Hobnob stirs up 'The Tempest'on stage at Succop
The Hobnob Theatre Company is stirring the winds to bring one of Shakespeare's classics, “The Tempest,” to the stage June 21 and 22 at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College.
Stefan Lingenfelter of Butler Township will appear as Prospero.
“He was once the Duke of Milan but was betrayed by his brother, Antonio, and the King of Naples, Alonso, and was banished along with his daughter Miranda,” said Lingenfelter of his character.
The action begins 12 years later, when Prospero discovers a ship carrying his betrayers. Will he decide to forgive or extract revenge?
Lingenfelter comes to this show with experience in Shakespeare scenes and soliloquy work, but rarely has he had the privileges of performing one of The Bard's plays in its entirety.
“I did play 'Jaques' in 'As You Like It' while living in New York which was one of my favorite theatrical experiences,” he said.
“I think anyone could see themselves in the character of Prospero as he struggles with forgiveness on those who have wronged him. Many of us have been betrayed either severely or in a trivial way in our life and must choose to hold the grudge or bury the hatchet.”
Butler audiences rarely have the opportunity to experience Shakespeare.
“Butler is in for a treat. I think there are many misconceptions about Shakespeare plays. People tend to believe, wrongly, that they're boring, they don't understand the words, and that they are five hours long. This production, I think, will surprise people how accessible and entertaining Shakespeare can be,” he said.
Prospero's sidekick, Ariel, is a sprite being played by Jordan Rose Luntz, a Knoch High School sophomore.
“Throughout the show, Ariel is a servant or slave to the main character, Prospero, and whatever he commands, she obeys. In fact, Ariel is the one who actually causes the Tempest,” Luntz said.
Luntz said she is delighted with the role and is thrilled to be experiencing Shakespeare.
“This role has definitely been different from anything I have ever done before. Usually I have no trouble memorizing lines, but when you throw some “thous” and “dosts” into the mix, it is definitely a whole lot trickier,” she said.
Luntz is known for her musical roles and this one will be no different.
“I love the fact that I sing in a Shakespeare play. That was definitely a delightful surprise! The music is absolutely breathtaking. I just hope I can do it justice,” she said.
The cast also includes Jeff Carey, Lydia Cameron and Matt Ferree.
<B>WHO: </B>Hobnob Theatre Company<B>WHAT: </B>“The Tempest”<B>WHEN:</B> 8 p.m. June 21 and 22<B>WHERE: </B>The Succop Theater at Butler County Community College<B>TICKETS:</B> $10 for adults and $7 for children, available at May’s Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., and online at www.hobnobtheatre.com/tickets. - See more at: http://beedit.sx.atl.publicus.com/article/20130613/ARTSENTERTAINMENT02/706139975&NoCache=1#sthash.YzxXQKF8.dpuf
