Excerpt from “Macbeth: Something wicked (and wonderful) this way comes to the D” review
Frank Anthony Polito
July 17, 2015
Source: http://www.encoremichigan.com/2015/07/macbeth-something-wicked-and-wonderful-this-way-comes-to-the-d/
Adrian Diffey, as the Porter, receives the rare laugh in this grizzly drama with his Scottish lilt and comic handling of a wine bottle.
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SHOW DETAILS:
Macbeth
Shakespeare in Detroit
New Center Park, 2998 West Grand Blvd., Detroit
Showtimes are Thursday, July 16, Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m. with one matinee on Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Free
ShaekespeareinDetroit.com
(mirrored video from youtube)
FULL REVIEW:
Macbeth: Something wicked (and wonderful) this way comes to the “D”
July 17, 2015
Frank Anthony Polito
What better way is there to spend a summer’s evening than outdoors, under the stars (or clouds), taking in a masterpiece of Classical Theater? “Shakespeare in the Park” is a tradition in cities across our country, and we Detroiters owe a debt of thanks to Sam White, founder and Executive Director of Shakespeare in Detroit, for bringing free Shakespeare to the Motor City.
The company closes its second season with a thrilling production of “Macbeth.” One of the Bard’s better known works, “The Scottish Play” tells the story of a man and his wife, so hell-bent on achieving success that they are willing to lie, cheat, and commit murder to attain it. But unlike anything you could see at the movies or on HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” this production features a cast of 12 actors performing live on a stage in the middle of New Center Park, in the shadow of Detroit’s own Fisher building… How cool is that?!
From the play’s opening, with the entrance of the three Witches, we know we’re in good hands under D.B. Schroeder’s direction. It’s a joy to watch his actors circling about the stage, conjuring images of the story yet to come, all set to a booming bass that will drive us to the bitter end. (Sadly, no sound designer is credited on the postcard program, but someone deserves a nod as this technical element is one of the production’s strongest.)
There is a varying degree of talent in this “Macbeth,” which can, at times, add to the difficulty in following the plot. Standouts include Miles Boucher and Laura Heikkinen as the murderous Mr. and Mrs. Macbeth. They possess a command over the text and are clear in their intention. As Banquo, Casey Hibbert is strong, both in stature and the way he wields a sword. Adrian Diffey, as the Porter, receives the rare laugh in this grizzly drama with his Scottish lilt and comic handling of a wine bottle. Aja Dier gives a heartbreaking performance in her big scene as Lady Macduff, making us feel for her predicament.
The costumes, designed by Christa Koerner, support the play’s setting with just the right amount of plaid, and Macbeth’s king’s robe looks pretty awesome, as do the witches non-traditional wooly rags. Fight choreographer Patrick Hanley provides the actors (male and female) with some thrusting and parrying that is both theatrical in style and skillfully executed.
If you’ve not seen “Macbeth” before (or you’re taking youngsters along for the experience — as you should!), you might want to peek at a synopsis before, during, and after attending the production. Like all Shakespeare, the plot is dense and the language lofty. At times, it can feel like you’re watching a foreign film with the subtitles turned off. You may have no idea what’s going on, but you can tell that something incredible is happening — which it is, thanks to Shakespeare in Detroit.
SHOW DETAILS:
Macbeth
Shakespeare in Detroit
New Center Park, 2998 West Grand Blvd., Detroit
Showtimes are Thursday, July 16, Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 at 8 p.m. with one matinee on Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Free
ShaekespeareinDetroit.com