The Tempest
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Rachel Steed
May 14-16, 21-23, 2026
The Lynn Riggs Theatre at the
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Set in an abandoned town on Route 66, The Tempest follows Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, as she conspires to bring her 12 year long exile to a conclusion through magical manipulation and the help of her faery servant, Ariel. Performed in the drag modern aesthetic, this colorful comedy explores family, gender, colonization and redemption.
Program design by Zach Dodson
Third Floor Design - The University of Tulsa
Cast
Alonso: Lance Burklin
Antonio: Alex Claxton
Gonzalo: Andy Axewell
Sebastian: Erikah Potter
Miranda: J Tomlinson
Boatswain/Prospero: Jenny Guy
Ariel: Nicole Gray
Caliban: Nicky Finch
Ferdinand: Davis Simpson
Francisco: Harrow McSorely
Trinculo: Nico Young
Stephano: Jeremy Geiger
Iris: Armando Rivera
Juno: Vilexyana Whitacre
Production Crew
Director: Rachel Steed
Assistant Director: Quinn Blakely
Stage Manager: Justine Prince
Producer: Ibrahim Buyckes
Lighting Design: Frank Gallagher
Sound Design: Ben Morgan
Set Design: Radar Bishop
Costume Design: Angel Ruiz
Makeup Design: Brittni Logan
Props Manager: Amanda Lainberger
Fight Choreographer: Allyson Blackshare
Costume Assistants: Marrissa Vogel and Michael Crawford
Stagehand: Nick Bagely
Show Photography: C. Andrew Nichols Photos
Reviews and Reactions
“THIS SHOW IS AWESOME!!!”
- Neal (5 years old)“I was worried he would not understand Shakespearean English and get bored. But…he was absolutely captivated. Awesome Show!”
– Oly M. (Neal’s mother)
“It’s spangly. It’s whimsical. It’s heart-thrumming. It’s messy (complimentary)…I’ve never seen a production of The Tempest that makes total disaster feel so fun.”
“That unseriousness turns out to be a crack that opens a door. This production holds that fine line between hilarity and heartbreak in a way that reminds me of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet—that is to say, with an appreciation for how gritty and grave comedy can actually be, and how tragedy is always one step away from absurdity.”
— Alicia Chesser (The Pickup)“I spent more of my time laughing than anything else… It almost felt like being the live audience for a sitcom with fun little bits of fourth wall breaking.”
– Allyssa Reeder (TulsaPeople magazine) “Jenny Guy as Prospero and Nicky Finch as Caliban were standouts in a strong, effective company of actors. You have a few more chances to enjoy this superb performance in an intimate setting.”
– John G.“The Tempest is phenomenal. It was a grade A experience, from the acting and directing to the lighting and sound production to the costume and set design. I must confess that I have watched more Shakespeare than read, but after seeing TSC’s version of this classic, I intend to delve deeper into Shakespeare’s works.”
— Heath F.“I had the pleasure of seeing The Tempest Friday night. It’s one of my favorite Shakespeare plays and this rendition did not disappoint! This one definitely ranks high on my list of great Shakespeare adaptations. Great performances from all involved!”
— Bonny W.
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