Performances are scheduled for Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 22, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 23, at 2:30 p.m.
Students will create their own musical score with vocals and instrumental accompaniment. Producer and director Ian Driver says it's a tradition dating back hundreds of years.
“Since the very first production in Shakespeare’s day, there’s a tradition of the producers commissioning contemporary versions of the play’s songs,” explains Driver. “Our students have the kind of musical talent that enables [them] to participate in this custom with an original score throughout the play and tunes that give expression to lyrics written by Shakespeare.”
Students Ezra Gans, Daniel Mendelson and Lee Rosen composed the musical score. Gans and Rosen also composed a featured song, to be performed by students Sabine Poux, Kelly Hooper, Jillian Agona and Jasmine Bar.
“Prospero, the main character, has a spirit called Ariel who is the source of all his magical powers, and she has come to represent artistic creativity across the centuries of the play's performance,” adds Driver. “For our version, I've encouraged the students to think of their own creativity as the essence of Ariel, setting up a theme that connects the magic of the island in the story to the spirit of innovation in our students as they perform on stage and work hard behind the scenes.”
The play is set to be performed in a black box setting, with the audience on the stage itself and surrounding actors on three sides.
Performances will take place at the Frances G. Wills Auditorium at the high school, 444 Pleasantville Road in Briarcliff Manor.
All tickets are $15. To purchase tickets online, visit http://www.showtix4u.com or email briarcliffticketsales@gmail.com with any questions.
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