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The Tempest

Bag and Baggage production of The Tempest in the Summer 2011.  (photo by Casey Campbell)

Show Dates & Times

  • August 7, 2018 @ 9:26 pm

Details

Runs: 07/28/11 — 08/13/11
Opening Night: 07/28/11
Event Time: 7:00pm (Gala Dinner/Auction on July 27 at 6:00pm)
Tickets: All tickets $14

We kick off the season with this world premier re-adaptation, and American premier of one of the most popular versions of The Tempest in history. In B&B style, we’ll feature new characters and new plot lines, and the incredible nuances of our outdoor stage, to bring you a summer storm of comedy and delight!

We’ll be performing The Tempest outdoors at the Tom Hughes Civic Center Plaza in downtown Hillsboro, located on E. Main street between 1st and 2nd. Public parking is available at the SW Corner of the Civic Center off of SE Washington street & 1st Ave and some nearby street parking is also available.

When most people think of The Tempest, their thoughts immediately turn to William Shakespeare’s last play: the magical tale of the exiled Prospero, his beautiful daughter Miranda and the island he shares with the fairy Ariel and the monstrous Caliban. Shakespeare’s tale of magic and redemption is well known, and often performed throughout the world; but a little known fact about the play is that Shakespeare’s script is not the most popular version of the story ever written. In fact, that honor goes to the now rarely performed and almost completely forgotten adaptation by John Dryden and Sir William Davenant known as The Tempest, or The Enchanted Isle.

In 1667, John Dryden (the most influential poet of England’s Restoration period) and Sir William Davenant (a playwright, poet and godson of Shakespeare) adapted William Shakespeare’s playThe Tempest into one of the very first recorded Restoration-era comedies, entitled The Tempest, or the Enchanted Island. It is this script that became the most popular version of the tale for English audiences, and essentially dominated English and European stages for a period of nearly 200 years.

Tragically, this adaptation (which relies heavily on Shakespeare’s original for much of its verse) has literally vanished from modern performance repertoires and there has never been a single recorded production of the Dryden/Davenant script anywhere in the United States, and none in England since 1835.

In July of 2011, Bag&Baggage Artistic Director, Scott Palmer, who is responsible for all of the literary adaptations performed by the company, will direct the first ever American production of this lost classic, outdoors at the Tom Hughes Civic Center Plaza in downtown Hillsboro.

This performance will not only be an American premiere of one of the most popular scripts from the English Restoration, it will also be a world premiere re-adaptation of the most popular version of The Tempest in history! Featuring new characters (such as Caliban’s magical sister Sycorax, Miranda’s sister Dorinda, and a new comic sidekick for Stephano and Trincalo named Mustacho!) and new plot lines, this world premiere of The Tempest, or The Enchanted Isle promises to be a summer storm of comedy and delight!  A cast with many familiar Bag&Baggage actors, in addition to some incredible new talent, will bring this script to life.  Designer Gregory Pulver is giving it an exciting and unique scenic and costume design that you won’t want to miss!

Note: The subject matter of this play is most appropriate for audiences ages 15+.

 

Cast

Scot Carson – Prospero

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Scot was last seen in B&B’s production ofThe Mystery of Irma Vep and as the title role in Macbeth. His most recent regional work was two seasons with the American Shakespeare Center. On tour, and in residency at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia. Roles including; Sly/Gremio, Antonio, Exeter, Ghost/Player king, Duke of Ephasus/Dr. Pinch, Fezziwig/Topper. He has worked locally with NWCTC, Tygres Hart, American Heritage Theatre Project, NW Children’s Theatre, Classical Greek Theatre, Magdalene, PAC (Guest Artist). Roles including, but not limited to; Berowne, Apemantus, Talbot, Brutus, Gremio, King of France, The Duke in Big River, The Mad Hatter, Talthybius, Polyneices, Horatio. He holds a BA in Theatre Arts from OSU. He wishes to thank his wife Kate, and daughter Ella, for their love and support and awesomeness.

Amanda Jane Long – Miranda

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A native of Hillsboro, Amanda is happy to be home for a summer with Bag&Baggage. She’s just completed her first year MFA training at Northern Illinois University, where she played Wendla this season in Spring Awakening. Amanda has previously performed with B&B inDeath of a Salesman, as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, and as Adriana in The Comedy of Errors. She has toured with Oregon Children’s Theatre in The Pressure Pointand Tears of Joy Theatre in Stellaluna, including a run at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta. Other roles include Julia in Two Gentlemen of Verona, Angelique in Hotel Paradiso, and Natalie in Where’s My Money. Amanda holds a BFA in Acting from Southern Oregon University.

Arianne Jacques – Dorinda

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Arianne can think of no better way to spend a summer than performing outdoors with B&B! You may remember her from such roles as Viola in last summer’s Twelfth Night, Gwendolyn inThe Importance of Being Ernest, or Vixen in The Eight: Reindeer Monologues. You may also recognize her from her recurring role as B&B’s Box Office Manager. Arianne is a proud graduate of Oregon State University’s Theatre Arts program (go Beavs!). She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support.

Benjamin Farmer – Ferdinand

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Bag&Baggage audiences may remember Ben from last summers production ofTwelfth Night, in which he played Duke Orsino. A graduate of AMDA of New York City and an Oregon native, Ben is highly active in local film and stage venues. Stage productions include Romeo and JulietGodspellLes MiserablesThe ProducersCurtainsThe IllusionOliverThe Boyfriend, and City of Angels. Film and TV credits include Some Days Are Better Than OthersThe Grey AreaThe RoomiesLEVERAGE, and Nick Bradley Might Be An Alcoholic. Ben would like to thank Audra and Scott for having him back for another summer adventure, and to the amazing cast and crew of The Tempest. To Megan, my heart.

Drew Mierzejewski – Hippolito

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This will be Drew Mierzejewski’s first Bag&Baggage production and he is thrilled to be a part of such an amazing cast and crew. Drew has most recently completed his first year of MFA acting training at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb Illinois, where he played Elijah and the Cynical Actor in Moby Dick Rehearsed. Drew has previously preformed as Harold Hill in The Music Man, Sergius Saranoff in Arms and the Man, Chris Keller in All My Sons, Malvolio in Twelfth Night, and Antipholus of Ephesus in Comedy of Errors, all performed at Brigham Young University – Hawaii, where he received his BA in English Literature/ Minor in Theatre. Drew would like to thank his family and friends for their eternal support and love.

Jacob Rorem – Caliban

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Jacob is thrilled to be making his second appearance on BagnBaggage’s stage (or plaza) after his turn in Twelfth Night as Sir Andrew Aguecheek. Hailing from Olympia and a theatre graduate of Whitworth University in Spokane, Jacob has called Portland home for nearly two years. Prior to landing in Stumptown, Jacob taught and performed in 24 states and 4 countries with Missoula Children’s Theatre, touring CinderellaThe Little MermaidRed Riding Hood, and The Princess and the Pea. You may have also seen him perform with Harlequin Productions in Olympia or Taproot Theatre in Seattle. Favorite roles include Starveling and Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Franco inEnrico IV, Sampson in Romeo & Juliet, Jesus in Godspell, and soon-to-be-husband to Emily Jane.

Theresa Park – Sycorax

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Theresa is excited to be doing her 4th production with Bag&Baggage this summer, and one of her favorite mediums: outdoor theater. She was previously seen as The Ghost of Christmas Past/Fan/Belle/Mrs. Cratchit in The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, Laura in The Glass Menagerie, and in Death of a Salesman. Theresa received her BFA in Theater Performance from Chapman University and was a part of the outdoor Shakespeare group Guerilla Shakespeare in Southern California. Some of her other credits include Jess in the world premier ofNew Beulah at Chapman University, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, and Amy Beth in Life Under Water.

Cassie Greer – Ariel

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Cassie Greer is excited to be making her B&B debut in this production of The Tempest! A recent transplant from South Florida, favorite credits include Helena inMidsummer, Sarah in Company, Jean inDavid’s Redhaired Death, Mrs. Van Buren in Intimate Apparel, Angel in Marisol, Hester in Hello & Goodbye, Bertha inAfter Mrs. Rochester, the title character inLysistrata, and the world premieres ofFear/Falling and KOLO. Cassie holds a BA in Theatre from Goshen College, an MFA in Acting from Florida Atlantic University, and is a candidate for certification as an associate teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework®. Cassie is thrilled to have had opportunities to teach acting, movement, and voice to young actors across the country, and is incredibly grateful to her family and friends for their continual love, support and energy.

Maggie Chapin – Trincalo

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Working with Bag&Baggage since its inception, Maggie has been seen in numerous roles including: Rita inEducating Rita, Kate & Maria in Taming of the Shrew & The Woman’s Prize, Linda Loman in Death of a Salesman, Jack/Earnest in The Importance of Being Earnest, and Dromio of Syracuse in A Comedy of Errors. Other roles include Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing, Lil’ Bit in How I Learned to Drive, and Dorine in Tartuffe. Maggie has a BA in Theatre Arts from Western Oregon University and an MFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Dallas Myers – Stephano

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Dallas is honored to be spending another summer doing one of his favorite things: performing Shakespeare with Bag&Baggage. He has been part of the Bag&Baggage team since the traveling beginnings, with roles in Complete History of America (abridged)Midsummer Night’s DreamThe Eight: Reindeer Monologues,Comedy of ErrorsRomeo and Juliet, andTwelfth Night. Dallas began teaching Theater last year at McNary High School in Keizer where he lives with his eternally supportive wife, Kelsie, and beautiful 5 month old, London. Summer might be time for teacher vacations, but not for this teacher. Summer is time for Shakespeare!

Jen Waters – Mustacho

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Jen is thrilled to be returning to the stage with Bag & Baggage’s The Tempest! after a two year hiatus. She’s appeared in several shows with the company including: Dromio of Ephesus in Comedy of Errors, Comet in The Eight: Reindeer Monologues & many of Shakespeare’s women Infinite Variety. She is also the director of the B&B Washington County Fair childrens shows. Jen hold a BA from Oregon State University in Theatre, where she had the opportunity to play many great roles including Launce in Two Gentlemen of Verona, Truewit in The Silent Woman & Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. She has worked in childrens theatre with Majestic Education in Corvallis & now, Young Players in the Portland area. Jen would like to give a big “thanx” to all her friends & family & is looking forward to spending a summer doing what she does best, clowning around & being the requisite toady.

Ian Armstrong – Antonio

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Ian is now a Bag&Baggage regular whom you should probably recognize, unless you haven’t seen a B& B show in over a year. If that describes you, here is what you missed: Grumio in Shrew/Prize, Tom in The Glass Menagerie, Bob Cratchit/Ghost of Christmas Future in The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, Banquo inMacbeth, and last summer right here on the Tom Hughes Plaza as Malvolio inTwelfth Night. Wow, you missed a lot of great theatre! Ian is proud to be supported (not financially) by his wonderful family and friends without whom no one would talk to him after the show. Ever.

Jacob Smith – Alonzo

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Having just finished his first year as an MFA Acting candidate at Northern Illinois University. Jacob, a long time resident of the Pacific Northwest, is happy…no, thrilled to be back in his home for the summer to work with Bag&Baggage to bring you The Tempest. After a ten year hiatus from the stage, recent credits include Roland in Present Laughter, David in The Four of Us, and Starbuck in Moby Dick Rehearsed. Jacob just wrapped-up the role of Isaac in Starry Night Repertory Theatre’s production ofThe Conflict: A Soldier’s Memories of The Civil War prior to his road trip to Oregon to breathe life into Alonzo for B&B. Jacob is grateful for the support of his friends and family as he crisscrosses the country living the dream.

Gavin Knittle – Gonzalo

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Gavin is a junior at Pacific University in Forest Grove double majoring in theatre and vocal performance. His productions at Pacific have included Rubber’n’Glue,Private EyesMachinal, and A Lovely Day. Gavin has also performed in the premier of an original rock opera at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland called Rhino Provino. Aside from acting, his other professional interests include directing, composing music, and singing opera.

 

 

Crew

Scott Palmer – Director

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Directing outdoor summer Shakespeare is Scott’s great passion, and this will be his 28th production of a Shakespearean adaptation performed in the glorious summer sun. As the founding Artistic Director of Bag&Baggage Productions, Scott is responsible for all play selections, has directed all of the company’s productions but one, and acts as an advocate for the company, and the arts, throughout his community. Scott is a member of the Hillsboro Arts and Culture Council, the Westside Cultural Alliance, regularly sits on grant panels for both the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Oregon Arts Commission, and is the recent recipient of the City of Beaverton’s Arts Leadership Award. Scott is also the founding Arti sti c Director of Glasgow Repertory Company, Scotland’s national Shakespeare theatre, and is a proud graduate of both Oregon State University and the University of Oregon.

Gregory Pulver – Production Designer

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Gregory Pulver is a freelance designer and owner of “Purpose Design –on purpose, for purpose, repurpose”. He was recently a professor of Costume Design at Western Washington University Theatre Arts in Bellingham, WA, where he taught and designed for over 16 years. Gregory holds an MFA in costume design and choreography from Humboldt State University, CA and is the 1993 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival National Costume Design Winner for his work onThree Penny Opera. He has designed for several short films and TV spots in the Washington area including a dance for the camera film entitled Egg Skin. Gregory serves on the advisory boards for Junk2Funk in Portland, and The Last Frontier Theatre Conference in Alaska. Gregory now lives in Portland, OR where he works as a professional costume designer, set designer, set dresser, actor and director.

Audra Petrie – Stage Manager

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Besides being the Company/Production Manager for Bag&Baggage, Audra has also stage managed numerous B&B shows in the past, such as Love Letters,A Christmas Carol (2009), The Eight: Reindeer MonologuesSteel Magnolias,Infinite Variety, and The Complete History of America (abridged). Other regional stage management credits include By the Bog of Cats (CoHo Productions) andPrivate Lives (Salem Repertory Theatre). At Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, Audra stage managed several shows includingThe Game of Love and ChanceDear Charlotte, and Raised in Captivity. She is thrilled, proud, and grateful to be stage managing this production of The Tempest with such an excellent director, cast, and crew.

Becci Swearingen – Assistant Stage Manager

Becci is excited to find herself in the role of assistant stage manager for The Tempest: Or The Enchanted Isle. After Stage Managing several shows with Bag&Baggage, it has been nice to take a step back and watch another great stage manager at work! Becci holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Theater Arts and Music from Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri and a Master’s Degree in Theater Arts from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. She has been Acting, Directing and Stage Managing for over a decade and has been blessed to be able to work so consistently in this art form she loves above all others. Some of her favorite past productions include: Love LettersThe Trial of Ebenezer ScroogeThe Glass MenagerieLittle Shop of Horrors,Impossible MarriageMameThe FantastiksYou’re a Good Man, Charlie BrownElectraDancing at LughnasaBurn ThisWomen and Wallace, and Proof. Enjoy the show, you are in for a treat!

Kirk Webster – Assistant Stage Manager

Kirk has been working in, with and for theatres for 11 years. His experience and curiosity has taken him from onstage to backstage, from House manager to stage hand, and to lighting and sound. He worked in Corvallis for 3 years as a technical “everyman” but has spent the last few years without a theatre to call home and is now excited to be Assistant Stage ManagingThe Tempest, his fourth production for Bag&Baggage.

Adam Caniparoli – Run Crew

Adam is very excited to be working on his first show with Bag&Baggage. He graduated from Whitman College with a B.A. in theatre. He has a burning passion for all aspects of the theatre – but spent the majority of his time working as a carpenter, stage manager, lighting designer and actor. He wishes to thank his mother, father and brother for all the love and support throughout the years.

Christopher Curry – Run Crew

A native of Hillsboro, Chris is excited to be working as part of the crew at Bag&Baggage. He was recently master carpenter of PCC’s production of David Mamet’s Sexual Perversity in Chicagoand has worked as a carpenter and a painter for Sarah Ruhl’sDead Man’s Cell Phone and Woyzeck, respectively. Currently a junior, Chris plans on attending PSU in the Fall and majoring in Theater Arts with a focus in design and production.

Addie Underwood – Production Intern

Addie is thrilled to be interning with Bag&Baggage for The Tempest or The Enchanted Isle. She has worked with the Oregon State University Theatre during her undergraduate and graduate studies. Formally trained in the visual arts since the age of 11, Addie’s introduction to theatre was as a scenic artist. Addie has worked most frequently designing and applying makeup for theatre productions, the most challenging being a near sixty member production of Pirates of Penzance. She has filled many run crew positions on shows such as Angels in AmericaMikado,A Midsummer Night’s DreamStreet TheatreSpinAll My Sons, and The Foreigner. She has been seen on stage inShakespeare’s JourneySpinAll My Sons, and Snapshot. She has also directed with the OSU One act festival twice. Addie is pursuing a Masters of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies Degree at Oregon State emphasizing theatre.

 

Playwright

John Dryden and William Davenant

William Davenant (1606–1668) was an English poet and playwright and was one of the rare figures of the English Renaissance theatre whose career spanned both the Caroline and Restoration eras. Davenant’s godfather was William Shakespeare who stayed frequently at the Crown Tavern in Oxford, which was owned and operated by Davenant’s parents. There are, in fact, rumors that Davenant may have been Shakespeare’s biological son! Following the death of Ben Jonson (another powerful theatrical figure of the time), Davenant was named Poet Laureate in 1638 although much of his life was spent in various forms of legal trouble (including a stint in the Tower of London in 1651 for treason, where he wrote one of his most famous works, Gondibert). Davenant was a prolific writer and had a particular interest in adapting the works of Shakespeare, including The Law Against Lovers (an adaptation of Measure for Measure and Much Ado About Nothing), an opera based on MacbethThe Rivals(based on The Two Noble Kinsman) and The Tempest, or the Enchanted Isle (written with John Dryden based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest in 1667).

John Dryden (1631–1700) was one of the most influential poets of his age and he essentially dominated the literary life of Restoration-era England to such a degree that the period came to be known as The Age of Dryden. Born the eldest of fourteen children, Dryden was the son of prominent land owners and descendants of Sir Erasmus Dryden. Dryden was also the second cousin of Jonathan Swift. After the Restoration, Dryden quickly established himself as the leading poet and literary critic of his age. After the lifting of the ban on theatre during the Puritan reign, Dryden turned his attention to writing plays and, during the 1660s and 1670s, theatrical writing was to be his main source of income and established him as the earliest writer of Restoration-era comedy. It is interesting to note that Dryden established the “heroic couplet” as the standard form of English poetry and was the first person to suggest that English sentences not end with a preposition because it violated the rules of Latin grammar. Dryden wrote more than 40 plays during his life.