March 28, 2024

Interlochen Shakespeare Festival focuses on magic and romance

June 15, 2014

"We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep." So says Prospero in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

The idea of a Shakespeare Festival at Interlochen once was but a dream. This year’s presentation of The Tempest marks the seventh year for the festival.

"We said, "˜Let’s try this and see if it works.’ It did work. We’ve been able to keep it going and grow," says Laura Middlestaedt, who is directing The Tempest.

Middlestaedt has been part of the festival since its inception. She’s previously acted and worked alongside Bill Church, who directed the previous six plays at the festival.

Now the tables are turned, as Church will be bringing Prospero to life under Middlestaedt’s direction.

"He was ready to hand off the keys to someone else," she says.

The Tempest is set on a remote island, where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her lawful place. Prospero’s brother Antonio, conspiring with Alonso, the King of Naples, usurped his position.

Prospero and Miranda were left to die on a raft at sea, but they made their way to the island, where they have lived for 12 years. When his enemies pass nearby, Prospero uses his magical powers to call up the title storm in order to exact his revenge upon his enemies. His machinations bring about the revelation of Antonio’s true nature, the redemption of the King, and the marriage of Miranda to Alonso’s son, Ferdinand.

The Tempest incorporates romance, peril, comedy, abduction, revenge, action, and magic.

Middlestaedt says the play uses all those elements to define the characters, their motivations and how they interact. "It tends to peel back the layers of people," she says. "It’s often called a romance but it’s hard to categorize."

She says the play is a contrast to last season’s production of Hamlet. The tale of the doomed Danish prince is a tragedy in which practically everyone dies. The Tempest is much lighter in tone, though it still has its dark moments.

"It’s a lighter play but it strikes a balance. It has characters who are complex," she says.

Middlestaedt was excited about the opportunity to direct the play. She played Prospero’s magical aide Ariel in a production of The Tempest ten years ago and says the play remains one of her favorites.

"When you are first introduced to a play it makes a big impression," she says. "It’s a play that stuck with me."

Middlestaedt says she’s also thrilled to work with set designer Edward Morris, who has been designing for plays in New York City. He’s also an Interlochen alum.

Tom Childs, a current faculty member at Interlochen, is composing original music for the play. "There are songs in the play, and I asked Tom to create some more for it," she says.

"What’s past is prologue." Antonio’s plea to his friend Sebastian is meant to suggest that all that has happened to this point has set the stage for Antonio and Sebastian to make their own destinies.

Much the same is true of the Shakespeare Festival. Middlestaedt believes its success over the past six years has set it up for further growth.

"We’ll truly be a festival when we have more than one play going," says Middlestaedt. "In the future we’ll have others going, which will offer comprehensive experience for alumni and educational opportunities for students."

Middlestaedt says being able to stage the play outside is another step toward creating a true festival.

"Before it was in the Harvey Theatre. We kept selling out. Now we’re in a large outdoor facility, and can accommodate more people," she says.

"Being outdoors gives it more potential for growth."

The Tempest runs June 26-July 5. For tickets and performance times, go to Interlochen.org.

Trending

Mysterious Michigan Reads

We can’t think of a better way to spend spring break than with a great book. Northern Express asked local bookseller... Read More >>

Heirloom Recipes With Heritage, History, and Nostalgia

Before we begin to stash our coats and put winter behind us, let us remember what years past have taught us…fake sp... Read More >>

A Floral Family Affair

In the quaint downtown of Elk Rapids sits Golden Hill Farms, a shop where the artistry of floristry meets the rustic charm... Read More >>

A Look at Originalism

O Tempora O Mores! Oh the times, oh the culture. This Latin phrase relates to both the 18th century and our current times.... Read More >>