Bard’s work returns to area

    The bard is about in Tarrant County with the return of Shakespeare in the Park starting this weekend.

    The Tempest, by William Shakespeare, will run June 22-July 8, in the Trinity Park Playhouse.

    The story revolves around a ship bearing passengers home from a wedding. The ship is set upon by a sudden, fierce storm.

    The ship’s passengers and crew land on a strange uncharted island.

The story is created by the sorcerer Prospero, who was stranded on the island several years before with his infant daughter Miranda.

    Prospero’s lands and holdings had been seized by his ambitious brother, Antonio; his neighbor, Alonso, and Alonso’s brother, Sebastian. The three men then cast adrift Prospero and Miranda.

    Director Jim Couvault has placed the setting of Prospero’s island somewhere off the coast of Mexico and made many of the characters Texans.

    The Tempest company is comprised of familiar and new faces.

    Nick Sandys will appear as Prospero, Stacey Oristano as Miranda, Patrice Egleston as Ariel and Jorge Castaneda as Caliban.

    Ashley Wood will play Ferdinand; James Crawford will appear as Alonso, Christian Gray as Antonio, James Brownlee as Sebastian and Jerry Russell as Gonzalo.

    Also, Dwight Sandell and John Wayne Shafer will play the comedic duo Trinculo and Stephano, with Ross Neuenfeldt as Adrian and Melanie Nelson and Michael Hart as Spirits.

    The cast will also feature local sportscaster Mark Oristano as the Boatswain.

    All performances are Tuesday through Sunday, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:45 p.m.

    Tickets for lawn seating are $8-$10, and $20 for reserved table seating. Audience members are welcome to bring blankets or chairs, and food and drink.

    Patrons may also reserve an Elizabethan Feast, choosing one of three dinner packages from Bistro Louise.

    These dinners must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance.

    Tickets and dinner packages may be reserved through the box office at 817-784-9378. Tickets will also be on sale at the park on the night of each performance, and parking is free.