It would take more than a drunken butler to do that, especially to the Prospero played by Mandy Patinkin. Clad in a flowing white robe and clutching a large staff, this Prospero is forceful, regal and absolutely magnificent. Patinkin possess the confidence and experience to make the instigator of the play’s action believable, respectful and just slightly frightening. He is thoughtful, deliberate and cautious, and also extremely powerful. However, he also infuses the magician with a fierce, yet tender, devotion and love for his daughter, which is depicted when he arranges for a mystical show to be performed for them by the spirits of the island. It concludes with a melody wishing blessings upon the couple, during which Patinkin joins on the vocals, much to the surprise and delight of both the characters and the audience.

While this production is not set in modern times, its relevance to the world of the audience watching it is undeniable. The theme of colonization is frequently addressed, as almost every character washed ashore ponders how he would rule the island, given the opportunity. Some form of deception or illusion is utilized in order to confuse almost every character in order to maintain power or control, and given the race for the most powerful office that is taking place in America right now, the forms of deception and illusion resonate especially strongly. When Prospero declares his freedom from such illusions and renounces his powers in order to enter society again, one cannot help but admire him even more.

“Torment, trouble, words and amazement find us here,” Prospero says at the end of the show. If he included the words pleasure and delight, he would describe this production perfectly.