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It’s the last dramatic hurrah for seniors Brett Iarrobino, Nikki Ready, MaryKate Murphy and Ethan O’Rourke. The tight-knitted group has performed together in Westwood High School’s fall play every year since they were freshmen.
They’ll take to the stage one last time to perform Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” a haunting tale of power and madness that eerily echoes reality.
The tragic tale focuses on Macbeth (Iarrobino) and his wife, Lady Macbeth (Ready). Haunted by prophecies from three mystical witches, the couple embark on a quest for power that propels them down a path of tyranny, murder and, finally, insanity.
Iarrobino sees many similarities between the play and the upcoming presidential election. “It’s coincidental that we’re performing this show the week before an election with two of history’s most disliked candidates,” says Iarrobino. “However, it gives the play a certain relevance and shows a parallel pursuit of power.”
Ready sees the show as more of a morality play. “There is so much more to a person than his or her first appearance,” she said. “We’re quick to judge people on looks, but there are many different aspects to a person.”
Ready cites Macbeth and his wife as examples. “They seem insane but it is their inner goodness and their bad choices that cause them to go crazy.”
Crazy may also be an apt description of the immensity of the roles taken on by the four leads. Each is aware of the responsibilities this show places on them.
“We’ve never had such large roles,” said Iarrobino. “It’s both terrifying and exciting.”
That responsibility, however large, is very much shared by the close foursome - and the cast as a whole. The reason, says Murphy, is due to the community aspect of play production and the extensive rehearsal hours. “It’s like being on a sports team. We put in long hours of practice and form lasting friendships,” she said.
O’Rourke agrees. “We are there for each other no matter what,” he said. “We work together to put up the best piece of theater we can.”
The play’s director, drama teacher Jim Howard, is looking forward to seeing the community’s reaction to the production.
“I’ve been so impressed by how the cast has approached this project,” he said. “They came into auditions with strong feelings about the story we were going to tell. Those initial ideas have developed through the rehearsal process. I think the audience will really enjoy our interpretation of the script.”
Westwood High School’s retelling of Shakespeare’s terror-filled tragedy, Macbeth, will be performed tonight at 7:30 pm and again on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available on line at www.westwoodstage.com and at the door. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Westwood green card holders are admitted free.
