Tempest set to blow audiences away

Sacramento State students Dexter Galang, left, as Ariel and Catherine M. Old as Prospero in the University's production of The Tempest. Photo by Steve McKay

Sacramento State presents The Tempest, set on a mysterious island of enchanted spirits, where a magician’s revenge collides with a world of misfits and shipwrecked clowns that will leave audiences crying with laughter. The production opens at 8 p.m., Friday, Feb. 24 in the Playwrights’ Theatre. Performances continue until March 5 and begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.

In a witty role reversal, director and Sacramento State professor Gina Kaufmann, has transformed the traditional Tempest, into a romantic comedy where Prospero, written as a father figure, will be played by a mother figure, and her daughter, Miranda, the ultimate girly-girl, will be be played by a male actor. Gender roles in the production were carefully chosen to playfully explore the issues of power, revenge and forgiveness that dominate the play.

The music is composed and played by Sac State student Dexter Galang, who will also portray the spirit Ariel. Costumes, designed by Sac State student Tanya Dailey, are an eclectic mix of traditional Elizabethan style and 1970s “mod.”

Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for Sacramento State students and staff and $10 for seniors and high school students.

For ticket information contact the Sacramento State Ticket Office at 278-4323.

High-resolution images associated with this event are available for download at www.csus.edu/news/imagedownload.