Make It So, Macduff
Even if it's tear-your-hair-out, fill-your-ears-in-with-cement bad, theatre can be expensive proposition in New York. When garbage like Mamma Mia! feels inexplicable justified in charging its patrons $230 a pop for orchestra seats, you can imagine how a truly sublime theatre experience might hit your wallet. Needless to say, Beth and I tend to save up our entertainment dollars for what we can only hope are worthy shows.
So, when we found out that Patrick Stewart (yes, that Patrick Stewart) was staring in Macbeth we decided it was time to empty out the change jar again. I saw Mr. Stewart over 10 years ago in a brilliant staging of Shakespeare's Tempest that may still be my favorite theatre experience of all time. I have always loved Macbeth as a written play, but every staging I have ever seen has been a disaster (Macbeth in revolutionary Cuba? — I don't think so).
This version of Macbeth puts the play in a white-tiled post-industrial basement that, when lit by the harsh monochromatic lighting, is every bit reminiscent of a morgue. Stark, sterile and yet somehow still dirty, the space makes for an appropriate atmosphere for one of Shakespeare's bloodiest plays. Mr. Stewart, of course, was superb. It is absolutely amazing to hear Shakespearean dialog delivered in a fluid, conversational manner that still retains its gravity. None of his time on stage is wasted — even standing on the sidelines distractedly contemplating a beer bottle, his posture and body language holds meaning for Macbeth. And it can be said that most of the cast had every right to share the stage with him. [Spoiler alert!] When Macduff, played by Michael Feast learns of his families' massacre at the hands of Macbeth, he so convincingly displays his shock and grief that the audience can't help but pity him. The only real disappointment of the show was Lady Macbeth as performed by the understudy. Lady Macbeth as role should never been taken lightly and few actresses are up to performing this nuanced and flawed character. I was really looking forward to seeing a strong Lady Macbeth and, while the understudy made an admirable attempt, the best I can say is she knew her lines (but not the part). It was still amazing bit of theatre.