Shakespeare and Dylan collide in drama-music co-production
You might not think that musicals and Shakespearean theatre go together. Of course, the Bishop’s Drama Department begs to differ, and they’ve proven it. Some of you may remember past Shakespeare musicals, such as The Ballad of Romeo and Juliet in the spring two years ago, and A Beatles’ Midsummer Night’s Dream prior to that.
Well, this June, the Bishop’s University Drama Department is at it again, and will present the musical The Chimes of Freedom in Turner Studio Theatre.
Similar to past spring productions, this play will be a reworking of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, adapted by Bishop’s drama professor and professional playwright George Rideout. It includes music by Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones and The Doors. You might even recognize that the title of the play is based on the title of one of Dylan’s songs!
For those not familiar with The Tempest, it tells the story of Prospero, the Duke of Milan (played by graduating student Michael Wighton), who was deposed by his brother, Antonio, and the King, Alonzo. He is then banished to a magical island along with his daughter, Miranda. Prospero takes control of the spirits on this island and uses their magic to exact his revenge by shipwrecking Alonzo and Antonio on his island.
Prospero’s primary ally is the spirit, Ariel, who uses her music to hypnotize the people on the island. As with some of the other roles in the play, Ariel will be played by two actors, on different nights: Andriana Chobot and Stephanie Izsak.
The third principal character is Caliban (played by first-year Daniel Armand) who was the rightful master of the island before he was enslaved by Prospero.
The audience can look forward to a collection of great songs, from the folksy crooning of Bob Dylan, to the more psychedelic tunes of the Rolling Stones, and the reggae stylings of Bob Marley. The music was arranged by Fannie Gaudette of the Bishop’s music department and Dr. Jamie Crooks, Dean of Arts and Sciences and conductor of the Bishop’s University Singers. The two are also serving as vocal coaches throughout the rehearsal process.
The cast includes great actors and singers from past drama productions and music shows. As previously mentioned, some parts have been double cast, so you can expect a completely different take on many of the play’s characters on several different nights.
The play will also feature full dance numbers, which are choreographed by Cory Bowles. You may recognize Cory from the indie television series Trailer Park Boys, but he is also a well established Canadian dancer and choreographer with his own dance company in Halifax.
If you enjoy Shakespeare, musicals, or just want a pleasant night out, The Chimes of Freedom will deliver. The play has everything, from a love story, to the escapades of two drunken clowns, a plot to assassinate a king, and magical sprites dancing to some classic music, a true Shakespearean experience in the modern day.
