Theatrical Review: Macbeth

Theatrical Review: Macbeth

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

The Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee on the Delaware, PA presented The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” (aka “The Tragedy of Macbeth”). The company previously presented the play in The David W. Miller’s Park which is located in East Stroudsburg, PA earlier this Autumn. I’ve seen one of the presentations and I’ve written a review. You’ll find it posted at www.forwardianartssociety.blogspot.com/2011/09/theatrical-review-macbeth.html.

In the review, I’ve explored the history and shared a fairly detailed synopsis of the play. I choose not to be so meticulously repetitious in writing this review as the facts I’ve referred to in the previous one has not changed. So, I would refer those who would like to experience the history and synopsis of the play to click onto the link provided earlier and feel free to do so.

However, for those who choose not to click the link, I would briefly like to share the play is about a Scottish Thane (Lord) named “Macbeth” who wins a great war for his king. After the final battle, he and his friend meet some witches who predict his ascendance to the throne and his friend’s decedents will soon follow. Afterwards Macbeth and his wife plot to kill the king and they go mad. In his paranoia, Macbeth kills his friend and has others whom he sees plotting against him murdered as well. This encourages a real plot to develop which leads to a war and the death of Macbeth.

The review also mentioned the superb acting and directing which was experienced during the production at The David W. Miller’s Park. This not only remained true on The Shawnee Playhouse stage but the performance of the actors who grew in their roles as actors often do when a play is presented over an extended period of time greatly improved the theatrical experience. This extended run of the play also seemed to have a positive effect on it’s pacing which I felt The David W. Miller’s Park production seemed a bit rushed at times and kept the audience from absorbing the enormity of the horrendous slaughtering and their aftermaths. The pace of The Shawnee Playhouse production slowed and the audience seemed to respond to the occurrences on stage with more reflection.

The cast of The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” included Patrick Bresnyan as Macbeth, Gillian Bender as Lady Macbeth, Richard M. Rose as Banquo, Amy Cramer as Lady Macduff and a witch, Emily Fiona Rose as Lady Ross and a witch, and Lorelei Sands as Lady Lennox and a witch. There were also Robin Kessler as Ross and served as the production’s Music Director), Mark Pender as Angus and the Bloody Captain, Griffin Wagner as a Lord and murder, and Ryan Moore as Malcolm and served as the production’s Weapons Master. And there were Robert Taylor as Macduff, Samantha Wagner as Macduff’s Son, and Holly Newcomb as the goddess Hecate and a Gentlewoman. Mathew Cramer as Siward, and Grant Wagner as Young Siward and Caithness. And finally there were Maureen Gilleece Harms as Doctor and Gentlewoman, Marty Courtney as the Porter, Renard Cohen as Seyton, and Cordelia Ariel Rose as Donalbain and an apparition.

There were also come cast changes between The David W. Miller’s Park and The Shawnee Playhouse productions due to various reasons. These included Ray Papay as King Duncan, Marshall Haskell as Lennox, Sarah Mitchell as an Alternate Witch, Jeremy Cramer and Cameron Cramer as MacDuff siblings who both served the production as a stagehands. All enhanced the play with their stellar performances. Even if one had seen The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” The David W. Miller’s Park last September, this reviewer would recommend seeing it once again as there seemed a certain charm in doing so. However, if anyone reading this review hasn’t seen it at the park, well, a treat awaits those who enjoy Shakespearian theater done well.

The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is directed by Richard M. Rose and Stage Managed by Amanda Kalinowski. The Costumer for the production was Bella Shanice while Irene Garner and Stacy Ritchie served as roving assistants. The producers of the productions presented at The Shawnee Playhouse are Ginny and Charlie Kirkwood while the group sales manager is Mary Horn. The Box Office Staff includes Chrissy McMannus while Becky Haskell serves as the playhouse’s Sales and Marketing Director. The Executive Director of The Shawnee Playhouse is Midge McClosky.

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.

The Pocono Shakes production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” continues its run until November 13th. Future Shawnee Playhouse presentations will include their production of “ Home for Christmas” and their Children Theater production of “A Christmas Wizard of Oz” both running from November 18th until December 22nd, “The Ultimate Elvis Tribute” on Saturday November 19th, The Northeast Ballet Ensemble production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky‘s “The Nutcracker” running from December 3rd until the 12th, and their Annual Holiday Sing In Concert featuring Handel‘s “Messiah” on Tuesday December 20th along with their children’s presentations of “Mark Mysterrio’s Tales of Magic and Mystery” on December 26th and 27th and “Kids Kabaret” on December 29th and 30th. In addition to these presentations, The Shawnee Playhouse is seeking aspiring playwrights to participate in their Shawnee Original Playwright Series (SOPS). The Submission deadline is January 31, 2012 with Staged Readings of the finalist are scheduled to take place March 6th - 30th.

Those who enjoy the Passionate Art Lover level of membership in The Forwardian Arts Society are offered a $3.00 discount off the admission fee of The Shawnee Playhouse Productions (excluding Children Theatrical Productions and those presented by non Shawnee Production Companies). Please contact The Shawnee Playhouse at 570-421-5093 or Explore their website at www.theshawneeplayhouse.com for more information (including submissions for their 2012 Playwright Competition) and to reserve your ticket.

Photograph provided by The Pocono Shakes.