MiraCosta College and NCR Present THE TEMPEST, 2/26-3/14

MiraCosta College is proud to present William Shakespeare's Tempest, opening February 26. Starring nationally recognized Shakespearean actor and scholar Jonathan McMurtry*, this special event is co-produced by the North Coast Repertory Theatre (NCR) and will feature a cast of seasoned professional actors mixed with top aspiring MiraCosta student actors. NCR's artistic director, David Ellenstein will direct; assistant director is MiraCosta's TraCy Williams.

A great play of revenge, magic, humor, and revelry, "The Tempest" is by many accounts the Bard's penultimate work, coming at the culmination of his career and the height of his powers. At the center of both storm and story stands his final creation, Prospero, the rebuked Duke of Milan, who will be played by McMurtry.

"The Tempest is a must-see theatre event in North County this year," says Williams. "We are delighted to have teamed up with North Coast Repertory Theatre; it has provided MiraCosta students the invaluable opportunity to perform a real masterpiece with professional Shakespearean actors."

The cast will also include Amy Burdette as Miranda; Chris Williams* as Ariel; Richard Baird* as Caliban; Neil McDonald as Alonso; and MiraCosta drama instructor Eric Bishop as Sebastian. Others in the cast are Amanda Dane, Lawrence Farry, Virginia Gregg, John Herzog*, Richard Johnson, Ryan Kidd, MiraCosta instructional associate Kelly Kissinger, Jason Maddy, Briana McClure, Adam Oliveras, Brent Perkins, Isaac Pringle, Sassan Saffari, John Tessmer, Nathan Venzara, Karen Villareal and Dan Windham.

Performance dates are February 26, 27, March 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 7:30 p.m.; March 3 at 7 p.m.;and February 27, 28, March 7, 13, and 14 at 2 p.m. General admission is $25; seniors/staff, $20; students, $15 with current student ID. There will be a preview performance on February 25 at 7:30 p.m. Preview night only, all seats are $15. Student ID must be presented at the door.

The MiraCosta College Theatre is located at 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside. Tickets are available online at www.miracosta.edu/events or by calling the Box Office at (760) 795-6815.

*Members of Actors Equity Association.