MJC Theater Department stages The Tempest in a sci-fi setting
The Modesto Junior College Theater Department presents presents a science fiction version of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest on October 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. and October 29 at 2 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center on East Campus, 435 College Avenue, Modesto.
Director Michael Lynch’s adaptation of the play sets The Tempest on a “forbidden planet” in the year 3020 A.D. when Earth was divided into 12 empires under several dukedoms.
The play is in Shakespeare’s original language with added dialog to keep within the genre of a sci-fi movie circa 1950’s. The production incorporates many technical delights, including aliens of all galaxies, starships, a magic crystal ball, and monsters – both human and otherwise.
The plot features a roaring space tempest instigated by the exiled duke, Prospero, who takes his revenge upon his wicked sister, Antonia, who usurped him 12 years past and had him stranded on a forbidden planet with his young daughter, Miranda.
The cast for the MJC production includes:
PROSPERO: Dean Medek
ARIEL: Renata Navarro
MIRANDA: Becky Bjerke
FERDINAND: John Williams, III
CALIBAN: Bear Unruh
TREK: Daniel Medina
STYX: James Lane
ALONSO: Bryan Hurd
ANTONIA: Robin Bjerke
SEBASTIAN: Shane Meyers
GYRO: Frances Domingos
CAPT. ULU: Dahlia Martinez
SYCORAX: Francine LaMiere
DANCING CREATURES: Cassandra Augusto, Emily Fredrickson, Krista Beal
SPACECREW: Rudy Perez, Louis Thomas, Elizabeth Delash, Emily Madsen
ALIEN CREATURES: Vanessa Lamberson, Gerardo Hernandez, Tito Guajardo, Gordon Huckaby, Micaela Gonzalez-Isrgrigg, Chaz Bertotto
Tickets are $11 general admission, and $9 for students and senior citizens (62 or better). Tickets may be purchased in advance online at mjc.tix.com , at the MJC Box Office, Tuesday through Friday, 12 – 5 p.m., or by calling (209) 575-6776 during these hours. Tickets will also be available at the door beginning 90 minutes prior to each performance.
Attached photo: Standing, from left to right, is Dean Medek as Prospero, Renata Navarro as Ariel, John Williams as Ferdinand and Becky Bjerke as Miranda, and on floor is Bear Unruh as Caliban.
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