With a spirit of magic and the supernatural, The Tempest is Shakespeare’s masterpiece of forgiveness, generosity, romance and enlightenment. Prospero, Duke of Milan, usurped and exiled by his own brother, holds sway over an enchanted island. Prospero raises a great storm to wreck the vessel bearing his betrayers onto the shores of the mysterious island, where he has made his home. There, attended upon by his daughter, a magical sprite and a villainous prisoner, Prospero leads them on a mysterious journey, from vengeance to reconciliation. Come, be swept ashore and feel the fluttering of every winged word in this lyrical romance.
The WKCTC production features 3 members of the Mahoney family; Joe, Rachel and Sally. Taking the role of Prospero is Joe Mahoney, a WKCTC faculty member. Mahoney, a theatre veteran, was most recently seen in Saving Grace, Hairspray and South Pacific. WKCTC student and daughter of Joe and Sally Mahoney, Rachel Mahoney, takes the role of Ariel. Rachel has performed in numerous plays, including the role of Laura in last season’s WKCTC production of The Glass Menagerie. The role of Gonzala is played by Joe’s wife and Rachel’s mother, Sally Mahoney. Sally’s credits include The Taming of the Shrew, 45 Seconds from Broadway, Noises Off, and War of the Worlds Radio Play.Emily Thompson makes her WKCTC debut in the role of Miranda, Prospero’s daughter. Emily, a WKCTC student, has appeared in The Jungle Book and The Music Man. Caliban is played by Patrick Redden, a WKCTC student who plans to pursue a theatre degree. Patrick, appearing on the WKCTC stage for the first time, is no stranger to the theatre and has been seen in You Can’t Take It With You and The Curious Savage. Tammy Thompson takes the role of Alonsa, Queen of Naples. Tammy, an employee of WKCTC for 18 years, is an experienced performer. Credits include My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, and Quilters. Benjamin Naikih Overfield plays Ferdinand, son of the Queen of Naples. Naikih was seen last season as Tom in the Glass Menagerie. Jewel F. Wilson Jr. plays Antonio, the conspiring brother of Prospero. Jewel has performed in the WKCTC Black Box Theatre, on WPSD Telethon of Stars and was a finalist in America’s got Talent regional competition. Bryce Crim, last seen as Chad in High School Musical, is cast in the role of Sebastian. Hope D. Cook, a former WKCTC student, makes her WKCTC debut as Adriana. Phyllis Hammond, last see on the WKCTC stage in Dead Man’s Cell Phone, performs the role of the Boatswain. Phyllis regularly works backstage at The Clemens and is assisting with costume construction for this production Trincula is played by Lexie RaShea Carper, a Business and Hospitality Management student Performance credits include The Little Mermaid Jr. and Peter Pan. Miranda Bliss is making her WKCTC debut as Stephana. Credits include Our Town, Charlotte’s Webb, Footloose, and Jungle Book. Sara Cheyenne Lavine Bradley plays a nymph and choreographed the Nymph Dance. She was most recently see as Fantine in Les Miserables and Nadine in Dearly Departed at Marshall County High School. Sara Keatan Sherrell and Carolina Lemus take on the roles of magical nymphs. Sara will receive an Associates in Arts from WKCTC in December. Carolina has danced with Paducah Dance Academy for 3 years. WKCTC student, Jessica Vick, plays the Mariner. Credits include Hansel and Gretel and Romeo and Juliet.
The WKCTC Theatre production is directed by Associate Professor of Theatre, Constance Frank. Technical direction and set and lighting design is provided by C. Todd Birdsong, assisted by Chris Kirk. Janine Zerger is stage manager and former WKCTC student, Laura Everett, is costume designer.
Production dates are Friday and Saturday, November 14. 15, 21 and 22 at 7:30 PM. Tickets for evening performances are $10 for adults and $5 for students, children, WKCTC faculty. School matinees are also available on November 14 and 21 at 10 AM. Matinee tickets are $4 per person and available by phoning the box office. For reservations and information, visit artsinfocus.org or call the Clemens Box Office at 270-534-3212.