What Critics are Saying...
"William Shakespeare’s 1603 comic fantasy ’The Tempest’ is one of his lightest confections . . .Leave it to Keegan Theatre to get it right. Their production of ’The Tempest,’ presented as part of the "Shakespeare in Washington" celebration, is not only extremely funny, but is also the most charming and enjoyable entry in the festival so far. . . Director Timothy S. Shaw has done a wonderful job of making this ’Tempest’ the amusing trifle it was meant to be. The leading performances are excellent, but given the lighthearted approach, it is not surprising that the play’s clowns come off best. . . With its nominal ticket prices, Keegan’s ’The Tempest’ is just the thing for those theatergoers who want to get in on the current Shakespeare festivities, but have limited entertainment budgets." The Examiner
"Shakespeare in Washington continues with this production of the Bard’s last play. . .Featuring a unique set representing all of an enchanted island without scene changes, and with a very experienced actor in the lead role . . . Robert Leembruggen provides a strong center for Shakespeare’s romantic fantasy and is well supported by the actress playing the sprite Ariel . . . Director Timothy Shaw stages an admirable show and brings out the best in each of his performers. . . Courtney Weber. . . outstanding as Ariel. Her mannerisms and movements, from a stilted walk to a habit of closing her eyes for long periods of time, go a long way toward suspending disbelief and letting us see the other worldly creature she represents. . . The set by George Lucas is admirable in its single-structure solution to the confines of the small stage . . .The lush vegetation, and the subtle but ever present sound effects of a living jungle, all blend together to make a fantasy island. . . the night is worth the trip downtown for an intimate setting and some unique experiences." Potomac Stages
" . . .delightful comedic scenes of Trinculo (Jeremy Brown) and Stephano (Tim O’Kane) with Mr. O’Kane doing the most natural drunken scenes not seen for a very long time on local stages. Also, Ally Raber and Joe Baker were a delight providing "young love" that was stage precious. Mr. Baker, growing in talent in every show. . . The set by George Lucas was a winner and allowed very comfortable acting areas. Kit Sibley and Jean Schlichting provided perfect costumes for all actors. . .wonderful lighting effect. It is a recommended show for the whole family. . ." All Arts Review4U
". . .Prospero is usually portrayed as a menacing and manipulative powerhouse who plots a shipwreck to avenge his island exile. Robert Leembruggen endows this Prospero with a more genteel side than is usually seen---a loving father. . .Very enjoyable show. The long professional relationship between director Timothy Shaw and Leembruggen makes this a winning production. . ." Arlington Weekly News TV
". . . George Lucas’ ambitious set design allows Shaw to put his cast aboard ship for that opening sea-storm before spilling them onto the sandy beach of Prospero’s island when the storm’s impressive noise has subsided. . . Robert Leembruggen shapes many of the exiled Duke Prospero’s speeches handsomely—the long opening narrative . . .is nicely done. . ." Washington City Paper
". . . The Keegan Theatre’s The Tempest. . . nicely melds the drama and comedy of the play. . . many, many pitch-perfect scenes. . . Rob Leembruggen (Prospero) is a wise choice to helm this production. His classical training lends a grace to Prospero that adults will appreciate, while he is also likely to captivate the attention and imagination of young people (“Hint, Hint,” parents and teachers) with a witty, wise and touching performance. . . The set design (George Lucas), sound (Timothy S. Shaw) and lighting (Dan Martin) make quite a splash. . . Courtney Weber gives a quirky performance as Ariel, carrying the avian aspects of her Harpy alter-ego throughout . . .Mike Gregorek (Caliban) gives us another featured creature — part lizard, part frog — and whines and snivels and connives to good effect. . . Another favorite scene features the hands down crowd pleaser, Jeremy Brown as Trinculo. . . He keeps the audience howling with laughter during his merry, drunken romp with Caliban and Stephano (Tim O’Kane). . . Ally Raber (Miranda) and Joe Baker (Ferdinand) provide the evening’s romantic comedy with all the requisite love-struck whimsy. . . Overall, Keegan Theatre’s The Tempest has a good ensemble cast with Leembruggen, Weber, and Brown bringing a notable humanity, mystery, and hilarity to their roles, respectively." DC Theatre Reviews
" . . .Leembruggen is physically appropriate for the part, and plays up the middle-aged and world-weary aspects of it . . he toys expertly with Alonso’s son, Ferdinand (Joe Baker) . . .Baker brings innocence and earnestness to his role as Ferdinand. Courtney Weber shines as Ariel, a fairy yearning to be set free by Prospero. Tall and graceful, she runs rings around the mere mortals she manipulates. . . Tim O’Kane and Jeremy Brown are hysterically funny as Stephano and Trinculo, a pair of drunken fools who think they can take on Prospero. They have great chemistry between them . . . Set designer George Lucas provides a variety of venues for all the action to take place. . . ." Arlington Sun Gazette
" . . . Rob Leembruggen leads the cast as the magical Prospero. . .Courtney Weber evokes great sympathy in a decidedly eerie portrayal of Ariel, Prospero’s servant. Adorned in tattered white rags, thanks to a detailed costume design by Kit Sibley and Jean Schlichting, her sense of utter despair at Prospero’s constant meddling reads brilliantly. Tim O’Kane, Jeremy Brown, and Mike Gregorek absolutely delight as the comic foils to the romance’s more stern characters. As drunken, lesser members of the shipwrecked party, Stephano and Trinculo establish a pleasant rapport on stage with the servant Caliban. . . George Lucas’s set design and Dan Martin’s light design provide a pleasant backdrop. . .Martin’s use of pleasant greens, oranges, and purples adds further vitality to an already inviting stage. . . " The Daily Colonial
"With an extravagant set, The Tempest captures the lightning, thunder and fury of one of Shakespeare’s final comedies. . . Director Timothy Shaw combines all of the play’s greatest assets - romance, betrayal, magic and drunken comedy - to produce a show that is sure to impress theatergoers throughout the District. Although the acting was well-done throughout the performance, the show’s standout performer was Courtney Weber in the role of Ariel. . . Perhaps the most humorous parts of the show were the interactions of drunken crewmembers Stephano (Tim O’Kane) and Trinculo (Jeremy Brown), and Prospero’s magic servant, Caliban (Mike Gregorek). . .The most striking feature of the performance by far is the set. . . The lighting and sound . . .lead the audience to feel as if they are truly at sea. . . For those looking to add a little culture to the bleak and dreary first weeks of the semester or maybe plan a romantic Valentine’s Day surprise, The Tempest is definitely the show to see." The Eagle
