*The Tempest* June 7 Through June 24 -- at The Swan and On Tour!

The Flatwater Shakespeare Company's The Tempest, directed by Ryan Kathman, offers an enchanting experience for the entire family. The production opens at the Swan Theatre at Wyuka Stables for two weekends, June 7-10 and 14-17. The show then tours across Lincoln with a weekend of free performances, June 21-24. Performances will start at 7 p.m. and conclude by 8:30 p.m.

Kathman and FSC Executive Director Summer Lukasiewicz have fashioned a brisk, thoroughly engaging version of William Shakespeare's timeless classic that blends comedy, drama, music, magic, and romance. The show will appeal to audiences of all ages.

After being stranded on an island for years, the powerful wizard Prospero – previously the Duke of Milan – finds an opportunity to reverse the wrongs visited upon him. With the help of the spirit Ariel, he conjures up a storm to shipwreck, but leave unharmed, the enemies who deposed him. Along with his mastery over the elements of wind, water, fire, and earth, Prospero is able secretly to direct a courtship between Miranda, his daughter, and Ferdinand, son of Alonso, King of Naples. Ariel interrupts two different assassination plots and confronts Prospero's enemies with their past crimes. Caliban, a native of the island, seeks freedom from being Prospero's servant and places his trust in two members of Alonso's court, the steward Stephania and the jester Trincula. Ariel also longs for an end to her service to Prospero. As all his grand designs are fulfilled, Prospero must decide between revenge and compassion.

Prospero is played by Richard Nielsen, in his 26th production with Flatwater Shakespeare. Anna Hahn and Joe Hansen are the island's main inhabitants, Ariel and Caliban. Kacey Rose and Justin Minchow appear as the new couple Miranda and Ferdinand, while Mary Chambers and Samantha Hannigan play the Shakespearean clowns Stephania and Trincula. Other performers include Katie Hoppe and James Allen as the villainously witty Antonia and Sebastian, Jeremy Blomstedt as the penitent Alonso, and Chet Kincaid as the kind courtier Gonzala. Cat Pestinger provides musical commentary as the show's Troubadour, performing original songs and familiar favorites. The entire cast brings the island's elemental spirits to life.

Production design is by the director, Ryan Kathman. Costumes are by Kat Cover, with set construction and scenic painting by Jerry Peterson, Matthew Lukasiewicz, Marie Kisling, and Anthony Slattery. Sound design and musical arrangements are by Mary Chambers, Cat Pestinger, and Ryan Kathman. Stephen Buhler is the dramaturg. Michelle Zinke is the stage and tour manager, with Katie Hoppe the assistant stage and tour manager. Linda Zinke is the box office manager.

As in previous years, Ivanna Cone will create a new ice cream flavor, which will be served free of charge during the final weekend's tour of Lincoln parks. The 2018 Flatwater FREE Shakespeare tour has been made possible by a grant from the Cooper Foundation.

Shakespeare is for everyone! For tickets at the Swan Theatre and for more information about Flatwater Shakespeare, visit www.flatwatershakespearecompany.org.

LIST OF LOCATIONS (all performances start at 7 p.m.):

Thursday–Sunday,June 7–12, Swan Theatre at Wyuka Stables, 3600 O Street

($20 adult, $18 senior, $15 student)

Thursday–Sunday,June 14-19, Swan Theatre at Wyuka Stables, 3600 O Street

($20 adult, $18 senior, $15 student)

Thursday, June 21 Belmont Park, N. 12th and Judson (Free)

Friday, June 22 Cooper Park, S. 6th and D (Free)

Saturday, June 23 Trago Park, N. 22nd and U (Free)

Sunday, June 24 Havelock Park, N. 63rd and Ballard (Free)