‘The Tempest’ special performances coming to area winery

News release new viticulture program.

“OBrave new world, that has such people in it!”

For one weekend only, May 11-14, Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” will be performed outdoors, under the stars at David Girard Vineyards in Placerville. Produced by Folsom Lake College’s Falcon’s Eye Theatre, the company is extending its reach beyond the Harris Center at Folsom’s main campus, offering a second spring production through the El Dorado Center. By staging “The Tempest” at a local vineyard and winery, the production celebrates and highlights the college’s tenure, with music and magic for everyone in the audience.

The focus on the community aspect is not reserved for the big-picture scale; virtually every actor in the play who spoke to the Mountain Democrat emphasized the sense of belonging and camaraderie that Studio 81 provides them.

“This is definitely a different experience, with such a huge cast — probably the biggest most of us have ever worked with,” said Sophie McKnight, who plays Ariel’s plucky pal Flounder. “ But it’s just one big family. The play has such a community aspect to it and it’s great that it’s not just geared toward high schoolers, but people of all ages.”

Golden Road

California Honeydrops, Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew plus Melvin Seals & JGB. Other local favorites include the Island of Black and White, Achilles Wheel, Scott Pemberton and Red Dirt Ruckus.

“I would say

The Golden Road Gathering is definitely a replacement for Hangtown, but with a fresh spring twist and less bluegrass,” said Boyd. “I have talked to so many people in this area who felt abandoned by Hangtown leaving and Dry Diggins — that there was this space that needed to be filled.

“The people of El Dorado County are not in competition with Nevada City, yet we lost all our festivals to them,” he continued.

“So what better way to fix that problem than to start something new and build it off what Ryan and Adam have learned over the years of running Hangtown?”

Music begins at noon both Friday and Saturday, with an 11

Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is a romantic tragi-comedy. Prospera, a sorceress of the island, has conjured a storm with the help of Ariel, a powerful spirit, to crash a ship carrying her brother and the corrupt royal passengers who banished her to the island in the first place. This event enacts a revenge plot in the course of a day, with an attempt to regain her power and vilify the people who destroyed her life. In the meantime, Prospera’s daughter Miranda falls in love with Ferdinand, the prince who was aboard the ship. The “creature of the island” Caliban plots his own revenge against

Prospera with two willing fools from the shipwreck. In a high fantasy setting this story examines the unexpected consequences in the need for power, control and revenge. It reveals the nature of love and familial bonds that can heal all wounds.

Jamie Van Camp has been involved with the Folsom Lake College Theater Department for more than 10 years as a director, a movement coach and as a professor. “This collaboration with David Girard Winery is a dream come true,” the Placervillebased director said. “To be able to stage Shakespeare outdoors, locally, is something I have always been interested in doing.”

— Actress Sophie McKnight

The production is enhanced with live music by Jillian Secor and Alex Stephens (MerryGold). This will be MerryGold’s second collaboration with Van Camp and Falcon’s Eye Theatre. Their first being the score to “As You Like It,” which was wellreceived by audiences. This time they bring the magic and nautical elements in dreamlike soundscapes and hypnotic vocals. Reserve picnic box dinners from local French bistro Allez! at the time of ticket purchase and enjoy David Girard Vineyard wines by the glass on site. For more information and to reserve tickets visit the website: FalconsEyeTheatre.com.

and Gavin Sellers, both EDHS 2011 grads, have come back to aid with behind-the-scenes production.

The allure of Studio 81’s friendly atmosphere has even drawn in seniors who had not gotten involved in theater previously; Liam Shorrock plays Eric in the musical, his first time on stage during his time at El Dorado.

“I’d mostly just done sports in high school and I kind of realized that I hadn’t done any art,” Shorrock said. “My friends and parents encouraged me to give this a try and it’s been so enjoyable. It’s a very different sort

Continued from B1 a.m. start Sunday. Sunday’s finale will feature MarchFourth, an American musical and performance group based in Portland, Ore., that performs mostly instrumental music combined with a visual performance by stiltwalkers, acrobatics and hooping. Local favorite Achilles Wheel also plays Sunday, 2:153:30 p.m.

Additional activities for the weekend, particularly for those camping, are the Golden Road to Wellness: Mornings in the Organ Room with yoga, breath work and sound healing. The entire event promises to restore music and the soul for attendees and the entire Placerville and surrounding area. Individual day tickets are available as well as three-day festival and camping passes. Go to goldenroadgathering. com for tickets and additional information.

RepoRteR wanted of attitude and vibe here than what you get anywhere else in high school. There’s a lot of ways that things at school can start to drag you down, but you don’t feel that drag here.”

The Mountain Democrat and Village Life seek a general assignment reporter. Assignments will range from news coverage to features. Must have interviewing skills and photography experience and be able to meet deadlines. Knowledge of AP Style and Adobe Photoshop is a plus. Some evening and weekend work is required. Email résumé, writing and photography samples to Krysten Kellum at kkellum@mtdemocrat.net.

The dragging down, in a sense, is transformed into a pull inward. That pull can last for many well past their own time in high school, bringing them back to contribute to keep the Studio 81 spirit alive. Ben Schilling

“Why do I come back? It’s that man right there,” Schilling stated, gesturing to Tomei. “I’ve never met anyone like him. He gives everyone a shot to become who they’re meant to be.”

Studio 81’s “The Little Mermaid” is poised to make a splash for audiences May 11-13 and May 18-20 in the Carl Borelli Amphitheater at 561 Canal St. in Placerville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for seating and picnics and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at studio81arts.com/ tickets. Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets and low-backed chairs.