GreenMan Theatre returns to regular performances this fall with Shakespeare’s comic romance “The Tempest.” Many talented local actors are set to appear in the production which runs for three weeks, starting Friday, Sept. 16. Performances take place at GreenMan Theatre’s space at 232 S. York St. Shows are Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Oct. 2. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors. For more information or to purchase tickets please call 630-464-2646, or visit greenmantheatre.org to buy tickets online.
“The Tempest” is one of Shakespeare’s Romances, plays that combine a love story with mythic or magical settings, often with a stormy background story of revenge. These plays don’t end tragically but with forgiveness and celebration. “The Tempest” is set on a magical island somewhere in the Mediterranean, where Prospero and his daughter Miranda have been stranded for twelve years after his brother, Antonio, usurps his Dukedom. With the help of a magical spirit, Ariel, he creates a tremendous storm to shipwreck Antonio and the court of Naples. We meet a colorful cast of characters, including the vengeful creature, Caliban, who plots with two of the King’s servants to take over the island. Meanwhile, the King’s son Ferdinand falls in love with Prospero’s daughter. In the end, all is resolved; Prospero forgives his brother, grants Ariel freedom, and prepares to leave the island.
Returning to GreenMan’s stage will be Jim Turano as Prospero. Jim starred in GreenMan’s production of “Glengarry Glen Ross” and recently appeared in “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” at Invictus Theatre Company in Chicago. Kay Rower appears as his daughter, Miranda. The part of Ariel is played by Katherine Damisch, who recently appeared as Maria in Summerplace Theatre’s “The Sound of Music.” Justin Vidovic will play the deformed creature Caliban, servant to Prospero. Justin directed GreenMan’s production of “Monstrous Regiment.” Prospero’s wicked brother is played by Katharina Beckerleg. The King is played by GreenMan veteran Rhys Read. The King’s son Ferdinand is played by Elliot Brtva. Other members of his royal court are played by Duard Mosley as Gonzalo, Matt Walsh as Sebastian, Richard Holloman as Adrian. The King’s butler and jester are played by real life husband and wife, Scott and Elizabeth Surowiecki. Also appearing in the show are Harry Davis as the Boatswain, Debbie Proska of Lombard as the Ship’s Master, and Maggie Opal as Juno. Two young actors, Alice Payton of Villa Park and Caitlin O’Connor of Elmhurst, will alternate performances, appearing as young Miranda.
The show is directed by GreenMan artistic director David Soria. Behind the scenes, the production team includes stage manager Maggie Opal, dialogue coach and “verse nurse” Carolyn Thomas-Davidoff, technical director Jim Ocasek, designing props and costumes are Alma Read and Debbie Proska, sound design is by Becca Easley, Katie Soria heads up set painting, original music is by Steven Krage, and the dramaturg is Mary-Carol Riehs.
For tickets and information, call 630-464-2646, or visit greenmantheatre.org.
