Returns to Himself to Lead ‘Macbeth’ for Shakespeare Project

This fall, Christopher Prentice is returning to a favorite Shakespearean tragic hero (villain?), when he takes on the title role of Macbeth for a third time. The Shakespeare Project of Chicago theatrical reading, Oct. 23–27, comes nearly 20 years after Prentice's last attempt at the role.

Directed by Peter Garino, Prentice will star alongside Michelle Shupe as Lady Macbeth, David Skidmore as Duncan, and Joe Fernandez as Macduff.

Shupe and Prentice last appeared in tandem as Elizabeth and Richard in The Project's 2020 version of Richard III, directed by Garino.

The cast is rounded out by Christian Davis Aldridge, Zach Bloomfield, Andrew Bosworth, Ryan Wright Cassidy, Kason Cheskey, Diane Dorsey, Shelby Marie Edwards, Joseph Green, Eamon McInerney, Elyna Mellen, Mary Nigohosian, Jordan Palmer, Josh Razavi, and Laney Rodriguez.

TThe production will include original music and sound design by George Zahora, and dramaturg Kyle Thomas will give introductory remarks before each performance.

This project marks Chris's fifth production of the play and his third appearance in the title role. He first played "Mackers" as a short-notice replacement in the 2006 Chase Park Theater staging, directed by Karen Fort. He toured Big Sky country in the role in Susan Felder's 2008 production for Montana Shakespeare in the Parks. In 2015, he was the assistant director and text coach for The Artistic Home's production, directed by Scott Westerman, and he understudied Banquo, Duncan, and the Bloody Sergeant for Aaron Posner and Teller's 2018 production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

The production continues Prentice's collaboration with Garino, which began in 2015, with Garino directing Prentice in the title role of The Revenger's Tragedy, and has continued with Prentice's appearances as Richard III, Sherlock Holmes, and Philip the Bastard.

Macbeth tours Oct. 23–27 to Chicago-area venues. Visit shakespeareprojectchicago.org for times and reservations.