Macbeth is a timeless tragedy that delves into the corrosive effects of unchecked ambition. Set fifty years in the future, the play follows the tragic downfall of Macbeth At first a brave and honorable general, his fate takes a drastic turn when he encounters three witches who prophesy that he will become the king. Seduced by the idea of power, Macbeth, spurred on by his ambitious wife Lady Macbeth, succumbs to a series of murderous deeds to secure the throne. As Macbeth ascends to power, the narrative unfolds with a gripping exploration of the psychological toll of guilt, paranoia, and moral decay.
Production Staff
Director - Jason Speicher
Producer - Ellie Haenick
Stage Manager - John Vincent Quigley
Dramaturg - Will Scarborough
Scenic Designer - Travis Williams
Lighting Designer - West Gorenz
Sound Designer - Cathy Rinella
Properties Designer - Jaimee Levitt
Costume Designer - Carolyn Speicher
Stage Combat Coordinator - Dave Gonzalez
Cast
First Witch, First Murderer - Erica Bass
Angus, English Doctor - Sarah Bender
King Duncan, Siward - Logan Fondriest
Young Macduff, Young Siward - Dominic Frazzini
Banquo, Old Man - Verne Hendrick
Hecate - Taryn Jennifer Huffman
Lady Macduff, Menteith - Reagan Hyer
Lennox - Leah Kessler
Second Witch - Kalina Koch
Macduff - Allison Leonard
Prince Donalbain, Fleance - Phoebe Levitt
Third Witch, Second Murderer - Gretchen May
Ross - Rebekah McBane
Seyton, Scottish Doctor, Porter - Maggie Rusnak
Prince Malcolm - Kyle Smith
Macbeth - Meaghan Torres
Lady Macbeth - Lori Turner
Thank You
The company of Macbeth would like to offer a special “Thank You” to the following people:
Greater Columbus Arts Council
Geoffrey Martin
Company
Erica Bass
First Witch, First Murderer
Erica will be portraying the roles of First Witch and First Murderer in tonight’s performance. This is the second production she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council, with the first being the recent 48-Hour Play Festival. Past credits also include Mrs. Gardener in “Little Women” and Mrs. Gibbs in “Our Town,” both produced by Columbus Performing Arts Players. Erica also participated in Theatre Reset’s Festival #5 and MadLab’s Holiday Theater Roulette. Erica would like to thank her family and good friends for their love and support.
Sarah Bender
Angus, English Doctor
Sarah is incredibly excited to be a part of her first production with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She did theatre all through high school and college. She graduated from Wilmington College with a degree in theatre. Since graduating, she has been in productions with Curtain Players, Stage Right Theatrics, and Columbus Recreation and Parks. As well as doing theatre, Sarah also works in childcare.
Logan Fondriest
King Duncan, Siward
Logan will be portraying the role of King Duncan and Siward in tonight's performance. This is Logan's second production with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. His most recent credit is the role of Morpeth in "The Reluctant Dragon" [Aethereal Jest]. Outside of acting, Logan received his undergraduate degree at Ohio University and is a Writer/Director who works in both theater and film. Logan would like to thank his friends and family, the cast and crew, and his partner and muse, Elizabeth.
Cynthia Frazzini
Third Murderer, Caithness
Coming Soon!
Dominic Frazzini
Young Macduff, Young Siward
Dominic is thrilled to have his first show with Aethereal Jest! His first mainstage production was “The Music Man” as Winthrop Paroo. His favorite roles since then include Ed Carmichael in “You Can’t Take It With You,” Gilley in “I’m Not Rappaport,” Jack in “Into the Woods,” Laurie in “Little Women,” and Lord Aas in the Ariel Wiles original, “In Search of a Prince.”
Dave Gonzalez
Fight Director
A Chicago-based Fight Director, he’s a Certified Teacher of Stage Combat and the Alexander Technique. Credits include Lookingglass Theatre, American Theatre Co, and two world-premieres at A Red Orchid Theatre; which earned Dave a Jefferson Award nomination for Fight Direction. In addition, Dave is a Lead Instructor with Open Gate Movement Arts and has taught across the US.
West Gorenz
Lighting Designer
Coming Soon!
Ellie Haenick
Producer
Ellie is thrilled to be producing "Macbeth" with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. She currently serves as the Performing Arts Coordinator for AJAC and previously produced "The Reluctant Dragon.” Ellie has also appeared in several shows here including Amy March in "Little Women of Orchard House" and Modern Theatre Student in "All the World's a Stage." Other favorite roles include Cheryl in "Evil Dead: The Musical" [MadLab] and Rabbit in "The House at Pooh Corner" [Wagnalls Community Theater]. She would like to thank her fellow AJAC staff members for always working hard and making Aethereal Jest a great place to work, and hopes you enjoy "Macbeth."
Verne Hendrick
Banquo, Old Man
Verne appeared in Le Cri des Oiseaux, at the Théâtre de la Porte St. Martin and in Starmania at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, where he also performed on the street for loose change. He was also a member of Corporeal Mime Theater.
Taryn Jennifer Huffman
Hecate
Taryn is excited to once again work with AJAC after previously directing “Anne of Green Gables” and appearing as The Sheriff of Nottingham in “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood.” Taryn holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Missouri State University. She would like to thank Jason and Brian for the opportunity as well as her family, friends, and boyfriend for their support. “Have courage and be kind.” @taryn.jennifer.huffman
Reagan Hyer
Lady Macduff, Menteith
Coming Soon!
Leah Kessler
Lennox
Leah is portraying the role of Lennox in tonight's performance. This is her first production as an actor with Aethereal Jest. Leah is traditionally found haunting the dark corners of the theater wings, taking part in mischief commonly known as "stage management." Past credits include stage management for: “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” [Aethereal Jest], “A Midsummer Night's Dream” [OSU], and “Her Naked Skin” [OSU]. Many thanks to Leah's friends and family for dragging her away from her headset and prompt book. That was quite a feat. Cheers!
Kalina Koch
Second Witch
Coming Soon!
Allison Leonard
Macduff
Allison is thrilled to be in her second show with Aethereal Jest! She recently worked with them last year in "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood," where she played the titular hero. She has been very excited to take on the challenging role of Macduff. Allison is quite active in the Columbus theater scene, having been in several shows with MadLab, Gallery Players, Red Herring, and more. When she is not working, rehearsing, or sleeping, she enjoys video games and cuddling with her cat. Allison would like to thank the director, cast, and crew for all their hard work, her friends and family for all their love, and everyone in her theater circle for all their support.
Jaimee Levitt
Properties Designer
Coming Soon!
Phoebe Levitt
Prince Donalbain, Fleance
Phoebe will be portraying the roles of Prince Donalbain and Fleance. They have played Claudine in “67 Cinderellas,” Ensemble/US Hugo in “Tuck Everlasting,” and Liz Cooper in “George’s Christmas Present.” They would like to thank all of their teachers, Jason, their grandma, and their mom for all the support. Enjoy the show!
Gretchen May
Third Witch, Second Murderer
Gretchen will be portraying the role of Third Witch in tonight’s performance, which is a dream role for them. This is the fifth production that they have done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include: Ensemble in “The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood” [Aethereal Jest Arts Council], Juror 12 in “Twelve Angry Jurors” [Aethereal Jest Arts Council], and Gretchen in “Bartenders the Musical” [MusicalLand Theatre]. Gretchen would like to thank their agents Sadie and Kendra, their entire theatre family, and Jason Speicher for his trust and belief in them.
Rebekah McBane
Ross
Coming Soon!
John V. Quigley
Stage Manager
John has been stage managing in Columbus since 2021 and is glad to be stage managing for Aethereal Jest for the first time. His previous stage management credits include New Herring Theatre's productions of “The Schedule” and “The Birds.” In addition to stage management, John is an actor and has appeared onstage with many theatres in and around Columbus.
Cathy Rinella
Sound Designer
Catherine is a sound designer, podcast editor, and audio llama from Columbus, Ohio. Her regular work can be heard in Rusty Quill Podcasts, including the current Magnus Protocol series. She is also the Sound Designer for Actors’ Theatre of Columbus and is a weekend voice on-air at WCBE 90.5 FM. Good at hiding with crew but can be lured out with coffee and games - and fun cyberpunk theatre ideas.
Maggie Rusnak
Seyton, Scottish Doctor, Porter
Maggie will be portraying the roles of Porter, Scottish Doctor, and Seyton in tonight's performance. This is the second production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include: Marilla Cuthbert in ”Anne of Green Gables” [Aethereal Jest], Aunt Marnie in “A Mighty Flame” [original play by Mark Tomsic], and Aunt Abby in “Arsenic and Old Lace” [Grandview Carriage Place]. Maggie is so excited to check off another theater bucket list item by performing in her first Shakespearean production. Thank you to Jason, Brian, and the terrific cast & crew of this Scottish play!
Will Scarborough
Dramaturg
Coming Soon!
Kyle Smith
Prince Malcolm
Kyle returns to Aethereal Jest after playing Jack in The Importance of Being Earnest. More than that, he’s excited to be ending a long hiatus from performing Shakespeare after getting a masters degree for it from Mary Baldwin University. Previous Shakespeare credits include Horatio in Hamlet, Friar Laurence in Romeo & Juliet (come to think of it, he’s played most of Shakespeare’s friars), and directing Curtain Players’ 2023 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Carolyn Speicher
Costume Designer
This is Carolyn’s second production with Aethereal Jest but is a frequent collaborator of her director husband, Jason, partially because she has the upper hand on figuring out what he is looking for. She also does a lot of custom work as a costumer for various performers and stage acts at Renaissance Festivals. This production required a lot of work and creativity from all involved. We hope you enjoy it!
Jason Speicher
Director
Coming Soon!
Meaghan Torres
Macbeth
Meaghan will be portraying the role of Macbeth in tonight's performance. This is the first production that she has done with Aethereal Jest Arts Council. Past credits include Dr. Armstrong in “And Then There Were None” [Little Theatre Off Broadway], Dr. Helga Van Zandt in “The Passion of Dracula” [Little Theatre Off Broadway], and Teddy in “William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play” [Eclipse Theatre Company]. Being in Macbeth is a dream show for Meaghan and she would like to thank the production crew and everyone for coming.
Lori Turner
Lady Macbeth
Lori spent over 20 years in the classical world, singing with the Los Angeles Master Chorale, the Roger Wagner Chorale, the Los Angeles Opera and in Belgium with the Royal Flemish Opera. Her musical theatre roles include Yente in “Fiddler On The Roof” [Gallery Players], Frau Blucher in “Young Frankenstein” [Renaissance Theatre Mansfield], Margaret in “Light In The Piazza” [Renaissance Theatre Mansfield], Mother Superior in “Sister Act” [Renaissance Theatre Mansfield], Frau Schneider in “Cabaret” [Renaissance Theatre Mansfield], Ida Straus in “Titanic” [Renaissance Theatre Mansfield], Heidi in “Follies” [Short North Stage], Yvonne in “Sunday in the Park with George” [Short North Stage], and Ruth in “Pirates of Penzance” [SRO Theatre]. This is her second foray into Shakespeare, having been privileged to play Titania “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” last July.
Travis Williams
Scenic Designer
Travis is a professional artist and instructor who specializes in scenic design. In addition to designing and coordinating scenery for Aethereal Jest, he teaches at Columbus State Community College and The Ohio State University, and is active in Columbus' local theatre scene. Travis earned his Associate of Arts from Columbus State, his Bachelor of Arts from Ohio State, and his Masters of Fine Arts from Kent State University. He loves drawing, painting, and building.
Board of Directors
Megan Mateer, Chair
Jason Phillips, Vice Chair
Randi Honkonen, Treasurer
Veronica Heer, Secretary
Chris Makar, Ex Officio Director
Brian A. Palmer, Ex Officio Director