Emmaus High Stages its own Modern Twist on 'Macbeth'

Special to Emmaus Patch By Chrissy Cilento, Emmaus High School Senior. Cilento can be seen on the EHS stage tonight in the role of Lady Macbeth.

Emmaus High School's fall play, "Macbeth," opened last night, but don't fret, because there are two more chances to see the show and tickets are still available.

Please, don't be turned off by the thought of seeing a Shakespeare play -- this version of "Macbeth" is a little different. Director Jill Kuebler has modernized the show and her vision is for it to be "edgy." That means the text is still the same, but every other aspect of the show has been updated. For instance, instead of taking place thousands of years ago in Scotland, the action occurs after World War II. Costumes, hair and makeup have also been revitalized, with Macbeth sporting blue and black hair, Lady Macbeth donning red bangs, and the witches wearing some insane wigs. 

Kuebler's vision also includes video projections, which play during scene changes and showcase quickly-edited clips of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, the witches, and Banquo. Kuebler would like the projections to support the plot of the play, as well as the motifs, such as sleep and nature. The projections are what really set this show apart from other productions. Elliot Laubach and David Pickett, two juniors who created the projections, say it gives the show a third dimension and enhances the entire experience.

The cast and crew as well as the directors are incredibly excited for the show to open. Senior Christian Urrutia (Macbeth) says this has been an incredible experience for him, and he's anxious for everyone else to see the hard work and dedication that has gone into the show. Director Kuebler even got a little teary-eyed at one of the last rehearsals as she described to her students how proud she was of their hard work. 

So, if you're looking for a new twist on an old classic and have nothing to do this weekend, give the EHS version of Macbeth a try. It definitely won't be what you're expecting -- check out the pictures if you'd like a sneak peak!

You can buy tickets at the door, and the show tonight and Saturday night at 7. Tickets are $8 for students and senior citizens and $10 for adults.

Chrissy Cilento, a senior at Emmaus High School, plans to study journalism in college. She is a periodic contributor to Patch.