The Company Theatre
presents
MACBETH
by william shakespeare
directed by philip detrick
january 31-february 16
the temple theatre
this production is made possible by our sponsors:
with generous support from our media sponsor
THE CAST OF MACBETH
WITCHES: Kidane Vida Malik, Jael Lopez Gifford, Vicki Casarett
MACBETH: Carl Del Buono
LADY MACBETH: Jill Rittinger
BANQUO: Caitlin Kenyon
FLEANCE/YOUNG MACDUFF: Prophete Andazola
MACDUFF: Erin Kate Howard
LADY MACDUFF: Sammi Cohen
DUNCAN/SIWARD: David Munnell
MALCOM: Campbell McDade Clay
DONALBAIN/YOUNG SIWARD: Corrina Mullins
ROSS: Natalie Bloss
LENNOX: Ian Remmers
PORTER: Kathryn Borden
MACDUFF UNDERSTUDY: Ben Gillooly
ARTISTIC TEAM
DIRECTOR: Philip Detrick
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Sam Nelson
STAGE MANAGER: Bev Bauman
SET DESIGNER: Philip Detrick
COSTUME DESIGNER: Brodie McPherson
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Brodie McPherson
PROP DESIGNER: Shelby Dunning
SOUND DESIGNERS: John Wilcox and Bev Bauman
FIGHT DIRECTOR: Rich Steele
ASSISTANT FIGHT DIRECTOR: Ben Gillooly
INTIMACY DIRECTOR: Sara Bickwheat Penner
DRAMATURG: Amy Canfield
PHOTOGRAPHY: Goat Factory Media; Sammi Cohen
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS AND CONSTRUCTION VOLUNTEERS: Kendall Del Buono, Adam Urbanic, Judy Molner, Kidane Vida Malik, Elyse Pommenville, Jared Lee Morgan, Tom Ward
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ASL INTERPRETERS
Beck Dean and Miranda Wells
ASL CONSULTANT: Joseph Fox
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THE COMPANY THEATRE STAFF & BOARD
Artist Director: Carl Del Buono
Technical Directors: Brodie McPherson, Erik Wheater
Board President: Susan Murad
Vice President: Philip Detrick
Treasurer: Doris Ludek
Secretary: Jael Lopez Gifford
Board Members: Sammi Cohen, Christopher C. Conway, Ron Dufort, Meaghan Finlay, Lydia Palmer, Jill Rittinger, Jessica Ruby​​
PLEASE NOTE:
This production briefly uses strobe lights and contains moments of staged combat, violence, and intimacy.
A Note From the Director
When I began my journey to find a vision for Macbeth, I was instantly drawn to the many references to nature throughout the text. Having grown up on a farm, I have a strong connection to nature—specifically, the sounds of birds in the trees, and of wind and rain off the fields accompanied by thunder up above. This connected me with the themes within Macbeth in a way I hadn't looked at them before. The idea of nature moving in its own time, interacting with the human desire to push fate forward, became the foundation from which I looked at this text.
Naturally, most current productions of Shakespeare's works are cut for time and to curate the story being told. The first and biggest change to the text for this production that came with this idea of nature was the cutting of Hecate, leader of the three Witches. I have, for as long as I can remember, been a lover of magic. As a kid, video games and movies with magic drew me in, and I have the fondest memories going out into our large yard and pretending to be on an adventure amongst the trees. This love had me take a hard look at the text—at the magic that occurs surrounding the Witches and Hecate—and ask, "How can we make this as natural as possible? How would nature behave?" It became apparent that Hecate did not fit in this production. The Witches are more central to the plot on their own, representing nature and all its beauty and devastation, appearing throughout the show as shapers of the story itself like wind through the leaves. From there, with scene work throughout the rehearsal process, the text naturally shaped itself into the story of Macbeth we tell here in the Temple Theatre.
I was also intrigued by the mental aspect of the characters. How would they feel during these circumstances, and what would nature represent with those feelings? Is Macbeth making decisions for himself, for his wife, or for his "fate" that nature seems to guide him toward? How does he feel after taking action, and what inner storm clouds his senses? What is in Lady Macbeth's nature to plot as she does? How do Ross and Lennox change as they watch peace unravel, seemingly unable to do anything to stop it? Our feelings and our state of mind are much like the weather, coming and going in its own way, and sometimes we must simply wait out the storm. What happens if we dare to go out into it?
Lao Tzu said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." This quote was a guiding post for this production; it was spoken aloud to those who auditioned and was written in our rehearsal script. It shaped the world of our play. I have found this process to be one of true collaboration amongst the production team and actors, and I could not be prouder of the work being done. My thanks to everyone who had a hand in making this production what it is—and my thanks to you, the audience, for joining us on this journey and supporting The Company Theatre.
Philip Detrick
Director of Macbeth and Board Vice President, The Company Theatre
Photo Credit: Sammi Cohen
Our featured artist: Chris Grooms, glass works
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The Company Theatre is happy to welcome back Chris Grooms as our featured artist. Chris's amazing glass pieces are available for sale in the lobby, with a portion of each sale going to The Company Theatre Fund.
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Chris Grooms, a native of Portland, Oregon, is a professional ASL interpreter. In the mid-1990s, while living in Seattle, he enrolled in a beginner’s stained-glass workshop on a whim. After moving to Rochester, Chris met Valerie O’Hara, a third-generation stained-glass artist, helming the family’s downtown Pike Stained Glass Studios. Brought onboard as an assistant/apprentice, Chris has had the pleasure of working on the restoration of ecclesiastical, stained-glass windows from historic churches throughout the Finger Lakes region. Often, this restoration includes the replacement and recreation of damaged/broken pieces. Chris’ own stained-glass practice, dubbed Silicat Studios, has in recent years evolved to include not only recreations and contemporary interpretations of historic designs he’s encountered, but also the utilization (recycling/upcycling) of damaged and discarded glass fragments in his own contemporary designs. Chris refers to these works, in his own practice, as “Resurrection Glass.” Resurrection #9, among the works for sale currently at the Temple Theatre, was featured in the Small Works juried exhibition recently closed at Main Street Arts in Clifton Springs. Chris appreciates The Company Theatre’s support of local arts and artists, and the chance to display his work in alignment with The Company's mission of "Honoring Tradition Through Innovation." ​​​​​​​​
ABOUT THE CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM
Prophete Andazola (Fleance/Young Macduff): Prophete is overjoyed to join The Company Theatre again after their previous role in Romeo and Juliet as Prince Escalus. Also appearing as Bushy in Richard II and Soothsayer in Antony and Cleopatra, Prophete has been proud to learn and grow in such a kind and creative environment. "Thank you to my mother for bringing me into the world of theatre, and to my friends who, through continuously reminding me who I am and who I want to be, have become more like my family."
Natalie Bloss (Ross): Natalie was most recently seen in Steel Magnolias (Truvy) at Spotlight Theater and Performing Arts and as Lina in Cry it Out at Blackfriars Theater. She is beyond excited to be returning to Shakespeare after eight years. Some of Natalie’s favorite roles have included the Sugar Plum Fairy (Shrek the Musical), and Calliope (Xanadu). Natalie’s favorite part of her Macbeth experience with The Company Theater has been performing in such a beautiful space and getting to indulge in Shakespeare once more. She thanks her husband Jason and her boys for being rowdy, exhausting, and beautiful humans.
Kathryn Borden (Porter): Kathryn joins the amazing folks at The Company Theatre for her third production! After a 35-year break from community theatre while raising her children and watching them on stage, she returned to Blackfriars Theatre in Barbecue as Lilly Anne. She was most recently seen as Big Mama (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof) and Harriet (The Man Who Came to Dinner), both at The Company Theatre. She has also played with Out of Pocket, Inc. Kathryn is a member of the local Jazz Trio "LumenEssence" and also sings with Lee Wright’s choral group, First Inversion. Kathryn thanks her dad for passing on his theatrical (dramatic?) and playful genes, and is certain he is enjoying her performances from beyond the veil.
Vicki Casarett (Witch): Vicki has performed in myriad theatrical productions, including shows at Geva, Blackfriars, Rochester Community Players, Out of Pocket, JCC CenterStage, University of Rochester, Cobblestone Arts Center, Open Road Theatre, Shipping Dock, RAPA, Rochester Children’s Theatre, the Rochester Fringe Festival, and several reader's theatre productions. Most recently, she portrayed Emilia in Othello (ORT), Mrs. Malaprop in The Rivals (RCP), Mme. de Rosemonde in Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Blackfriars), and Agatha in The Moors (Out of Pocket). Vicki is a member of the Geriactors troupe, a MUCCC Artist in Residence, a veteran ENL teacher/tutor, and an acting/accent coach.
Campbell McDade Clay (Malcolm): Campbell is thrilled to return to The Company Theatre. Her recent credits include Mary Redfield/Greta in The Summer Land (The Company Theatre), Cecile Volanges in Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Blackfriars Theatre), Edith Royston in Only the Dead (Rochester Fringe Festival), Masha in The Seagull (The Company Theatre), and Mary Bennet in Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Blackfriars Theatre). She is eternally grateful to this wonderful cast and crew. Mom, Dad, Aunt Elizabeth, Delia, Niamh, Malachy and Juan: Go raibh míle maith agat.
Sammi Cohen (Lady Macduff): Sammi is honored to be returning to the Temple Theatre in her third production with The Company Theatre, having previously appeared in The Summer Land (Elizabeth Cady Stanton/Mrs. Kane) and The Man Who Came to Dinner (Lorraine Sheldon). Other recent stage appearances include Cabaret (Fraulein Kost), A Funny Thing Happened…Forum (Domina), and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Anne de Bourgh) at Blackfriars Theatre, Ragtime (Ens., u/s Emma Goldman) at JCC CenterStage, and Much Ado About Nothing (Hero) with the Rochester Community Players. Sammi is also proud to serve on the board of directors for The Company Theatre. When she isn’t performing, Sammi works in digital content marketing and serves as the creative director of Dear Blossom Studios, a Rochester-based portrait photography business (yes, they do headshots for performers!). Sammi has also been featured in Rochester Home and POST magazines for her stylish storytelling—which you can see for yourself on her blog, The Soubrette Brunette, and on her social media channels (@thesoubrettebrunette).
Carl Del Buono (Macbeth): Regional credits include The Summer Land (Director) at The Company Theatre, Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd) at Blackfriars Theatre, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Director) at The Company Theatre, Romeo and Juliet (Director) at The Company Theatre, Richard II (Director) at The Company Theatre, Much Ado About Nothing (Director) with Rochester Community Players, Antony and Cleopatra (Director) with Rochester Community Players, The Seagull (Director) at The Company Theatre, Little Women (Prof. Bhaer) at Bristol Valley Theater, Sister Act (T.J.) at Redhouse Arts Center, Sunday in the Park With George (George) at Blackfriars Theatre, Carl at Blackfriars, a benefit concert, My Fair Lady (Quartet/First Cockney) at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse (now The REV), The Last Five Years (Jamie) at JCC CenterStage, Die Fledermaus (Frosch) with Finger Lakes Opera, Romeo and Juliet (Friar Laurence) with WallByrdTheatre Co., and Angels in America (Prior) with Method Machine. In addition to acting and singing, Carl is an experienced voice actor, acting coach, and director as well as the founding artistic director of The Company Theatre in Rochester, NY. He’s also cohost of the popular podcast, BROADCAST REVISITED! For more information, follow Carl on socials: @carldelbuono and @broadcastrevisited
Ben Gillooly (Assistant Fight Director, u/s Macduff): Ben is always excited to work with The Company, in any capacity, and is enjoying every bit of it this time around. He's previously tread these very boards—most recently in last fall's Fringe Festival offering, Triple Jeopardy (Lorbert). Other fantastic theatrical experiences with The Company Theatre include The Man Who Came to Dinner (Bert Jefferson), Romeo and Juliet (Tybalt), Richard II (Gardener, Willoughby), and their very first Fringe Festival offering, Cell Outs (Taylor, Terrence). He has also worked with the Rochester Community Players on numerous occasions, such as in Pericles: Prince of Tyre (First Fisherman, King Simonides, Boult), The Winter's Tale (Antigonus), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Slender), Twelfth Night (Sebastian), and Antony & Cleopatra (Alexas). When he isn’t pretending to be somebody else, you can likely find Ben on a walk in NOTA, even in the coldest of winter weather.
Erin-Kate Howard (Macduff): Erin-Kate is thrilled to be back with The Company Theatre where she previously appeared in The Summer Land (Amy Post), The Seagull (Polina) and Richard II (Duchess of York) and worked under the amazing direction of Carl in RCP’s Antony and Cleopatra (Cleopatra) and in Blackfriars' Les Liaisons Dangereuse (Merteuil). Erin-Kate has also appeared at Blackfriars in Silent Sky (Annie Jump Cannon) and Twelfth Night (Olivia). Other credits: At JCC Centerstage: A Jewish Woman Walks Into a Maloca, Gloria Steinem in Regional Premiere of Gloria: A Life, the World Premiere of Stephen Kaplan’s Tracy Jones (Tracy Jones); With Out of Pocket (where she is also a proud board member): The Language Archive (Mary), Grace (Sarah), and The Shadow Box (Maggie); Method Machine’s Angels in America: Perestroika (The Angel); Lady Parts Theatre Co’s The Revolutionists (Olympe), The Drowning Girls (Margaret) and Exit, Pursued By a Bear (Nan), and Enemy in the Ranks. Erin-Kate has worked regionally at Geva Theatre Centre here in Rochester and at Arena Stage in Washington, DC. She has an MFA in acting from Catholic University of America. Biggest love to Prophete whose amazing mind, fierce heart, and brave spirit is her lodestar.
Caitlin Kenyon (Banquo): Caitlin is excited to be returning to the stage after a 3 year hiatus—and in her favorite Shakespeare play, no less! While this is Caitlin’s first production with the Company Theatre some of her favorite past stage credits include Beth in Temptations at Sweetwater Creek (Improv Boston), Macduff in Macbeth (Walbyrd Theatre Co.), Claryssa in Moth (Gloucester Stage Company), Isobel in Bull (SUNY Purchase College), and Emma in Betrayal (SUNY Purchase College). Caitlin has enjoyed the opportunity to return to the stage with such an incredible team of creatives in such an iconic theater space. She would like to thank her wonderful husband Ian, supportive family, and sweet cat children, Toyotathon and Spark Plug, for keeping her grounded and reminding her to clean their litter box when her ego gets too big. "Enjoy the show!"
Jael Lopez Gifford (Witch): Most recently seen as “Eve” in The Wisdom of Eve, Jael is excited to be back on stage with The Company Theatre. She thanks you for coming to see a show you may think you know and welcomes you into the wicked and wonderful realm of The Scottish Play. She can’t wait to share the stage with such talented actors and bring this timeless tale to life. She thanks Eric and Gabi, family, and friends for always supporting her and the arts.
Kidane Vida Malik (Witch): An actor born and raised in Rochester, Kidane is thrilled to be making mischief with the Company Theatre again! He has loved being in several shows since he started acting just over ten years ago; some favorites include Oedipus Rex (Chorus), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Monty Navarro), and Into the Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince). When not onstage, you can find him teaching ELA to begrudging middle schoolers, playing with fresh-cut flowers, or wishing he was curled up, under a tree, with a fat book and a sweet breeze. He'd like to thank the director, Philip, for this incredible opportunity and for encouraging the cast to openly exchange ideas during this process. He’d also like to thank his Sister Witches, Vicki and Jael, for their willingness to join him in putting extra time and love into these roles! He’s grateful for all those involved in the tireless work of bringing this production to life, and his supportive family and friends. A special shout out to his beautiful fiancée, Em, for sacrificing valuable time together so that he could spend his evenings playing amongst the trees.
Corrina Mullins (Donalbain, Young Siward): Corrina is excited to be a part of The Company Theatre’s Macbeth. Previous roles include Marina in Pericles: Prince of Tyre and Camillo in A Winter’s Tale.
David Munnell (Duncan/Siward): David is a local director, writer, and actor who is thrilled to be performing again on the Temple Stage, having acted previously for The Company Theatre as Professor Metz in The Man Who Came to Dinner and Sorin in The Seagull. Audiences may also recognize David from roles in productions at JCC Centerstage (Working and August: Osage County), Out of Pocket Productions (A Picasso), and Blackfriars (Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd, Shelly in Glengarry Glen Ross, Willy in Death of a Salesman, and Robert in Proof). A retired theatre professor, David and his wife Micheline enjoy traveling, sailing, golf, gardening, and playing with their dog, Gracie.
Ian Remmers (Lennox): Ian, a native of Seneca Lake, is delighted to be back in Rochester after time spent in NYC, reconnecting with the city’s vibrant performing arts community. He is thrilled to return to the stage for the first time in several years and couldn’t be happier to do so with The Company Theatre. Joining such a talented and passionate group of artists has been an absolute joy. Ian is deeply grateful for the encouragement from those who have kept his creative spark alive, reminding him to always make room for his passions. He’s excited for what’s ahead, while fondly reflecting on the journey that’s brought him here.
Jill Rittinger (Lady Macbeth): A partial list of acting credits include Arkadina in The Seagull (The Company Theatre); Henrietta Swan Leavitt in Silent Sky, Orsino in Twelfth Night, Catherine in Proof, Laura in The Glass Menagerie, the title role in Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh, Katharine Hepburn in the one-woman show, Tea at Five in (both 2007 and 2011), all at Blackfriars Theatre; Candy Starr in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (JCC Centerstage); Anna in Closer, Angel and Others in Angels in America: Millenium Approaches (Method Machine); and Miss Fischer in A Picasso with John Hertzler (Geva Theatre Center play reading). Previous intimacy direction credits include Dot, RENT and Cabaret at Blackfriars Theatre; Proof at SUNY Brockport; Freshwater, Concord Floral and Thy Name is Woman at RIT/NTID/School of Performing Arts; Only the Dead and Spring Awakening with The Company Theatre; The Moors with Out of Pocket Productions; Dead Man’s Cell Phone with hummingbird theatre co.; and Ragtime with JCC Centerstage. A few commercial credits include: URMC, I Love New York, Planned Parenthood, and campaign spots for Monroe County Executive, Adam Bello. Education: SUNY Fredonia–Theatre Arts, Circle in the Square Theatre School–Acting Intensive Program, Nazareth University–Masters in Adolescent Inclusive Education. She is a certified Consent-Forward Artist with IDC and a Level II Reiki Healer. As a standardized patient at URMC, she enjoys the opportunity to blend acting, education, and consent.
Philip Detrick (Director): Philip has had a tremendous time turning trouble and toil with this terrific cast. Directing credits include The Man Who Came To Dinner, Triple Jeopardy and Cell Outs with The Company Theatre and Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus with the Countryside Community Players in Algona, Iowa. Rochester performance credits include: Cliff in Cabaret, John in John and Jen, Arthur de Bourgh in Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Princeton/Rod in Avenue Q, and Ensemble in The Rocky Horror Show at Blackfriars Theatre; Konstantin in The Seagull and Harvey Marshall in Wisdom of Eve with The Company Theatre; Antony in Antony and Cleopatra with RCP at The Highland Bowl; Leonato in Much Ado About Nothing and Shawn Keogh in Playboy of the Western World with RCP at MuCCC; and Ensemble in Geva's A Christmas Carol. Philip would like to thank The Company Theatre for this incredible opportunity, his fiancée Kit, and his cats Lucky and Ned for supporting him in his nightly theatrical endeavors.
Sam Nelson (Assistant Director): Sam s so happy to be back at The Company Theatre! Sam has appeared as an actor at The Company Theatre in The Wisdom of Eve, Romeo and Juliet, and The Man Who Came to Dinner. They also assistant directed last year's production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Sam is an artistic director, stage manager, and actor in the Rochester area and has worked at many theater companies including Neighborhood Acting Company, Monroe Community College, the Rochester Fringe Festival, A Magical Journey Thru Stages, and many more. Special thanks to Philip for this opportunity! Enjoy the show! Instagram: @26Sams
Bev Bauman (Stage Manager): Bev has served as the stage manager for a multitude of productions around Rochester and is grateful to be working on her first show with The Company Theater. Other recent notable credits include stage manager for School of Rock and assistant stage manager for Ragtime at JCC CenterStage; assistant director for The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley and stage manager for Sweeney Todd, Cabaret, Once On This Island, and Imagination Station with Mrs. Kasha Davis at Blackfriars Theatre; stage manager of Finger Lake Opera’s Gianni Schicchi and assistant stage manager for Finger Lake Opera’s 2021, 2022, and 2023 Tomika Young Artists Programs and their 2023 production of Aida. In addition to her theatre work, Bev spends her days educating young minds as an early childhood educator at the Children’s Center of Brighton.
Can't get enough MACBETH? Catch the critically acclaimed West End production, filmed live on stage, screening at The Little Theatre (our community partner for our production) on February 9th and 16th!
This season, a portion of our ticket proceeds for all ASL-interpreted performances will be donated to Rochester Deaf Kitchen to help fight food insecurity within our city's Deaf community. Please join us in supporting this worthy cause!
THANKS TO OUR DONORS:
PREMIERE ($1000+):
Lisa Lipski
Peter and Elaine Royal
Lydia Palmer**
Under The Arbor Bridal~
LEADING ($500+):
Anonymous
Ron Dufort**
Sally Milick
David Munnell*
Susan Murad**
Blake and Dr. Sara Blick Nitko~
Katherine Royal
MAJOR($250+):
Denise Bartalo
Margaret and David Burns
Peter Elliott
Jacquelyn Murad and Joyce Tencza
Jill Rittinger** and Andy Lytwynec
SUPPORTING ($100+):
Frank Barone and Joseph Weber
Robert G. Barone
Donald Brenner
John Burrows
Roberta Gorman
Patrick Kinney
Christopher McCormack
Barbara Murphy
ENTHUSIAST ($50+):
Louis Cinelli
Sally Cohen
Sara Penner
Richard and Cynthia Rittinger
David Runzo
Richard Staropoli
MEMBER ($25+):
Lauren MacDonough
Michelle McElduff
Eric McKinley
Francois Piche
FRIENDS OF THE COMPANY THEATRE
Jill Brewer, Lucas Brown, Sean King, Judith Molner, Connie Neer, Michael Steeves, Seema Theruvi, Julia Thomas, Brynn Tyszka
**Current Board Member
* Past Board Member
~ In Kind Donor
Any errors or omissions are purely accidental. Please email info@thecompanytheatreroc.org with corrections.
SPECIAL THANKS TO:​
Eastman School of Music
RIT | National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Rochester Deaf Kitchen
TheatreROCS
The Little Theatre
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And a special thanks to our donors and patrons who have joined us thus far and for the many seasons to come.