A Haunting Night of Shakespeare: New Mexico Shakespeare Festival’s Macbeth Delivers
I used to wonder whether I could really understand Shakespeare. But when I first studied his work in high school, I quickly realized I could follow along. Watching Shakespeare performed live onstage, as it was intended, is always a treat for me.
Macbeth is one of my favorites, with memorable lines and powerful scenes. I was excited to see how the New Mexico Shakespeare Festival would bring this famous tragedy to life, and the production lived up to my expectations.
Walking into the intimate black box theater at Keshet Dance Company's studio was a great experience. The space fit the production perfectly, setting the right mood for Macbeth's darkness and tension. As soon as the witches' cackles echoed through the theater, the audience was pulled into a world of ambition, prophecy, betrayal, and madness.
Merritt C. Glover, Rachel Lindsay, and Jamie Coffey each brought their own style and energy to the witches. Together, they created an eerie atmosphere that set the stage for the rest of the play. Their performances reminded us that in Macbeth, the trouble starts long before the consequences appear.
I couldn't help but notice the shift in time and place in this interpretation. Originally set in 11th-century Scotland, this production takes a different approach, transporting the story to 19th-century New England. After learning that Abraham Lincoln loved this play and Civil War soldiers turned to its words for inspiration, I found it an interesting creative choice that gives this familiar tragedy a different visual and historical context while preserving the themes that make Shakespeare's work so enduring.
Scott G. Hartman gave a strong performance as Macbeth. He made thoughtful choices throughout, building tension and excitement with each scene. It was fascinating to watch Macbeth struggle with ambition and tough decisions, and their consequences. Hartman helped the audience follow the character's transformation as the story moved forward.
Jonathan Graff played Macduff with boldness and confidence. He brought a strong presence to every scene, making Macduff a great match for Macbeth. Graff showed Macduff's strength, loyalty, and determination to stop the harm Macbeth caused Scotland. His conviction made Macduff's quest for justice feel personal and added emotion to the play's tension and showdown.
"Out, damned spot!" has always been one of my favorite Shakespeare lines. Many actors have performed it, but seeing it live is something special. Megan McCormick's Lady Macbeth was a highlight of this show. Her passionate delivery made Lady Macbeth's breakdown clear and powerful. The emotion she brought made this scene one of the production's most memorable moments.
Even though some performances stood out, Macbeth's real strength is in its ensemble, and this cast worked together really well. From Banquo and Malcolm to Lady Macduff, the soldiers, and all the supporting roles, everyone helped build the world onstage. The cast made Shakespeare's language clear and energetic, showing the relationships and conflicts that move the story. Their teamwork made the show engaging and unified. It was great to see such talented performers bring this classic story to life.
Director Levi Gore did a great job bringing the cast together and making the show feel immersive. I especially liked how he used the space, with actors moving in and out of different parts of the theater. This kept the action lively and made the audience feel part of the story, not just watching from afar. The staging fit the venue well and added immediacy that matched the play.
Ryan Jason Cook impressed me again with his set design. Walking into the venue and seeing the transformed space was a real treat. I've seen his work before with The River at West End Productions, and his talent stood out here too. His design set the mood without taking away from the actors, showing how good staging can make a small space feel enormous. Quinten "Q" Avila's props and set dressing added more depth, helping bring Macbeth's world to life.
My 16-year-old son joined me, and since he usually has trouble sitting still - especially for a show that lasts an hour and 40 minutes - I wondered how he'd do. He made it through, and I think the fight scenes were his favorite part!
Zane Barker did an excellent job coordinating the stage combat. Fight choreography requires more than creating exciting moments; it takes careful planning, timing, and an understanding of each performer's physical abilities. Barker clearly made the most of the cast's individual strengths, creating some genuinely cool moments that added energy and excitement to the production. The action felt like an integral part of the storytelling, rather than simply something added for spectacle. For younger audience members who might be less familiar with Shakespeare, these moments can be an especially effective way to draw them into the drama.
It's always great to see live theater, especially when the performers are clearly enjoying themselves. There's something special about watching artists bring a story to life right in front of you, sharing their talent and connecting with the audience. The New Mexico Shakespeare Festival's Macbeth delivers that experience through strong acting, smart direction, creative design, and a cast that works well as a team, making the production feel lively, immersive, and easy to follow.
If you want a night out with Shakespeare, try this production. Whether you've loved his plays for years or are just getting to know them, this Macbeth is worth seeing.
The New Mexico Shakespeare Festival's Macbeth runs through November 1. Get tickets at nmshakes.org.
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