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By Cherie Campbell

Shakepeare's "The Tempest" is the latest production to be performed by the talented young actors and actresses of Menlo-Atherton High School.

"It's been four years since a play by Shakespeare was performed here, and that was staged in a classroom in classic black box theater style," said Debra Zwicker-Sobrepena, M-A drama teacher and director.

"This will be a fully staged production. It's a chance to see how exciting Shakespeare can be -- live, on stage as Shakespeare intended it to be seen."

Ms. Zwicker-Sobrepena noted that the players find it exciting as well. Hannah Berggren, a senior who has had many leading roles at M-A, finds it "a challenge. It's hard playing Miranda. She's so ignorant of the outside world, and looks like a ditz if you aren't careful."

Finding Shakespeare with plenty of female roles was the challenge for Ms. Z, as the cast calls their teacher. While males playing female roles was the norm in Shakespeare's time, Ms.Z cast female Janet Pale, a senior, as Prospero.

"I'm constantly having to think about dropping my voice to sound like the calculating wizard Prospero," Janet said.

Strong characters are something she's experienced before, this being her third production at M-A. But her past roles were distinctly female, such as Mrs. Bennett in "Pride and Prejudice."

Some M-A freshmen are making their debut in "The Tempest." Ariel Sullivan, who plays Caliban, said, "I was terrified at first, but the juniors and seniors are great."

Charlie Campbell said, "Anytime you get to wear a sword, it's a good time." And there are plenty of swords, magic, comedy and drama in "The Tempest."

"The Tempest" opened last week, and remaining performances are set for Thursday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. And on Friday, Nov. 2, there is a special 3:30 p.m. after-school matinee, making "The Tempest" easy to attend for students at M-A and surrounding schools.

While the public is welcome at this performance as well, Ms. Z, also an English teacher, hopes to make the Bard even more accessible to kids. "We hope that students will come out to support their friends and leave with a new appreciation for the material."

Or at least an appreciation of the theater experience. The concessions stand will be selling gourmet prepared tiramisu, a donation from Trellis restaurant in Menlo Park and The Milk Pail in Mountain View.

"Only the best will do for our Performing Arts Center!" laughed Steve Rasmussen, owner of the Milk Pail. "Come for the show, stay for the dessert."

Cherie Campbell is the assistant chair of the M-A Drama Boosters, the parent volunteer organization that supports after-school theater at M-A. Lyn Napel, the Boosters' chair, contributed to the story and submitted it to the Almanac.

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