Date: March 31, 2009
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director,
Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu
A photo for publication is available at: http://www.pnc.edu/cd/news/newsphotos/macbeth09.html
PNC Players to Stage Shakespeare's “Macbeth”
WESTVILLE – The PNC Players of Purdue University North Central will present a production of William Shakespeare's classic “Macbeth” at the Mainstreet Theatre in Michigan City .
The public is invited to the performances at the Mainstreet Theatre, 807 Franklin St. , on opening night Saturday April 18, at 8 p.m.; Sunday April 19, at 2 p.m.; Friday April 24 at 8 p.m. and Saturday April 25 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for PNC students presenting a valid student ID.
The production is directed by Dr. Paul Hecht, PNC assistant professor of English. Hecht will present a pre-show talk in the Mainstreet Theatre upper lobby at one hour prior to every performance to give ticket holders an overview of the play, and to discuss Shakespeare and his writing.
Macbeth is a rapid, athletic tragedy, with a supernatural visitation that propels the action. Macbeth and his friend Banquo encounter three witches on a barren plain. The witches tell Macbeth one day he will be king of Scotland . But there is a problem in that there is a living king and Macbeth is not his heir. Thus, Macbeth and his equally ambitious wife decide this prophecy needs their help.
That very night, the king is dead and the couple discover that one murder will not suffice to secure their power and that the psychic toll of the murders will be greater than they can bear.
All the dark deeds of the play, the secrets and repressed guiltiness explode in all-out warfare. The play features a thrilling, cataclysmic conclusion.
“Macbeth” begins and ends with all-out warfare and the PNC production will not shy away from the play's abundant on-stage violence. Richard Gilbert and David Gregory of R&D Choreography in Chicago , are working with the PNC Players for the second consecutive year to coach and choreograph students in the murders, assassinations, battles, knifework and swordplay of Macbeth.
The PNC Players are Aram Arden, Plymouth; Mark Benoit, Hobart; Amanda Christensen, Chesterton; Jason Curtis, Orange, Calif.; Brett Evans, Valparaiso; Grant Fitch, Crown Point; Jordan Hart, Portage; Calla Holmes-Robbins, Chesterton; Kali Light, LaPorte; Sean Lincoln, Hobart; Kevin Meece, Griffith and Amanda Mirabella, Portage.
The crew includes Karen Lee Arden, LaPorte; Denise Curtis, LaPorte; Calla Holmes-Robbins, Chesterton.
The performance will feature music that was composed, performed and recorded specifically for this play by professional musicians Rob Clearfield, Leslie Beukelman, Patrick Mulcahy and Quin Kirchner, drums.
Tickets may be purchased from the Mainstreet Theatre of Michigan City. To obtain further information or reserve tickets contact the theatre at 219-874-4269. Tickets not sold in advance will be available at the door for each performance.
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