Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival presents a humorous and joyfully magical interpretation of William Shakespeares "The Tempest" which runs through Aug. 6, on the Main Stage of Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales Univeristy, Center Valley.
The story of magician Prospero, usurped as Duke of Milan by his brother and cast adrift with his infant daughter Miranda, is satisfying and effective even as Prospero decides to exchange vengeance for forgiveness late in the game.
In his festival debut, Broadway veteran Robert Cuccioli is charismatic and dynamic as Prospero. Cucciolis Prospero is at once mercurial and complex, easily moving from being a loving father to Miranda to being a cruel master to Caliban. He is believable as he slyly manipulates those around him with his magic and bitterly rages with plans for revenge. 
Sarah Gliko is captivating and charming as the sprite Ariel, who literally flies in to do Prosperos bidding. Glikos Ariel is a magical vision in costumes by Lisa Zinni, and she beautifully plays her flute and sings music composed by Johnny Drumgoole. Her appearance in the second act as an avenging harpy is particularly effective and must be seen to be appreciated.
Christopher Patrick Mullen is riveting as the "beast" Caliban, who is forced to be a slave by Prosperos magic. Mullen possesses an astonishing physicality which he uses to create a Caliban who is both repellent and surprisingly sympathetic. His comedic scenes with Akeem Davis as Trinculo and Jim Helsinger as Stephano are a highlight of the show. The three are hilarious together as they get drunk, sing (in very well done harmonies), and even interact with the audience, humorously breaking the fourth wall.
Billie Wyatt is a compassionate, if compliant, Miranda and John Austin makes for an appealing and earnest Ferdinand, who is laughably out of his element when forced to do hard labor.
Eric Hissoms Alonzo is believably distraught when he thinks his son has drowned, while Gregory Isaac is suitably scheming as Prosperos brother Antonio and David Pica is especially slick as Alonzos ambitious brother Sebastian.
Sue Jin Song strikes just the right notes as the loyal and honorable Gonzala.
The masque presented to Miranda and Ferdinand makes for an eye-catching pageant as Ariel conjurs goddesses Juno, Ceres and Iris, played by Gina Lamparella, Megan Castellane and Gabrielle Moseley, to bless the young lovers union. Kudos to Zinni for memorable costumes.
Jason King Jones direction is thoughtful and well executed.
The somewhat minimal set by Steve TenEyck ably recreates a ship in a storm and a deserted island, aided by effective projections by CJ Barnwell and evocative lighting by Eric T. Haugen.
There is a free prologue offering insights into the play held in the theater 45 minutes prior to curtain. There also will be a talk back with the actors after the show Aug. 3, and an audio described and open captioned performance 2 p.m. July 29.
Performances are 6:30 p.m. July 18; 7:30 p.m. July 19, 26, 28, 20, Aug. 3, 5; and 2 p.m. July 23, 29, Aug. 6.
Tickets are $63 for adults, $60 for seniors and $57 for youth.
For information, call 610-282-9455, or go to pashakespeare.org