Music Box Theatre to Screen MACBETH Starring Kenneth Branagh, 10/26

Chicagoans can have the full Shakespeare experience this fall with three unique opportunities to attend viewings of Othello, Macbeth and Hamlet at the Music Box Theatre. The Music Box continues its partnership with the UK's National Theatre Live to exhibit captured live stage performances beamed to Chicago from the prestigious National Theatre in London. Macbeth brings Kenneth Branagh (My Week with Marilyn, Hamlet) back to the Shakespearean stage after a decade to perform the role of the Scottish king. Othello shows on Sunday, Oct 13, 11:30am, Macbeth is Saturday, Oct 26, 1:00 pm and Hamlet is Wednesday, Nov 20, 3:00pmat Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue. Tickets to National Theatre Live events are $15 in advance at the Music Box Theatre box office and online at http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/collections/nt-live-2013; $18 at the door.

In the major new production of Othello directed by Nicholas Hytner (Timon of Athens, One Man, Two Guvnors), the destructive power of jealousy is revealed. This classic story, which takes on more modern imagery, stars Olivier Award-winning actor Adrian Lester (Henry V at The National Theatre, BBC's Hustle) as Othello. Performing the role of the two-faced Iago is fellow Olivier Award-winner Rory Kinnear (The Last of the Haussmans, James Bond:Skyfall). In an act of jealousy and deceit, Iago persuades Othello that his new wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with the young man Cassio.

The electrifying production of Macbeth, broadcast from the Manchester International Festival, stars one of the great Shakespearean interpreters and BAFTA Award-winner Kenneth Branagh. Branagh last performed Shakespeare in 2002 when he played Richard III at the Sheffield Crucible. Playing opposite as Lady Macbeth is Alex Kingston (Doctor Who, ER). Directed by Olivier and Tony Award-winner Rob Ashford (Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse, Thoroughly Modern Millie on Broadway) is a unique production of Shakespeare's tragic tale of ambition and treachery.

In celebration of National Theatre Live's 50th anniversary, the 2010 broadcast of Hamlet returns to cinemas starring Kinnear as Hamlet and directed by Hytner. A story of revenge and intrigue set in the country of Denmark, Hamlet plots the death of this loathed uncle. One of Shakespeare's most influential plays also stars Clare Higgins (Gertrude), Patrick Malahide (Claudius), David Calder (Polonius), James Laurenson (Ghost/Player King), andRuth Negga (Ophelia).

Music Box Theatre has been the premier venue in Chicago for independent and foreign films, festivals and some of the greatest cinematic events in Chicago. It currently has the largest cinema space operated full time in the city. The Music Box Theatre is independently owned and operated by the Southport Music Box Corporation. SMBC, through its Music Box Films division, also distributes foreign and independent films in the theatrical, DVD and television markets throughout the United States. For additional information please visit www.musicboxtheatre.com .

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