A Macbeth e-inerview

   Macbeth takes the stage tonight at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington (900 8th Street), so let's hear from the cast!

   Here in the first of our e-interviews (as I call 'em) is my pal Mike Naglee, who's a fine actor, stage fighter and a great guy. Here's what he has to say:

Q: You're part of a classic Shakespeare play (I won't name it, in case you hold to the traditional superstition), 

but in case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story.

Mike: Macbeth (I said it!) is the story of a man's spiral into madness and ruin as his quest for power takes him through regicide, homicide, infanticide and virtual fratricide.  The first domino is tipped at the beginning of the show, and pushes the Macbeths inexorably to their doom.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike: I play The Porter, a character whose sole purpose is to provide comic relief after the first murder.  Keeping with the original intent of the character, the porter gets a bit of "creative license" to go off text in the name of funny.  In the context of the play his job as porter is to answer the castle door, but when Macduff comes knocking in the early hours of the morning, the porter decides to have a little fun before answering.  He pretends to be the porter at the gates of Hell, greeting new arrivals.  

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Mike: The language, the combat, and the effects are all difficult for a community theatre production to pull off... we'll let you decide how successful we've been!

Q: Will the audience be scared or shocked by this production?

Mike: I hope both!  I think even the hardest of hearts will feel the tension of impending doom as it bears down on Macbeth.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Mike: "Mike Murdock's directing Shakespeare?  Where do I sign?"  I already had a tremendous amount of personal and professional respect for those involved and for those I knew planned to audition, and Murdock gave me the opportunity to return to stage combat as Fight Director - a passion of mine I hadn't been able to indulge in a long time... how could I resist?

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Mike: It's a classic tale of suspense and intrigue, and one of Shakespeare's most exciting.  The cast and crew have done an amazing job bringing it to life.  I guarantee you'll enjoy it!

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Mike: You can catch Macbeth at ARTS (the Renaissance Center, or old Huntington High) on October 12,13,19,20 at 8pm or 14, 21 at 2pm.  If you'd like to enjoy dinner before the Friday or Saturday performances give a call to 304-733-ARTS for reservations.  Tickets are $10, or $25 for dinner and the show.  See you there!