Arlington residents can enjoy a classic Shakespeare experience this Halloween weekend as Shakespeare Live brings a free, three‑night outdoor production of “Macbeth” to Levitt Pavilion. The performances run from 7 p.m. on Oct. 29, 30 and 31.
RenFest adds a Renaissance celebration
On Oct. 31, the company will launch its inaugural RenFest, a Renaissance‑themed festival set along Abram Street between Arlington City Hall and the Levitt. More than 50 booths and food trucks will offer snacks, drinks, and crafts, while local musicians play Elizabethan‑style music and sword‑fighting shows entertain crowds. Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume.
Community roots and creative leadership
Co‑director Claire Parry praised founders Mike and LouAnn O’Donnell for creating the company out of a love for theater, noting they are not professional theater people but community volunteers. The O’Donnells, who have been fans of Shakespeare for over 30 years, were inspired after seeing a concert at the Levitt in 2022.
Retired Shakespeare Dallas director Raphael Parry was consulted to ensure the venue could accommodate a full‑scale production. He highlighted the timeless appeal of Shakespeare’s language, noting many lines have entered everyday speech.
Inclusive casting and thematic depth
Actress Nicole Delarosa, a Dallas resident playing Lady Macbeth, says the play explores how people cope with grief and loss. The production also features gender‑fluid casting, with traditionally male roles such as Banquo performed by female‑presenting actors, adding depth to the story.
Practical details for attendees
Because the Levitt Pavilion is an outdoor venue, audiences should dress for the weather and bring any needed comforts for a three‑hour show. After the RenFest concludes, several food vendors will remain open for the 15‑minute intermission of “Macbeth.”
Shakespeare Live first brought theater to Arlington in April 2025 with “As You Like It,” drawing more than 1,500 patrons over three nights despite snow and moonlight. The company hopes the Halloween production and RenFest will draw even larger crowds and further enrich Arlington’s cultural life.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
