Review: Trinity Rep Unleashes a Perfect Storm with 'La Tempestad'

Trinity Repertory Company once again digs into Shakespeare. This time it's more comedy than tragedy. Under the direction of Christie Vela (Trinity's "Native Gardens") there's no lack of lightness and fancy.

"La Tempestad" or, "The Tempest," is thought to be one of the last plays Shakespeare wrote on his own; it was published around 1610-1611. TRC brings a bilingual interpretation of this work to this production, with Old English and Modern Spanish being mixed together in an imaginative retelling of this fanciful work. (Subtitles are cleverly provided via digital screens.) Adapted by Orlando Hernandez ("La Broa"), Tatyana-Marie Carlo ("Sueno," "The Inferior Sex"), and Leandro "Kufa" Castro (making his debut at Trinity), this "Tempest" is a perfect storm.

The exiled Duke of Milan, Prospero (longtime company member Mauro Hantman), and his daughter, Miranda (a wonderful Lily Kops), live on an enchanted island once ruled by the witch Sycorax. Only her monstrous child, Caliban (Gloria Viveca Benevides, intense and funny), and Ariel (Alexander Crespo Rosario II, incredibly acrobatic and fun) remain. They are doing the bidding of the former Duke, thanks to his impressive magical powers.

Having been exiled by family, Prospero takes the opportunity to create a wicked storm when his enemies are on a boat near the island. He avoids destroying them, instead marooning them and creating havoc at the hands (and claws) of Ariel and Caliban. Revenge is his plan, but this plan will weave a magical, and rather darkly funny, tale.

Among the marooned are Alonso, the King of Naples (Bill Mootos, well known to many other theaters, including The Gamm, making his debut here), his adviser Gonzalo (the always incredible Anne Scurria), the ex-Duke's brother, Antonio (Alison Russo, last year's "A Christmas Carol"), and Ferdinand (Justin Mitchell, whose charms are so evident you'll be rooting for him, always).

Rounding out the shipwrecked crew are Boatswain (Marcel Mascaro, delivering a delightfully over-the-top rendition), Sebastian (Rudy Cabrera from "La Broa" and "A Tale of Two Cities"; his humorous approach is always welcome to see), and Trinculo (a wide-eyed and funny Adrian Peguero).

Prospero giddily pulls the strings with his magic, bringing his daughter and Ferdinand together, attempting to persuade some among the marooned to kill each other and getting others lost, and witnessing a drunken revelry at the hands of the Boatswain. Mauro Hantman brings his unique and commanding stage presence to the role for a delightful interpretation.

The scenic design by Dahlia Al-Habieli is outstanding: It's a bright and colorful affair (think enchanted-beach-meets-disco-storms). The lighting is fabulous as well, thanks to Carolina Ortiz Herrera, and it makes for a magical night, pairing well with Prospero's magical inclinations. This is worth a look for the bright spectacle and costumes, but more for the humorous antics of a talented cast.

"La Tempestad" is running through April 27 at Trinity Repertory Company, 201 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903. For information or tickets, call 401-351-4242 or visit www.trinityrep.com.