Wow! A bloody, gory horror story. I think this is the third production of Macbeth I’ve seen since Cincinnati Shakespeare began – and it’s definitely the most visceral, emotional, shocking. And so believable.
With various characters answering cellphones instead of writing letters, the king working on his laptop, the queen chopping veggies in the kitchen (and wearing some incredibly sexy outfits), the toll of bodies keeps piling up, with many of them killed right in front of us.
The Three Weird Sisters were terrific, too. I have just a little quibble with the jerky movements in the spell casting. It may have been theatrical, but that’s not how it really works. Supposedly their info came from the nether regions, which I know isn’t true, but it does come the same way. Good information, but not necessarily complete – and it’s never good when the person receiving it is totally sure s/he understands it. (Advice: just take the info one step at a time and wait for more.)
But the effect of their prophecies on Macbeth and Banquo and then Lady Macbeth sets the whole chain of events in motion. And the Weirds’ other visits. Really great stuff. Before you know it, Macbeth is seeing what isn’t there, lying to everyone all the time and ordering murder and mayhem in mass quantities.
Some of Shakespeare’s best lines are in the Scottish play. And some of the best acting you’ll ever see in this town is in evidence as well. Since it was the Halloween play, it’s nearly over. Go see it while you can!