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A Perfect Storm Of Comedy, Romance, Mystery and Magic
Blows Into The Loft Theatre With Shakespeare's
The Tempest, February 2-19
(Dayton, OH) – January 11, 2006 – The 2005-2006 Humana Loft Series continues with The Human Race Theatre Company’s production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, playing February 2 – 19 at the Loft Theatre.
The action begins aboard a ship bound for Naples in the midst of a terrible storm at sea before it crashes into a seemingly deserted island. But this island holds its share of surprises, as it is home to the sorcerer Prospero and a host of spirits. Twelve years ago, Prospero was the rightful Duke of Milan before his brother, Antonio, and the king of Naples usurped his throne, exiling him with his daughter, Miranda. Now marooned, they are served by the sprite, Ariel, and the enslaved beast man, Caliban. Prospero sees his chance for revenge when he discovers that his old enemies and their royal court are sailing near his island and conjures the tempest to wreck their ship.
The survivors wash ashore in groups on various parts of the island. The king’s son, Ferdinand, is brought to Prospero, and once he meets Miranda, the two youths fall instantly in love. The king’s butler, Stefano, and his jester, Trinculo, encounter Caliban, while Prospero orders the island’s supernatural inhabitants to taunt and torment Antonio and the king. Magic and mystery surround The Tempest, Shakespeare’s last known play; his farewell to the theatre.
Guiding The Tempest is director Brian B. Crowe, who brings the same creative genius to this endeavor as he did to The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s critically acclaimed 2002 production. Crowe, a Dayton area native, has been with STNJ for ten years, where he is a resident artist and the director of education. He earned Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees from Wright State University in directing and acting, and has directed a number of shows for The Human Race over the years.
Leading the cast of eleven members is Human Race Resident Artist Bruce Cromer as Prospero. Cromer, an associate professor in Theatre at Wright State, was last seen on the Loft Series in the back-to-back productions of The Drawer Boy and Every Good Boy Deserves Favour (with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra) in 2005. He recently completed his first outing as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s annual The Christmas Carol, having been “promoted” from Bob Cratchit, the role he played for eight years.
Reprising their roles from the STNJ production are Michael Stewart Allen as Ariel and Jeffrey M. Bender as Trinculo. Also starring are Damian Buzzerio, Herb DuVal, Kimberly Finch, Nathan Kaufman, Scott Leake, Brian McKnight, Brian Schilb, Aaron Vega and Derek Wilson.
Behind the scenes, Dick Block is scenic designer, Mary Beth McLaughlin is costume designer, John Rensel is lighting designer, Richard M. Dionne is sound designer and Tristan Cupp is designing masks and special effects props. Elizabeth Grunenwald is the production stage manager.
The Tempest is presented with support from the MeadWestvaco Foundation,
Coolidge, Wall, Womsley & Lombard Co., L.P.A., National City and Innovative Auctions, Inc. Humana of Ohio is the sponsor of the Loft Series. Series 2 is sponsored by NCR, the Sam Levin Foundation and Jim & Enid Goubeaux. Media Sponsor for the Humana Loft Series is WYSO Public Radio/91.3 FM. The Official Host for the Humana Loft Series is the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Dayton.
The Tempest is on stage at the Loft Theatre February 2 – 19. The Tuesday, February 14, evening performance is at 7:00 pm. (Please note: This is a new curtain time for the 2005 – 2006 season.) The Saturday, February 11, performance may be sign interpreted and/or audio described upon request with two weeks advance notice to Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630. Immediately following the Sunday, February 12, matinee, The Human Race will hold its “While We’re on the Subject” post-show discussion, moderated by Preston Dawes.
The Human Race and Single Source News will host the “Singles Night at the Race” mixer on Saturday, February 11, for Miami Valley singles who enjoy the performing arts. Tickets for the evening performance and post-show party in the Loft Theatre lobby are $25 and must be purchased by Friday, February 3, by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630.
Tickets for The Tempest are $29 each, and discounts are available for senior citizens and groups. Student ticket price is only $14.50. Tickets are on sale now via Ticket Center Stage, with box office locations at the Victoria Theatre and Schuster Center in downtown Dayton. To order tickets by phone, call (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, noon – 4 p.m. The Loft Theatre box office opens two hours prior to each performance. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.
For more information about The Tempest, The Human Race Theatre Company and the Humana Loft Series, visit www.humanracetheatre.org.
The Human Race Theatre Company receives organizational support from Culture Works, Montgomery County and The Shubert Foundation. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund The Human Race Theatre Company with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
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Founded in 1986, The Human Race Theatre Company moved to the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence at The Loft, a 219-seat theatre. In addition to the Humana Loft Series 1, produced in collaboration with the Victoria Theatre Association, The Human Race produces the Humana Loft Series 2, the Musical Theatre Workshop series and special event programming. The Human Race, under the direction of Artistic Director Marsha Hanna and Executive Director Kevin Moore, also maintains educational outreach programs for children six to eighteen, guest artists and artist residencies in area schools, The Muse Machine In-School Tour, Youth Summer Stock and The Human Race Conservatory. The new Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center of The Human Race opens in 2006 to provide a space for extensive theatre education classes and workshops.
CALENDAR EDITORS, PLEASE NOTE:
The Human Race Theatre Company presents
The Tempest
By William Shakespeare
February 2 – 19, 2006
Produced by The Human Race Theatre Company
Performed at the Loft Theatre
126 N. Main Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Directed by Brian B. Crowe
Set by Dick Block, costumes by Mary Beth McLaughlin, lighting by John Rensel, sound by Richard M. Dionne, props and masks by Tristan Cupp
Starring Michael Stewart Allen, Jeffrey M. Bender, Damian Buzzerio, Bruce Cromer, Herb DuVal, Kimberly Finch, Nathan Kaufman, Scott Leake, Brian McKnight, Brian Schilb, Aaron Vega and Derek Wilson
For tickets, call: Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630
Ticket prices: $29 General Admission, $27 Seniors, $14.50 Students, $12 Muse Machine Students with membership ID
“We are such stuff as dreams are made on…” For twelve years, Prospero – sorcerer and former Duke of Milan – has remained stranded on a remote island with his young daughter, Miranda, exiled by his treacherous brother, Antonio. Now Prospero sees his chance for revenge and conjures a storm that shipwrecks his brother, along with the king of Naples. As Miranda and the king’s son fall madly in love, Prospero uses his wizardry to create the perfect mixture of comedy, romance and politics. Considered to be the most poetic and magical of Shakespeare’s comedies, it is also his last known play; his farewell to theatre.
Performance dates:
Wednesday, February 1 8:00 p.m. “Pay What You Can” performance
Thursday, February 2 8:00 p.m. Opening
Friday, February 3 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 4 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 5 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 8 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 9 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 10 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 11 8:00 p.m. “Singles Night at the Race” mixer
Sunday, February 12 2:00 p.m. “While We’re on the Subject” post-show discussion
Sunday, February 12 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 14 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 16 8:00 p.m.
Friday, February 17 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 18 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 19 2:00 p.m. Closing