Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts to present Shakespeare's "Macbeth"

ROCHESTER, NY (10/01/2014)(readMedia)-- The Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts and Theatre League will present William Shakespeare's Macbeth as the first production of their 2014-2015 Season. The show will run October 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 8 p.m.; and October 19 and 26 at 2 p.m., in the Callahan Theatre at Nazareth College Arts Center.

The Production

The shortest and one of the darkest and most powerful tragedies in William Shakespeare's canon, "The Scottish Play" is so notorious for the belief that it is cursed that one cannot say its name in a theater space without courting disaster, a superstition in keeping with Macbeth's backdrop steeped in paganism and prophecy.

Most likely written between 1599 and 1606 and based on Holinshed's Chronicles (1587)-a history of England, Scotland, and Ireland-Macbeth tells the story of a Scottish general who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will become King of Scotland. Driven by ambition and emboldened by his wife, Macbeth murders the sitting King and takes the throne. A guilty, paranoid, tyrannical ruler, he is forced to commit more murders to elude suspicion. The subsequent bloodbath-and civil war-lead Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into madness and, ultimately, death.

Under the direction of Nazareth College associate professor of Theatre Arts/Acting & History, Matt Ames, the production stays true to the play's pagan elements, as well as its themes of corruption, deceit, and bloodlust. "Shakespeare's shortest tragedy plays out like a freight train full of blood and lies barreling down the tracks sans brakes to its inevitable, fated conclusion," Ames said, when asked to describe the production. "The pursuit of power-political, emotional, and physical-can be enough to drive one mad, and Macbeth and his spouse perhaps discover that too late."

The Macbeth cast consists of Nazareth College students Grant Richards (DUNCAN, Old Siward, Old Man, Murderer, Procession King, Guest); K. Cody Hunt (MALCOLM, Murderer, Procession King); Seth Hatch (Donalbain, Menteth, Doctor, Murderer, Lord, Procession King, Lord/Banquet Guest); Francis V. Grunfeld (Macbeth); Hannah Karpenko (BANQUO, Cathness, Seyton); Shane Heidecker (MACDUFF, Captain, Procession King); Ged Owen (LENNOX, Procession King, Porter); Alexus Maxum-Micciche (ROSS, Young Siward, Procession King, Macbeth's Servant); Jenna Delaney (ANGUS, English Doctor, King, Angus as Banquet Guest); Jessica Pappalardo (LADY MACBETH, Procession King); Kit Prelewitz (FIRST WITCH, Lady Macduff, Kitchen Servant, Servant); Allie Tabor (SECOND WITCH, Servant, Messenger); Rachel Viccaro: THIRD WITCH, Messenger, Kitchen Servant, Attendant); and Meghan Palmer (HECATE, Servant, Kitchen Servant, Gentlewoman). Nazareth College student Katie Sweeney is the production's stage manager, and student Bella McGrath is on props.

Tickets

Tickets to Macbeth are $13-$15. For tickets, call – or visit – the Box Office: 585-389-2170 or order online: artscenter.naz.edu.

The Nazareth College Arts Center Box Office is located on campus, at 4245 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618. Regular box office hours are Monday- Friday, 11am – 5pm, and for one hour prior to curtain time for Theatre Arts Department performances.

About the Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts

The Nazareth College Department of Theatre Arts provides professional training in theatre and musical theatre performance and production, drama education, dance, and technical theatre and design, and prepares students for graduate work and specialized advanced studies in the entertainment industry. In classrooms, rehearsal halls, and studio settings, students are trained to use their talents to move audiences.

The Department of Theatre Arts presents four productions each year, with scenery, costumes, and lighting designed and created by faculty and students. For more information, visit naz.edu/theatre-arts.

About Nazareth College

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts. The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester, N.Y. challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students. Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work. For more information, visit naz.edu.

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