Creative Casting, Special Effects Mark MC’s Staging of ‘Macbeth’

MONMOUTH, Ill. – One of William Shakespeare’s best known tragedies gets a unique “twist” as Monmouth College’s Crimson Masque opens its 2002-2003 theater season this month with “Macbeth.”

Performances are Oct. 31 and Nov. 1-2 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Wells Theater, located at 9th Street and Broadway on the Monmouth College campus.

Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for non-MC students and senior citizens and $4 for MC students and staff. Tickets may be ordered by contacting Bill Wallace at 309-457-2374 or billw@monm.edu <mailto:billw@monm.edu>.

According to Wallace, professor of communication and theater arts and director of the play, the Crimson Masque’s performance of “Macbeth” is “more than simply a tale of blind ambition and treachery.” Wallace hopes that several unique changes made in the production will help illuminate the script.

“For one thing,” Wallace noted, “we created a reversal of genders in the casting. Having the traditional male roles played by women allows the audience to think about a world in which women are in charge, and this may give the audience a chance to see the play in a new light. In addition, we will present the Three Witches both live and on video, to try to portray their power and evil in a way accessible to modern audiences.”

A company of almost 30 performers has been busy rehearsing since early September, and the cast, led by associate professor of history Stacy Cordery as Macbeth, has worked to recreate Scotland in Monmouth. The cast is a mixture of theater veterans and newcomers and also includes Heaven Walker, a senior from Bloomington, as Duncan, Queen of Scotland; Lisa Rzeszutko, a junior from Lisle, as Banquo; Malory Payne, a freshman from Oregon, as Macduff; Aaron Cluka, a senior from Monmouth, as the Spouse of Macbeth; and Kyle Anderson, a senior from Somonauk, Audrea Rhymes, a freshman from Park Forest, and Tyler Southwood, a sophomore from Lewistown, as the Three Witches.

The set, costume and lighting designs for the production have been carried out by Anderson as part of a senior theater project, and an original musical score for the production is

being created by Duncan McPherson of Monmouth, a 1997 graduate of the college. Serving as assistant director is Kathleen Koelbl, a freshman from Roscoe, and Tom Hill, a junior from Chicago, is the stage manager. Doug Rankin, professor of communication and theater, is overseeing all technical elements of the production.

For those attending the Friday night performance on Nov. 1, there will be an after-show discussion that will feature members of the cast and crew. Audience members are welcome to stay to offer their insights and to ask questions.

“Macbeth” opens the 77th season of theater at Monmouth College and was selected in part to help celebrate the college’s Scottish heritage during its sesquicentennial year.