‘The Tragedy of Macbeth: An American Retelling’ Reimagines Shakespeare In Colonial New Jersey

A bloody struggle for power in colonial New Jersey sets the stage for a daring new retelling of Shakespeares “Macbeth,” as acclaimed theater company Thinkery and Verse unveils a production that blends U.S. history with one of the Bards darkest tragedies.

The world premiere of “The Tragedy of Macbeth: An American Retelling,” adapted by J.M. Meyer and K. Elisa Alvarado, opens Oct. 9 for a three-week limited engagement at the Assembly Hall at the Church of Saint John the Evangelist in New Brunswick, N.J. Opening night is set for Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m.

Set in Middlesex County in 1700, the adaptation unfolds against the backdrop of the first wave of Scottish immigration into New Jersey. The Dutch have lost their hold on the region, and Scottish settlers — including radical Quakers and Jacobite glory-seekers — are vying for ground in Lenape territory. Inspired by both Early American history and Akira Kurosawas “Throne of Blood,” the production reimagines Shakespeares tale of ambition, betrayal, and downfall as a fable for the New World.

“Our historic re-telling is funny, earthy, violent, and poetic. An American Macbeth is the perfect play for staying grounded in 2025,” said co-artistic director K. Elisa Alvarado, who also stars as Lady Macbeth. “Like my own people in South Texas, the Karankawa, this Lady Macbeth is caught up in waves of colonization that leave morality and spiritualism and language in a muddle. A lot of the plays highs and lows hinge on fatal misunderstandings: code-switching gone wrong.”

J.M. Meyer, who directs the production, noted the reimagined characters ties to the history of the Mid-Atlantic.

“By leaning into the historical accuracy of a specific place and time period, we find that the struggles of Shakespeares characters align in surprising ways with the diverse people of the Mid-Atlantic. In our adaptation, Macbeth is a Scottish immigrant in the New World. Lady Macbeth is a Lenape Native who is hyper-aware of the dangers around her. The Macduffs are free people of color in a tumultuous landscape. The witches are replaced with Dutch widows,” Meyer said.

“American history can be dark, complex, and scary, and no witchcraft is needed,” said Alvarado. “Its like the old cat in the adage — reality is scarier than fiction.”

The cast includes Justin Hofstad as Macbeth and Alvarado as Lady Macbeth, with Alexander Sculli as Banquo, Lazarus Simmons as Macduff, Jasmine Carmichael as Lady Macduff, Carl Muhler as Malcolm, and Kaitlin Ormerod Hutson as Dinah, a reimagined Duncan portrayed as a Quaker. The production also features Devon Borkowski as Sasakomowah, Sean McDonald as Ross, and A.M. Teo as Fleance.

Scenic design is by Ashley Basile, winner of the 2025 Count Basie Award for Outstanding Set Design of a Musical, while Ashley Houke, winner of the 2025 Count Basie Award for Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical, provides lighting design. Music is composed by Carl Muhler, choreography is by Kaitlin Ormerod-Hutson, Devon Borkowski serves as Indigenous Advisor, Steven Thomas is Historical Advisor, and Sofia Feggulis is stage manager.

The Tragedy of Macbeth runs through Oct 25, with performances Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $35 and available through Eventbrite.