Shakespeared! takes on 'Macbeth'

Working from the same source material, two productions in Shakespeared!, the Putnam County Playhouse’s annual Youth Theatre Workshop, will present slightly different takes on “Macbeth.” The high school production will have a modern, military look, though the dialogue will remain the same, with the ambitious Lady MacBeth (Ruby Sullivan) telling her husband (Devin Huff) — rather forcefully — it’s time to find his courage.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

The annual Putnam County Playhouse Youth Theatre Workshop Shakespeared! is under way.

Students from high schools and middle schools around the county have been working since June 13 on two productions of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”

The performance for the middle school group will be Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. The high school group will perform at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 25.

The middle school production will have more of a traditional look, for example with Macbeth (Alex Gurnon) trying to have a conversation with wife Lady Macbeth (Clara Everett) only to be interrupted by the ghost of Banquo (Elijah Helmer).

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

Tickets are on sale at the box office only the days of performance. Admission is $3 with children under 12 admitted free.

Sponsors for the show are Shuee’s Best Buys Plus with additional support by Arts Illiana.

Directors for the middle school group are Craig Robinson and Eleanor Howard. YTW creator and founder Caroline Good will direct the high school version. Molly Murphy is the DePauw intern and assistant director. David Johnson (Bill Sikes in “Oliver!”) is also an assistant director and fight choreographer. Murphy is running the light board, and Fiona Good is the sound board operator.

The middle school cast includes Alex Gurnon in the title role with Clara Everett as his mate. Also appearing – some in multiple roles – are Elijah Helmer, MJ Cooper, Josephine Glessner, Luna Pope and Cagney Huffman.

Joining them will be Jewlee Butcher, Kaylan Stampley, Josie Cox, Timothy Bogaerts, Leil Watkins and Alex Roberts. Completing the distinguished cast are Johanna Stampley, Nadia Wagner, Nicolette Blackledge, Ethan Snider and featuring Joey Draper.

The high school group will be led by Devin Huff as the troubled title character and Ruby Sullivan as his ambitious wife. Featured roles are taken by Alice Howard, James Malinoski, Stevie Keenan, Marie Malinoski and Bella Green. Also taking on the Bard are Courtney Huff, Samantha Funk, Dorian Dowd, Genevieve O’Rourke and Mercedes O’Rourke.

Playing the three witches are Rebecca Hebb, Rose Malinoski and Penny Cummings. Additionally in the Saturday night performance are Joslyn Cash, Mya Weddle, Marigrace Girton, Charlie Good, Hyrum Dickerson Hale, Ellen Blackledge, Teegan Tamm, Max Isaacs-Bailey, Katie Funk, Catherine Ryan-Shager, Charlie Martoglio, Vivian O’Rourke and Lucy Malinoski.