The DCCC theater department’s interpretation of William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” was nothing short of spectacular.
Prospero (Nick Roscioli) asserts his will over ‘Ariel’ (Mario Canavarro). (Photo provided by Cynthia Roscioli)
Nick Roscioli led the way as Prospero who, after being unjustly left for dead at sea by his brother Antonio and Alonso, the king of Naples, gets his chance at revenge.
When a ship carrying Antonio and Alonso passes Prospero’s island, he raises a great storm to shipwreck them with the help of his servant Ariel.
The tale ultimately ends with forgiveness. Roscioli did a great job displaying Prospero’s wide range of emotions throughout the story showing satisfaction whenever Ariel completed a task, as well as anger and frustration anytime Ariel questioned him.
Mario Canavarro also turned in an excellent performance as Ariel. He commanded the stage very well, showing his grace and elegance as he danced around.
Canavarro did a great job with his reactions to Prospero, displaying frustration over his servitude but also cowering in fear anytime Prospero became angry with him. He sold the character perfectly, especially at the end when Prospero releases him. Prospero holds out his hand to be shook, and Ariel begins extending his hand out but quickly pulls it back and runs off stage with a humorous grin.
The show was also highlighted by the romance of Prospero’s daughter Miranda, and Alonso’s son Ferdinand, played by Sandra Lawler and Henry Ventura.
The two showed great on stage chemistry, constantly trying to catch each other’s eye and sharing several long romantic gazes.
Other standout performances were given by Greg Friedrich as Antonio, Alexander Fraser as Caliban, Terence Salmon as Stephano, and Jennifer Tinianow as Trinculo.
However the strength of the show was not exclusive to the acting. Director Stephen Smith utilized every element of the show to share his vision of this classic Shakespeare play.
The blocking was very good and maximized the very small stage that limited the actors. They each navigated the set effectively, exiting the stage from multiple points and being very on cue.
Speaking of the set, it was constructed beautifully with the floor painted to look like sand and several tall prop trees that gave a convincing island feel. Also two large prop hands, helped Prospero’s power resonate even more, one of which was used for Caliban’s entrance as he emerged from within it.
The music played a big role as well. Composed by Assistant Professor of Music, Richard Belcastro, the music was done in an upbeat reggae style that perfectly captured the story’s theme of forgiveness.
Not to be outdone by the music though, was the choreography. The dance scenes were choreographed by Danamarie Every, Assistant Professor of Speech/Communication. The dancers, especially the fairies, moved very fluidly around the stage and were consistently in sync.
However, from a production value standpoint, the costumes stole the show. The costumes, designed by 22-year-old fashion design major Mack McKamey, did a great job bringing each character to life.
The royalty figures were clearly separated from everyone else by the nice, gangster-like suits they were wearing. Prospero, with a small gold and black vest, as well as hair sprayed gray, was made to look like the wise and powerful character he is.
The characters of Miranda and Ferdinand were made to look like the young and innocent characters they are. Miranda wearing an elegant teal and red dress, while Ferdinand was given somewhat of a gothic look with very tight clothing.
This all added up to a very strong and well rounded performance. The theater department at DCCC is putting together a very nice tradition, that encourages all students and staff to support them now and in the future.
Contact Tim Brennan at
communitarian@mail.dccc.edu
