be good? Placed in a dreamy island with aesthetic nods from the early 1990s, it is quite an adventure.
The Designers of The Tempest
Director Candice Handy truly makes this iteration of the magical Shakesperean script her own. Scenic Design by Samantha Reno is top-notch as usual, but the entire production has a delicious twist: everything is fashioned from either reused or recycled materials! So not only a shout-out to the beautiful island scene Ms. Reno gives, but to Costume Designer Rainy Edwards and Assistant Costume Designer Kayla Cieslinkski: their work is beautiful, inventive, and sustainable.
Along with Ms. Handy’s excellent use of the playing space and impressive pacing, Dance Choreography by Darnell Pierre Benjamin not only complement’s the Director’s vision, but serves as its own work of art. Special shout-out to the cast and to Q-Kidz who play the island spirits for doing the choreo justice and then some.
The Performing Artists
It is no secret that I am mad about a good ensemble. The Tempest is one of the best ensembles one will see due to it being nearly impossible to rank one actor’s performance over another’s. Yes: it’s that good. Kudos to Jasimine Bouldin (Sebastian), Cary Davenport (Stephano), Jeremy Dubin (Antonio),
Attention does need to be paid, however, to the show’s central character of Prospera portrayed by Leslie Brott. It should come as no surprise that this performer is also a professor (and that’s being modest). Ms. Brott’s grasp of Prospera’s character arc and her incredible delivery of the dialogue is nothing short of perfection. In fact, her subtleties are so wonderful that she both stands out as a talent, but knows how to blend in to the ensemble. No small feat, but she executes it flawlessly.
One of the central points of the story–the love story between Miranda and Ferdinand–often seems to be an afterthought. Not this time, however. Dani Grace Nissen plays Miranda effortlessly and Jason Coffenberry matches her ease as Ferdinand. The two share a lovely chemistry and are able to throw in some bawdy insinuations while maintaining a solid innocence which keeps the audience engaged. Both actors have been earning reliable reputations and it is clear that we need to continue to see them on the stage.
The Sweet and Lowdown
A lesson to be learned from The Tempest is that revenge and evil-doing isn’t what’s best. However, despite the magic involved, it is a real study of how close we can all come to doing the wrong thing. We can defend our emotions to the letter, but it is always best to have more restraint when acting on said emotions. As with any storm, literal or metaphorical, there is a calm which gives us time to accept a rebirth. May we always get through the storm better than the last time.
Get Tickets to The Tempest
The Tempest presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company runs now through May 4th. For more information about the show and/or to purchase tickets, please contact the Box Office online or by phoning (513) 381-2273.
