Macbeth or “the Scottish Play” if you’re superstitious, was inspired by two tales from actual history: that of the real King Macbeth who reigned Scotland for 17 years and the shocking murder of King Duff by his own subject, Donwald and his (Donwald’s) wife. Shakespeare, who knew a thing or two about dramatizing history was also aware that facts alone weren’t enough to keep the attention of his diverse audience. So when writing Macbeth, Shakespeare compressed Macbeth’s 17-year reign down to one year, wrote in some witches (King James and his countrymen were very superstitious) and added the ghost of a freshly murdered man to his cast of eclectic characters. When the final “Flourish. Exeunt” had dried on the page, Shakespeare had on his hands a historic, supernatural, psychological thriller that has since been the envy of writers everywhere.

The Hippodrome is proud to produce Shakespeare’s famous (and shortest) tragedy. Journey – if you dare - with the Macbeths as the once noble mind of a warrior becomes diseased by the prospects of an intriguing prophecy. What leads them down that path of no return – fate or free will? How far would you go for power?

"Something Wicked This Way Comes" in the form of Macbeth to the Hippodrome State Theatre March 2-25 (previews February 28 and March 1). Don’t miss this timeless production of Shakespeare’s haunting tale of politics, prophecy and murder.