HAMTRAMCK, Mich. — This probably will make high brows think less of me, but I’ve never been a big fan of Shakespeare performances. I can’t explain it; I don’t mind reading it, but it tends to bore me when staged.

I don’t have that problem with Macdeath. The original musical comedy adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic is written by Mikey Brown and Shawn Handlon. Handlon also directs and Brown nearly steals the show as Brookstone, a robot butler who provides droll counterpoint to the other, more excitable characters.

Macbeth isn’t typically counted among light Shakespeare fare, but Brown points out there is historical precedent for presenting the piece as a comedy, as it was performed for the first hundred or so years after it was written. Who knew? I certainly didn’t.

MacDeath is a worthy revival of the comedic spin.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, ragtag bands of survivors are at war in Southeast Michigan. On their return from quashing an uprising against Dunkin, King of Lakeside, Generals Macdeath and Bank encounter three witches, who prophesy that Macdeath will become king.

There are lots of references to local malls and stores, which is funnier than it sounds, especially when they pop up unexpectedly. I won’t ruin the gag, but Lady Macdeath’s full name makes perfect sense based on her costume. References to Somerset, Briarwood, Oakland and Eastland show up throughout, although Lakeside is the location for much of the action. It is set just outside of Gilbertsville, which is what billionaire developer Dan Gilbert has renamed Detroit after buying the naming rights.

The set is one of the more elaborate I’ve seen at Planet Ant and it works perfectly in conveying dystopian decay. Designed by Jennifer Maiseloff, it includes an overhead screen that is used brilliantly for hilarious films and other visual cues at key moments, including a longish opening that sets the scene for the play. It must have been completed very recently, since it manages to include the rendering of Gilbert’s proposed skyscraper for the old Hudson’s site on Woodward. (It’s a subtle nod to Hudson’s, which continues the mall/store theme.)

Costumes are properly post-apocalyptic, each fitting the character’s persona very well. It’s hard to believe this is costume designer Rebecca Berdy’s first time costuming a play. Hopefully we will see more from this budding talent.

Katy Kujala Cronin, who plays the Lady, has a lovely and operatic voice. The Planet Ant theater’s charms don’t include great acoustics and it’s difficult to understand some of the lyrics she sings, but you get the general idea. While the dialogue is in modern vernacular (including a fair share of F-bombs), the lyrics of the songs “rely on Shakespeare’s poetic words,” says Handlon.

The acting and singing is first-rate across the board, with Macdeath (Karen Kron Dickson), Bank (Joel Douglas Gray), Chamberlain (Nicole Pasceranno), King Dunkin and Cruller (Dez Walker), Fleance (Sara Rose) lending no clue that it was the show’s premiere. Bryan Fraser is stage manager.

Macdeath offers something for everyone. There’s both romance and violence, which makes it the perfect destination for a date night, or for anyone who wants to experience Shakespeare in a totally new way.

Click here for show days, times, tickets and details.