Tue, 07/19/2016 - 11:45am

Joy Braley, Heartwood Executive Director

Helena Farhi plays an unforgettable, spritely Ariel, here casting a spell upon Alonso, played by Vincent Hannam, in Heartwood's "The Tempest," running July 20-23 in the Poe Theater.

Steven Shema returns to Heartwood for the leading role of Prospero, in "The Tempest,"

Helena Farhi plays an unforgettable, spritely Ariel, here casting a spell upon Alonso, played by Vincent Hannam, in Heartwood's "The Tempest," running July 20-23 in the Poe Theater.

Steven Shema returns to Heartwood for the leading role of Prospero, in "The Tempest,"

William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” closes this weekend, at Heartwood Theater. This epic tale (trimmed to a mere 95 minutes) contains a little bit of all things Shakespeare: comedy, drama, magic, wit and heart.

Heartwood layers in original music (11 string fretless bass, guitar, voice and accordion) and a brilliant tapestry of lights, costumes and projections on an earthy, magical set.

A highly committed and competent cast of 11 delivers “The Tempest” directly into the heads and hearts of audience, in the intimate setting of the Poe Theater (81 Academy Hill Road, Newcastle).

This is a must see for summer theater lovers. No Shakespeare experience required (but a quick, online search on the plot is never a bad idea)!

Four evening performances remain, Wednesday through Saturday, July 20-23, in the Parker Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy. Student tickets (through grade 12) are $5 (thanks to Colby & Gale, student ticket sponsor); Wednesday night is $20 Night for adults; Thursday through Saturday adult prices are $30.

For full details, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org, email info@heartwoodtheater.org or phone 563-1373. Closing weekend performances typically sell out in this 150 seat space – reservations very strongly recommended.