William Shakespeare’s dark and violent Macbeth is on stage at the Brookfield Theatre for the Arts, 184 Whisconier Road, Brookfield, offering a bold and successful undertaking of this compelling classic.

Director Jane Farnol has once again worked her magic in both the editing and staging of this well-known piece. The reworking of the script condenses the story without losing the essence of the plot and its characters.

Upon returning from victory in battle, Macbeth (David Regelmann) and Banquo (Thomas Samuels) encounter three eerie witches (Keira Sosbe, Kylie Block, Molly Badinelli) who foretell of Macbeth’s future. They tell him he will be named Thane of Cawdor, prior to his ascension to the throne, replacing King Duncan (Peter Lerman). Upon learning of this prediction, Lady Macbeth (Vicki Sosbe) has no patience. She urges her husband to murder the King while inebriating two aides who will be blamed, then murdered. The deed is done, and Macbeth is crowned King of Scotland. He and his wife are haunted by their actions, which require more murders to cover up.

The machinations of Macbeth and his wife result in lots of bloodied bodies. Women and children are not spared. Macduff (Christopher Bird), another of the King’s men, does not support the reign of Macbeth. He escapes to England to join the sons of King Duncan, (Sam Bass, Patrick Kelly) and raise an army. Macbeth orders the murder of Macduff’s entire family.

Ruthless and yet plagued with guilt, Macbeth is stalked by the ghost of Banquo who he has also ordered killed. Macbeth’s instability is on full display.

Lady Macbeth is also unwell, having developed a form of OCD coupled with insomnia, she incessantly washes her hands and mutters while sleepwalking.

Macduff is distraught and enraged at learning of the murder of his entire family. He gathers his army and heads for Dunsinane, Macbeth’s property near Birnam Wood. A master class in stage fighting ensues. To learn the ending, you must come to see this valiant production.

This cast is rife with superb talent. Each player wholeheartedly commits to these challenging roles.

As Macbeth, David Regelmann is captivating. His doubt and misery are tangible, as is his love for the beautiful Lady Macbeth, in whose hands he is rendered malleable. Vickie Sosbe plays her Lady with determination, as she beguiles her man to act. Portraying this diabolical pair, they have a convincing chemistry. As both degenerate into madness, their performances become even more palpable.

Revealing a stellar voice with which to perform Shakespeare, Thomas Samuels’ Banquo is well done. His earnest demeanor and solid character work is on full display and very effective.

Macduff is excellent in the absolutely reliable and educated hands of Christopher Bird. His skills are evident in this role; he holds back nothing. The Macduff and Macbeth fight sequence requires stamina and precision. Under the excellent choreography of Fight Choreographer Adam Battelstein, this final confrontation is a work of art.

Lady Macduff is wonderfully played by Rebecca Pokorski. She emits an exit scream which is bone chilling. Ms Pokorski, along with her team, also designed the authentic and beautifully arrayed costumes.

Kudos must be given to the always entertaining and charming Ron Malyszka. He delivers in the dual roles of Doctor and Porter.

There are many to honor with a mention here; the list goes on, and they are all deserving.

It would be madness to miss this rare undertaking in community theater. The Scottish play is a true classic of intrigue and deception. This production gives it superb treatment, leaving the audience breathless and moved.

The production continues Friday and Saturday, September 20-21, 27-28, at 8 pm. Sunday, September 22, at 2 pm. Tickets at brookfieldtheatre.org.