The Show Must Go On! Shakespeare In the Park Braves Heat to Debut Thursday

Despite record-high temperatures, the show went on Thursday evening as marked its opening night appearance, as part of the three-week Shakespeare in the Park festival, in Royal Oak's .

More than 30 people took in the Water Works Theatre production as they sat comfortably on blankets, seat cushions and lawn chairs. As the play ran its 2 1/2 hour course, the sun set and the air was comfortable under the park’s plethora of trees.

“This was a hearty bunch who braved the heat to get here and I thought they seemed to enjoy the story a lot; they seemed to be very into it,” said Jeff Thomakos, director of The Tempest.

The play told the story of Prospero, the Duke of Milan and a powerful wizard, who is ousted from his rightful throne by his brother Antonio and his ally, Alonso, the king of Naples. Prospero and his beautiful daughter, Miranda, are banished into exile, being sent away on a boat and left for the dead, until they magically drift upon a certain enchanted island.

On this land, Propsero serves as ruler, being tended to by his two servants: the powerful spirit Ariel and Caliban, the son of a deceased witch. In time, a ship bringing Prospero’s enemies heads toward the island. However, after Prospero summons a storm to wreck their ship, the only passenger who makes it to the shore is Alonso’s son, Ferdinand, who quickly develops a relationship with Miranda, falling deeply in love.

Meanwhile, to much surprise, the other enemies in the boat do survive, eventually finding their way onto the land, as they search for Ferdinand. Two of the men plot with the servant Caliban to kill Prospero so that they can be in control of the island. The other shipwrecked noblesmen are hounded by Ariel who ridicules them for their crimes against Prospero.

In the end, after much ado, Prospero confronts his enemies, revealing his true identity and finding it in his heart to forgive them for betraying him. He tells them Ferdinand is alive and engaged to Miranda. He then frees Ariel from her servitude and abandons his magic.

As this is the first year that The Tempest has been performed on the Water Works stage, no stops were held back as the actors were equipped with cables for the high-flying dramatic scenes.  Practicing for just four weeks, the 14-person cast consisted of many seasoned professionals, some partaking in their first Water Works Theatre piece.

“This is one of the most magical shows I’ve ever been involved with,” said Erika Hoveland, who plays Sabastian in The Tempest. “The Tempest is outdoors, on an island, that’s the setting of it, so it makes it even greater that it’s taking place here, under the stars at the park.”

Though the number of those catching the opening night show was predicted to be small, Water Works hopes the temperatures will continue to cool off over the next three weeks, bringing more of an audience. Last year's single show record is 400 attendees, a number the theater company hopes to top this summer season.

“It was a beautiful night and I think a lot of people missed out because they were scared by the weather predictions," Thomakos said. “You just have to come out and see it, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, guess what, you get a rain check and you can come back again anytime.”

For performances, guests can bring blankets for lawn seating, low-to-the-ground lawn chairs or take advantage of the Water Works bleachers. Pre-show picnicking is allowed in the park. Snacks and refreshments will also be available for sale at the event. Free parking is within walking distance of the stage.

Shakespeare in the Park showtimes

• July 21-Aug. 7: The Tempest by William Shakespeare — 8 p.m. every Thursday-Saturday and 4 p.m. every Sunday
• July 26-Aug. 7: The Commedia Aladdin by Lane Riosley — 7 p.m. every Tuesday-Wednesday and 11 a.m. every Saturday-Sunday
• July 30 and Aug. 6: Summer Sonnets by William Shakespeare — 4 p.m.
• For a complete list of dates and showtimes visit www.waterworkstheatre.com.

Tickets are $20 for The Tempest and $6 for The Commedia Aladdin and no charge for Summer Sonnets. The tickets are general admission for any one day and can be pre-purchased by calling the Water Works Theatre Company at 248-399-3727 or online at www.waterworkstheatre.com.