Directed by Branagh and Tony winner Rob Ashford (Thoroughly Modern Millie, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying), the staging of William Shakespeare's tragedy begins previews May 31, prior to an official opening June 5. The production stars five-time Academy Award nominee Branagh ("Hamlet," "My Week with Marilyn") as the ambitious Thane of Cawdor and Alex Kingston ("Doctor Who," "Arrow") as Lady Macbeth.

"As an actor, the idea of coming to perform in New York is one of those things you hope and pray might be on your CV," Branagh said. "To come and be here at any time, ever, in your performing life would be a great privilege."

Here's how the production is billed: "This staging of Macbeth transforms the Armory and its 55,000-square-foot drill hall, taking advantage of the building's unique spaces and military history to bring to life one of Shakespeare's most powerful tragedies in an intensely physical, fast-paced production that places the audience directly on the frontlines of battle. The audience will be drawn into the blood, sweat, and elements of nature as the action unfurls across a traverse stage, with heaven beckoning at one end and hell looming at the other."

Watch the interview below.