The Church Street Theatre's latest production, "The Tempest," is considered to be one of William Shakespeare's greatest works and most humorous comedies. Director Timothy Shaw combines all of the play's greatest assets - romance, betrayal, magic and drunken comedy - to produce a show that is sure to impress theatergoers throughout the District.
Although the acting was well-done throughout the performance, the show's standout performer was Courtney Weber in the role of Ariel. As she speaks, her words seem to come from a trance as she stares deeply into the audience, shifting her glance from viewer to viewer. Her lines are filled with passion as she swears to transform into the elements, and her subtle movements give the impression that she is walking on air. Weber's intensity was well-delivered, and her presence was strongly felt as she took the stage.
Perhaps the most humorous parts of the show were the interactions of drunken crewmembers Stephano (Tim O'Kane) and Trinculo (Jeremy Brown), and Prospero's magic servant, Caliban (Mike Gregorek). Caliban is so embittered by the harsh work Prospero (Rob Leembruggen) forces him to do that when he finds the two wielding their "delicious drink of the gods," he vows to serve them and make them kings of the island. In addition, after Caliban enjoys some wine, many displays of foot-kissing and other forms of worship fill their conversations, as the two drunks become convinced they are royalty.
The most striking feature of the performance by far is the set. The show begins on the deck of a ship as it endures a treacherous thunderstorm. The boat rocks and sways as its vast white sails are blown in the wind. The lighting and sound really make the scene, as the thunderous clapping and flashes of white lead the audience to feel as if they are truly at sea.
All the scenes that follow are performed on a remote island inhabited by the play's central characters Prospero, his daughter Miranda (Ally Raber) and several magic spirits. The theatre's island is adorned with tall palm trees, tropical flowers, a sandy shoreline and rocky caves. The serene music heightened the mood and created a lush backdrop for the performance's drama to unfold.
When the young Miranda questions her father about her memories before they came to the island, he explains that he was once the Duke of Milan, but he was usurped and exiled to the island by his jealous brother Alonso (John Porter). Prospero's loyal spirit Ariel informs him that Alonso, the King of Naples and his son Ferdinand (Joe Baker), were near the shore of their island. Prospero orders her to violently bring them ashore so he can get revenge.
What follows next is a comical mix of young love, overprotective parenting, drunken foolishness and displays of magic. As the crewmembers are divided across the shore, Ferdinand stumbles across Miranda, and they are instantly inseparable. Her initial shyness and simple awe is very funny.
Even funnier is his forwardness, such as several failed attempts of landing a kiss and an offer of engagement after only a few hours. Prospero tries his hardest to stop the two but finally allows the marriage and gives them a romantic ceremony performed by spirits.
"The Tempest" is part of the "Shakespeare in Washington" festival, a six-month celebration of the Bard's work taking place around the D.C. area. The festival includes many classic and modern takes on Shakespeare's work.
For those looking to add a little culture to the bleak and dreary first weeks of the semester or maybe plan a romantic Valentine's Day surprise, "The Tempest" is definitely the show to see.
