Arlington to stage 'Macbeth' and host inaugural Halloween RenFest

Arlington’s Shakespeare Live company will perform William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” at Levitt Pavilion from 7 p.m. Oct. 29 to 31.

The three nightly shows are free to the public. On the final night, Oct. 31, the organizers will hold their first annual RenFest along Abram Street between Arlington City Hall and the pavilion.

Shakespeare Live began operations in April 2025 with an outdoor production of “As You Like It.” That inaugural run attracted more than 1,500 audience members over three nights, regardless of snow or moonlight conditions.

Co-founders Mike and LouAnn O’Donnell established the theater group after a 2022 concert at Levitt Pavilion. LouAnn O’Donnell told Mike that the venue was the perfect location for Shakespeare performances. The couple has enjoyed outdoor Shakespeare for more than 30 years, dating back to their second date at Shakespeare in the Park.

Raphael Parry, who retired as executive and artistic director of Shakespeare Dallas in 2026, joined the project to assess the venue’s suitability. Parry noted that Shakespeare’s language remains universally recognized in the English language, with many daily phrases originating from the plays.

Claire Parry, co-director of the “Macbeth” production and associate producer, said the company started out of a pure love for theater rather than professional background. “They’re not theater people, they just thought ‘why don’t we have a Shakespeare festival in Arlington?’” she said.

Actress Nicole Delarosa, a Dallas resident, will play Lady Macbeth. Delarosa described the play as an exploration of how different groups handle grief and how people change when they have nothing left to lose. The production will cast several traditionally male roles, including Banquo, with female or female-presenting actors, a choice that developed during the audition process.

The RenFest is a collaboration with Mark Joeckel, founder and creative director of Create Texas. Joeckel designed the event to complement the plays and drive more visitors to downtown Arlington. Mike O’Donnell said the couple is excited to bring a period festival to Arlington, similar in spirit to the Scarborough and Texas Renaissance Festivals but tailored to the local community.

The festival will run from noon to 6 p.m. on Halloween. It will feature more than 50 booths and vendors, including food and drink trucks. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes. After the festival ends at 6 p.m., several food and drink vendors will remain open until the 15-minute intermission of the evening play.

Live entertainment at the RenFest will include local musicians specializing in Elizabethan-era music, sword fighting demonstrations, and henna artists. Bryce DeShazo, 43, co-owner of Fox and Raven Mead, said the event captures the fun of Renaissance festivals and the energy of Halloween. “I wasn’t going to do anything on Halloween because it’s a little crazy because it’s a Saturday but you know what, I’m there, I don’t care, let’s go,” DeShazo said.

The “Macbeth” production will run nearly three hours. Because Levitt Pavilion is an outdoor venue, the cast and crew advised attendees to check the weather forecast and bring items needed for comfort.