Cyd Schulte Courtesy of Albuquerque Little Theatre

The physical aspects of the production are minimal. The unit set has some moveable pieces, but everything is placed upstage. The voices are not enhanced, and this placement contributes to some difficulty hearing the actors. There is little in the set that suggests a magical island. The lighting does have some lovely colors.

The costumes seem to be pulled from other productions. This works for some of the characters, less well for others. Color signaling is absent from the costumes. Special effects for the storm and the magical transformations are nominal and not executed with precision. Generally, the visual elements lack a sense of wonder and enchantment.

Director Bobbi Masters has assembled an eclectic cast of seasoned and nearly novice actors. Her direction is unobtrusive and somewhat static. Choreographer Jessica Wilson has added movement that seems disjointed and she has not had success finding a movement language for the magical creatures. The opening sequence of the storm and the wreck of the ship is staged throughout the house in extraordinarily little light and is confusing.

Prospero, played by Doug Vandewinckel, interacts mostly with his daughter, Miranda, his sprite, Ariel, and his slave, Caliban. Although his characterization was strong, Vandewinckel lacks the gravitas of the darker side of Prospero. He is exasperated by Miranda, but we don't see much of this. Several of his exchanges with Caliban call for real anger, which is missing. His complicated relationship with Ariel is not in evidence. In short, his interactions with these characters lack diversity and real connection.

Greta Greenblatt's Miranda is young and smitten but does not show evidence of her father's teaching and her love for him. Jordan Padilla-Lidy handles the physicality of Ariel and her speeches well but seems rushed in her interactions with Prospero. Cyd Schulte is a real standout as Caliban. She is totally believable as the monstrous slave and still gains our sympathy for her plight. Strengthening these relationships is necessary to a fully realized production of The Tempest where forgiveness is a theme.

Jonathan Graff as Stefano and Alex Gonzales-Armbruster as Trinculo are excellent in the low comedy scenes. Many of the minor characters seem befuddled, and some of their actions seem unnecessary.

The Albuquerque Little Theatre is to be congratulated on presenting The Tempest andThe Pirates of Penzance as summer repertory theatre offerings, but it seems they did not have adequate time and resources. Still, there is much worth seeing in this production of The Tempest.

The Tempest runs through August 7, 2025, in repertory withThe Pirates of Penzance at Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale Ave SW, Albuquerque NM. Performances are Saturdays, July 19 and 26 and August 2-3 at 2:00 pm; Fridays July 25 and August 7 at 7:30 pm. Tickets range from $35.30 to $29.65 (including convenience fee). Discounts for Active Military, Seniors, Students and Veterans. For tickets and information, please visit AlbuquerqueLittleTheatre.org or call 505-242-4750

Director: Bobbi Masters; Choreographer: Jessica Wilson; Set Designer: Jason Roman; Lighting Designer: Elias Braun; Costume Designer: Jane Day; Props and Sound Designer: Lando Ruiz.

Cast: Veronica Barrett, Ricky Montes, Doug Vandewinckel, Armour Ratcliffe, Jesse Herb, Diane Segara-Mahoney, Daniel Molina, Cyd Schulte, Alex Gonzales Armbruster, Jonathan Graff, Greta Greenblatt, Jordan Padilla-Lidy, Veronica Apodaca and Emi Davis.