The Tempest

Starred review from March 4, 1996
Prospero-like in their artistry, Spirin's dazzling watercolors dominate this retelling of Shakespeare's final play. Shaped like altar panels fit for a Renaissance church or palace, the illustrations are romantic, regal and magical, richly interpreting the play's themes of betrayal, revenge and all-conquering love. A wispy ethereal air pervades island scenes, beautifully suggesting the atmosphere of enchantment, while Antonio and the King of Naples are pictured in brocade and velvet, the stench of power upon them. The other characters, too, are both otherworldly and very much flesh and blood. Especially well rendered is the monster Caliban, shown here as part man, part beast, part mythical creature, a sense of evil glee lighting his features. While this prose adaptation does not, of course, retain the full magic of the Bard's work, Beneduce nonetheless provides an intelligent, gripping story. Several passages from Shakespeare introduced at key points give a taste of the original. Symbols and small pictures integrated into the text further enhance the lavish presentation. All ages.

On an uncharted, storm-swept island, the magician Prospero uses his powers and those of the flighty spirit Ariel to wreck the ship of his wicked brother, Antonio, stranding its crew and passengers. Meanwhile, through more magic, Prospero's daughter, Miranda, has fallen in love with Ferdinand, son of the of king of Naples. This 2001 BBC Radio 3 production starring the late Philip Madoc (Prospero) and Nina Wadia (Ariel) sounds timeless in its traditional use of stage rhythms and diction. This is not an audiobook one mows the lawn to. For American ears it may take a little concentration to pick up all the words, and it may be worthwhile to read along (as this reviewer did) to maximize the pleasure of listening to one of Shakespeare's most romantic and fanciful works. B.P. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine


THE TEMPEST opens with the titular violent storm at sea, complete with booming thunder, driving rain, and the panicked shouts of people onboard a ship about to be wrecked. It's just one of the ways that the sound medium is used to especially good effect throughout the production. Seagulls cry, soothing lute music plays, and the listener can easily imagine the setting. Sir Ian McKellen wields his commanding voice masterfully as the wizard Prospero reigns over his island dukedom, orchestrating events. The other performers are also compelling, particularly Scott Handy who, as the spirit Ariel, is called upon to sing as well as act. It's a magical production, enhanced (but not overshadowed) by McKellen's star power. J.M.D. (c) AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine