The adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest by M. Graham Smith is a good example of how to adapt a show for modern audiences without losing the soul of the original text.
Marin Shakespeare Company has a production at Dominican University’s Forest Meadow Amphitheatre in San Rafael through Sept. 14.
Prospero has summoned a storm as revenge on those who have betrayed her and her daughter, Miranda. The court of Naples is washed ashore to face her wrath. Now she must decide between revenge or forgiveness.
From the magnificent set design by Nina Ball that showcases a deep understanding of theatrical magic to the lush costume choices of Bethany Deal Flores to the outstanding puppets by Peter Q. Parish, the show is pure theatrics in the best way possible.
Stacy Ross gives a nuanced, thoughtful performance as Prospero. Her more introspective take shows a Prospero who really is working for the good of her daughter and not just for her own revenge.
Anna Ishida’s Ariel similarly shows both a deep understanding of the original work and yet tempers the sometimes harsh sprite with a quiet innocence that allows the audience to sympathize with the mischievous but imprisoned spirit.
Other standouts include DeAnna Driscoll as Trinculo and Stevie DeMott’s Stephano. The two clowns are a welcome comic relief as they stumble through the island, showing off a natural handling of the language and impressive physical comedy. Ditto Jordan Covington’s Ferdinand, who showcases his comedy chops during an epic battle with a log.
Both Bridgette Loriaux’s choreography and Dave Maier’s fight direction work together so seamlessly that it’s difficult to know where the work of one ends and the other begins, creating a seamless whole that tells a cohesive story.
Of course, nothing is perfect. Some of Chris Steele’s choices for Caliban, like the larger comedy with Trinculo and Stephano, work very well. However, Steele falters a little when having to throw off the comedy for the character’s darker parts. To be fair, Caliban is a complex test of an actor’s abilities.
Overall, even with the few rough edges, this is a polished and enjoyable production of The Tempest. It reminds us that Shakespeare is at his best when we allow ourselves to indulge in a little magic.
‘The Tempest’ runs Thurs–Sun through Sept. 14 at the Forest Meadows Amphitheatre at Dominican University of California, 890 Belle Ave., San Rafael. Thurs–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 5pm. $15-$49. 415.388.5208. marinshakespeare.org.
