"The Tempest" thrills and enthralls

By Stephanie Wright Hession
Arts and Culture Writer

"The Tempest" whooshed on to the stage of the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater opening night. Directed by Lillian Groag, this visually stunning, magical and engaging production marks the end of California Shakespeare Theater's 2005 season.

The opening scene initiates a thrilling pace with a terrifying shipwreck, complete with thunder, lighting and screeching spirits. As powerful winds whip four long, cream-colored sails, royal passengers and sailors frantically take cover. It all happens on Annie Smart's simple set, with its dove gray wood planks and double sand dunes, edged in marine blue.

This amusing and deeply moving tale by William Shakespeare centers on Prospero (former Duke of Milan) and his daughter Miranda. Ousted by his wicked brother Antonio, who conspired with the King of Naples, Prospero soon finds himself placed upon a rickety ship with his young daughter. The two become marooned on a mysterious island inhabited by natives and spirits. During the 12 years there, Prospero refines his magic and becomes a potent sorcerer. And it's with this magic that he conjures up the storm that delivers his betrayers to the island where he and Miranda live. With the assistance of his spirit and servant Ariel, Prospero begins implementing his plan of revenge.

Compelling performances by a splendid cast bring the poetic language of Shakespeare wonderfully to life. Anthony Fusco portrays the complex Prospero with beautiful suppleness. He tenderly conveys the gentle, wise and melancholy aspects of Prospero when he lovingly addresses his daughter Miranda. At other times Fusco adopts an imposing voice that illustrates Prospero's authority and offers a glimpse of the rage bubbling just beneath the surface of his calm demeanor.

Prospero's power becomes evident in a highly suspenseful scene where he summons Caliban (Triney Sandoval), a rebellious islander who he's made his slave. Amid foreboding music, a swath of fog and chartreuse colored lighting, Caliban emerges from the ground. Bearded, wild haired and covered in filth and rags, he appears with a dead, furry creature clutched in one hand. With a graveled voice that reduces to a growl as he scrapes along the ground like a crazed animal, Sandoval portrays Caliban brilliantly. Out of fear of Prospero's magic, Caliban obeys him. But by abruptly hoisting his coat of straw over himself and stabbing the ground with his walking stick, Caliban makes clear the resentment and bitterness he feels toward his captor.

With fluid movements, intense facial expressions and a raspy voice, Mhari Sandoval invokes a shiver or two as the quirky, loyal Ariel. Especially during an eerie scene where she and her fellow spirits-played mischievously by John-Paul Goorjian, Liz Sklar, Lyndsy Kail Barnes, William J. Brown III, Klahr Thorsen and Jeff Bryant-set up a lavish banquet for Antonio, the King of Naples (played elegantly by Chris Ayles) and their royal entourage. As the guests begin to partake in the feast, Ariel jumps up from the middle of the spread. Wearing a black mesh mask, ebony wings and gown-and with her voice amplified-she's absolutely terrifying.

With her fine features, petite stature and long, golden brown tendrils adorned with a draping crown of pearls, Elizabeth Schmidt looks the part of Miranda. And she plays this sheltered and naive-yet strong willed young woman-with dramatic intensity. She poignantly expresses Miranda's deep love for Prospero during a scene when he tells how they came to exist on such a desolate island. And she also conveys Miranda's romantic love she feels for the King's son Ferdinand (played sweetly by Asa Taccone), after they meet on the island and fall madly, instantly in love.

Andy Murray's superb depiction of Antonio makes this conniving, jealous character effortless to despise. With his strong physical build, gold brocade suit and an air of arrogance, he portrays Prospero's evil sibling perfectly.

The ethereal realm where "The Tempest" takes place becomes even more believable, thanks to the exquisite talents of Groag, Smart and the rest of the artistic team working wonderfully in concert. Smart utilizes chiffony fabrics, fuchsia-colored, life size flowers and glittering branches representing trees. Costume designer Meg Neville creates a simple tunic and slacks for Prospero and an empire waist dress for Miranda, from white linen fabric. She also offers a hint of Prospero's royal past when he dons an elegant, crimson velvet robe trimmed in gold.

Neville adds to Ariel's enchantment with a flowing, sky blue-colored frock over matching pants. A crown of royal blue feathers adorning her red hair and turquoise makeup striped over her eyes rounds out this ensemble. Add the gorgeous lighting design of Russell Champa (including a lovely scene featuring illuminated paper lanterns), the chilling sound design of Jake Rodriguez and the delightful choreography of MaryBeth Cavanaugh and they all mesh together to create an ethereal place both beautiful and frightening.

A story of evolution, forgiveness and ultimately freedom, "The Tempest" contains both tragic and comedic elements. A production that both excites and thrills, it's an end of the season gem that shouldn't be missed.

"The Tempest" plays at the California Shakespeare Theater through Oct. 23. Bruns Memorial, 100 Gateway Boulevard, Orinda. Tickets range from $10-$55. For information call 510.548.9666 or visit www.calshakes.org.