2015 - The Tempest
Summer Shakespeare Theatre, a program of the Fox Valley Summer School Consortium will present the Bard’s popular play of magic and mayhem, THE TEMPEST July 23-26 in the Appleton North High School auditorium, 5000 North Ballard Road. Summer Shakespeare Theatre brings together a cast and crew of students from several area high schools who spend six weeks learning about Shakespeare and the theatre of the Renaissance while preparing a play for public performance. Appleton North High School theatre instructor, Ron Parker, moved the program to the Fox Valley 16 years ago after founding and directing the program in Kenosha. “For 28 years this season Summer Shakespeare Theatre has been a wonderful opportunity for students from different schoolswho are interested in theatre to study and perform the work of the greatest playwright in the English language. In addition, students from various schools have a chance to meet and work together on a common project. This is a program unique in the country, and its continued success is truly due to the dedication and enthusiasm the many hundreds of students who have been part of it over the years. Their love of Shakespeare and their belief in the program have made Summer Shakespeare Theatre possible and will continue to make it possible for many years to come.”
Written around 1611, The Tempest is Shakespeare’s final glorious gift to the theater. Tempted by spirits, teased by sprites, and tormented by a monster, a shipwrecked king and his party face the wrath of the betrayed conjurer, Prospera - a woman they marooned along with her daughter, Miranda, on the enchanted island years ago. But revenge yields to redemption in Shakespeare’s magical masterpiece. Along the mystically tempestuous journey, passions are unleashed, villainy is thwarted and a family is reunited in a comic and cathartic tale of romance and renewal.
Audiences who attend this summer’s performances of THE TEMPEST will be treated to beautiful period costumes , an original musical score created exclusively for this production by London composer Jay Chakravorty, and a unique set design whichcombines shadow work with a large arena filled with sand to represent the enchanted island on which the action takes place. In addition, one of the student actors will portray Shakespeare himself and will provide pre-play commentary as well as mingle with audience members during the show. An exciting feature of the performance is the seating of audience members directly on the stage in a “studio theatre” environment to create a more intimate setting for the drama and to involve the audience in the action.
Performance times are 7:00 P.M. on July 23rd, 24th, 25th, and1:00 P.M. on July 25th and 26th . Admission is $8.00 and seating is limited to 120 per performance. Tickets can be purchased at the at the door one hour before each performance. All seats are general admission.
For further information, contact Ron Parker, director at 707-0487 or by e-mail, parkerronaldc@aasd.k12.wi.us .