The On Tour Company Presents The Tempest

Honoring their 30th year of performing Shakespeare, The Calhoun High School On Tour Company is concluding their Shakespeare themed season with The Public Work’s The Tempest, a musical adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic comedy of the same name. Performances will be held on May 14th, 20th, and 21st in the Calhoun High School auditorium, located at 1768 State Street, Merrick, NY 11566. Performances begin at 7:30 pm. Directed by Mr. Sal Salerno, tickets to The Tempest can be reserved by phone at (516) 992-1377.

This show will be revolutionary, performed for only the second time by any high school, and featuring a performers throughout the community. With musical interludes and participation from community groups, The Tempest is sure to be nothing short of magical. The story tells the tale of Prospero (Jamie Rosner), a magical and powerful overthrown king living in exile with his daughter, Miranda (Blake Fisher). The two live alone with only Caliban (Josh Aberman), a savage and deformed creature, and Ariel (Noel Mahabir), a spirit of the island, for company. When a passing ship carries the royal family who overthrew Prospero, Prospero orders Ariel to cause a shipwreck, and chaos ensues. As the passengers seek both refuge and revenge on the island, Miranda and Ferdinand (Mike Devito), the son of the new King of Naples, fall instantly in love.

The talented cast includes both new and returning faces, featuring Jamie Rosner as Prospero, Noel Mahabir as Ariel, Blake Fisher as Miranda, Nicole Fegan as Alonsa, Paige Gittleson as Sebastia, Peter Sideris as Atonio, Josh Aberman as Caliban, Mike Devito as Ferdinand, Brandon Lax as Gonzalo, Mikey Multer as Trinculo, Ryan Dziedziech as Stephano, and Jake Miller, Zach Neiger, Ashley Starr, Emily Turner, and Kat Ratner as featured singers.

In addition to the usual cast, the performance on May 20th will feature Express Yourself, a collaborative performing group between the members of On Tour and Calhoun High School’s Prep For Life program.

Tickets for The Tempest are $9 for students and seniors and $12 for adults, and can be purchased at the door. You can reach the box office at (516) 992-1377 to reserve tickets for the show. Further information can be found on the On Tour Company website: www.chsontourco.org.

Mr. James Drake and Dr. Dale Parkinson founded the On Tour Company in 1973. The program, under the direction of Mr. Salvatore Salerno, has been performing since 1985, and now it is one of the finest performing arts programs in any high school on Long Island and in New York State. It was voted Best High School Theatre Program in the Northeast for 2012 by Stage Directions Magazine.