NORTH PLATTE, NE, April 18, 2024 -- North Platte High School’s Advanced Acting class will present a new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth entitled Shadows of Ambition April 26th and 27th at 7:00 p.m. Those familiar with “the Scottish Play” will enjoy the new twist on an old story and those who have never seen it will love learning about this tragic tale with modern language.
The theme for the 2023-2024 season has been based around old stories being retold in different ways and included Pride and Prejudice for their fall production and Frankenstein’s Mary Shelley for their competition one act and this show continues on in that vein. “While we were brainstorming possibilities, we just kept circling back to the idea that Shakespeare is always relevant and even some of his bloodiest stories are something we can connect today.” Theatre teacher and director, Brittany McDaniel states. “We’ve done other staff and student written work in the past, but this is the first year we decided to tackle a show as a whole class. It has been a beast, but also so rewarding!” Students wrote scenes individually and in groups and then the class came together to edit and revise the lines until they reached the final product.
After the script was finalized and the parts had been cast, McDaniel and the cast and crew of 14 spent a little over a month rehearsing and preparing. Along with writing and learning all of their lines and memorizing their blocking, the students were also in charge of the set and costume design. “It’s been an incredible gift to hand over some of the leadership to my students and watch them step up in some really interesting and creative ways.” McDaniel says. The show runs less than an hour and is a great way to enjoy a night at the theatre.
There is a mild content warning for implied violence and some stronger language.
Admission is a free will donation at the door.