What do Macbeth, King of Scotland, and Frank Sinatra have in common?
Answer - They will both be on stage (in spirit!) on Broadway when Gordonstoun School tours New York with a highly talented group of students and their own version of:
ITINERARY
The Tour, from 18 - 29 March 2007, includes performances at locations in and around New York:
The Ross School, East Hampton- Monday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m.
The Ross School
18 Goodfriend Drive, East Hampton, NY
Tickets: students $5, adults $10
For information, please contact Diana Aceti at (631) 907-5112, daceti@ross.org.
NYU Steinhardt School of Education Black Box Theatre- Wednesday, March 21st at 7:30 p.m.
NYU’s Steinhardt School of Education’ Black Box Theatre
82 Washington Square East in New York
Admission: FREE
For more information, contact: (212) 998-5424
LaGuardia High School, Thursday, March 22nd; times TBD
Two performances at LaGuardia High School for Performing Arts
(The Fame School)
100 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, New York
For more information, contact: 212.496.0700
M.S. 51 William Alexander School – Friday, March 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
A performance for the school and the Gordonstoun American Foundation;
GAF Reception to follow
350 Fifth Avenue, Brooklyn
ADMISSION: $5 general admission, $100 preferred seating and reception to benefit
Gordonstoun American Foundation
For more information, contact: (718) 369-7603
Additional Performances:
Hotchkiss School (Round Square)- Monday, March 26th
Deerfield Academy (Round Square)- Tuesday, March 27th
As well as the above performances the group will be have the opportunity for some sightseeing and will watch performances of the musicals Rent and Avenue Q.
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MESSAGES OF SUPPORT
..."Shakespeare really is not only the man for all seasons but for all people and places and philosophies. That is why when you tour with Macbeth you have an almost sacred responsibility as you become the mouthpieces and assume the spirit of the person who, outside strictly religious spheres, has more to say more deeply to us all, anywhere in the twenty-first century. Mr Williams's start, yet senstivie interpreation has, in your hands, been reviewed with real enthuasiasm both at Gordonstoun and in Edinburgh. Now you are off to America, where your Macbeth will be received with no less accliam and where there may be a friend or relation of Frank Sinatra in the audience"
Mark Pyper, Headmaster, Gordonstoun
..."Travelling is an experience in itself, embarking on such an adventure as this, taking one of Shakespeare's most powerful plays, Macbeth, to the United States of America should be a fantastic eye opener for all involved. The chance to learn about different perspectives and cultures is one of the greatest challenges for both performers and audiences"...
HRH The Earl of Wessex KG, KCVO
..."Some of the best and clearest Shakespeare performances I have ever seen have been given by young people, most especailly, the young people of today - this next generation has a great sense of self, and I like that very much. The cast from Gordonstoun School are touring Shakespeare and we should congratulate them for their skill, craft and for spreading the word - Shakespeare acted well is a wonderful gift for an audience"
Roger Rees, Award-winning Actor and Director
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REVIEWS
"That Old Black Magic is the inspried invention of Nigel Williams and a company from Gordonstoun School, which daringly splices the play with Sinatra songs, beautifully sung by Katie Brinton and Tom Harrison, with a live band"
"The production looks gorgeous, styled in black-and-white Dracula chic with candelabras, velvet and a coffin-like box which serves as a multifunctional prop"
The Scotsman Newspaper 2006
"Macbeth played by Rory Campbell has the looks of a matinee idol, not unlike a young Laurence Olivier"
"Creatively directed by Nigel Willams this is a fresh, exciting show performed with imagination, intelligence and wit"
"...an exceptionally talented teenage ensemble"
Edinburghguide.com
"The young performers are extremely good and special mention must be made of Rory Campbell as Macbeth; he gives an electrifying and believable performance."
"This production should change the mind of anyone who thinks that Shakespeare is dull or boring"
Broadwaybabe.com
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THANKS
Without the support and help of several people in the US this tour would not be possible. Special thanks must go to:
John McEneny, Head of Drama at William Alexander Middle School 51 in Brooklyn for his enthusiasm and efforts - including building the set and organising the main reception.
Janet Brinton, mother of Katie Brinton who plays the MC in Macbeth, for arranging the performance at Ross School, sourcing and buying props, organising accommodation, shows, restaurants ...and much more.
JIll Blakeway and Noah Rubinstein, parents of Emma Thake, Drama student at Gordonstoun, for their help with contacts, helpers, ideas and advice at all levels.
John Jackson for his support for the theatre visits, the hire of the truck and the Reception for the Gordonstoun American Foundation.
Also a big thanks to our host venues: Ross School, New York University, LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, William Alexander Middle School, Hotchkiss School and Deerfield Academy.
The final word must come from Nigel Williams, Head of Drama at Gordonstoun and director of Macbeth, that Old Black Magic:
"I set about the production of Macbeth with two things in mind:
Could I make such a well known, well worn story fresh and relevant to young people and yet still be true to the story?
Can I get my cast to be interested and engaged throughout and help them create something unique and original?
Let you be the judge!"