Artistic director Tony Simotes has collaborated with Dukakis ("Moonstruck," The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore) on the production, which he will also direct July 19-Aug. 19 in the Tina Packer Playhouse. The production is set on a Mediterranean island in the 1940's.
The cast also features Dukakis' brother, Apollo, who will play Gonzalo, alongside Kristin Wold as Ariel, Rocco Sisto as Caliban, James Read as Antonio, Timothy Douglas as Trinculo, Jonathan Epstein as Stephano, Merritt Janson as Miranda, David Joseph as Sebastian and Ryan Winkles as Ferdinand.
"Working with Tony on The Tempest is something I've wanted to do for the past couple of years," Dukakis said in a statement. "I am thrilled to finally get it off the ground and see where it lands. I've known Tony, Dennis Krausnick, Kevin Coleman, and Tina Packer for over three decades—from our times at NYU where Dennis, Tony, and Kevin were my students, during their incredible work creating Shakespeare & Company, to their continued commitment to that work, the craft of storytelling, and speaking the truth. The quality of the productions reflects the very core of their aesthetics — which is steeped in passion, curiosity, irreverence, and even rebellious work at times—but it's always joyful. I am also looking forward to working with other great talents including Rocco Sisto, also a former student of mine, my brother Apollo, and all the other wonderful and talented Shakespeare & Company actors. Tony is all about creating extraordinary experiences, whether on stage as an actor or as a director. That will never change, and it is my pleasure to work with him this season, not only as an artist, but also as a dear friend. Shakespeare & Company is a place to come and celebrate all that is good in our world—and to be inspired to change what isn't. To 'hold, as t'were, a mirror up to nature.'"
According to Shakespeare & Co., "Prospera, the exiled Duke of Milan and a powerful magician, has been stranded on an island for twelve years when she learns her brother, who was responsible for her exile, is at sea. In a moment of vengeance, Prospera creates a tempest of epic proportions, washing ashore not only the Duke’s brother but unwittingly the remedy that heals all wounds."
The Tempest has costume design by Debora Brothers, set design by Sandra Goldmark, lighting design by Matthew Adelson, with sound design and original music by Scott Killian. For tickets visit (413) 637-3353 or visit Shakespeare.org.
