Lone Star College-Montgomery’s drama department presents William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, April 10-12, at 7 p.m., and April 12, at 3 p.m., in the Mainstage Theatre, located in the college’s Performing Arts Center (Building D). There will also be a special preview on April 9, at 5:30 p.m. with discounted tickets and a food reception beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for any of the performances can be purchased anytime online or at the box office on the day of the performance.

The Tempest, which has been thought by many to be one of Shakespeare’s last plays, takes place on a remote island where Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda are stranded. Through the use of magic and illusion, Prospero lures his jealous brother Antonio, who originally stranded him on the island. In this dramatic comedy, the characters draw the audience in for an adventurous journey as stories emerge and relationships develop.

This particular production, however, will have a unique twist, as LSC-Montgomery’s drama department will transport the setting to a barrier island of Louisiana in the year 1825.

“One of the beauties of Shakespeare is its timelessness and transportability,” said Chase Waites, director and drama professor. “The setting, costumes, and sound will reflect this most of all, with cypress trees, Spanish moss, and a musical flavor of the area. Audiences should expect a fun-frolicking hour with the Bard.

The works of Shakespeare have always been a genre staple in the theatre world. The unique language, rhythm, and aesthetic that Shakespeare’s work brings to the stage, provides a style of theatre that is incomparable. With the uniqueness, however, comes a challenge for modern actors to portray the style across the audience.

“The challenge of Shakespeare always excites the students,” said Waites. “They tackle the subject matter and language with great excitement. Though challenging, there is certainly no lack of enthusiasm and effort.”

The choice to produce The Tempest works in tandem with the drama department’s effort for outreach and educational engagement. On Friday, April 11, the drama department will hold a morning performance for area high school and youth programs. The performance is free and is currently scheduled at 10:30 a.m. 

“We are presenting a 60-minute cutting of the play,” said Waites. “None of the plot has been omitted, only trimmed down a bit. We hope this nestles in nicely with school schedules and can offer convenience and accessibility to our local student population.”

Any educational institutions interested in attending are encouraged to contact the Box Office at (936) 273-7021, or email MontgomeryFineArts@LoneStar.edu.

For all other performances, tickets are $5 for faculty, staff, and students and $10 for general admission. To purchase tickets, please visit www.LoneStar.edu/drama-dept-Montgomery. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office located at the entrance of Building D. The box office will open one hour prior to the performance time.

For more information about the drama department at LSC-Montgomery, contact Chase Waites at (936) 271-6127 or Chase@LoneStar.edu.  

LSC-Montgomery is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273.7000, or visit www.LoneStar.edu/montgomery.

With 75,000 students in credit classes, and a total enrollment of more than 90,000, Lone Star College System is the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, and the fastest-growing community college system in Texas. Dr. Richard Carpenter is the chancellor of LSCS, which consists of six colleges including LSC-CyFair, LSC-Kingwood, LSC-Montgomery, LSC-North Harris, LSC-Tomball, and LSC-University Park, five centers, LSC-University Center at Montgomery, LSC-University Center at University Park, Lone Star Corporate College, and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.