Boasting original music by young composer, Paige Steadman, to accompany this treasured classic, the story revolves around a usurped duke, Prospero. The duke lives on an enchanted island where he raises his daughter, Miranda, and plies magic with the help of his feisty spirit, Ariel.�The music is a blend of Celtic and classical themes, influenced in part by Steadman's Renaissance Festival experience.�

Nontraditional casting, wherein the gender or race of the performer is not a factor, has been a feature of the company since its inception in 1993.� "We have always worked this way," said producing artistic director Susan Steadman, "We look for the most talented actor for the role, rather than having a preconceived idea of who is right for which part."��

Returning to Offshoot after their hilarious turns as identical male twins Dromio of Syracuse and Dromio�of Ephesus in "The Comedy of Errors" are Fracena Byrd (Stephano) and Kristi Rivas (Gonzalo).�For the record, Byrd is black and Rivas is a fair-skinned redhead.

Spirits sing on stage and behind stage to create a magical production. Among the singers is Rebecca Cormier, who plays Ariel, and is a member of the popular band Three Quarter Ale. Another singer, veteran actor Nancy Riggs, portrays the goddess Ceres as well as the scheming Sebastian. Versatile Fracena Byrd, who enacts the goddess Juno and the drunken butler Stephano, sings as well. Byrd also serves as choreographer for the production.�Other cast members include Erin Greenway as Miranda, Lory Cox as Trinculo,�Justin Sims as Ferdinand, Sarah Virkler as Antonio, and the ship's Master is played by apprentice Jean Snow.

The show, which seats only 100 audience members, will be mounted at the Roger Spencer Community Center, 145 Commerce Drive, Tyrone, from August 19 to September 3.�

Curtain times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m.�A special preview performance of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" will be staged on Thursday, August 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets for this performance are available only at the door at $5 per seat.

Tickets for the regular performances are $10 for general admission, $8 for full-time students and senior citizens, and free for children 10 and younger.��Purchase your tickets in advance at the Peachtree City Library, 770-631-2520; the Fayette County Library, 770-0461-8841; and the Tyrone Recreation Department, 770-487-4694 or order them online at www.offshoot.org . For additional information, call (770) 631-2362 or send e-mail to [email protected] .

The Shakespeare in the Park project is made possible in part by grants from the Community Foundation for Fayette County and the Endowment Committee for the Cultural Arts of Fayette County.�