Press Clippings-
Backstage-August 29-September 4
Excerpt from:
Witches' Macbeth; Lady Macbeth
Reviewed by David Sheward
To even mention "Macbeth" is considered unlucky in theatrical circles. Yet Shakespeare's tale of vaulting ambition and supernatural doom is one of the most popular properties of the moment. In addition to several recent and upcoming productions of the play itself, there were two adaptations of the legend of the convivng Scottish Thane presented as part of the New York International Fringe Festival.
I don't know why Richard Kimmel renamed his production "Witches' Macbeth" since it was the same basic Shakespeare with some editing. The witches are present throughout and appear to be the guiding force behind Macbeth's ruthless rise to the throne of Scotland. But the spotlight is still on the title character, played here with muscularity by Andrew Garman. However, Holly Natwora's Lady Macbeth errs on the side of overtheatricality.
There is a fresh vitality in Kimmel's staging, but some of his devices are overused, such as having characters not central but influential to a scene circle slowly around the main participants. This is the new Cannon Co.'s debut production, despite a few quibbles noted above, this is a promising beginning.