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Arts at ASU to Present ‘The Tempest’

April 17, 2012

Angelo State University’s Arts at ASU program will present Shakespeare’s classic “The Tempest” April 26-29 and May 3-5 in the ASU Modular Theatre.

Performances will begin at 8 p.m. on April 26-28 and May 3-5, with a Sunday matinee performance at 2 p.m. on April 29.  Doors will open 15 minutes before each performance.  Tickets are $3 for ASU students, $4 for non-ASU students and $8 general admission.  Arts at ASU subscribers will be admitted free.  The Modular Theatre is located in the Carr Education-Fine Arts Building, 2602 Dena Drive. 

“The Tempest” opens amid a magical storm conjured by the former Duke of Milan, Prospero.  This tempest sinks a ship carrying the King of Naples and his son, as well as Prospero’s brother, the current Duke of Milan.  Twelve years earlier, these men deposed Prospero of his title by abandoning him and his young daughter at sea. Now, Prospero guides them and their crew to his magical island seeking restitution, and numerous intrigues ensue before the parties are brought together for the play’s climax. 

The production will feature fairies flying over the audience, powerful music from the 1800s and moments of spectacle from the start.  The play is being co-directed by Mike Burnett, assistant professor of theatre, and Dr. Erin Ashworth-King, assistant professor of English.  Burnett invited Ashworth-King to condense the script to a manageable length and to suit today’s audiences. 

“The cuts we made were very strategic,” Ashworth-King said, “in that we cut out some of the more topical allusions that do not really translate to a modern audience, some of those more inaccessible moments.  We focused on the main plot, transitions, changes and the arcs of the characters.” 

“We tightened it up so that it is easier to follow,” Burnett said.  “The story really focuses on the need for forgiveness.  Prospero is plotting revenge, but he ends up forgiving them in the end.  What attracts me to the story is this human condition that we could all use a little bit of forgiveness.” 

Cast members include Meghan Blake as Prospero, Heather Walker as Miranda, Deborah Valcin as Alonso, Leigha Murray as Sebastian, Nicole McDonald as Antonio, Marshall Van Pelt as Francisco, Brent Davidson as Trinculo, Zeth Collom as Stephano, Hallie Behrens as Boatswain, Chito Hernandez as Caliban and Amber Horton as Ariel.  Spirits and sailors include Maggie Hogan as Juno, Carley Cason as Ceres/Dance Captain, Savannah Logsdon as Iris, Jacob Scott and Tyler Tennel. 

Eldra Sanford is the University Theatre’s costumer and Matt Smith is the technical director.  Burnett will serve as scene designer; and flying and fighting choreographer.  Student assistants for this production are Jacque Stewart, stage manager; Katie Hejl, assistant stage manager; Carly Cason, choreographer; Teresa Smith, master electrician and assistant lighting designer; Brooke Addison, charge painter; Hallie Behrens, properties master; Jennifer Crump, sound designer; Cassandra Trautman, wardrobe head; Janna Pinson, house manager; Amanda Mitchell, box office manager; and Rachel Deller, box office assistant. 

Reservations can be made by calling the ASU box office at 325-942-2000 weekdays from 2-6 p.m.  For more information about the production, call the ASU drama program at 325-942-2146.