WILSON, N.C. – Witches, ghosts, prophecy, and murder converge “upon the heath,” promising a spellbinding evening of theatre in October. On Thursday, Oct. 14, Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” will open on stage in Barton’s Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre with evening performances Thursday through Saturday, October 14-16, at 8 p.m., and Sunday afternoon, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m. A special preview performance for invited guests will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 13.
In recent years, Theatre at Barton has produced an incredible array of plays and musicals. New, contemporary American voices have been heard on stage alongside timeless masters from around the globe. Barton’s second season in the beautiful, new Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre opened with Broadway star and theatre namesake, Lauren Kennedy, performing in a fantastic, one-woman musical, “Tell Me On A Sunday.”
“Lauren’s interpretation of ‘Tell Me On A Sunday’ was a huge success earlier this semester,” shared Adam Twiss, director of Theatre at Barton. “Now, we get to shift gears entirely with William Shakespeare’s ‘Tragedy of Macbeth’ as we take our audience on a journey of horror and hubris embarking on one of the most frightening and enduring tales of all time.”
“Written in the early 1600’s, the play centers on the proud and powerful military leader, Macbeth, who will stop at nothing to attain and keep the crown he so covets, and David McClutchy returns to Barton to tackle this great Shakespearean role,” Twiss added. “Widely known for his work as a classical actor, David is also one of the most sought after fight choreographers in the state. Our students (as well as adventurous faculty and staff) will have their first taste of stage-combat and, for many, their first taste of performing Shakespeare on stage!”
The “Macbeth” company, directed by Twiss, includes guest artists: David McClutchy, Michael Murray, Andrea Twiss, Isabel Twiss, Elijah Twiss, and Renee Wimberly, as well as Barton’s Jess Jones, Wesley Pridgen, Joe Jones, Jorge Santos, Bunni Nusser, Adam Barr, Rodney Lippard, Tony Tilley, Mary Goggins Selke, Jane Kolunie, and Katelyn Barr.
Chris Bernier, technical director of theatre, is overseeing the lighting and scenic design while James Duncan is overseeing sound design. McClutchy is the fight choreographer, Lillian Sarvey is the stage manager, and Ka’nise McCalston and Amber Daly are production crew.
General admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and members of the military, and $6 for students. Barton College students, faculty and staff are admitted free with proper ID. Group rates are also available for parties of six or more by contacting Adam Twiss at ajtwiss@barton.edu or 252-399-6484 to make arrangements. Tickets are available at the door and also may be purchased online at www.barton.edu/theatre. (Please note there is a $2 advance online charge for Barton students, faculty and staff.)
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Questions? Please contact Kathy Daughety, director of public relations, at 252-399-6529 or email: kdaughety@barton.edu.