Quote of the Day: Stars, hide your fires; Let not light see my black and dark desires. MacBeth, Act I, Scene 3. 

Cast of Scotland, PA at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 10/20/24. Photo: Dan Norman

Scotland, PA is a dark comedy musical set in the 1970’s about an ambitious couple who are disenfranchised with the “American Dream,” and the limitations on their lives. Fast food workers Mac and Pat, like Shakespeare’s Lord and Lady Macbeth, plot to gain power and control by any means possible. This new rock musical is based on the film written by Billy Morrisette and starring Christopher Walken. The Book for the musical is by Michael Mitnick; Music and Lyrics by Adam Gwon. The show is directed by Lonny Price and Matt Coward. Choreography by Lorin Latarro and Travis Waldschmidt. Music Direction by Joshua Zacher-Ross. A stellar and ambition team. The show premiered at the Roundabout Theater in New York in October 2019, and was further developed through Theater Latte’ Da’s Next Festival. Theater Latte’ Da’s production is the Regional Premiere.

Tara Borman, Will Dusek, Katherine Fried, and Deidre Cochran in Scotland, PA at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 10/20/24. Photo: Dan Norman

Will Dusek and Katherine Fried play the power hungry couple Mac and Pat. They work at a fast food joint and feel the frustrations of a low paying, under-appreciated existence. Mac has ideas. He could be somebody, but his domineering boss Duncan (Timothy Thomas) either doesn’t listen to him, or steals his ideas. Mac is frustrated and angry, but it’s his girlfriend Pat who pushes him to the brutal edge to get rid of Duncan and take over the business. 

Tara Borman, Will Dusek, Katherine Fried, Matt Hiehle, and Deidre Cochran in Scotland, PA at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 10/20/24. Photo: Dan Norman

Understudy Tom Reed stepped into the roll of Banko, Mac’s best buddy, on opening night. Reed does a marvelous job of showing both a naivete’ in his character as well as someone who is observant and aware. When Mac thinks that Banko knows too much, he turns on him, too. The three Witches, or Stoners in this production, played by Tara Borman, Deidre Cochran and Matt Riehle offer up psychedelic predictions and insightful songs that move the plot along. 

Emily Gunyou Halaas and Kim Kivens in Scotland, PA at Theater Latte’ Da, thru 10/20/24. Photo: Dan Norman

Emily Gunyou Halaas shows up at the end of Act I as the clever Peg McDuff, questioning what really happened to Duncan and the “accident” with the fryer. Kim Kivens plays restaurant worker Mrs. Lenox, and Joshua Row plays Duncan’s angry, but sensitive, son Malcolm. Carl Swanson rounds out the cast playing numerous rolls including a high school coach and suspicious loner. 

I definitely got some “Little Shop of Horrors” vibes while watching this production. It’s a rare horror musical that fits in nicely as spooky season approaches. It’s filled with humor and references to Shakespeare’s famous Scottish play, and a toe-tapping rock score that gives the performers a chance to shine. A live band is on stage, lead by Sanford Moore, that is terrific.

You can see Scotland, PA at Theater Latte’ Da through October 20, 2024. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt: Do you have favorite movies, shows, or musicals that you like to watch during Halloween season?