FREEPORT — The Freeport Shakespeare Festival, in collaboration with Winterblue Theater, will present “Macbeth.”

This is the first Shakespearean play to be produced at Freeport Factory Stage and  the first time the festival tackles a major tragedy in the Shakespeare cannon.

“Macbeth” will open Thursday, Oct. 20, and run through Sunday, Nov. 6, with a Halloween night performance on Monday, Oct. 31.

The cast of 16, including two Equity actors, 11 local professional actors and three children, is directed by Lon Church, artistic director of Winterblue Theatre and Summerblue Arts.

This production features a live musical score by Ed Pearlman, who has been on the Portland music scene for many years as lead musician for the group Highland Soles.

“Macbeth” marks the final production of the 2011 season for Freeport Shakespeare Festival, which expanded its programming this year to include four major productions.

For tickets, call 865-5505 or visit www.freeportfactory.com.