Murphys, CA…In their fourth season, Shakespeare on the Vine Theatre Company will present William Shakespeare’s
comedy The Tempest — critically thought to be the last play that Shakespeare wrote. The piece will be
performed on the outdoor Arden Stage at Brice Station Vineyards. Director, Tara Kayton and her talented
company will bring this magical story of family, art, and reunion to life from August 9 to September 1.
Twelve years ago, Prospero was the beloved Duke of Milan, but his attention to books caused him to leave
the management of his state to his brother, Antonio. Eventually, with the help of Alonso, Queen of Naples,
Antonio usurped the dukedom for himself. Prospero and his baby daughter Miranda were put to sea and
eventually landed on a fantastical island inhabited only by a native, Caliban, and a powerful spirit, Ariel.

Since then Prospero has ruled the island and its two inhabitants by his knowledge and books. When
Prospero’s enemies are close to the island and he sees an opportunity to work his revenge, Ariel raises a
storm that wrecks them, but really disperses them about the isle unharmed. Ariel leads Ferdinand, the
Queen’s son, to Prospero’s cell, where he and Miranda instantly fall in love. The Queen of Naples searches
for her son, although fearing him to be drowned, while Antonio plots more corruption. The boat drunkards,
Stephano and Trinculo, encounter Caliban and plan to kill Prospero so that they can rule the island.
Prospero presents the young couple with the blessings of marriage, ensuring his lasting lineage in Milan
and Naples before reuniting everyone on the island to return to Italy.

The cast features: Elyse Sharp as the ethereal Ariel, Jake Edmondson as the wronged Duke Prospero,
Sean M. Lewis as the island native Caliban, and an island spirit musician is played by Holly
Johnston. Tyler Mattson and Vickie Hall adorably play the young lovers, Ferdinand and Miranda. The
drunken clowns are hilariously paired in Lillian McLeod as Stephano and Sara Garcia as Trinculo.
Lahna VonEpps joins the cast as Queen Alonso, John Baker as the evil brother Antonio, Stephen Daly
as loyal Gonzalo, and Laura Johnson as the plotting Adrian.

The creative team is composed of: Director Tara Kayton, Dramaturg Ryan M. Davis, Stage Manager
Kierin Harrison, Production Manager Janet Cunningham, Scenic Carpenter Dan Swanson, Costume
Designer Herin Kaputkin, Lighting Designer Ross Aldrich, Scenic Painters Dolores Mast & Lubov
Mazur, Assistant Stage Manager Nicole Job, and Production Assistants Jenia Willhite, Cortney
Gillespie, Nichole Markle, and Daniel Harrison.

This season marks the company’s fourth summer at Brice Station after successful productions of Hamlet
(’17), As You Like It (’16), and The Taming of the Shrew (’15). These productions helped to earn Brice
Station the Calaveras Visitor’s Bureau’s Innovations in Tourism Awards for Most Innovative
Attraction and Most Innovative Business. Brice Station Vineyards’ award-winning wine will be available
for purchase at 5:00pm, along with coffee from Gold Country Roasters.

The production runs August 9 to September 1 – Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00pm.

Shakespeare on the Vine Theatre Company’s production of The Tempest is proudly sponsored by:
Insight Manufacturing, Arnold Ace Home Center, Inspired Media, Paula Cobbett & Sherry
Crawford, Alan Peters, Better Altitude Realty, Ayrael Vieux Winery, Gold Country Roasters,
Murphys Music Company, and Brice Station Vineyards.

Tickets are currently on sale!
The Tempest
Thursday, Friday Saturday at 7:00pm
Opens: Thursday, August 9
Closes: Saturday, September 1
House Opens at 5:00pm
No Outside Alcohol – Brice Station wine available
Picnics Encouraged!
3353 East Highway 4 – Murphys, CA 95247
Tickets on sale at: www.bricestation.com/events/#shakespeare
Or call 209.736.7238
Follow Shakespeare on the Vine Theatre Company on Facebook
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