April 30, 2002
Contact: Leslee Caul (509) 963-1750
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - “By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes!” As the infamous witches predict, something wicked will come this way May 9, when the Central Washington University theatre arts department opens Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
Director Brenda Hubbard defies the mysterious curse that is said to surround the script and all who produce it, leading a cast and crew of 70 students, faculty and community members in the classic psychological thriller.
“What captivates audiences about ‘Macbeth’ is our attempt to understand what drives people to actions that go ‘beyond the pale,’” says Hubbard.
Scenographer Derek Lane and his design assistants realize Hubbard’s vision that the gory tale of murder and betrayal is universal in the designs for the show, by using a blend of modernistic and gothic elements in the costumes, set and props.
“We realized placing the story in either a modern world or a historical period would do injustice to the universality of the themes and story,” explains Lane. “We believe this story can be played at any time, in any place, because it digs deep into questions about humanity.”
A cast of 29 students and community members breathe life into the famous characters, with several portraying more than one role.
Ry Sherrell, a senior theatre arts major, adds his own manic touch to the title role of Macbeth. Sherrell, a 1991 graduate of Redmond High School, has appeared in numerous roles over the years at CWU, including Max in “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” Aldo in “Italian American Reconciliation,” and Einstein in “Picasso at the Lapin Agile.” An accomplished performer, he recently received top actor honors at the northwest region of the American College Theatre Festival, where he was named a finalist in the Irene Ryan scholarship competition. Sherrell has been accepted into the prestigious theatre arts graduate program for acting at California State University, Fullerton.
Anneliese Childress, junior, Ellensburg, has a sharp, sexy edge as Lady Macbeth. Her recent work including as choreographer for the CWU presentation of “Oklahoma!” last spring, and serving as director for last year’s Valley Musical Theatre production of “State Fair” and the upcoming Leavenworth Summer Theatre staging of “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers.” As a performer, Childress was last seen in CWU’s “Man of La Mancha” as the Lead Moorish Dancer, but her credits span over several productions at the Warehouse Theatre Company and Leavenworth Summer Theatre.
Zach Nause, a senior theatre arts performance/technical design major, brings a regal dignity to the prince Malcolm. Nause has appeared in several productions at CWU, including the Captain of the Inquisition in this winter’s “Man of La Mancha,” Mike in the 2001 One-Act Festival “Mid-Day Sun,” and Hope the Dove in the 1999 production of “Beauty and the Beast.” The production of “Mid-Day Sun” was nominated for honors at the American College Theatre Festival, where Nause and cast traveled to re-mount the play. In addition to his theatre credentials, Nause also starred in the recent student film “Rex Masters (Comma) Private Dick.” Nause is the son of Brenda Hubbard of Ellensburg, and Allen Nause of Portland, Ore.
Scott Yingling, a junior theatre arts/secondary education major, has natural charm as the conquering hero MacDuff. His previous roles include Tenario in CWU’s winter production of “Man of La Mancha,” Rapunzel’s Prince in First Onstage Production’s performance of “Into the Woods,” and Fyedka in “Fiddler on the Roof,” which was also from First Onstage Productions. In addition to his character roles, Yingling is an avid improvisation actor, and a member of Mayhem Central, a professional improv troupe formed by Central students. Yingling is the son of Ron and Kim Yingling of Port Orchard.
Anna Hudgens, a graduate theatre production student, is chilling as the First Witch. Hudgens has worked in various areas of theatre during her time at CWU. Her acting roles include the Innkeeper’s Wife in CWU’s winter production of “Man of La Mancha,” and the Dance Hall Madam in CWU’s 2001 production of “Oklahoma!” Hudgens is from Payette, Idaho, where she taught theatre and English at Payette High School. Her flair for the written word was recently recognized at the Northwest Drama Conference, where she won the National Critics Forum.
Darcy Wytko, a sophomore theatre arts major, plays the unstable Second Witch. Wytko was recently seen in the One-Act Festival, as Jennifer in “First Born,” and Donna in “Reunion.” Wytko is a graduate of the Circle in the Square Theatre School, a prestigious acting school in New York. She is the daughter of Patty Wytko of Kittitas.
Joanna Horowitz, a sophomore individual study/arts criticism major, completes the threesome as the seductive and terrifying Third Witch. Horowitz has had roles in several student productions, including Erika in “Happy Birthday!” which was produced at this winter’s One Act Festival; and Tanya in “Leaky Sink,” which was a part of this winter’s Ten-Minute Play Festival. She also appeared in the Valley Musical Theatre’s production of “Oliver!” as Charlotte. Horowitz is the daughter of Steve and Kate Horowitz of Ellensburg.
Other cast members include:
- John Beitel, senior, Tieton, as Duncan;
- Ryan Wallace, sophomore, Enumclaw, as Donaldbain/ Young Siward;
- Matt Milton, sophomore, Tacoma, as Chamberlain #1;
- Dima Pogrebuiak, a 1996 graduate of CWU, as Chamberlain #2;
- Travis Dukelow, graduate student, Ellensburg, as Chamberlain #3;
- Stacey Garrett, senior, Renton, as Chamberlain #4;
- Steve Nabors, graduate student, Port Orchard, as the Captain/First Murderer/Old Siward;
- Annie Jantzer, junior, Ellensburg, as Lady MacDuff;
- Kali Eichen, freshman, Portland, Ore., as the Thane of Ross;
- Josh Schulz, senior, Mukilteo, as the Thane of Angus;
- Maureen Eller, junior, Burien, as the Thane of Lennox;
- Michael Albert, sophomore, Poulsbo, as the Thane of Menteith;
- Lindsay Beckman, senior, Chehalis, as the Thane of Caithness;
- Kurt Newman, Ellensburg Community Television production coordinator, as Banquo;
- Amy Hill, freshman, Olympia, as Fleance;
- Lucas Hoiland, senior, Payette, Idaho, as Seyton/Third Murderer;
- Jenn Kennelly, a 1998 CWU graduate, as the Gentlewoman;
- Isaac McKenzieSullivan, senior, Tenino, as the Porter/Doctor;
- Bob Lundquist, graduate student, Anacortes, as the Old Man;
- Jenni Black, senior, Enumclaw, as Hecate;
- And, Misty Carson, graduate student, Tenino, as the Nun/Serving Woman.
“Macbeth” will be presented in the Tower Theatre May 9 and 16 at 7 p.m., May 10, 11, 17, and 18 at 8 p.m. and May 12 at 2 p.m. The show runs approximately two and a half hours, which includes a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $10 general admission, $9 for senior citizens and $8 for students.
The Tower box office is open noon to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Tickets can also be purchased by phone with a VISA or MasterCard.
The box office will also be open one hour prior to each performance; however, advance tickets are recommended as seating is limited. For tickets and information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1774, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-3323.
