Janus Theatre Co. and Moonlight Theatre team up for Halloween with ‘Macbeth’ adaptation

Janus Theatre Company, in association with the Elgin Shakespeare Project and Moonlight Theatre, are teaming up to present “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare just in time for the Halloween weekend.

Adapted and directed by Sean Hargadon, this intimate, fast-paced version of the play with live percussion is sure to leave audiences feeling claustrophobic by the end of the story.

Opening on Halloween and running through the weekend, Oct. 31 to Nov. 3. Performances take place at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Moonlight Theatre, 7 S. Second Ave. in St. Charles. Tickets are $30. Purchase tickets via moonlighttheatre.com.

This is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies about the rise of a murderous Scottish ruler named Macbeth whose quest for power leads him and his wife Lady Macbeth into guilt, paranoia, and madness. Called one of Shakespeare’s most riveting plays and a psychological thriller, this rehearsed production of “Macbeth” features onstage percussion in a fast-paced, intimate setting.

The cast features: Susan Anderson, Aneesah Jemei, Tiffany Jasinski, Patrick Thompson, Audrey Gniech, Aaron Hoge, Jennifer Reeves Wilson, Matt Johnson, Dave Amato, Kim Thompson, Heidi Schultz, Carissa Lehning, Christian Colucci, Cassi Fanelli, Paige Coe, Jessica Trynadel, and Paul Anderson.

The 90-minute play is adapted/directed by Sean Hargadon and coproduced by Hargadon and Joe Mennella, with production assistance from Elizabeth Dawson and Heidi Swarthout and live percussion by RJ Ward. Costumes are by Tiffany Jasinski, movement/vocal direction by Julie Bayer, fight direction by Stetson Cross.

Janus Theatre Company is an award-winning organization that has produced more than 100 productions since 1999. The company calls Elgin home, but has performed in Chicago, New York City and internationally. The company focuses on producing classic and contemporary works while exploring the actor/audience relationship inside unique spaces.

The Elgin Shakespeare Project began in 2018 and explores original practices from Shakespeare’s time.

The Moonlight Theatre, originally built in 1900, has been newly renovated in recent years, featuring music, comedy and theatrical performances.

Food and drinks will be served an hour before, throughout the shows via table service, and after each performance. Full bar is available.

Doors open an hour before showtime. Tickets are $30. To learn more about, go to janusplays.com and moonlighttheatre.com.