Freshmen cast in lead roles for upcoming play

Theatre professor and director Mike Myers gives his students the opportunity to play in lead roles as freshman; something most four year colleges and universities don’t do. He told freshman Kierra Muehler that this upcoming role would be great experience for her and would help her grow as an actress.

“If we were at a four year college or university we might have got a role of second and third fairy from the right,” Noah Vernon said. Vernon has also been cast in a lead role as Ferdinand in Central Wyoming College’s first play of the season, “The Tempest.”

“That’s the great thing about a small college,” Myers said. “We give freshman acting experience right away.”

“The Tempest” is Shakespeare’s last solo play and one of his most beloved. The play takes place on an enchanted island where Prospero, a magician and the rightful Duke of Milan, has been marooned for twelve years with his beautiful daughter, Miranda.  The other two inhabitants are Ariel, a spirit, and Caliban, half man, half beast.  One day a ship carrying the people responsible for usurping Prospero pass near the island.  Prospero and Ariel raise a great storm, wrecking the ship.  His enemies swim to the island, where they are now subject to Prospero’s magic and revenge.

This is Muehler’s first time performing Shakespeare but her counterpart, Vernon, has performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The two actors along with their cast and crew have rehearsed three to four hours a day.

We also practice outside of rehearsal. I think it’s about six or more hours a week outside of the rehearsal. ”

Noah Vernon, CWC student

Muehler said that Shakespeare has been a difficult challenge but she took extra time in learning her role and researching the play. Muehler shares her role with freshman Sammy Caldwell.

“The hardest part is the double cast and having two different energies to work with,” Vernon said. “Each person brings something different to the character.”

Muehler has also been the stage manager for this play and said it has been difficult at times to step out of her role as Miranda to manage the stage.

There are 21 actors from CWC, the community, area high school and elementary schools. The opening night of “The Tempest” is this Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7pm. A gala, featuring sparkling juices and desserts from Katie’s Cakery will be available to guests.  

The show will continue with evening performances on Friday and Saturday Oct. 14-15 at 7pm, and concludes with a matinee performance on Sunday Oct. 16 at 2pm.

“It’s been fun and we’ve enjoyed the roles,” Muehler said.               

Tickets may be obtained in person at the Robert A. Peck Art Center box office, by calling 855-2002, on-line at www.tickets.cwc.edu, or at the door before a performance. Advance tickets for adults are $8 or $10 at the door. Youth and senior tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the door.              

“People should not be afraid of Shakespeare,” Myers said. “No one understands every line, and it is not important that they do. If you can follow the story, that’s all that matters. People should bring their children to introduce them to live theatre and Shakespeare.”