'The Tempest' Conjures Up a Stormy Affair at Coronado Playhouse

"What's past is prologue." 
—William Shakespeare, The Tempest

Did Shakespeare save the best for last? With The Tempest, perceived by critics to be the playwright's farewell to the stage, the Bard of Avon uses magic and mythology to conjure up a storm of theatre and the soul. 

Romance is on the rocks in The Tempest, which opens a four-week run Friday night at Coronado Playhouse. Set in 1610, Shakespeare's final play boasts a cast of castaways—shipwrecked survivors with Prospero at the head using illusion to outwit, outlast, and outplay his opponents and bring Miranda and Ferdinand together.

The Coronado Playhouse production stars Martin White, Mary Volpe-Dawson, Kirsten Neiman, Albert Molina, and Eric Hedberg under the direction of Keith Anderson. 

The Tempest is presented as part of the 17th Annual Free Classic & Shakespeare Festival, which runs weekends through Sept. 22. Tickets are free, though a $5 donation per ticket is suggested.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30-Sept. 22, at the Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way.

Tickets can be reserved online at www.coronadoplayhouse.com. Click Buy Tickets. At the end of your transaction the amount will be zero. Large groups should contact the box office at boxoffice@coronadoplayhouse.com or 619-435-4856.