MACBETH

one of many fight scenes

You might think you are ready for such classic utterances as “Double, double, toil and trouble”, “Out, damn spot” or “Lay on, McDuff” but nothing can quite prepare you for the production of Macbeth which is appearing at the Arden Theatre, 40 N. 2^nd Street. One of William Shakespeare’s most well-known plays, Macbeth is being performed on the F. Otto Haas Stage through April 19. This is drama that leaps off the page under the direction of Alexander Burns with the help of an exceptional design team. If you tend to snooze through your Shakespeare, forget it; those 40 winks won’t be gotten during this production, thanks to the brilliant work of Sound Designer James Sugg, Lighting Designer Solomon Weisbard and Scenic Designer Brian Sidney Bembridge. Cauldrons open and close on the stage floor as a witches’ brew floats through the air. Lights flash; sounds clash and the total effect is spectacular. Fight Director Paul Dennhardt has choreographed a stunning ballet of fight scenes, complete with sword, shield, and a beheading.  Ian Merrill Peakes plays the title role of Macbeth and the role couldn’t have been better cast. He is superb in his performance of an ambitious Scot who wishes to be king and then, once crowned, will stop at nothing to ensure unfavorable prophesies do not come to pass. Judith Lightfoot Clark, portraying an equally treacherous Lady Macbeth, gives an excellent performance in her well-known sleep-walking scene. The Three Weird Sisters, E. Ashley Izard, Aimé Donna Kelly and Mary Tuomanen are extremely light on their feet and limber as they writhe around the stage and each other while chanting their prophesies. This incarnation of Macbeth has a large cast and each and every member contributes to what which will surely be one of the smash hits of the season. For more information or tickets, call 215-922-1122 , visit online at www.ardentheatre.org or walk-up at the box office, 40 N. 2^nd Street.