By: Joseph Szalinski
One of the things I don’t miss about school is group projects. Either you don’t feel like you’re pulling your weight, or you get saddled with all of the responsibilities. Add in the awkward dynamics of being an adolescent, and said situation becomes more difficult to navigate. This is the framework for Vigilance Theater Group’s latest production, Mac Beth, directed by Ingrid Sonnichsen and Brooke Echnat, now running at Washington’s Landing.
First staged in 2020, playwright Erica Schmidt’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Scottish classic adds a few extra elements to the mix. A gaggle of classmates decide to put on a production of the tragedy that should not be said aloud in theatrical spaces, with the assistance of smartphones, snacks, and some intoxicating beverages. While the plot points of The Bard’s script play out normally, barring some mumbled frustration and the like, extra drama plays out offstage. Eagle-eyed audience members are able to peer into the complexities of this friend group by watching what certain members are up to when they aren’t in the middle of a scene.
Unlike a typical reimaging of MacBeth, this cast plays two parts simultaneously, a testament to their skills onstage. Dynamic physicality and incredible delivery of difficult dialogue are behind every stellar performance.
MacBeth and Lady MacBeth are as crazed and desperate as ever, courtesy of Mal MacKenzie and Sarah Dugan. The dastardly duo is imbued with renewed humanity that renders them far more tragic than they once were.
Witches are as integral to the story as the titular character, and Bradleigh Bell, Lulu James, and Marisa Postava brilliantly bring them to life. Calculating, cackling, and a slightly comedic, this trio serves as entertaining bookends to a riveting show.
Kendall Mason and Veta Piscitella fantastically finish off the cast as Banquo and MacDuff, fulfilling the prophecy that they’ll amaze audiences. The famous squabble at the end, masterminded by fight choreographer, Marisa Postava, is wonderfully executed.
Being that the show is set and performed outdoors, technical elements are a bit limited but are used ingeniously. Costuming by Allie Lampman-Sims honors the source material while staying true to what a student would wear. Props by Zev Woskoff and Allie Lampman-Sims are effective yet humorous, for instance, a Ring Pop one of the girls is enjoying is used in their show-within-a-show. Music is another technical element at the mercy of the performers. One of the things the students have with them is a speaker, which they make use of at various moments throughout the play. In regard to the stage itself, the production excellently utilizes the space, sectioning off the “cul-de-sac” at the end of the trail for performers to orbit around. A few cast members are even daring enough to scamper across some nearby rocks, which isn’t just a commitment to their respective roles, but to the unique venue as well.
Vigilance is the Pittsburgh area’s premiere immersive theatre company. While the immersive nature of each production varies, every show they helm is unforgettable and sure to prompt discussion and thought for some time to come. Quite an astounding addition to the annals of “Shakespeare in the Park.”
-JS
“Mac Beth” continues its run June 6-15th at Washington’s Landing. For tickets and additional information, click here.
