Stark Naked Theatre's MACBETH to Open Next Week, 6/7

Stark Naked Theatre Company concludes its award-winning second season with a bold interpretation of Macbeth, William Shakespeare's timeless and powerful tale of corruption, betrayal, fate, and the deadly consequences of unfettered ambition. Following rave reviews and sold-out audiences for God of Carnage, Stark Naked Theatre's upcoming production of Macbeth features Philip Lehl and Kim Tobin--mainstays of the Houston theatre scene and co-founders of Stark Naked Theatre--portraying the dynamic roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

Lehl, a classically-trained actor and Juilliard graduate, understands exactly what is required to make the Bard's timeless stories accessible to modern audiences. Lehl notes that "one of Stark Naked's core principles is a commitment to emotionally truthful acting. We've chosen Macbeth as the theatre's first classical production because of its raw and unblinking look at the psychology of human ambition." Universally considered one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies (and loosely inspired by the reign of Macbeth, King of Scotland in the mid-eleventh century), the play opens with news of a triumphant war victory, and a prophecy by three witches that the heroic general Macbeth will one day become King. Initially intrigued by the prediction, Macbeth is relentlessly urged by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, to seize the throne. The events that follow dramatically depict the political and psychological consequences of the Macbeths' moral descent.

Stark Naked Theatre's production of Macbeth begins with a preview on June 6th and opens on June 7th, with performances held through June 22nd at Stark Naked's STUDIO 101, located at Spring Street Studios, 1824 Spring Street, Houston, Texas, 77007. To further explore the highly relevant themes of the play and combine live theatre with an equally powerful visual arts experience, a corresponding art exhibit, entitled Haunted, will be available for viewing one hour prior to each performance. Regular show times are as follows: Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm and a special "Pay What You Can" performance scheduled on Monday, June 17th at 7:30 pm. Tickets (priced at $20 for general admission, $17 for seniors and $10 for students) are available for purchase at www.starknakedtheatre.com or by phone at 832.866.6514.