Chickspeare presents Macbeth, May 13-15th, 20th-22nd at The Great Aunt Stella Center

Chickspeare, Charlotte's all-female Shakespeare company, announces their 4th production, Macbeth, at The Great Aunt Stella Center in May. Performances will be at 8:00 pm Thursday through Saturday May 13th-15th, 20th-22nd. Following two sold-out performances of "Quickspeare" (scenes from Shakespeare's comedies) in January at Johnson Beer Company, the macabre Macbeth marks a dramatic change of pace for Chickspeare. Gina Stewart, best-known in the Charlotte area as lead singer for the band "Doubting Thomas" and from her appearances in the movie "Carrie II" and the tv show "Dawson's Creek," will direct. With contributions from cast members, magician and illusionist Amy Arpan (Banquo) and choreographer Kristen Yarborough (Witch) plus sound design by the director, Gina promises "This show will rock!" Parents should be forewarned; this show contains violent content and is not recommended for children.

Fans of previous Chickspeare productions will recognize several Macbeth cast members including Sheila Snow, who plays the title role. Sheila was recently nominated for Best Actress in a comedy in the Creative Loafing Theater Awards for her portrayal of Orlando in Chickspeare's inaugural production, As You Like It. But many cast members are newcomers to Chickspeare including Chandler McIntyre (Lady Macbeth) who worked with Actors Theater in New York, and Elaine Spallone (Lady Macduff), 1998 Ms. Wheelchair NC.

Macbeth's theme of popular leaders whose overreaching ambitions lead them to inhuman acts still has resonance in today's headlines (Milosevic being only the most recent). "Just look at the continuing popularity of Shakespeare in today's entertainment industry" observes Gina Stewart, Macbeth's director. "His plays are timeless," says Stewart "and audiences today enjoying seeing a modern twist on these stories-including accepting females in male roles (just as Shakespeare's audience accepted males in female roles)."

Tickets are $15 at the door (groups of 20 or more, call Anne Lambert 372-0101, x103 for discounts). Performances are Thursday through Saturday, May 13th-15th, 20th-22nd at 8:00 pm at The Great Aunt Stella Center. Also, there will be a post-show party to benefit Chickspeare at Johnson Beer Company (1109 Central Avenue) on Saturday, May 15th. Doors will open at 10:30 pm; tickets will be $10 at the door or $5 with a Macbeth ticket stub. Johnson's beer will be sold ($2/glass) and soft drinks will be free. The band Doubting Thomas headlines the entertainment, which will include improv comedy by East West Elevators (featuring Macbeth cast members) and magic by Amy Arpan. For more information call Anne Lambert at 704-372-0101, x103.