Kaitlyn Clark chats this the star of Mac..um… The Scottish Play at the American Theatre of Actors

Shakespeare’s Macbeth has started its run on yet another midtown stage this week! Directed by Ken Coughlin, this captivating show has taken to the Cullum Stage at the American Theatre of Actors and will be running NOW through August 11th! 

Michael Finn and Sophia Carlin, as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, were mesmerizing during their opening night on Wednesday, July 24th! Tickets and more information can be found here!

Sophia is a prolific young actress who has been making waves in the theatre scene since her graduation from Pace University in 2020. Her counterpart, Michael, is another charming actor, director, and filmmaker who has been involved in several classical plays, including a previous part at ATA as Iago in Othello! 

We were lucky enough to have a few minutes to talk with him on the way out, and he was an open book! 

Kaitlyn Clark’s Interviews Michael Finn: 

Congratulations on your opening night! How do you feel your performance went?!

Thank you! I am extremely proud of all of us. Theatre is such an interesting, chaotic beast that always feels like it’s on the verge of falling apart only to come together in the last few days and hours. To be able to share all the exploration and discoveries we had as a cast, to finally get to show a live audience the culmination of our love and effort we put in as a whole felt incredible. I’m very happy with it and excited for the rest of the run!

Well, we know the audience was blown away. This summer ATA is gearing up to present a few Shakespeare classics to their audience – what does being in a classic show like this mean to you?

There’s nothing greater or more satisfying than being allowed to tell someone a story, whether it’s one they’ve heard a thousand times or something they’ve never heard before, and reaching them on a deeply emotional level. Any time I can be a part of a classic play such as this, to bring it to a new audience, to ears that may have never heard it spoken before; it brings to me an excitement that is unmatched. To think of all the greats who have been a part of the millions of productions and performances of Macbeth, to say the same words but in your own voice, is absolutely thrilling. There’s so much lore and history connected to Shakespeare, and Macbeth in particular, that just the mention of it creates a buzz. Being a part of this play, knowing that it’s been played by greats like Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart, Peter O’Toole, Orson Welles, to name a few, adapted by auteurs such as Akira Kirosawa, Joel Coen, William Morrissette, knowing that you’re a part of that history in whatever size or shape it may be is phenomenally beautiful to me. I couldn’t be more ecstatic.

What does your part mean to you, where did it take you?

The role of Macbeth has been one of my bucket list characters for years, having directed the show and performed in it two other times; once as Macduff and once as Ross. Having the opportunity to tackle it at this phase in my life means more than I could have imagined. I first started having conversations about potentially performing the part back in November, and then in January I unfortunately ruptured my Achilles. I thought for sure I would have to relinquish the role, and was disheartened to say the least. But Ken and I stayed in communication and spoke candidly as I healed from surgery and moved into physical therapy. As the timetable advanced, it seemed like a real possibility that I would be able to still perform. Knowing that a role this demanding was on the horizon gave me something to focus on as I rehabbed and rebounded. It’s exciting for me to say this production literally helped get me back on my feet.

Adding to all that, the last time I was a part of a production of Macbeth was almost two decades ago. A lot has changed in that time, and it was fascinating to re-approach the script with all the extra knowledge and life experience I had accumulated. Digging in allowed me to find so many colors and levels I could not have discovered when I was younger. It also pointed a mirror back to me, showing me how much I have grown and evolved over the years. It wasn’t without its challenges, as it’s easy to fall into certain traps and ideas of how the role should be played, but it was liberating to be able to just let go and see where the ideas could take me. It’s been a great ride so far, and we’ve only just opened!

Is this your first time performing at ATA? How has it been?

While not my first time at ATA, I haven’t been on the stage here for quite some time. The last production I did was in the very same theatre when I got the chance to play Iago in Othello, exactly 11 years ago to the day! It is such a pleasure being back. I have always enjoyed performing at ATA, especially in the Cullum. It’s such a unique space with a great history, and it’s an honor to share the space once again. I love performing in these types of off-broadway houses as it gives us, as performers, the chance to really connect with the audience, to make them feel like they’re a part of the play. I’ve been lucky to be on national television, in feature films, and on national tours that played to sold-out houses of 3000+, but there’s nothing that parallels the intimacy and environment of a small house production. I truly love it, it’s like being home.

That is so lovely to hear, ATA really does feel like home to many. We know you’ve had a long night, so is there anything else you want to share?

I would like to sincerely thank the cast and crew for being a part of this journey with me. It has been a pleasure to stand side by side with them as we brought this production to life. Every cast I have ever had the privilege to be a part of is like a family to me, one that I am lucky to be a member of. I am honored and humbled by the support of everyone involved and also anyone who came out to watch us perform. I am also grateful for the amount of room which I was given to play, practice, fail, try, and grow.

Being an artist isn’t easy, but it is what I love best; it’s who I am. To anyone who has been a part of the adventure along the way, thank you. If I’ve ever crashed at your place, if you’ve ever given me a ride, bought me something to eat, answered the phone, texted me back, texted me first, checked in, called me, supported me, talked to me, asked me how I was doing, what I needed, if I was okay, helped me in any capacity along this road, I sincerely thank you. It’s easy to get lost and I’m extremely indebted and honored to have been loved and supported so well along the way.

I think it’s important that we stay connected as a people. That we experience each other in real life, not behind a screen. I think conversation, communication, disagreement, and discourse are essential. I think it’s necessary to feel, to allow oneself to feel, and to wonder why that feeling is.

I also think that growth is not always visible, but it’s vital to continue to feed and water your seed. Find what brings you joy, nurture it, and let it grow. And most of all, be kind to each other.

Thank you so much, that is some great advice. Have a great night!