By Breanne Sanders
Shakespeare’s classic Macbeth, directed by Tiffani Allen, comes to life at On Pitch Performing Arts this fall. As soon as it begins, the fight choreography by Garrett Rushforth immediately draws you onto the battlefield of Scotland, where Macbeth (Ken Hadlock/Jake Holt) and Banquo (Jessica Oehler King/Danielle Carlisle) chance to meet three strange creatures. These witches (Alexys Basinger, Andrea Santiago, and Ada Lauren Taylor) prophecy that Macbeth will one day be King. Fueled by this possibility, Macbeth and his wife decide to kill King Duncan (Doug Varner/Tony DeMille), but the decision leads to more murders and deceit, not to mention the paranoia, guilt, and insanity that plagues their every waking moment.
The portrayal of Lady Macbeth (Leslie Barrett/Teanca Holt) is dynamic and moving. When plotting murder, she commands the stage with ease, and yet when confronted with a ghost, the audience can feel how truly terrified she is, and how human. This creates a connection that the audience might not otherwise feel with the intense character.
Macduff (David Johnson/Ashley Ramsey) shows huge character growth from the beginning of the play, when he is loyal and unassuming, then changing into a fierce and determined hero. The character of Malcom (Abbie Rose Webb/Emma Rose Jackson) is opposite in that he is unchanging, serving as a steady source of moral high ground throughout, and the way his character is played adds an innocence that contrasts well with Macbeth’s evil actions.
The costumes (by Stacey Haslam), set (by Brandon Stauffer), and lighting design (by Grace Christensen) add to the supernatural feeling of the play. The witches wear black cloaks, along with bone masks and claws, and their leader, Hecate (Kate Kuzmenko) also wears all black. Any time these “weird sisters” are onstage, they bring a hint of magic with them, whether they are speaking to Macbeth or simply observing what events their words put into motion. As for the set, the floor and walls are white, making the space feel almost ghostly or otherworldly, and the dark costumes stand out nicely against it. Lanterns with flickering candles also help to set the tone.
Another element not to be overlooked is the blood on Macbeth’s hands. At first bright and dripping, his hands are then tinted slightly red throughout the rest of the show, reminding the audience that no matter how he tries to hide it, his actions cannot be forgotten.
There is mystery and political drama, but in the director’s note Allen points out that at the heart of the story is the relationship between husband and wife, and that emphasis is clear in their interactions on stage. Don’t miss this compelling version of Macbeth.
On Pitch Performing Arts presents Macbeth, by William Shakespeare.
On Pitch Performing Arts, 4587 N Main Street, Layton, UT 84041
October 28 – November 12, 2022 Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat. This show is double cast M/F & Th/S) Doors open at 7:00 PM with performances beginning at 7:30 PM
Reserved Seating Tickets: Adults-$16.5, Student/Child-$14.50, Senior /Military-$13.50
Tickets available through our website or by calling the Box Office 385-209-1557
On Pitch Performing Arts Facebook Page
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