Ensemble Theatre stages 'The Tempest' - Sept. 5-15

Thursday, August 29, 2013

photo Maggie Bradshaw, left, and Garry Lee Posey portray Miranda and Prospero, respectively, in the Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga's production of Shakespeare's comedy "The Tempest," opening tonight.

IF YOU GO• What: "The Tempest"• When: Sept. 5-15; performances at 7:30 p.m. each Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; doors open 30 minutes before showtime• Where: Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, 5600 Brainerd Road (inside Eastgate Town Center)• Admission: $15 general admission, $10 students with ID; discounts for groups of 10 or more• Phone: 423-987-5141• Website: www.ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com• Note: Tickets are available by phone, online and at the door one hour before showtime

A whirlwind of music, dance, humor, treachery, romance and beauty, Shakespeare's "The Tempest" is "a play that celebrates theater," says Jeff Parker, who is directing the production opening tonight, Sept. 5, at the Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga.

" 'The Tempest' features whirling spirits, lost nobles, young romance, drunken clowns and magical lyricism," says Parker. "Our production celebrates Shakespeare's vision of a magical yet personal theater, wherein the universal movement of the stars and a lover's heartbeat are of equal import."

Shakespeare's final play, "The Tempest" is the story of the overthrown Duke of Milan, Prospero, and his daughter, Miranda. After being stranded on a remote island for 12 years, Prospero has become a powerful sorcerer who has come to rule the island and its inhabitants. When he discovers that his brother Antonio is on a ship passing close to the island, Prospero attempts to use his magic influence to restore himself and Miranda to their rightful positions.

ETC's production features Garry Lee Posey as Prospero, Maggie Bradshaw as Miranda and Christy Gallo as the spirit Ariel. Others in the cast are Brandi Alexander, Casey Keelen, Marcia Parks, Eric Phillips, Joseph Tipton, Justin Wahlne, Jake Waters, Jeremy Wilkins, Eric "Red" Wyatt and Makenzie Young. Evie Durant is stage manager.