MCCC's Kelsey Theatre Presents THE TEMPEST; Closes 7/11

Shakespeare '70, Mercer County's classical repertory company, kicks off Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre 2010 Summer Festival with "The Tempest" Fridays, July 2 and 9 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 3 at 8 p.m. and July 10 at 2 and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, July 11 at 2 p.m. (Note: No show on Sunday, July 4.) Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road.

One of Shakespeare's final plays, "The Tempest" weaves together drama, comedy, pageantry and some of the bard's most beloved poetry. At this late stage of Shakespeare's artistic life, he took the "romance" of his earlier comedies in a different direction, making love an agent of reconciliation. "The Tempest" resonates with dark dealings interwoven into a plot filled with complex themes. Prospero, the great magician and driving force of "the Tempest," has created an opportunity for revenge on the enemies who stole his dukedom, and cast him and his daughter adrift on the Mediterranean Sea. With the evildoers in his power on his island, he instead forgoes vengeance, and directs the romance of Miranda and Ferdinand as the means for forgiveness and restoration.

Starring in "The Tempest" are Dale Simon of Flemington as Prospero; Heather Duncan of Aberdeen as Miranda; Ray Fallon of Westmont as Ferdinand; Madeline Patrick of Hamilton as Ariel; James Introcaso of Collingswood as Caliban, the monster; Steve Lobis of Morrisville (NJ) as Alonso; John Anastasio of Ewing as Gonzalo; Michael Krahel of Hillsborough as Sebastian; Andrew Timmes of Colonia as the evil Antonio; Patrick Albanesius of Hamilton as Stephano; and Vegas Lancaster of Cherry Hill as Trinculo.

The cast also features Roger Lienhardt of New Hope, PA, as Francisco; Davis Verde of North Bergen as Adrian; Rudy Basso of North Plainfield as the Boatswain; and Laura Hargreaves of Mount Laurel, Tia Brown of Lawrenceville, and Emily West of Morrisville, PA, as the goddesses Iris, Ceres and Juno, respectively. Lili Daniel of Somerset is the stage manager for the production, which is directed by Dr. John F. Erath of Biddeford Pool, ME, in his 41st summer with Shakespeare '70.

Prior to the show on Sat., July 3, Shakespeare '70 will host a Silent Auction in the Kelsey Theatre lobby, featuring Shakespearean-themed items such as scripts and artwork. Bidding starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets for "The Tempest" are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $10 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available next to the theater.

Other shows in the Kelsey Summer Festival are: "Plaza Suite," Neil Simon's wild and wacky comedy to be presented by The Yardley Players July 16-25; and "Cinderella," a hilarious musical version of the classic story presented by Stars in the Park July 30-Aug. 8. The discounted series package is $26 for adults, $23 for senior citizens, and $20 for students/children. For more information, visit the Kelsey website or call the Box Office.