Frog & Peach Theatre Company is set to present William Shakespeare's thrilling tragedy, Macbeth, from March 6th to March 29, 2026 at The Cullum Theatre, 314 W 54TH Street.
This production will feature sixteen performances that delve into the dark themes of grievance, murder, and seduction that define one of Shakespeare's most celebrated works. The company is renowned for their innovative and engaging interpretations of classical plays, and audiences can expect a fresh perspective on this timeless tale.
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| DazMann Still and Amy Frances Quint. Photo by Eric Doss |
So begins William Shakespeare’s diabolical masterpiece of murder, seduction, and madness in Macbeth, a narrative that resonates profoundly with contemporary society. Macbeth's ruthless vengeance and brutal grab for control mirrors the complexities of modern-day crimes within the realms of politics, drug cartels, and international media. Frog & Peach Theatre Company aims to highlight these connections, inviting audiences to reflect on the relevance of Shakespeare's insights in today's world.
We sat down with Amy Frances Quint, who plays Lady Macbeth in the production, to learn more.
What can you tell me about this production of Macbeth?
It'll be fast-paced, visceral, and tangible. It'll be fun, and a bit scary, and may break your heart a little too.
It'll be fast-paced, visceral, and tangible. It'll be fun, and a bit scary, and may break your heart a little too.
What attracted you to this production?
Frog and Peach has been an incredible artistic home for me. It's such a privilege to work with Lynnea Benson and this company of actors who I value and trust so much. I love this play, and DazMann Still (Macbeth) is a wonderful actor and scene partner, so I jumped at the chance.
Frog and Peach has been an incredible artistic home for me. It's such a privilege to work with Lynnea Benson and this company of actors who I value and trust so much. I love this play, and DazMann Still (Macbeth) is a wonderful actor and scene partner, so I jumped at the chance.
How do you approach bringing your own unique take on a role that has been played thousands of times before?
My first reaction is "how lucky am I" to spend time with this gorgeous play - this story and character and language - that has sparked imagination, and fear and wonder for so many. I guess I don't think of it in terms of coming up with a unique take, at least not for its own sake. She doesn't need to have anything forced on her. I have to rely on my own experience and hopes and fears and imagination to give a voice to this character, so in that sense she can't help but be unique to me.
My first reaction is "how lucky am I" to spend time with this gorgeous play - this story and character and language - that has sparked imagination, and fear and wonder for so many. I guess I don't think of it in terms of coming up with a unique take, at least not for its own sake. She doesn't need to have anything forced on her. I have to rely on my own experience and hopes and fears and imagination to give a voice to this character, so in that sense she can't help but be unique to me.
How are you preparing for diving into the journey that Lady Macbeth goes through in the text?
Oooof. This play is an absolute rollercoaster, and moves at breakneck speed. I think the best thing I can do to prepare is to understand what motivates her to take this risk for her and her husband...after that it's a whiplash series of events and she's thinking a mile a minute, reacting as best she can, until the foundation is lost from under her feet.
Oooof. This play is an absolute rollercoaster, and moves at breakneck speed. I think the best thing I can do to prepare is to understand what motivates her to take this risk for her and her husband...after that it's a whiplash series of events and she's thinking a mile a minute, reacting as best she can, until the foundation is lost from under her feet.
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| Amy Frances Quint. Photo by Eric Doss. |
What do you think drives forwards the ambition of Lady Macbeth?
This character exists in a time and a place where survival is not guaranteed, especially for a woman. She's somehow managed to build a marriage that is a true partnership, fueled by loyalty and passion and friendship. I genuinely feel this is one of the most deep and real love stories in Shakespeare. That partnership is the center of her universe, and I believe at the center of her choices. Which is why it's so heartbreaking when that connection is broken.
This character exists in a time and a place where survival is not guaranteed, especially for a woman. She's somehow managed to build a marriage that is a true partnership, fueled by loyalty and passion and friendship. I genuinely feel this is one of the most deep and real love stories in Shakespeare. That partnership is the center of her universe, and I believe at the center of her choices. Which is why it's so heartbreaking when that connection is broken.
Ambition, and greed, and evil are words that get tossed around a lot with this character, but they feel vague to me, and I'm more interested in what creates the foundation for those behaviors. She's not a monster. She's a very real woman who is fighting tooth and nail to protect and advance her family.
I also think their absent child plays an important role here. We know there was once a child, but that they have no children anymore. That kind of loss creates an immeasurable void, and maybe this is an attempt to heal that scar.
If you could ask Shakespeare a question about the role or the play, what would you ask him?
Oh gosh, I almost wouldn't want to because part of what's so great about this play is the mystery and not really being sure what is real or imaginary. But I think I'd ask what happens between the Macbeths in between the banquet scene and the sleepwalking scene. What is their last conversation? What is the last straw that irrevocably severs their bond and leaves her untethered?
Oh gosh, I almost wouldn't want to because part of what's so great about this play is the mystery and not really being sure what is real or imaginary. But I think I'd ask what happens between the Macbeths in between the banquet scene and the sleepwalking scene. What is their last conversation? What is the last straw that irrevocably severs their bond and leaves her untethered?
How do you mentally and physically prepare yourself for a performance?
I try to find a quiet spot to stretch a little and warm up my voice before a performance. It's more of a ritual than a necessity, but it helps me let go of parts of my day that I don't need and feel ready to be in the world of the play. I go through my words using a cork in my mouth, an old trick from my voice classes at Stella Adler. It's like doing an exercise with weights first and then removing them and feeling so much easier.
I try to find a quiet spot to stretch a little and warm up my voice before a performance. It's more of a ritual than a necessity, but it helps me let go of parts of my day that I don't need and feel ready to be in the world of the play. I go through my words using a cork in my mouth, an old trick from my voice classes at Stella Adler. It's like doing an exercise with weights first and then removing them and feeling so much easier.
What was the first piece of theatre you remember having a big impact on your career?
In first grade we did an epic, school-wide production of "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde. We had the giant, who goes through a whole moral awakening situation, and kids playing flowers, and snowflakes and it's kind of sad, but then there's this big redemption moment and celebration. There were costumes and dancing and we took over the whole grounds of the school (which was a little English language school in Rome, located on the grounds of an old stone farmhouse...pretty magical) It was quite immersive, way ahead of its time ha! I was hooked.
In first grade we did an epic, school-wide production of "The Selfish Giant" by Oscar Wilde. We had the giant, who goes through a whole moral awakening situation, and kids playing flowers, and snowflakes and it's kind of sad, but then there's this big redemption moment and celebration. There were costumes and dancing and we took over the whole grounds of the school (which was a little English language school in Rome, located on the grounds of an old stone farmhouse...pretty magical) It was quite immersive, way ahead of its time ha! I was hooked.
What keeps you inspired?
Many things. My daughter, who is nine and helps me rediscover all the joys and horrors of figuring out how to be a human being. My husband, who is just ridiculously talented and is always creating. And honestly these days I feel like the arts are a lifeline, an outlet and a balm in a world that is feeling quite cruel and uncertain.
Many things. My daughter, who is nine and helps me rediscover all the joys and horrors of figuring out how to be a human being. My husband, who is just ridiculously talented and is always creating. And honestly these days I feel like the arts are a lifeline, an outlet and a balm in a world that is feeling quite cruel and uncertain.
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| Anuj Parikh, Amy Frances Quint and DazMann Still. Photo by Eric Doss |
What would you hope an audience member takes away from seeing Macbeth?
With Frog and Peach we often get audience members who have never seen a Shakespeare play before, or even been inside a theatre, and seeing their reaction is incredibly rewarding. I'd hope they leave Macbeth feeling that these are real people grappling with things that we recognize from our own lives. We all need those reminders that we're not in it alone. Plus...witches and swords and ghosts...it's really fun!
With Frog and Peach we often get audience members who have never seen a Shakespeare play before, or even been inside a theatre, and seeing their reaction is incredibly rewarding. I'd hope they leave Macbeth feeling that these are real people grappling with things that we recognize from our own lives. We all need those reminders that we're not in it alone. Plus...witches and swords and ghosts...it's really fun!
Where can audiences see the show?
March 6-29 at The Cullum Theatre, 314 W 54th Street, NYC 10019
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/frog-and-peach-theatre-co-inc/696ff740382b5f1060c5f341
March 6-29 at The Cullum Theatre, 314 W 54th Street, NYC 10019
https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/frog-and-peach-theatre-co-inc/696ff740382b5f1060c5f341
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