Wallace State Theatre making Shakespeare Sing

Hanceville, AL — Wallace State Community College’s Theatre Department is putting a musical spin on Shakespeare with their upcoming performance of “Shakespeare Sings: The Tempest” Nov. 3-5 in the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre at the Garlan Gudger, Sr. Student Center.  

“Shakespeare Sings: The Tempest,” is a reimagined version of the classic play, conceived and directed by Angela Green. “This is a new version of The Tempest created specifically for Wallace State’s Theatre program,” Green said. “I wanted to give the students who are performing an opportunity to work on and act in a Shakespeare play while making it a fresh approach for contemporary audiences". This newly crafted musical contains pop hits by current artists Billie Eilish, Katie Perry, Pharrell Williams, and others.” 

The musical follows the story of Prospero who commands the spirit Ariel to wreck a passing ship. Washed ashore, the ship’s passengers – and the island’s inhabitants – are soon caught up in a magical plot of love, revenge and forgiveness. The production blends Shakespeare's language with contemporary music as it follows Prospero's journey through betrayal and revenge, to forgiveness and harmony. 

Alex Bragwell, right, and Avery Drake rehearse for the Wallace State Theatre’s upcoming production of “Shakespeare Sings: The Tempest,” which combines modern music with classic literature. “Shakespeare Sings: The Tempest” will be shown Nov. 3-5 in the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre at the Garlan Gudger, Sr. Student Center. Admission is aa $10 donation.

Alex Bragwell of Albertville is cast as Prospero with Elise Martin of Blountsville as Miranda. Brody Hemphill of Ara is Ferdinand; Peyton Rouse of Dora as Antonia; Avery Drake of Cullman as Ariel; Jairus Williams of Decatur as Caliban; James Knear of Arab as Stefano; Em Sharp of Bremen as Trinculo; Paul Minda of Cullman as Alonso; Kaylie Ellis of Hanceville as Sabina; Makenzie Johnson of Pinson as Gonzalo; and Carley Cofield of Springville as Francisca.  

The tech crew includes Yvonne Wakaimba, Lillian Simmons, Marcos Zapien, Cannon Carmichael, Jacob Dorning, Elysa Giattina, Nicol Webster

Admission is a $10 donation for adults and a $5 donation for students and children under 12.  

The next performance on tap for the Wallace State Fine and Performing Arts programs is the annual Veterans Day concert. The Salute to United States Veterans will be held on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Burrow Center Recital Hall. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.  

Other upcoming productions through the end of the year include the Allegro Dance Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker with Ballet South Nov. 17-19 at 7 p.m. Nov. 17-18 and 2 p.m., Nov. 19, and the annual Christmas Spectacular on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Both performances will be held in the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre.