Jonathan Walker/Collegian
Juniors Natalie Mock (Miranda) and Mitchell Koory (Captain Tempest) share an intimate moment.
Jonathan Walker/Collegian
Sophomore Britain Willcock acts out Prospero in The Tower Players’ Return to Forbidden Planet.
Jonathan Walker/Collegian
A scene from The Tower Players’ Return to Forbidden Planet.
If you saw the Tower Players’ performance, The Tempest, you should take a ride on a jukebox spaceship to a forbidden planet. The musical is a rendition of Shakespeare's The Tempest, only this version takes place in outer space.
Led by Captain Tempest, played by junior Mitchell Koory, he and his crew overcome Monsters from the Id, a mad scientist and even reverse polarity all while singing and dancing about it.
From start to finish, Return to Forbidden Planet is a rocking ride packed with 50s and 60s rock 'n' roll hits such as “Shake, Rattle and Roll,” “Good Vibrations,” and “Great Balls of Fire.” The musical does not move from scene to scene, but is rather strung together by the music. About 70 percent of the show is acted out to music and much of the dialogue is even incorporated into the songs.
Shakespeare fans and sci-fi fans will be equally amused by the jokes and references made throughout the show.
"It plays on all the fun traditional sci-fi stereotypes," senior Ryan Walsh said. "It's very quirky."
Shakespeare never could have imagined his play being transformed into a galactic 60s musical comedy. Although the play may have lost some of its "Wherefores" and "Thous," it still keeps some of the characters names, and carries the same plot.
"You know it's got to be good when Shakespeare meets Spaceballs," sophomore Britain Willcock (Prospero) said.
Similar to TheTempest, sweet-faced Miranda, here played by junior Natalie Mock, falls in love with the first man she lays eyes on upon the ship’s arrival to Deliria.
The spirit Ariel is represented in Forbidden Planet by a robot that is sure to make all smile. Matthew Macaulay, junior, does a delightful job playing Ariel, right down to his mechanical movements.
Jazzed up Star Trek suits, furry robes and Ariel's liquid-gold metallic spandex robot costume--designed and created for the production by senior Jessi Cole--are perhaps the highlight of the show. However, the stage itself is quite a masterpiece. Director Dave Griffiths, technical director of theatre, designed the stage to look like a "jukebox spaceship".
The use of lighting in the show was especially effective. The assortment of gadgets on the ship blink and flash with different songs and are enhanced by the musical sound effects from the pit band.
"The music is so much fun," choreographer Jovita Weibel, lecturer in physical education and theatre, said.
Weibel said she tried to make use of the whole set in her choreography to make a unified picture.
Return to Forbidden Planet is guaranteed for a laugh, and is a great way to relax and just loosen up before Thanksgiving break.
"It's really funny," said freshman Katelyn Rasmussen, who is the assistant stage manager. "It's probably one of the more funny musicals I've seen."
Students, faculty and the community can see the show today-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is free.