We had some quick questions for Marty BlackEagle-Carl, who is directing the Algonkuin Theatre Company production of “The Tempest” in four Blackstone Valley locations this summer, beginning tomorrow and Sunday at Whitin Park, 60 Main St., Whitinsville.

But first, some background.

This is the fifth annual “Shakespeare in the Parks” series presented by the Algonkuin Theatre Company. In a previous interview, BlackEagle-Carl, who founded Algonkuin, said, “I want to bring Shakespeare to people who were afraid of Shakespeare in school. My hope is to make Shakespeare more accessible to people. I would like them to have fun with it.”

Last summer the theater group put on one of Shakespeare’s bloodiest plays, “Richard III.”

This year with “The Tempest” it has Shakespeare’s most magical creation, and, some believe, his ultimate masterpiece. In the play, Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, and his daughter, Miranda, have been stranded for 12 years on an island, after Prospero’s brother Antonio—helped by Alonso, the King of Naples — deposed him and set him adrift on a boat. Now the tables are about to turn. Prospero has developed magical powers and conjures a storm, or tempest, to shipwreck a boat with Antonio and Alonso aboard as it passes near by his island. Aiding Prospero on the island has been Ariel, a fairy spirit. Will Prospero seek a bloody revenge? Will forgiveness and redemption be the guiding spirit? Or something happily/uneasily in between?

The Algonkuin Theatre Company production, in an interesting piece of casting, has Cherry Lynn Zinger of Hudson as Prospero. Zinger played Blanche Dubois in Algonkuin’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” earlier this year and was Elizabeth in last summer’s “Richard III.”

Other members of the 15-actor cast for “The Tempest” include Paul Winslow of Millis, Chris Ebacher of Dudley, and Brianna Gardell of Worcester.

Q Just to back track at first, how did “Richard III” do last year?

A “Richard” did very well, a very good turnout at all four locations, and a stellar performance by the cast. Each location was different enough (to) keep the actors on course. Even better when half the set flew away in Blackstone.

Q So this is the fifth annual “Shakespeare in the Parks.” Do you feel as if it has been embraced by the community?

A In some towns. Last year was our first time in Holliston and Blackstone. So we’re still finding new audiences. Our Whitinsville attendance has grown, as has our Uxbridge show.

Q How are you going about setting “The Tempest” — as a period piece, or modern, or timeless?

A Timeless. Alternative reality where all times converge. (How’s that for a new spin?)

Q Is this a work particularly well suited to be performed outside?

A Yes, except for the tempest scene, which to do right has to be done inside or at night with the proper lighting and sound effects. Since we do our shows in the afternoon, 90 degree sunshine just doesn’t work, so we’re gonna try to work it in as a flashback.

Q I love this play myself. What do you think of it? …

A I enjoy the play because of the challenges for the actors.

Q I’ve seen Ariel cast several ways. How have you gone about it?

A We’re trying to make Ariel as sexless as possible. Ariel is a mischievous little elemental, who would love his freedom, but still has fun doing Prospero’s bidding, since it usually involves tormenting someone.

Q What led you to cast a woman as Prospero.

A Several reasons — number one being that she (Zinger) was the strongest actor who auditioned for the role. Number two, I figured it would be a good/interesting challenge for her to portray Prospero. I consider Algonkuin more of a teaching theatre company than just an avenue for entertainment. I like to challenge actors to take on roles they might not be given the chance to try at other theaters.

Q What do you think of the dialogue, Miranda: “Oh brave new world that has such people in’t.”

Prospero (aside): “Tis new to thee.”?

A “Cynical. Miranda sees all experiences as new and interesting. Prospero’s a little more jaded from his experiences with mankind.

The full schedule for “The Tempest” is 5 p.m. tomorrow and 3 p.m. Sunday at Whitin Park; 5 p.m. July 19 and 3 p.m. July 20, Daniels Farmstead, 286 Mendon St., Blackstone; 5 p.m. July 26 and 3 p.m. July 27, Kampersal Field, South Street, Holliston; and 5 p.m. Aug. 2 and 3 p.m. Aug. 3, River Bend Farm, Blackstone Valley/Canal State Park, 287 Oak St., Uxbridge. Admission is free.