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Arts & Entertainment

Maine South presents "The Tempest"

Maine South students storm the stage with William Shakespeare’s comedy, The Tempest, February 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Watson Auditorium.  First performed in 1611, The Tempest has long entertained audiences with its combination of magic, humor, music, intrigue and romance.

This visually spectacular play opens with a powerful storm that wrecks a ship belonging to the King of Naples, and all the passengers seemingly drown.  The audience soon discovers that the storm was only an illusion created by Prospero, the mystical deposed Duke of Milan, and that all are safe on an enchanted isle.

The island takes on a life of its own with mythic spirits of all sorts, but in particular the “vile thing,” Caliban and the dainty Ariel, two creatures that serve Prospero. On this mysterious island, nobles, fools, lovers and spirits all move about on a physical and psychological journey over a giant turntable designed by Technical Director Pat Sanchez and constructed by Maine South’s stage crew under the direction of stage manager Mark Gotthelf.  Guest costume designer, Ann Swindell, well known for her imagination and creativity has led the student costume crew in constructing a beautiful wardrobe for human and creature alike. 

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An important element in many of Shakespeare’s plays, music, takes on special significance in The Tempest.  Senior Alex Pantazi has written incidental music that pervades the atmosphere of the island as well as orchestrated songs from the original text.  Not only is he a member of the ensemble playing live music throughout the play, but serves as musical director for the group, consisting of  Kyle Besetezny, Matt Coglianese, Britta Hoiland, Renee Kumon, Faye-Levin O’Leary and Emily Muszynski.                                                        

The cast includes Matt Bonadona, Emma Frey, Gibson Odderstol, Ryan Mays, Sarah Thomas, Sean Cahill Lemme, Giuliana Bartucci, Carri Stevens, Jeff Czerwionka, Zack Wendorf, Drew Mathieu, Justin Tomczyk, Bryan Lubash, Maria Junkovic, Tess Tazioli, Neiv Hans, Kamille Garst, Tori Banser, Elizabeth McCarthy, Kathleen McCormick and Lily Elderkin.  Student Director Emma Hogan, and guest choreographer, alumni Annie Hoeg have assisted director Lauri McCleneghan in bringing one of William Shakespeare’s greatest works to the Maine South stage.

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Tickets cost $6.  Maine South is located at 1131 South Dee Road in Park Ridge.

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