Ensemble member Tina Landau brilliantly brings the final work of William Shakespeare to life as Steppenwolf Theatre presents The Tempest thanks to her fantastic direction and strong performances by its cast. The performance, which runs through May 31^st, is an ideal blend of humor and powerful drama and is enhanced by its colorful wardrobe and magical scenery. This is the first time in its prestigious history that Steppenwolf has taken on the work of Shakespeare. 

As the story goes, Prospero is banished to an enchanted island where he has learned to summon its magic for his own use. Revenge is on his mind when he invokes a powerful storm to cause his enemies to shipwreck in which they also become stranded on the island. However, things don’t go exactly as planned as his daughter Miranda falls for Ferdinand the son of his adversary, Alonso. Though his dismay is apparent, Miranda holds firmly onto her desires, as forgiveness becomes the ultimate theme to the story.    

The story moves quickly and takes one from scene to scene, keeping audience members on their toes, but, at the same time, is hypnotic with the amplified dynamic of each individual character. Frank Galati was magnificent as the protective father, Prospero, so much so that a couple of his monologues seemed to grip one’s heart with an ironclad fist. Galati was also strongly supported by Alana Arenas who played Miranda. Brilliant in their comedic roles were both Tim Hopper (Trinculo) and Yasen Peyankov (Stephano). Both Hopper, Peyankov worked extremely well together along with K. Todd Freeman (Caliban) as they delivered plenty of very funny moments together. I was also impressed with Stephen Louis Grush, who I had last seen in “Dublin Carol”. Unlike his role in “Dublin Carol”, Grush was this time allowed to be much more expressive and animated, in which he was really able to display his talent. Jon Michael Hill also showed amazing versatility and athleticism in his role as the enslaved Ariel. I should also mention how excellent Lois Smith was as Gonzalo, but then again, when isn’t she terrific?

The show starts off with a thunderous bang – literally, immediately capturing audience interest and it never lets go. At times “The Tempest” is evocative of a Cirque Du Soleil production with its beauty, imaginative sets and its Avant-garde costumes – it is an inspiring spectacle to witness. Still, it’s the impression conveyed so well by its commanding cast that is sure to stick in the minds of show goers for a long time to come.

For more information on “The Tempest” go to www.steppenwolf.org.