Theatrical Review: Macbeth

Theatrical Review: Macbeth

Written by: William Shakespeare
Directed by: Richard M. Rose
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

A new theatrical group known as Pocono Shakes formed by Richard M. Rose presented their production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” (aka “The Tragedy of Macbeth”) in the David W. Miller’s Park located behind the Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA. The outdoor theatrical setting provided a modern audience an opportunity to experience a Shakespearian play in a similar way it was experienced by an audience living in the 17th Century. This added to the charm of the production as it allowed the audience to be an intimate part of by being in a proximity closer than that of a modern traditional theater.

Although many historians believe “Macbeth” was seldom (if ever) performed for an audience outside the court of King James during the time it was written, the play has been presented in a variety of styles to accommodate the tastes and cultural diversities of the modern era. The first most notable example of this was The Federal Theater Project’s (which was part of a recovery program initiated during the Great Depression) production by Orson Wells which was presented in 1936 at The Lafayette Theatre featuring an all African American cast and set in post-colonial Haiti. The production has become known as “Voodoo Macbeth.” The second example how adaptable the play can be is seen in the cinematic production directed by Akira Kurosawa titled, “Throne of Blood” (aka “Kumonosu jô”). This Japanese film version of “Macbeth” was set in feudal Japan and contained none of the play's script. However, it was considered one of the best film version of the work by many of the critics of the day.

#The Play “Macbeth” itself is known as one of Shakespeare’s shortest tragedies and is loosely based on the accounts recorded in The Holinshed's Chronicles of  Mac Bethad mac Findlaích (aka “the Red King”) who was King of the Scots in the 11th century. It’s about a Lord (Thane) of the Scottish Court named Macbeth (as portrayed by Patrick Bresnyan) who, along with his friend and fellow nobleman Banquo (as portrayed by Richard M. Rose who also served as the production’s director and fight choreographer), encounters three witches (as portrayed by Amy Cramer who also portrays Lady Macduff and served as the production‘s Choreographer, Emily Rose who also served as one of the production’s Property assistants, and Lorelei Sands) #as they are returning triumphantly from a war fought with the allied forces of Norway and Ireland who were led against King Duncan (as portrayed by Scott E. McIntosh who also portrayed Siward) by the traitor to the Scottish Crown Macdonwald. The witches greet the men with a series of predictions which include one foretelling of Macbeth becoming the thane of Cawdor (which was the position Macdonwald held before the treachery) and another of his rise to the throne of Scotland itself. The witches also informs Banquo he will produce a line of kings though he will not be one.

After this other worldly encounter, a thane named Ross (as portrayed by Robin Kessler who also served as the production’s Music Director) informs Macbeth of the king’s favor for his part in the war by declaring him the thane of Cawdor as predicted by the witches. Macbeth is also informed King Duncan will be staying at his castle for the night in which Macbeth writes to his wife, Lady Macbeth (who is portrayed by Gillian Bender), about his elevated position and the prophecies he received from the witches. They both begin to harbor ambitions of Macbeth becoming king.

An assassination is planed, carried out, and Macbeth does indeed become King of the Scotts. However, his position is accompanied by neurosis and paranoia as the prophecy of Banquo producing a line of kings leads Macbeth to send men (Mark Pender who also portrays Angus and the Bloody Sergeant, Griffin Wagner, and Ryan Moore who also portrays Malcolm) to murder him and his son Fleance (as portrayed by Bryce Cramer) in an effort to secure his throne. But, Fleance escapes and Macbeth’s political insecurities are heightened as he begins seeing apparitions such as Banquo and the realization that thane Macduff (as portrayed by Robert Taylor) suspects him as the assassin of  Duncan. As a result visiting the witches again and receiving additional prophecies from their goddess Hecate (as portrayed by Holly Newcomb who also portrays a Gentlewoman), Macbeth exiles Macduff to England and kills his wife and son (as portrayed  by Samantha Wagner).

Meanwhile, Lady Macbeth becomes wracked with guilt and eventually kills herself as armies begin to march upon Macbeth led by an English Nobleman named Siward and Macduff. The battle is won and, after he kills Young Siward (as portrayed by Grant Wagner who also portrays Caithness) Macbeth is beheaded by Macduff. Malcolm, the son of Ducan, takes the throne. Thus ends the play.

The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” was very well done although the pacing of the play seemed a bit rushed at times and kept the audience from absorbing the enormity of the horrendous slaughtering and their aftermaths. However, upon doing some research of the work and it’s history, this reviewer discovered this approach would have been exactly how a theater company in Shakespeare’s day present the work. Still, a slowing down of the pace a bit may enhance an already fine production of the play by adding a slight more depth to it.

Otherwise, there are many reasons to recommend seeing this production. There so many things that can go wrong in performing in a play written in an Elizabethan style for an actor. Yet, the skill these group of actors have in translating the play’s manner of speech and actions to resonate with a modern audience is superb. This was not only true for the principle players, but for the remainder of the cast as well. The members of the cast include Glenn Geiser-Getz as Lennox, Maureen Harms as Doctor and Gentlewoman, Marty Courtney as Old Gentleman and Porter, Renard Cohen as Seyton, and Cordelia Rose as Donalbain. All gave stellar performances.

How the technical aspects of the production were utilized during the production were also impressive. The lighting for the play consists of a simple row of lights strewn along the edge of the acting area. In the scene where Lady Macbeth is lamenting on her part of the murder of Duncan, she moves so the light hits her in a manner in which her face appears ghostly and withdrawn. This underlines the potency of her speech and enhances the scene a great deal. All in all, this is a production worth seeing for all who love the theatrical classics which is well represented by this presentation which was done extremely well.

The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” continues its run free and open to the public at David W. Miller Park located on South Kistler St. in East Stroudsburg, PA from Thursday September 22nd to Sunday September 25th. Attendees are asked to bring a chair and it is advised to dress for the weather. Refreshments are provided by The Brakeman Coffeehouse which will be located in the newly renovated Dansbury Depot and rest rooms facilities are also available.

The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is directed by Richard M. Rose and Stage Managed by Robin Kessler and Amanda Kalinowski. Dramaturges of the production are Sean Gubitosi and Catherine Zini. The Costume Consultant for the production was Bella Person while Missy Benefield, Irene Garner (who also served as a  Production Assistant), and Stacy Ritchie served as costumer. Lou Grillo served as a Production and Property Assistant as did Krysten Swithers. Edward Kelly served the production as its Graphic Artist designing the program, the poster, and other promotional material.

Pocono Shakes is a newly formed theatre group dedicated to shaking up Shakespeare and giving him back his groove. Their future plans include many more performances, film screenings, lessons, comedy, improv, and fun. They practice an absolute, no-discrimination policy and encourage all actors and musicians to audition and participate. Pocono Shakes is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. For more information please contact Pocono Shakes at PoconoShakes@gmail.com or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/poconoshakes.

Photograph provided by The Pocono Shakes.