Long Beach City College’s Performing Arts Department delivered an action-packed and imaginative production of “Rough Magic”, a play that brings characters from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” into present-day New York.
“Rough Magic” is a mythical, magical adventure that invites you to step inside the production, forget the outside world, and simply enjoy.
Actor Jaylen Ferrera as Prospero, top, barks commands and belittles his daughter Miranda, who is played by Juliana Medina, during a dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of the play “Rough Magic” on Tuesday at the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium. (Asa Liberty)
At the center of the story is Melanie Porter, played by Nancy Tran, a single, courageous, raven-haired dramaturg New Yorker trying to find herself in this big city who gets set up on a blind date with 17-year-old lifeguard Chet Baxter from Coney Island.
Actor Nancy Tran playing Melanie Porter, stops in her tracks after actor Celvin Reyes, who is playing Chet Baxter, mentions that he was told by a mutual friend that she has magic, during a dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of the play “Rough Magic” on Tuesday at the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium. (Jacyn King)
Calvin Reyes shines as Chet, bringing a teenage energy and humor that instantly wins over the audience.
The pair is soon thrusted into a quest to help another character, Caliban, banish his dangerous father, Prospero—a tyrannical sorcerer desperate to regain his stolen book of magic, even if it means destroying Manhattan.
Isaiah Moore’s portrayal of Caliban is both hunky and hilariously endearing, giving the character a lovable blend of strength with a soft side of him trying to keep his mothers land and legacy.
Actor Isaiah Moore playing Caliban, asks actor Nancy Tran playing Melanie Porter, to help him thwart his father’s evil plans, during a dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of the play “Rough Magic” on Tuesday at the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium. (Jacyn King)
One of the most impressive aspects of this production is its real-time sound effects, executed live and timed perfectly with the action.
This creative choice not only elevated the magical atmosphere but also added a playful, handmade charm that reminds the audience how theater can be unpredictable, creative and alive, it has is its own kind of magic.
The casts’ colorful wardrobe, bursting with personality and flair, amplified the play’s joyful tone.
Jasmin Jimenez, right, plays Sasia and holds a freshly severed head while Isaiah Moore looks on in fear as Caliban during a dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of “Rough Magic” on Tuesday at the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium. (Jacyn King)
The comedic twist is demonstrated throughout the show keeping the audience laughing and fully engaged, with characters like Chet whos witty commentary provides that fantasy can be both clever and fun.
Actress Nancy Tran playing Melanie Porter, and Isaiah Moore playing Caliban, argue during a dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of the play “Rough Magic” on Tuesday at the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium. (Asa Liberty)
Even as the story builds to a tragic moment, the ending ultimately brings relief and hope—especially for the people of New York, who live to see another day thanks to this unlikely band of young warriors.
This show is vibrant, funny, heartfelt, and filled with theatrical imagination.
Actor Nancy Tran, playing Melanie Porter, and actor Marissa Kaspar, playing Linda Summers, fight over a magic book during a dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of the play “Rough Magic”on Tuesday at the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium. (Asa Liberty)
The show will continue this weekend, having showtimes on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
All performances will be held at the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium in the J-Building on the LAC Campus.
Tickets can be purchased at this link, or before each show in the box office at the auditorium.
Tickets for students, staff, seniors and children (under 12) are $10, while general admission is $15, and students who show their student ID with an ASB sticker in person can get a ticket for free.
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