Todd Zimbleman (left), Jennifer Whipple, and Kelly Marie Hennessey as Witches in the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s 2011 Shakespeare-in-the-Schools production of Macbeth.

By Catherine Ellerton

Moapa Valley Progress

T’is not e’en a fortnight when last I took myself to the wooden ‘O’ to, once again, wonder at the genius of a lad by the name of Shakespeare who so meticulously penned the tragic story of love, greed, weakness and evil. The Bard did name this tragedy “Macbeth” when last he stopped his feverish writing of this discourse in 1606.

As I sat within the walls of the Ron Dalley Theatre on the night in question – more to be exact Monday, the 28th day of February – hideous creatures did assault my senses. When confronted by these ghoulish creatures, I grew faint from trepidation. What beings had the Utah Shakespeare Festival forces brought forth to assault the mortals present?

Upon the hallowed boards strode the seven in ever-changing robes of illusion. They did tell the story of the triumph of man’s weakness over his nobleness. A swelling story set upon a simple stage ever controlled by the three – the sisters – the witches.

‘Tis heavy on the heart that young Macbeth is joined in the fatal deeds by his beloved Lady Macbeth. And yet when his hands have turned to red, more foul deeds ensue – a mere shadow of illusion.

Caught up in the web of their deceit, Lady Macbeth cries out in her pain a brilliant soliloquy “Out Damned Spot!”

Dusty death claims both Macbeth and his lady and the quest for the golden orb is lost.

Throughout this missive and underlying the emotion and spirit of the story the melodious, and yet at times, strident musical offering of cellist Jennifer Chandler enhanced the ensuing scene.

This was no tale told by an idiot, but an intriguing and entertaining story brought forth upon this worthy scaffold by director Christopher Clark.

All hail to the MV Performing Arts Council for bringing into this community those spirits who dare to bring forth so great an offering.