Eventually, vengeance gives way to kindness as Prospero's daughter, Miranda, finds first love in the arms of a prince and all is set right in the end.
Rivaling anything presented by America's well-known Shakespearean festivals, this conception boasts production values and performances of the highest caliber. Leading the way is Robertson Dean as a commanding yet compassionate Prospero. Whether calling forth his paranormal powers or providing fatherly advice to his daughter, Miranda, Dean's work serves as an anchor for the show.
On the night reviewed, Dorothea Harahan stepped into the role of Miranda without so much as a hitch. Her blossoming romance with Ferdinand, admirably played by Jason Chanos, provided a tender counterpoint to the play's darker aspects.
For comic relief, one need look no further than Ray Porter, Bo Foxworth and Stephan Weingartner. Respectively playing Stephano, the king's butler; Trinculo, the royal jester and Caliban, a monster-like creature, these three drunkenly hatch a hilarious plot to overthrow Caliban's creator, Prospero.
Excellent supporting players include Dwight Bacquie as Prospero's brother, Antonio; Mitchell Edmonds as Alonso, the King of Naples; Harris Berlinsky as his counselor, Gonzalo and Richard Soto as Alonso's brother, Sebastian.
Finally, as icing on the cake, Michelle Duffy's debut performance with this company as Ariel, a spirit created by Prospero, is enchanting. Whether flitting effortlessly throughout the theater, skillfully playing the flute or giving lovely voice to Shakespeare's lyrics set to Laura Karpman's original compositions, Duffy commands the stage and our attention at every turn.
Accompanied by a chorus of spirits wearing full-headed masks beautifully crafted by Laura Harper, Duffy defends her master after having been promised release from her earthly existence so she can return to the ether. Choreographer Julia Rodriguez Elliott, in addition to fashioning the show's dance sequences, provides a heart-lifting moment as Ariel achieves her freedom and soars upward.
And who could ask for more than scenic designer Darcy Scanlin's mist-shrouded back drop, Peter Gottlieb's captivating lighting, Ron Wyand's encircling sound elements and richly constructed costumes credited to Jennifer Brawn Gittings.
Methinks Shakespeare must be smiling.
FYI:
WHAT: "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare
WHEN: Runs in repertory with "Ubu Roi" by Alfred Jarry and "Arms and the Man" by George Bernard Shaw through May 21
WHERE: A Noise Within, 234 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale.
TICKETS: $32 to $36.
