Darkly compelling ‘Macbeth’ wraps WSU season

Shakespeare’s classic tragedy “Macbeth” concludes Wright State University’s 2016-2017 theater season beginning Friday, April 21 in the downstairs, black box Herbst Theatre of WSU’s Creative Arts Center.

Moody, intriguing and dramatic prophesies set this bloody and brooding morality tale in motion as the titular war hero has his sights on the Scottish throne with prodding from his cunning wife. But in his quest of advancement, Macbeth becomes tyrannical, committing multiple murders to cover up his evildoings, which ultimately leads to an ill-fated journey desperately unraveling in pride, madness and death.

“I’m contemplating the nature of evil with this production,” said director/fight choreographer Bruce Cromer, one of the region’s finest and most acclaimed Shakespearean actors. “I’m asking whether it exists beyond the mind of mankind or is it just a matter of belief. Hamlet says, ‘There is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so.’ So, the Weird Sisters aren’t Witches. They are what the Macbeths invite into their hearts and minds as they contemplate murder. I also think the students and audiences will be hit by the streamlined rush of the rich language and relationships in this production.”

“Macbeth is a role that I’ve wanted to play for years, so getting a shot at it is gratifying,” said Jake West, who has appeared in WSU’s productions of “Restoration!,” “Blood Wedding” and “Les Miserables.”

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“I love the (opportunity) to explore the humanity and vulnerability in the character. He is a man struggling between right and wrong, morality and ambition. I think that is ultimately what makes this play so interesting and tragic. It isn’t about an evil man murdering his way to the top. It is about a morally upright man getting caught up in an obsession of power and trying to seize what Fate has promised him.”

The cast includes Katlyn Tilt as Lady Macbeth, Julia Gomez as Witch One/Seyton, Danni Hepp as Witch Two/First Murderer/Messenger, MacKenzie Stephens as Witch Three/Nurse/Second Murderer, Christian Schaefer as Banquo, Ian Patrick Ashwell as Malcolm, Sam Maxwell as Donalbain/Fleance/Doctor, Kenneth Christian Erard as Duncan/Porter/Steward, Kyle Miller as Macduff, Alexia Vlahos as Lady Macduff, Isaac Ingle as Ross, Nick Wasserbauer as Lennox, Jeremy Farley as Angus, and Ross Bloedorn as Mentieth/Bloody Sergeant. Understudies include Josh Beasley, Alexia Vlahos, Meghan Rupper, Anna Stanford, Mallory Kraus, Will Graber, Logan Kitchens, Louie Kurtzman, Erik Moth, George Heddleston, Justin Matthews, Nick Martin, Eric Thompson, and Kyle Krichbaum.

Cromer’s artistic team includes set designer Pam Knauert Lavarnway, lighting designer Michelle Brown, sound designer Silas Sheckels, properties designer John Lavarnway, and costumers Joanna Fetzer and Jonah Larison who will provide period designs.

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“My cast is doing such brave, revelatory work,” Cromer said. “(They are) trying to get beyond the ‘loud and slow’ school of Shakespearean acting to try to make it human and unsettling yet deep and resonant.”

As West continues to fine-tune his interpretation, he is intrigued by the material’s relevance in light of the current political climate.

“Beyond the personal tragedy of the show, I think it has been resonant over the centuries because we have felt the boots of ‘untitled tyrants bloody sceptered’ throughout time,” he said. “There are parallels to the current administration that sadly can’t be ignored in this production (such as) fictional foreign enemies, backroom deals, and leaders who believe brute force can make up for failed diplomacy.”


WANT TO GO?

What: "Macbeth"

Where: Downstairs, black box Herbst Theatre of the Creative Arts Center at Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy., Fairborn

When: April 21-23; April 21 and 22 at 8 p.m.; and April 22 and 23 at 2 p.m.

Cost: $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; $5 for students; All shows have general admission seating

Tickets/more info: Call (937) 775-2500 or visit www.wright.edu/theatre-dance-and-motion-pictures/performances/ticket-information

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