Something Wicked Comes to The City Theatre in MACBETH, 10/11-11/3

Ambition. Desire. Witchcraft. Blood. Murder. The City Theatre Company is excited to open its 8th anniversary season with William Shakespeare's darkest and most powerful tragedy Macbeth, coming to Austin this fall. The story of a Scottish king consumed by an evil, corrosive ambition for power will run October 11 through November 3 at The City Theatre. It is directed by Kevin Gates and stars Brian Villalobos and Dawn Erin.

"Life ... a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."

Macbeth is the infamous chronicle of a Scottish hero's fall from grace, through spellbound seduction and the pursuit of power. Shakespeare's study of ambition leads us from battlefield triumph to bloody assassination as our title character gains the crown, but forfeits his soul. Spawned by three mysterious witches who offer him an intriguing prophecy and an ambitious wife urging murderous actions, Macbeth begins a maddening descent into war, insanity and death where nothing will ever be the same again. Superstitiously referred to as "the Scottish play," Shakespeare's Macbeth has enjoyed considerable success despite its notoriety as a cursed play, and CTC breathes new life into this wickedly brutal and chaotic tale.

The City Theatre is no stranger when it comes to producing Shakespeare's plays as the company takes classical works geared towards bigger and bolder demands, such as Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, and provides the challenge and opportunity in a more intimate, subtle approach. "What's different about this production is that we're trying to present Macbeth in a very personal context," mentions director Kevin Gates. "The themes of Macbeth are timeless with ambition and desire no less relevant today. Setting the play in a non-specific time and place is intended to put the focus on the text and the actors, rather than draw focus away from them. This makes the audience a part of the story."

CTC has assembled an exciting cast for the show including two talented veterans of the City Theatre stage Brian Villalobos (The Crucible) and Dawn Erin (Agnes of God, The Miracle Worker.) The cast also includes Brad Hawkins, Clint Harris, Trace Pope, Heath Allyn, Dave Yakubik, Eric Daugherty, Tony Baker, Nick Kier, Brett Tribe, Darren Scharf, Levi Gore, Hallie Strange, Austen Cabler, Maria Latiolais, Nicole Oglesby, Cara Juan, Elly Stevens and Whitney Blake Dean. CTC is also thrilled to have as a first-time director, Kevin Gates, whose other directorial productions include Dr. Faustus with Last Act Theatre and Cymbeline with the EmilyAnn Theatre. He has also played lead roles in CTC's productions of Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado about Nothing. The costume designer is Jessica Frymire with set design by Andy Berkovsky and fight choreographer Nick Lawson.

The City Theatre Company is an Austin-based not for profit arts organization and is sponsored in part by the Austin Creative Alliance and the Austin Cultural Arts Division. Founded in 2006, the company has been recognized by the Austin Critics Table Awards, the B. Iden Payne Awards and is twice voted "Best Theatre Company" by Austin-American Statesman's Austin 360. CTC is dedicated in providing quality theatre experience and entertainment for Austin artist's and its community.

MACBETH runs October 11 - November 3. Thursday - Saturday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 5:30 p.m. at The City Theatre. 3823 Airport Blvd. 78722 - east corner of Airport Blvd. and 38 ½ Street. General Seating $15. Guaranteed Front/2nd Row Reserved $25. Students $12. Thursday all seats $10. Group discounts are available. Reservations 512-524-2870 or info@citytheatreaustin.org. For more information, visit www.citytheatreaustin.org.

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