Desert Shakespeare Festival is thrilled to announce its inaugural production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”, a female-driven production which promises to captivate audiences with its engaging story, strong acting, and diverse cast. This compelling production is set to take the stage at the Stardust Amphitheater on the campus of Palm Valley School from May 3, May 4, and May 5.
A brave Scottish general named Macbeth (Jessica Lenz) receives a prophecy from three witches (Steven Lewis, Christopher Manes, Shayan Habibipour) that one day they will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by their wife, Lady Macbeth (Charlie E. Parker), Macbeth murders King Duncan (Judalon Manes) and takes the Scottish throne for themself. Macbeth is then wracked with guilt and paranoia. Forced to commit more and more murders to protect themself from enmity and suspicion, they soon become an obsessed ruler. The bloodbath and consequent civil war swiftly take Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into the realms of madness and death.
Cast includes the talent of…
Macbeth: Jessica Lenz, Lady Macbeth: Charlie E. Parker, Banquo: LauraOrtega, Macduff: Staphanie Jauregui, Duncan/Doctor: Judalon Manes, Malcolm: Emely Smith, First Witch: Steven Lewis, Second Witch: Christopher Manes, Third Witch: Shayan Habibipour*, Ross: Valerie McClure, Porter/Hecate: Travis Creston Detwiler, Lady Macduff: Christine Michele, Lennox: Brittany Spruill, Siward: Susie Mintie, Gentlewoman/Caithness: Aimee DuFresne, Donalbain: Melina Brodeur*, Menteith: Sanai Wright*, Seyton: Jackie Padgett*, Fleance: Emerson Dunn*, Young Siward: Millie Flemings*, Macduff’s Child: Cleo Antle*, Messenger: Grace Ghaly*.
Production includes…
Director: Jeff Wallach**, Producer: Desert Performing Arts, LLC, Fight and Movement, Choreographer: Jeffrey Ingman, Co-Stage Managers: Rachel De La O*, Leah Ferreira*, Assistant Fight Choreographers: Zander Eaton*, Shayan Habibipour*, Christopher Manes, Costumer: Jeff Wallach, Lighting Design: Sami Alnabelsi*, Lincoln Johnson*, Sound Designer: Sawyer Falzone*, Booth Crew: Ryder Gardner*.
*indicates a Student Intern
**indicates a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society Performing at the Stardust Amphitheater on the campus of Palm Valley School
(although this is NOT a school production), 35525 Da Vall Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.
Performance Dates and Times:
– Friday, May 3, 2024, Gates open at 6:30pm, Curtain is at 8pm.
– Saturday, May 4, 2024, Gates open at 6:30pm, Curtain is at 8pm.
– Sunday, May 5, 2024, Gates open at 6:30pm, Curtain is at 8pm.
● As this play is being performed in an outdoor venue, please dress appropriately and also dressing warmly is suggested.
● As this play is being performed with the audience in festival seating, please bring your own low-profile, folding chair and/or a blanket on which to sit.
● Food trucks and entertainment will be provided throughout the evening, but the amphitheater will be open at 6:30 for you to arrive prior to the start of the show and purchase food and enjoy the entertainment.
● No animals permitted on the premises (except register support dogs) and there is absolutely no alcohol permitted anywhere on campus.
For more information or to reserve tickets, please visit www.desertperformingarts.com.
About Desert Performing Arts and Desert Shakespeare Festival: We are a performing arts entity who practices inclusive, identity conscious casting – encouraging women, gender nonconforming, and BIPOC folx to audition and perform with us.
