The Wichita Shakespeare Company (WSC) opens its 2012 Shakespeare-in-the-Park series with “The Tempest.” The last play fully written by Shakespeare during his career, it tells the story of Prospero (the former Duke of Milan) who was banished to a mystical island with his infant daughter Miranda. Years pass and, while on the island, Prospero perfects his powers as a sorcerer in order to enact his revenge on those who wronged him. The story encompasses shipwrecks, mystical beings, a murder plot, and drunken jesters, all before the climactic resolution where Prospero ultimately learns to forgive.
The play is directed by Kathleen Barbara. Kathleen is making her WSC directorial debut with “The Tempest,” but has served as the drama instructor at Maize High School for many years. The impressive cast assembled for this production includes Gary L Foiles as Prospero, Crystal Meek as Ariel, and Jillian Clough as Miranda. Others in the cast include Dan Schuster, Vonda Schuster, Mark Schuster, Ben Blankley, Ed Belsan, Mary Tush Green, Heather Jewell, Ben Smith, Miranda Windholz, Mindie Montoya, Kate Roach, and Emily Kerbs.
All shows will begin at 7:00 pm, with an approximate running time of an hour and a half. As always, the play is performed free to all audiences but donations are accepted and appreciated. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and, of course, bug spray. In the event of inclement weather, there will be a message posted at 6 pm on the WSC line (316-655-2017) alerting if the show has been cancelled for that evening.
Exact park/performance locations and dates are as follows:
June 1st College Hill Park, Wichita
June 2nd Andover Sports Park, Andover
June 3rd Riggs Park, Haysville
June 5th Star Floating Stage, Wichita River Festival (**Riverfest Button required for this performance**)
June 8th Buffalo Park, Wichita
June 9th College Hill Park, Wichita
June 10th Hand Park, Derby
June 15th Central Riverside Park, Wichita
June 16th Hap McLean Park, Park City
June 17th Central Riverside Park, Wichita
For additional information regarding this show, contact Kathleen Barbara at (316) 990-0799.
The Tempest Cast List
Antonio – Ed Belsan
Alonso – Mary Tush-Green
Gonzalo – Heather Jewell
Sebastian – Ben Smith
Prospero – Gary Foiles
Miranda – Jillian Clough
Ariel – Crystal Meek
Ferdinand – Ben Blankley
Caliban – Dan Schuster
Stephano – Vonda Schuster
Trinculo – Mark Schuster
Iris/Element – Miranda Windholz
Ceres/Element – Mindie Montoya
Juno/Element – Kate Roach
Element – Emily Kerbs
Photos at the link below.
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