Theater Review: Magnificent ‘Macbeth’ at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater

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CHICAGO – One of the jewels of Chicago is right on Lake Michigan. The Chicago Shakepeare Theater within Navy Pier continues to illuminate the immortal Bard resplendently for contemporary audiences. “Macbeth,” playing through March 5th, is part of their ‘Short Shakespeare!’ series.

HollywoodChicago.com Comedy/Tragedy Rating: 4.0/5.0
Play Rating: 4.0/5.0

This Shakespeare presentation is framed as an “introduction” to the powerful imagery and unforgettable language of the famed playwright, abridged to under 80 minutes for a Saturday morning (11am) crowd. The audience was a mix of kids, Macbeth beginners and aficionados, part of the CST Family Series.

None of the power and energy of this essential tragedy is lost in the remastering. All the language is maintained, with a prose beauty and familiarity all of its own. The story is of Macbeth (Mark L. Montgomery), a warrior and kinsman to King Duncan (Lynn Robert Berg) of Scotland. The prophecies of three witches include that Macbeth will be “Thane” of another province, and that his best friend Banquo (Mike McNamara) will sire a line of kings. Shortly thereafter, Macbeth receives notice from King Duncan that he is the new Thane of Cawdor, fulfilling the first prophecy.

With one murder down, it becomes easier to order more, and the new king’s obsession with prophecies lead him to ambush and kill his best friend Banquo. The guilt and paranoia which follows leads to visions of his best friend at a royal banquet, with the others at the table not seeing the ghost.

Mr.& Mrs.: Lesley Bevan (Lady Macbeth) and Mark L. Montgomery (Macbeth) in ‘Macbeth’
Mr.& Mrs.: Lesley Bevan (Lady Macbeth) and Mark L. Montgomery (Macbeth) in ‘Macbeth’
Photo credit: Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Disturbed, Macbeth revisits the three witches. “Something wicked this way comes” is part of the incantation that will decide the next moment of his fate, followed by a wife who can’t seem to get the stains out of her own soul. Macbeth is about to journey toward a destiny forged by his own murderous hand.

There is vivid imagination in capturing one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays. The theater is inspired by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Swan Theater in Stratford-upon-Avon, with spare staging and a performance space visible on three sides. In the “backstage” area, a mysterious forest is behind the main action, flanked by industrial fencing and construction platforms. The players are costumed in the Matrix-like punk rock leather and denim look, with Lady Macbeth and the main witch (Dorcas Sowunmi) getting slightly more color in their garb. The arresting atmosphere is enhanced by a flowing red sheet, effectively used as a symbol for both royalty and blood.

The young cast energetically translates the guts of the play through harsh battle sequences choreographed like ballet by stagecraft director David H. Bell and uses the whole theater arena. The professionalism of the technical crew (Scenic designer Scott Davis and Lighting Director Lee Keenan) gives the proceedings a stark lushness and an unforgettable glean.

Leslie Bevan’s Lady Macbeth is simply awesome. She translates both the conniving spirit of the lust for power and the vulnerability of living with the guilt. Bevan looks like a striking contemporary woman, one that might be on Michigan Avenue shopping, which added to the sheer modernity of her interpretation. Mark Montgomery’s Macbeth was a little soft, he bore the burden of the murders with a proper weak will, but his initial ambition was not as fully realized.

Bard Fu: Mike McNamara (Banquo) in ‘Macbeth’
Bard Fu: Mike McNamara (Banquo) in ‘Macbeth’
Photo credit: Chicago Shakespeare Theater

The rest of the cast played many roles, and it was the stage fighting that distinguished their presence. Mike McNamara’s character of Banquo was especially athletic, and he handled the florid language with a depth and directness that took advantage of his rich midwestern voice. Dorcas Sowunmi cut a fine form as the main witch and the frightened Lady Macduff, with other cast members taking on soldiering and supporting roles with equal intensity.

There is true passion interwoven into this short run, which will also tour after leaving the main stage on March 5th. Whether you are an ardent admirer of the complete works of Shakespeare, want to introduce children to the Bard or are just curious about the power and sanctity of the celebrated playwright, then the Chicago Shakespeare Theater delivers a exemplary Macbeth for everyone.

“Macbeth” by William Shakespeare, is performed every Saturday at 11am through March 5th at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. The ensemble includes Mark L. Montgomery, Lesley Bevan, Lynn Robert Berg, Mike McNamara and Dorcas Sowunmi. Directed by David H. Bell. Click here for more information.

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Senior Staff Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2011 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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