Scotland, PA

Scotland, PA

Roundabout Theatre Company

The Laura Pels Theatre

September 14, 2019

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Michael Mitnick and Adam Gwon’s new musical, Scotland, PA, is making its premier at Roundabout Theatre Company.  It is based on the movie of the same title, which is based on Shakespeare’s Macbeth.  It is wickedly funny, as it follows the underdog hero’s rise to the top, then brutally dramatic as he tragically falls.  Director Lonny Price maintains the balance of humor and severity in this multi-layered story.  He guides the cast to build a wide range of characters and deliver skillful performances.

It is 1975 in Scotland, Pennsylvania.  Mac (played by Ryan McCartan) is constantly pitching innovative ideas to his boss, Duncan (played by Jeb Brown).  Mac and his wife, Pat (played by Taylor Iman Jones), have been working in Duncan’s restaurant since high school.  After more than twelve years, Pat wants more.  She convinces Mac to rob the restaurant.  The voices in his head (played by Alysha Umphress, Wonu Ogunfowora, and Kaleb Wells) make him feel like he can achieve anything, so he agrees.  Mac and Pat set up their alibi by attending a party their friend Banko (played by Jay Armstrong Johnson) is throwing.  Duncan fights back during the robbery and is unexpectedly killed.  Mac and Pat remove all evidence and think they’re in the clear, until Detective Peg McDuff (played by Megan Lawrence) shows up asking questions.

Ryan McCartan & Taylor Iman Jones in Rehearsal
Photo courtesy ot Roundabout Theatre Company

Act II is full of all the dark intrigue and psychological intricacies of Shakespeare’s tale.  It also contains some haunting melodies, “Clairvoyant” being the strongest.  Ryan McCartan and Taylor Iman Jones effectively carry the tale all the way to its tragic ending.  Their portrayals of Mac and Pat are genuine and complex.  You root for them to succeed and are understanding when events turn dark and out of their control.  As they fall deeper into their own selfishness and make desperate decisions to hide from their guilt, you know their downfall is inevitable.

The Full Cast of Scotland, PA
Photo courtesy fo Roundabout Theatre Company

Jay Armstrong Johnson is outstanding as Banko.  His comic timing is perfect.  His character is sincere, simple, and caring.  He delivers a strong and unique performance.

Scotland, PA is dark and funny.  If you like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, you will laugh at the inside jokes and outlandish setting and situation.  The show is playing at the Laura Pels Theatre through December 8.  Check it out! 

Domenick Danza