“MACBETH” BUSY HAUNTING IN ROWAYTON

In a swirl of fog, with the cackling of tartan plaid witches, as the threat of lightning, thunder and rain emerge, you are welcomed to the heaths of Scotland.  The conquering hero Macbeth has returned victorious after defending his King, Duncan, and marches home with his loyal liege Banquo.  On the way, the two men meet the weird sisters (Jessica Van Niel, Maghan Grover, Beatrice Shannon)who foretell that Macbeth will soon be named The Thane of Cawdor and then King of Scotland, while Banquo's children will also be kings.,

Grab a blanket, a lawn chair, a picnic supper and the kiddies and head to Pinkney Park in Rowayton by Sunday, July 2 for Shakespeare on the Sound's exciting version of The Bard's greatest tragedy "Macbeth."  Performances are at 7:30 p.m., with a children's version at 6:30 p.m.

Graham Stevens is magnificent as the flawed hero who lets ambition and power cloud his visions, and with the malicious help of Lady Macbeth, a conniving Winsome Brown, agrees to make the words of the witches a reality.  When he is named Thane of Cawdor, he plots to become King by taking Duncan's (Rod Singleton)

life.  He murders the King as all his sleeping ambitions spring to life and everyone he deems is in his way is eliminated.

Murder most foul follows as the pair manipulate fate to secure the ends they desire. The once valiant soldier soon exudes evil, leaving a trail of wickedness in his path. Macbeth begins seeing ghosts of those he has slain while Lady Macbeth manifests her guilt through sleepwalking and confessions.  Their consciences allow them no peace.

Once his cohort Macduff, an enraged Nicholas Urda,  learns Macbeth has slain his whole family, joins forces with the brave Malcolm, Duncan's surviving son, played with regal strength by Henry Jenkinson, to end Macbeth's reign of terror. Claire Shannon Kelly directs this momentous drama on an interesting divided set created by Brian Prather, with a slew of Scottish kilts designed by Crier Coleman and intriguing lighting effects realized by Jamie Roderick.  The fight scenes choreographed by Rod Kinter are smashing while Alex Santullo's sound strikes a dramatic cord.

Donations to this production underwrite this summer festival as well as educational programming year round in schools, libraries, adult and art programs, all with the goal of promoting a love and enjoyment of the works of William Shakespeare.

Come sit under the stars, after a magnificent sunset, and watch with fascinated eyes how  Macbeth's unleashed lust for power propels him on a course of brutal self-destruction.