A tragedy becomes a triumph

ACT’s production of Macbeth is well played and well deserving of audience time and attention. SLO Rep management might do well to consider extending its run so more can see how a tragedy becomes a triumph on the local stage.


So . . . “Double, double, toil and trouble . . .” chant the three witches during the opening scene of Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth.

Phineas Peters as Macbeth
Phineas Peters as Macbeth [Photo Courtesy RyLo Media Design, Ryan C. Loyd]

Toil, trouble and tragedy may be key themes of the play, but they are not descriptive of the fine, fluid and intensely physical work now on display in the Academy of Creative Theatre’s production at SLO Rep in downtown San Luis Obispo.

Rachel Tietz directs a score of up-and-coming performers in an abbreviated version of the Scottish Play, itself already the shortest of the Bard’s tragedies. She keeps the action tight while allowing her actors room to savor the text. The result clearly illuminates the plot and the progression of the main characters from intent to action to their inevitably disastrous ends.

Tietz has crafted a fierce and frightful rendition of a story fraught with ambition, revenge and remorse, but the results are far from tragic for the performers or the audience. The work that her actors have put into understanding character, exposition and movement (including some well-done sword fighting) is unmistakable and quite satisfying.

Phineas Peters in the lead role is not physically imposing, but he and his Lady, Penny DellaPelle, portray the heavy load both characters bear regally and even thoughtfully. Peters’ delivery is precise and courtly, delivering lines like “False face must hide what the false heart doth know” with a wisdom beyond his years. DellaPelle adds the fire and passion that of course ignites the calamitous plot against King Duncan (a steady and attentive Katie Karleskint).

Murderer Alex Miller
Murderer Alex Miller [Photo Courtesy RyLo Media Design, Ryan C. Loyd]

In a cast this large, several players end up with double duty, but five who play multiple roles deserve a respectful round of applause for their versatility, flexibility and commitment. Maggie Zuniga, Liora Nunley and Sophia Lea as the zombie-like witches (each also playing two other roles) and Alex Miller and Rhys Demarest as the black-clad murderers (each also playing a second role) are consistent, engaging and hopefully planning to do more live, local theatre.

The production benefits from the support of SLO Reps’ usual-but-by-no-means-ordinary team of behind-the-scenes artists. Dave Linfield’s scenic design is perfect for this production (eerie moss-covered trees bridge the gap between audience and stage). Lighting and sound, thanks to Amanda Johnson and Kevin Harris, are tightly woven into the show to delicious effect, with the percussion-based accompaniment especially effective.

Macbeth Cast
Cast of Macbeth [Photo Courtesy RyLo Media Design, Ryan C. Loyd]

The costume design by Grace Kitchen, a newcomer to this stage, is effectively spooky when needed (the three witches never looked so gnarly in their masks and torn rainment), wickedly fitting (Lady Macbeth’s blood-red dress couldn’t be more appropriate), and otherwise quite proper for the tale. Kudos as well to Elliot Peter’s fight choreography, notable for its elegant simplicity.

ACT’s production of Macbeth is well played and well deserving of audience time and attention. SLO Rep management might do well to consider extending its run so more can see how a tragedy becomes a triumph on the local stage.


Macbeth is playing now through January 19 at San Luis Obispo Repertory Theatre, 888 Morro Street, San Luis Obispo. Tickets here or call 805-786-2440.