GreenMan Theatre to spin a web of enchantment in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'
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 Sept. 16. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 2, at GreenMan Theatre's space at 232 S. York St. in Elmhurst.
Tickets are $20 or $15 for students/seniors. For information or to purchase tickets, call (630) 464-2646 or visit www.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 12 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 (River Forest) as Prospero. He 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 (Chicago) appears as his daughter, Miranda. The part of Ariel is played by Katherine Damisch (Glenview), who recently appeared as Maria in Summerplace Theatre's "The Sound of Music."
Justin Vidovic (Chicago) will play the deformed creature Caliban, servant to Prospero. He directed GreenMan's production of "Monstrous Regiment."
Prospero's wicked brother is played by Katharina Beckerleg (Darien).
The King is played by GreenMan veteran Rhys Read (Des Plaines). The King's son Ferdinand is played by Elliot Brtva (Schaumburg).
Other members of his royal court are played by Duard Mosley (Hinsdale) as Gonzalo, Matt Walsh (Tinley Park) as Sebastian, Richard Holloman (Hoffman Estates) as Adrian. The King's butler and jester will be played by Scott and Elizabeth Surowiecki (Streamwood).
Also performing in the show are Harry Davis (Aurora) as the Boatswain, Debbie Proska (Lombard) as the Ship's Master, and Maggie Opal (Glen Ellyn) as Juno. Two young actors, Alice Payton (Villa Park) and Caitlin O'Connor (Elmhurst), will alternate performances, appearing as young Miranda.
The show is directed by GreenMan artistic director David Soria of Lombard. 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.
GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts. GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003. Past productions include "The Odd Couple," "Macbeth," and "Pride and Prejudice." GreenMan offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theater production. GreenMan programs have been partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and through financial support provided by the City of Elmhurst Community Grant Program, as well as other individual donations.
GreenMan Theatre’s “The Tempest”
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 16 to Oct. 2
Where: GreenMan Theatre, 232 S. York St. in Elmhurst
Tickets: $20 or $15 for students/seniors
Info: (630) 464-2646 or