Shakespeare's "The Tempest" Conjures up Perfect Weekends in Mill Valley's Old Mill Park

The Tempest is set on a lonely island that is home to the exiled magician Prospero, his daughter Miranda, the savage servant Caliban, and elemental spirit Ariel who fills the air with delightful music.

Curtain Theatre director, Michele Delattre brings together talent from around the Bay Area to deliver free performances of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays to first-time viewers as well as long-time theatre buffs weekends through September 14 in Mill Valley’s Old Mill Park.

Prospero uses magic to govern the tiny kingdom, educating Miranda as she grows into a young woman -- until a fleet carrying old enemies and a few friends sails past the island. Their arrival sets the stage for Prospero to wield his sorcery, conjuring a tempest that pits murderous ambition against love, ignorance against wisdom and revenge against redemption. 

This year’s set is once again the work of Steve Coleman, whose magical designs exploit the natural beauty of the Curtain’s unique amphitheater in the redwoods. Jo Lusk returns to serve as costumer for “Tempest.” Don Clark, a founding Curtain member, leads a four-piece live band. Doyle Ott will bring his movement and clowning skills to the staging as assistant director and Steve Beecroft will choreograph.

Curtain Theatre is dedicated to putting on the world’s best plays in one of the Bay Area’s most beautiful settings.

Cast Featuring: Paul Abbott (Prospero), Steve Beecroft (Caliban), Heather Cherry (Trincula), Johnny DeBernard (Sebastian), Jack Halton (Stephano), Georgie Craig (Adriane), Emily Ludlow (Island Spirit), David Naughton (Ferdinand), Phillip Percy Williams (Alonso), Alison Sacha Ross (Ariel), Sydney Schwindt (Miranda), Vicki Siegel (Gonzala), Carol Swann (Antonia)

SCHEDULE:

“The Tempest,” by William Shakespeare

Directed by Michele Delattre

September 6-7, 13-14, 2014

All Shows 2 p.m.

Admission Free, no reservations.

Old Mill Park Amphitheatre behind the Mill Valley Public Library, at 375 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley