THEATERS & SHOWS: Shakespeare comes to Henry Park

Jul. 14—VERNON — After their successful production of William Shakespeare's "Henry V" last year, Evergreen Family Theatre will return with another Bard classic, presenting "The Tempest" Friday and Saturday, July 15 and 16, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 17, at 2 p.m. at the Fox Hill Tower at Henry Park.

The following week, they will perform at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford July 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. and July 24 at 2 p.m.

"Last year, 'Henry V' went amazingly well," said producer Terence LaCasse, artistic director for Evergreen Family Theatre. "We saw 200 people ... over two shows."

"The Tempest"

PLOT: In William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," usurped duke Prospero uses magic to restore his daughter Miranda to power and argues that the powerful must show mercy.

WHEN AND WHERE: Friday and Saturday, July 15 and 16, 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 17, 2 p.m., the Fox Hill Tower at Henry Park; July 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. and July 24 at 2 p.m., at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza in Hartford.

COST: Free.

PRODUCTION CO.: Evergreen Family Theatre.

LaCasse said the goal was to make a one-hour adaptation of "The Tempest" that children would enjoy and would excite people to attend outdoor theater.

"The challenge was, let's do 'The Tempest,' make it fun for everyone, and stick with our hour, put it outdoors, and make it a pipe and drape show and still have magic," he said.

Paul Flores, a University of Connecticut student originally from Los Angeles, will play Ferdinand, the son of Antonio, who are both shipwrecked with others on an island. Antonio has betrayed and usurped his brother, Prospero, former Duke of Milan.

"It's mainly about picking up the themes and hitting the themes and seeing where in the script those themes are," Flores said about the editing process. "Children's theater is important about having the kids walk out with a lesson. It's kind of Shakespeare's goodbye letter to audiences."

"This one focuses on power and what is the greatest power of all, which is family," LaCasse said.

"Our director Matt Chiorini knows everything there is to know about Shakespeare," said Kylee Galarneau of Syracuse, New York, who is a production associate for "The Tempest."

"He wanted to give an even focus to all of the characters and all of the themes," she said. "It was important to put out that theme of forgiveness."

Christian Hall, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who plays Alonso, King of Naples who aids Antonio, said, "I think this version of the script has a great balance between the humor and the drama. It's something everybody can relate to. The theme of magic, the importance of family and forgiveness, I think can touch everybody in some way."

"Matt was able to make the comedy modern," Galarneau said, giving it more depth than many contemporary productions.

Casey Wortham of Atlanta plays Ariel, a spirit that lives on the island the characters have been shipwrecked on, which also has Prospero on it.

"As long as it's fun and not intimidating," Wortham said, young audiences should enjoy 'The Tempest.'"

Recognizing the difficulty in understanding the Elizabethan language and iambic pentameter that Shakespeare is known for, Wortham said a lot of physicality in the performance will help young audiences understand the story better.

"The whole notion of accessibility is important to us," LaCasse said. "People can expect audience participation. There's bubbles, there's balloons, there's magic tricks, there's an entire orchestra before the show. Between the colors, the costumes, the set, there's something for everyone. It's really beautiful."

ALSO AT LOCAL THEATERS

Playhouse on Park

"Pippin" will run at Playhouse on Park, 244 Park Road, West Hartford, through Aug. 21.

About the play: Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh, and the intrigues of political power. In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

Matinees are at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

There will be a talk back with the cast after Sunday matinees.

Tickets range from $40-$50; group rates and student and senior discounts are available. Student rush tickets are $10 (cash only), available 15 minutes prior to curtain.

For more information or tickets, call the box office at 860-523-5900, ext. 10, or visit: playhouseonpark.org

The Majestic

The Majestic Theater, 131 Elm St., West Springfield, will present the debut of "Betty & The Patch," a contemporary comedy/drama, running through Sunday, July 24.

Performance times are Thursdays, July 14 and 21, 7:30 p.m.; Fridays, July 15 and 22, 8 p.m.; Saturdays, July 16 and 23, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sundays, July 17 and 24, 2 p.m.; and Wednesday, July 20, 7 p.m.

Tickets are $31-$35, available at the Majestic's box office Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or by phone at 413-747-7797.

For coverage of local restaurants, cultural events, music, and an extensive range of Connecticut theater reviews, follow Tim Leininger on Twitter: @Tim_E_Leininger, Facebook: Tim Leininger's Journal Inquirer News page, and Instagram: @One_Mans_Opinion77.