By Megan Holley
Tooele Valley Theatre in Tooele, Utah is in its third season and their high quality shows are top notch, and their current production of Macbeth is no different. Director Chad Henwood magnificently directs this Shakespeare classic that will keep you engaged and at the edge of your seat the entire show.
This Shakespearean classic begins with Macbeth (PJ Stinson) being told by three witches (Emelie Shinn, Boston Partridge, Boston Bean) that he would become the King. Shinn, Partridge, and Bean as a group portray the three witches the best I have ever seen; from the way they blend their voices together to the way they walk. A fabulous intro to the sad and often gruesome story to come.
Macbeth goes mad with ambition, and with the help of Lady Macbeth (Zel McAllister), goes on a killing spree in order to make the prophecy become reality sooner. Filled with guilt, Macbeth and his wife sink deeper and deeper into madness.
Stinson’s interactions with McAllister are so genuine and authentic that you feel as though you are a part of their conversations, as if you’re in the room with them. Stinson’s precise characterization gave me such insight to who Macbeth is, I found character arc believable and heartbreaking.
Megan Bishop as Banquo (an accomplice to Macbeth in the murder of the king) is so committed to her role, even when she is a ghost, she is consistent, believable and interesting. When she comes onstage for the first time as a ghost, I got a chill up my spine.
Director Henwood takes this classic Shakespearean work of art and turns it into something fantastical. With the phenomenal cast and beautiful outdoor scenery combined, this production is one that you shouldn’t miss. Utah plays Shakespeare all year long, but this production seems fresh and new. In all of the productions I have seen, this particular one has the best and most dramatic deaths I have seen in a while, which sounds slightly gristly. But this is a play about life and death, good and evil, faith and deception, and winning and losing. Death is a big part of Macbeth and this production took this to a new high, or maybe a new low. However you choose to look at it, I was so impressed, I will definitely see this production again before closing night.
Fight Choreographer Adam Argyle takes the sword fights to the next level. So often in community theatre you will see small and simple sword fights that look almost comical and certainly not exciting or deadly. However, Argyle has choreographed complex and skillful sword fighting and for a moment, one thinks blood will truly spill. It was exciting and I admit, I got a little spooked.
Collin Ray’s scenic design is brilliant–he incorporates the natural scenery with the trees and grasses around the amphitheater as a way to help pull the audience into the story. The minimalistic set is absolutely perfect, fits the space so well and really promotes the theme of the show. There is what appears to be blood splatter all over the front of the castle where the deaths occurred. This effectively creates tension and anticipation before we hear the first line spoken.
Costumer Brianna Lyman really brings the show to life with her time period appropriate costumes, the tunics and dresses with ornate detail and appear so authentic. Sound Designers Tristan Bowman and Henwood work together to balance the sound so they do not overpower the performers. This can often be difficult in an outdoor space, but this production’s sound design brings all of Shakespeare’s dialogue to the audience perfectly.
Toole Valley Theatre’s production of Macbeth is on an outdoor amphitheater stage so prepare accordingly. Bring cushions to sit on, blankets for your lap, and enjoy the show. Remember to have a flashlight for after the show as well, since it is dark once the show is over.
With the darker nature of this production, I would not recommend children under the age of 13 to see this– there is lots of fake blood and deaths involved in this show.
Macbeth is a tragedy in every sense of the word. Shakespeare never lets us forget how important life is and how we must value ourselves and what we have, and let ambition become a tool for success, not an obsession to destroy. This production hits these truths very hard, and it’s a valuable lesson. Don’t miss Macbeth in Toole. It’s wonderful in all its gore and glory.
Tooele Valley Theatre presents Macbeth by William Shakespeare.
Tooele Valley Theatre, 4 Canyon Road Tooele, Utah 84074
June 8- June 24, 2023, 7:30 PM, Thursday – Saturday
Tickets: $13.68
Contact: tooelevalleytheatre@gmail.com
Tooele Valley Theatre Facebook Page
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