Abby Knight
JSU News Bureau

JACKSONVILLE -- October 17, 2002 -- Jacksonville State University's drama department will be performing William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" October 17 through 21 at the Stone Center for the Performing Arts. The "Scottish play," as it is often referred to, was Shakespeare's shortest play and written to please England's new king, James I. Shakespeare's patron was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and had a well-known fascination with witchcraft and the occult.

The play focuses on one couple's deadly ambition. But it is the magic and madness in the play that makes it one of Shakespeare's darkest works. Among theater people, the play is believed to be cursed. It is believed to be so unlucky that just by saying the title, quoting from it, or using props from it can produce bad luck.

There are several theories as to why. One is that the spells and incantations spoken by the Three Witches in the play are actually black magic spells that Shakespeare incorporated into the script.

Another theory is that "Macbeth" has a history of bad luck beginning with its premiere in August 1606, when allegedly the young boy playing Lady Macbeth died backstage on opening night.

Historically, it has also always been an audience favorite, filled with memorable characters and lines, chilling scenes, battles, backstabbing, and, as the JSU drama department puts it, "more blood and gore then Hollywood's latest slasher flick."

JSU's production of "Macbeth" features Jeff Roper, Gadsden; Casey Campbell, Prattville; Anthony Guffey, Leesburg; Jeremy West, Hokes Bluff; Rick Gwin, Attalla; Joe Fuselli, Jacksonville; Glenn Davenport, Eastaboga; Justin Young, Hokes Bluff; Brian Seitel, Chelsea; Jared Wright, Jonesboro, GA; Chad Howard, Chelsea; Matthew S. Jones, Meridianville; Taylor Bridges, Albertville; Taylor Hyatt, Arab; Michael Raines, Jacksonville; Chris West, Jacksonville; Jon Thomas, Lincoln; Scott Merrill, Lincoln; Jonathan Lawson, Bryant; Ben Whitehead, Jacksonville; Becky Johnson, Warrior; Samantha Rosentrater, Jacksonville; Amanda Kirker, Montgomery; Jessica Abernathy, Cartersville, GA; Meredith Baker, Marianna, FL; Christina Thompson, Weaver; Jessica Sanborn, Jacksonville; Mandy Dickens, Jacksonville; Candice Carter, Madison; and Lora Roberts, Oxford.

The curtain rises on "Macbeth" at 7:00 p.m. on October 17 and will run through October 21. Sunday's performance will be at 2:00 p.m. All other performances will be at 7 p.m. Tickets for Adults are $6.00; Senior Citizens & JSU Personnel $5.00;Students and military $4.00. Reservations are recommended - (256) 782-5648. Due to the violent nature of the show, it is not recommended for children under the age of 10.