Review: The Tempest at Cloverdale Performing Arts Center
Peter Winslow as King Alonso
By: Harry and Linda Reid
To the gentle call of seagulls and the sound of waves washing against the shore, we settle comfortably into upholstered chairs, our drinks resting in their handy holders, when BANG! – the stage alights in a tempestuous storm and grand chaos aboard a ship, soon to be wrecked on Prospero’s island.
This then is the tempest set off by Prospero to punish those who 12 years before had snatched his dukedom and cast Prospero and his lovely daughter onto a lonely island."Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows," Shakespeare wrote, and indeed it does as the twists of power weave through this play.
Proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary, Cloverdale Performing Arts Center under the artistic direction of Yave Guzman, has become an important presence in the community. This production, directed by Margaret Loesch, like most, is a mixture of newbie and seasoned actors, such as Prospero performed by Steve Thorpe (BFA in Acting), who led the production with a strong voice and powerful presence. His interactions with Caliban, played with superb weirdness by Austin Schmidt, were in every instance, stunning. Jose del Toro (as Ferdinand), his delivery clear and meaningful, was exceptional, as he falls deeply in love with Miranda (Audrey Rink).
Shakespeare’s clowns can be very difficult to portray with the right amount of humor and pathos, but Diana Grogg (Stephano) swaggered in hilarious fashion with Trinculo (Darien Reed) and Caliban.
“Do you love me,” Miranda boldly asks Ferdinand, a famous line for its directness. Of course, he is mad for her but Prospero advises,“We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life, is rounded with a sleep." Ah, life and its forever changing moods.
Throughout the play, Ariel (Lucy Slinkert) blissfully pirouettes in green hair, fairy wings, and glowing tennis shoes, as she does Prospero’s bidding to tease and trick. When she slows down her speech, a problem for some of the cast, she’ll be a scene stealer.
Cloverdale is a tightly knit community that is transforming into a northern Sonoma County cultural spot with theater, music, and lots of art. Keep an eye on its theater for fun entertainment.
Peformance dates: June 16, 17, 23 & 24 at 7:30 PM and June 18 & 25 at 2 PM.
Adults $22, Students $12. (Recommended for high school and older)
Cloverdale Performing Arts Center 209 N Cloverdale Blvd, Cloverdale, CA 95425
Costumes by Mckenzie Pepper. Set design by Yave Guzman and Margaret Loesch the director. Photos by John Gobeille
The Tempest is generously sponsored by Janice and Hale Allen.
