Classic Theatre of Maryland’s production of Macbeth is a taut, atmospheric adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. Directed by Sally Boyett, setting the play in Maryland during the Revolutionary War, it is a suspenseful work to open the new season. Jarod Brock brings an anguish to Macbeth. After committing the terrible murder, his voice is full of guilt and fear, trembling at every strange noise. Seeing Banquo’s ghost (Dexter Hamlett), he collapses to the floor screaming. He strikes and chokes messengers bearing bad news and pulls Lady Macbeth (Jacey Schult) off to bed. His famous “Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow” speech is delivered with a quiet power, filled with pain. Jarod Brock (Macbeth) and Benjamin Hoover (Macduff) in ‘Macbeth’ at Classic Theatre of Maryland. Photo by Sally Boyett. Jacey Schult plays Lady Macbeth with passionate anger. She caresses Brock as she explains her plans to him or admonishes him for his missteps. After the murder, she too is anxious, fearful of sounds, yet able to clean up after Brock and plant the necessary evidence. Her sleepwalking scene is fearfully intense, with her kneeling on the floor scrubbing at her hands and reaching out toward unseen tormentors. Nancy Krebs, Heather Burgess, and Mackenzie Koehne give the Witches a sinister rhythm, moving and speaking as though weaving a spell. They often hover on the edges of the stage, guiding Schult toward her final, tragic end, or directing the armies to victory. Burgess gives a practicality to Lady Macduff, resigned to never seeing her husband and trying to reconcile her son (Brandon Doyle) to this idea, before shrieking at her terrible fate. Dexter Hamlett brings a strength to Banquo, initially confronting the Witches and demanding they explain their prophecies. After Duncan’s murder, he wonders if Macbeth might be responsible. Brian Davis plays Ross with great nobility, bearing tragic news the best he can. As the second murderer, he exudes toughness and menace. John Pruessner plays Duncan with a gentleness, inspiring loyalty from love. As the Porter he is comically salty, ironically commenting on the action and making funny retorts. Jordan Awe gives a quiet authority to Malcolm, giving orders and commanding respect. He gives a ruthlessness to the first murderer. Cyrus Mooney gives Lennox a quiet nobility, trying to bring order to the chaos around him. He brings a swagger to the third murderer. TOP LEFT: Jacey Schult (Lady Macbeth) and Jarod Brock (Macbeth); TOP RIGHT: Brian Davis (Ross), Jarod Brock (Macbeth), and Cyrus Mooney (Lennox); ABOVE: The three weird sisters (Heather Burgess, Mackenzie Koehne, and Nancy Krebs), in ‘Macbeth’ at Classic Theatre of Maryland. Photos by Sally Boyett. Brandon Doyle brings an innocence to Donalbain and Fleance, unaware of the plots and betrayals around them. He brings a stubbornness to Macduff’s son, using a child’s logic to prove that his father is not dead nor a traitor. Benjamin Hoover plays Macduff with despair mixed with rage. Lost in exile and declared a traitor, he angrily rebuffs Malcolm’s apparent cynicism. Hearing about his family, he drops to the ground crying, then rises up again, swearing vengeance. Costume Designer Sally Boyett and Wig Designer Tommy Malek evoke the era with tricornered hats, long, black boots, and military-style jackets. Lady Macbeth wears a long, red dress, while Lady Macduff is in a simple black dress and white bonnet. The Witches look terrifying in their cloaks. Lighting Designer Adam Mendelson helps create the suspenseful atmosphere by highlighting some figures while keeping others in shadow. Colored lights shine on some for special effects. Sound Designer Folger Ridout adds to the mood by throwing out sounds of cannon fire and foreboding music, as well as enhancing the Witches’ voices. As director, Sally Boyett creates an ever-growing sense of menace with ominous, threatening movements throughout. The Witches circle Macbeth, at times moving threateningly close. The fight scenes between Macbeth and Macduff feel like a violent ballet. While Shakespeare’s language can be challenging to decipher at times, the actors make the story and action easy to follow. No prior knowledge is needed to enjoy this production. Apart from the opening scene, the Revolutionary War setting is not deeply explored. Still, in its spookiness and suspense, Macbeth perfectly captures the spirit of Halloween. Running Time: Two hours, including one 15-minute intermission. Macbeth plays through October 13, 2024, at Classic Theatre of Maryland – 1804 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($58–$85), call the box office at 410-415-3513 or purchase online.