Macbeth
Director's Note
Shakespeare’s Macbeth has always been a mirror for societies in moments of moral uncertainty. In reimagining the play during the 1920s Prohibition era, we discover striking parallels between Macbeth’s Scotland, the underworld of bootleggers and mobsters, and our own America today.
The Prohibition era promised reform and purity, but it gave rise instead to corruption, organized crime, and moral compromise. Macbeth’s Scotland suffers the same fate. What begins as an orderly kingdom unravels into chaos when ambition overpowers integrity. Both worlds reveal how systems meant to uphold morality can breed deceit, violence, and fear when power becomes the ultimate prize.
​
Our production unfolds in a smoky, jazz-filled world where mobsters replace monarchs and speakeasies stand in for castles. The witches become underground mobsters, their prophecies whispered like secrets in the dark. Here, ambition is fueled by whiskey and greed, and loyalty is as fragile as a glass in a gangster’s hand.
​
This setting is not just a stylistic choice; it’s a reflection of our own times. Today, we too live in an age of ambition and unrest, where truth is often manipulated, corruption hides behind charm, and the pursuit of power threatens to erode empathy and community. Just as Macbeth’s choices bring destruction to his world, we are reminded that our collective moral compass must guide us through our own age of uncertainty.
By placing Macbeth in the Prohibition era, we hold up a mirror to ourselves. The play’s warnings about unchecked ambition, deception, and moral decay remain as potent now as they were in Shakespeare’s time. In every age, whether in a Scottish castle, a 1920s speakeasy, or the headlines of today, Macbeth reminds us that the thirst for power can destroy not only the individual but the world around them.
​
- Karla Kash
​
Cast List
Witches/Weird Sisters/Murders:
First: Amelia Hammond
Second: Grace Thomas
Third: Meg Amburgey (u/s Sophia Wilkinson)
Duncan, King of Scotland: Amy Berger (u/s Paul Duncan)
Malcom, Duncan’s his elder son: Wren Johnston (u/s Lainey Miller)
Donalbain, Duncan’s younger son: Allison Fronzaglia (u/s Addison Miller)
A Captain, in Duncan’s army: Sophia Wilkinson (u/s Paul Duncan)
Macbeth, Thane of Glamis: Dermot Healy (u/s Wren Johnston)
Lady Macbeth: Mackenzie Ludwig (u/s Hannah Lewis)
Seyton, Attendant to Macbeth: Lainey Miller (u/s Addison Miller)
Messenger, to Lady Macbeth: Allison Fronzaglia (u/s Addison Miller)
A Porter: Lavannah Hamilton (u/s Paul Duncan)
Servant, to Macbeth: Lainey Miller (u/s Addison Miller)
A Doctor, to Lady Macbeth: Allison Fronzaglia (u/s Paul Duncan)
A Gentlewoman, to Lady Macbeth: Sophia Wilkinson (u/s Addison Miller)
Messenger, to Macbeth: Sophia Wilkinson (u/s Addison Miller)
Banquo, Commander, with Macbeth, of Duncan’s army: Hannah Lewis (u/s Bailey Grizzell)
Fleance, his son: Sophia Wilkinson (u/s Paul Duncan)
Macduff, a Scottish Noble: Elijah Shiley (u/s Allison Fronzaglia)
Lady Macduff: Lavannah Hamilton (u/s Addison Miller)
Their son: Addison Miller
Messenger, to Lady Macduff: Lainey Miller (u/s Paul Duncan)
Scottish Nobles:
Lennox: Sydney Mendez (u/s Lainey Miller)
Ross: Lauren Price (u/s Lavannah Hamilton)
Angus: Paul Duncan
Menteith: Bailey Grizzell (u/s Paul Duncan)
Caithness: Amy Berger (u/s Addison Miller)
​
Siward, commander of the English forces: Lavannah Hamilton (u/s Paul Duncan)
Young Siward, Siward’s son: Addison Miller
An Old Man: Paul Duncan
A Doctor, at the English court: Bailey Grizzell (u/s Paul Duncan)
Hecate, Goddess of Witchcraft: Allison Fronzaglia (u/s Addison Miller)
Apparitions: Amy Berger, Sophia Wilkinson, Bailey Grizzell
8 Kings: Elijah Shiley, Addison Miller, Paul Duncan, Lainey Miller, Sam Barker, Becca Young, Wren Johnston
Attendants/Servants, Lords,/Soldiers: Paul Duncan, Addison Miller
​
​​​​​
Production/Creative Team
Director/Fight Director/Intimacy Director: Karla Kash
Set/Costume/Co-Lighting Designer: Sue Hlavinka
Composer: Doug McConnoll
Co-Production Stage Manager/Assistant Costume Designer/Scenic Charge Artist: Sam Barker
Co-Production Stage Manager/Master Electrician/Head Carpenter: Dylan Reid
Assistant Stage Manager: Matt Strouse
Assistant Directors: Evan Eaglin
Props Designer: Sophia Wilkinson
Hair Make-up Designer: Mackenzie Ludwig
Assistant Fight Director: Lauren Price
Assistant Intimacy Director/Dramaturg: Hannah Lewis
Co-Lighting Designer: Jer Marshall
Assistant Set Designer/Assistant Scenic Charge: R. Wiles
Mic Board Operator/Sound Mixer: Ace Bragg
Light Board Operator: Zion Pinell
Sound Board Operator: V Reynhout
Stage Crew: Becca Young
Poster Designer: Bri Clark
Program/Website Design: Melaina Brostenianc
​​
Meet the Cast
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
Amelia Hammond she/her (First Witch/Murderer) is so proud to be part of this magical production of MacBeth! She is a fourth-year theatre major with a concentration in Acting. Amelia has previously performed in The SpongeBob Musical (Plankton), Wendy & Peter Pan (Crocodile), We Have Apples (Jane), One Man, Two Guvnors (Alfie/Old Man), 26 Pebbles (Yolie/Jeriann/Sally), Godspell (Learn Your Lessons Well soloist), The Prom (Angie), and Trojan Women (Talthybius). This summer, Amelia performed with Playmakers Civic Theatre in Port Clinton, OH in their production of Legally Blonde (Elle Woods) and instructed a theatre summer camp at EHOVE with Matt Strouse. At Heidelberg, she is the President of the improv troupe, Make-A-Scene, and a proud member of Studio2Stage and Zeta Theta Psi Embers. Amelia is dedicated to telling her story through characters on stage and continuing to advocate for others to speak out about their own experiences in life. She’d like to thank her family and dear friends for cheering her on every performance.
​
Meg Amburgey she/her (Third Witch/Third Murderer) is thrilled to be a part of Heidelberg’s production Macbeth. Other shows at Heidelberg include The Prom (Dee Dee Allen), One Man, Two Guvnors (Pauline), Godspell (Day by Day Soloist), The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (Lexie Richards), and SIX! (Anna of Cleves) at the Toledo Repertoire Theater. She would like to thank her family, friends, and teachers for always supporting her!
​
​
Amy Berger she/her (Duncan/Apparition/Caithness) Amy is thrilled to appear alongside this talented cast of Berg theatre students. Recent Heidelberg appearances include The Prom (Mrs. Greene) and The Half-Life of Marie Curie (Director). Amy is also active in local community theatre including appearances in The Drowsy Chaperone (Tottendale) and The Play That Goes Wrong (Chris Bean/Inspector Carter) with the Ritz Players, and Silent Sky (Williamina) with the Fremont Community Theatre. Many thanks to the crew and cast for welcoming the environmental scientist and Shakespeare fan who wandered across Greenfield Street!
​
​
Wren Johnston he/him (Malcolm/Macbeth u/s) is a first year Musical Theatre and Elementary Education major taking part in his second show at Heidelberg University. Wren is from Wyoming, Michigan where he most recently performed as Gomez Addams in Grandville High School’s The Addams Family. A few more notable credits of his are Nikos/Kiki in Legally Blonde, Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, and Tom in Radium Girls. In addition to Macbeth, Wren also partakes in Heidelberg’s Studio2Stage ensemble, and the Make-A-Scene improv troupe. Wren would like to thank his family for their constant support of his fascination with the arts and his wonderful friends who have invited him into the Heidelberg Theatre environment so warmly.
​
Allison Fronzaglia she/her (Lima, OH) (Donalbain/Hecate/Messenger/Doctor), is so excited for her first Shakespearean play, Macbeth! Here at Heidelberg, you may have seen her in last year’s productions of Trojan Women (Poseidon), Birthday Candles (Ernestine), or most recently Legally Blonde (Delta Nu/Chutney Wyndham). She wants to thank Karla Kash for the opportunity to explore new styles, and hopes you all enjoy the show!
Sophia Wilkinson she/her (Fleance/ 2nd apparition) Sophia is so excited to be back at Heidelberg for her sophomore year! Sophia is a Musical Theater major from Texas. She has also appeared in You Just Never Know (Claire), Trojan Women (chorus), and The Prom (Ensemble). This show has been so much fun to work on with her amazing cast mates and she is looking forward to another great semester in theater! Sophia would like to thank her family, friends, directors, and professors for their endless support!
​​
​
Dermot Healy he/him (Macbeth) is excited to be returning to Gundlach in this production of Macbeth. His other shows include Legally Blonde(Aaron Schultz), The Prom(Mr. Hawkins), 26 Pebbles(Actor 3) You Just Never Know(Geoff), Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins(Charles Guiteau), One Man, Two Guuvnors(Harry Dangle), Measure for Measure(Escalus), Fiorello!(Ensamble), SpongeBob(Gary), The Other Place(Man), Wendy and Peter Pan(Tom), and Chicago(Ensemble).
Mackenzie Ludwig she/her (Lady Macbeth/Hair and Make-up) from Macomb, Michigan is a senior at Heidelberg University majoring in theatre with a concentration in acting and minor in psychology. In her theatrical performances at Heidelberg University she was previously in Legally Blonde (Serena), Trojan Women (Helen of Troy), The Prom (Ensemble/ Dance Captain), Sweet Delilah Swim Club(Jeri-Neal), You Just Never Know(Mo), Fiorello (Chorus Cutie), Measure for Measure (Varrius), Circle Mirror Transformation (Theresa), and Assassins (Ensemble/dance captain). Along with acting, she was also head of hair and makeup for Trojan Women, 26 Pebbles, Circle Mirror Transformation, One Man Two Guvnors, and The Letter G. Before attending Heidelberg, she was in Pride and Prejudice (Elizabeth Bennet) and Annie (Lily St. Regis) at Eisenhower High School. She is also game-master of the improv group, “Make-a-scene." She also is inducted as a Thespian and Alpha Psi Omega member serving as secretary. In Mack's professional life, she works as a Party Princess at Tea Party Castle in Shelby Township, Michigan, providing entertainment and magic to children and adults. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a career acting in film. Mack enjoys spreading relevant messages through the art of storytelling through several mediums, but specifically her love of theater and film.
​
Lavannah Hamilton She/Her (A Porter/Lady Macduff/Siward) is a sophomore Musical Theater major from Wakeman, OH who is extremely excited to work on her first Shakespeare show at Heidelberg University. She has never been a huge fan of Shakespeare, but working on this show has been so much fun, especially with the 1920s twist. Lavannah has previously performed in Trojan Women (Chorus), Birthday Candles (Joan/Alex/Beth), and Legally Blonde (Ensemble), and has been assistant stage manager for You Just Never Know and The Prom, as well as the production stage manager for 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche and Rocky Horror Picture Show . She is extremely grateful to be a part of this production, and she is very proud of everyone in the show!
Hannah Lewis (Banquo, Lady Macbeth U/S, Dramaturgy) is a junior musical theatre major from Solon, Ohio and she is thrilled to be back in the world of Shakespeare. Hannah also has appeared in various productions on the Heidelberg stage, including Legally Blonde (Vivienne), Trojan Women (Cassandra), Sweet Delilah Swim Club (Vernidette), The Half Life of Marie Curie (Marie), Assassins (Squeaky), Measure for Measure (Lucio), and Godspell (By My Side). She has also worked as props, dramaturg, stage management, and more on various productions since coming to Heidelberg and has loved the opportunity to work on both sides. Hannah is grateful to Karla for giving her the opportunity to explore the world of Shakespeare and perform one of her favorite Shakespeare plays. She also wants to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work and commitment to this beast of a production. Most of all, she wants to thank her family for all their support as she pursues her dreams. She hopes you enjoy the show!!!
​
Elijah Shiley he/him (Macduff/8 Kings) is a junior music education major from Tiffin, Ohio and is quite excited to bring the beautiful text of Macbeth alive. Elijah has appeared previously in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Himself), Birthday Candles (Matt/William), and Legally Blonde (Ensemble). He would like to thank all involved in the production, our lovely SMT faculty, and his home Shakespeare troupe, Birchard Players.
​​
​
Addison Miller She/Her (Young Siward, Son of Macduff) is incredibly excited to be in her second production here at Heidelberg! Addison is from Armada, Michigan and is a freshman musical theatre major and business minor with the hopes to one day open her own theatre company with her sister Payton. You may have recently seen Addison in Heidelberg’s Production of Legally Blonde as a member of the ensemble. Macbeth is Addison’s 30th show and she is looking forward to being a part of many more shows in the future. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her and would also like to thank Karla Kash for giving her the opportunity to be a part of this incredible show! She hopes everyone enjoys Heidelberg’s production of Macbeth. ​
​
Sydney Mendez (they/them) Lennox is a Junior Musical Theatre Major. They are so excited to be a part of their eighth show here at Heidelberg University. They previously had the opportunity of playing previous roles of Emma Nolan (The Prom), “We Beseech Thee” Soloist (Godspell), Ensemble (Legally Blonde/Assassin/Measure For Measure/Fiorello), and is honored to be sharing the Gundlach stage with this awesome group of performers. Sydney would like to thank Karla Kash for this opportunity, and their family back home in FL for all the love and support! Please enjoy the show!
​​​
​
​
Lauren Price she/her (Ross, Assistant Fight Director) Lauren is thrilled to be back on the Gundlach Stage for her fifth semester! Lauren is a junior Musical Theater and Music double major. She has also appeared in 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche (Lulie), The Prom (Sheldon Saperstein), Trojan Women (Athena), The Sweet Delilah Swim Club (Dinah Grayson), Godspell (Marianne Williamson), Assassins (Ensemble), Circle Mirror Transformation (Lauren), Measure For Measure (Marianna), and Fiorello! (Nina). She serves as the costume shop manager and Concert Choir Attire Coordinator. She is also a member of the Heidelberg University Marching Band and Concert Choir, Tau Mu Sigma Music Honorary, and Vice President of Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honorary. This show has been an honor to work on with her fellow cast, directors, and production team! Bringing this Shakespeare classic to life in a new way has been such a joy. Lauren would like to thank her family, friends, and professors for their endless support!
​
Paul Duncan He/Him (Angus) This will be Paul’s 2nd heidelberg performance and his very first attempt on Shakespeare. Paul fell in love with theatre since his very first show and was immediately sure this is what he wanted to do with his life. He’s been in a variety of shows both at his high school and at his community theatre. He would like to thank everyone for coming to the show and hope you all enjoy!!
​​
​
​
Bailey Grizzell she/her (Third Apparition/ Doctor/Menteith/Banquo u/s) - from Grove City, Ohio is so excited to be in Macbeth! She is a second-year musical theatre major. She has previously performed in Godspell (Ensemble), 26 Pebbles (Swing), Trojan Women (Chorus), The Prom (Ensemble) and Legally Blonde (Ensemble/Dance Captain). She is very grateful for her family, friends and her dog!
​​​​​
​​
Meet the Crew and Band
.png)
Karla Kash She/Her (Director/Fight and Intimacy Director). Professor Kash is grateful to be working with this talented team on one of Shakespeare’s most wicked tragedies. Ms. Kash has previously directed productions of The Prom, Godspell, Assassins, Wendy and Peter Pan, SpongeBob the Musical, and Measure for Measure at Heidelberg, and she has also choreographed Fiorello!
Professor Kash is in her fourth year as an Associate Professor and Director of Theatre at Heidelberg University. This fall marks her twentieth year as a full-time educator at the university level. Karla feels blessed to be a part of the Heidelberg team and the Tiffin community.
Ms. Kash is a professional director and choreographer and a member of the Society of Directors and Choreographers. She is also a professional actor and an Actors' Equity Association member. Additionally, she is a fight director trained in six weapons by the Society of American Fight Directors and trained in intimacy direction. Ms. Kash is certified in Mental Health First Aid and has completed Green Dot training.
Some of Ms. Kash’s favorite roles as an actor are Barbara in August: Osage County at Repertory Theatre of Iowa; Susan in the musical [title of show] and Becca in Rabbit Hole at StageWest; Diana in Next to Normal at Des Moines Onstage; Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet at American Theatre for Actors in NYC (and was the production's fight director); and Martha in A Piece of My Heart at the Metropolitan Playhouse, NYC. Karla’s most incredible experience as an actor is playing Josie in A Moon for the Misbegotten opposite her mentor, the late Jonathan McMurtry, at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, CA, under the direction of David Ellenstein.
Ms. Kash’s favorite productions as a professional director, choreographer, and/or fight director are Parade, Jerry Springer the Opera, Spring Awakening, and Avenue Q for StageWest; West Side Story, Rock of Ages, and The Wedding Singer for The Des Moines Playhouse; The Glass Menagerie, Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, As You Like It, and Twelfth Night for The Repertory Theatre of Iowa; The World Goes ‘Round for The International Lyric Academy in Italy; and Shipwrecked at The Black Hills Playhouse. A career highlight for Karla was doing the fight direction for the Broadway National Tour of La Cage Aux Folles.
Ms. Kash earned a BFA in Acting with an emphasis in Dance, Directing, and Musical Theatre from Wright State University and an MFA in Acting with a focus on Classical Theatre and Movement Studies from Brandeis University.
Professor Kash's proudest accomplishment in her educational career was receiving the distinguished Madlyn Levitt Mentor of the Year award at Drake University, where she was also granted tenure.
Dr. Doug McConnell He/Him (Composer) is Professor Emeritus of Composition and Music for the
School of Music and Theatre at Heidelberg University His compositions have been performed throughout
the U.S. and internationally. Doug has written for a variety of performing mediums, but he especially
enjoys writing for voices; his work in this area includes a variety of works for choirs. He has also
composed several song cycles and collections, based on poetry by Langston Hughes, Sara Teasdale and
William Reyer. Over the years, Dr. McConnell has enjoyed composing incidental music/sound design for
the Heidelberg Theatre program; this tradition continues with this production. Previous shows include
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Oedipus Rex, Lysistrata, Eurydice, Measure for
Measure and The Trojan Women.
Dr. McConnell’s new CD/steaming project, While I Run This Race will be released on November 7, 2025;
it includes two major chamber works (Langston’s Lot, for tenor voice, alto saxophone and piano and
While I Run this Race, for piano trio; both have been performed at Heidelberg) and some organ pieces.
For more information or to order a copy, please consult AMP Recordings (https://www.amp-
recordings.com). The release will also be available on major streaming services.
​​​​​
​​​​
​
Sam Barker He/Him (Co-Stage Manager/Scenic Charge/Assistant Costume Designer) is a current senior from Upper Sandusky, Ohio pursuing Theater Production and a minor in Art. Having transferred from Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and previously studying Art and Philosophy, he is honored to have the opportunity to assist the talented cast in this production. Some of Sam’s previous works at Heidelberg include: Circle Mirror Transformation (Assistant Stage Manager), One Man Two Guvnors (Crew/Assistant Scenic Charge), Assassins (Assistant Stage Manager/ Assistant Scenic Charge), The Letter G (Props Designer), Godspell (Scenic Charge/Crew), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Props Designer/Crew), 26 Pebbles (Assistant Lighting Designer/Sound Board Operator), Sweet Delilah Swim Club (Props Designer/Crew), Little Women (Stage Manager/Set Designer/Scenic Charge), The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (Light Board Operator), Trojan Women (Assistant Scenic Charge/Light Board Operator), Lion King (Set Designer, Scenic Charge, Light Board Operator), Birthday Candles (Hair and Makeup Designer), The Prom (Set Designer/Assistant Stage Manager/Scenic Charge), Senior Showcase (Production Designer), Legally Blonde (Assistant Stage Manager/Scenic Charge), 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche (Light Board Operator), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Set Designer/Prop Designer), Dracula Comedy of Terrors (Scenic Charge/Puppet Designer). He would also like to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support!
​​​
​
Matthew Strouse he/him, (Assistant Stage Manager) (Oak Harbor, Ohio) is a sophomore at Heidelberg University majoring in Musical Theater and minoring in Business. He has previously performed in The Prom (Nick) The Robber Bridegroom (Goat) and Godspell (Ensemble), but now he is behind the scenes helping out. He is thrilled for the opportunity to watch the cast grow, and he thinks you will really enjoy the show!
​
​​
​​
​
​
R.Wiles They/them (assistant scenic charge/Front of house management) they are so excited to help with macbeth They are a first year theater production major with a focus in puppetry. at Heidelberg Wiles has previously worked in legally blonde.(front of house/assistant scenic design) and 5 Lesbians eating a quiche (stage management/prop master) and has previously worked on heist quest(princess chicken), little mermaid (prop master), the lion, the witch and the wardrobe (puppet maker) and into the woods (milky white/puppet manager) they would like to thank their parents and friends for always showing up and supporting their true passions
​
​
​
Becca Young She/Her (Tech Crew) is a junior majoring in Theatre with a Concentration in Acting and a minor in Business. She is ecstatic to be a part of Macbeth tech crew, previously performing on the Gundlach stage and the Black Box in Godspell (Ensemble/ Props Designer), 26 Pebbles (Actor 1),Trojan Women (Soldier/ Chorus u/s Menelaus), Birthday Candles (Alice/Madeline/Ernie), Legally Blonde (Kate/D.A. Joyce Riley), and Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors (Jonathan Harker/Lord Cavendish/ Lord Worthington/Lord Have mercy/Gravedigger). You may also have seen her work as props designer for One Man, Two Guvnors, Godspell, The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged), and Legally Blonde.
Becca would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support, as well as the entire cast and crew for all of their hard work, and dedication!