Shakespeare in the Park’s production of The Tempest certainly took us by storm. It was imaginative and
sensory, brought to life by fantastical masters of the language. The actors
were superb and wonderfully showcased a large skill set, creating a fascinating
environment provided by Michael Greif’s direction.
From moment one, the production captures your focus and places
you into the shipwreck- no longer in Central Park, New York, New York. Being
outdoors allows you to experience the elements as the characters are, and truly
elevates the sensibility.
The scenic design by Riccardo Hernandez was beautifully
simplistic, and offered a fresh change in locale as the play goes on, married
to David Lander’s gorgeous lighting design. The Public withheld its amazing standards
even in the outdoor elements. Emily Rebholz designed costumes that mirrored the
surrealistic, timeless quality of the adaptation of the piece, thus further
allowing the story to feel contemporary and relevant to our modern audience.
Arthur Solari’s percussion underscored the action beautifully, giving the piece
a heart beat.
Sam Waterston leads the show as Prospero, the exiled ex-duke
of Milan, in a brilliantly captivating manner. He embodies a man driven by both
passion and logic, and the audience is able to see his pain and triumphs with
every character he meets. The star vehicle, Jesse Tyler Fergusen as Trinculo,
certainly does not disappoint. He injected comedy and whimsy into the scene,
forcing the audience to be fixated on his hilarious reactions and commentary to
the given circumstances. Other standout performances include Louis Cancelmi as
Caliban, who tells his story not only verbally, but also giving a chilling and
utterly compelling physicality to his tale. Chris Perfetti’s attention to the
language and essence of a spirit was irresistible as Ariel. His focus and movements were ethereal,
enrapturing the audience’s eye as he moved across the stage. Ensemble troupe
members were able to showcase their various talents, whether it be silk
dancing, contortion, or glorious and haunting harmonies. Everyone’s talent and
mastery of the Shakespearean language were demonstrated through the fact that
it flowed effortlessly and felt like you were watching a modern tale.
The Public Theatre provides a unique thought-provoking free
experience for the general public to enjoy and appreciate. The crowd rose to
its feet at the conclusion of the show and voiced their endless appreciation
for the actors’, designers’ and directors’ work. So pack up your picnic basket
and head on down to the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park! May only an actual
tempest deter you from running to see this production.Review By: Brittany Goodwin
Photos By: Joan Marcus
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