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The murderous play opens tonight at Winona State University’s Performing Arts Center.
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Christopher Gerson and Kim Martin-Cotton, stalwart veterans of the company, were scarily convincing as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in a preview of “the Scottish play” Wednesday evening.
Gerson morphed believably from noble soldier to madman, with Martin-Cotten standing by her man, and nudging him when needed.
Costumes are more detailed than some in years past, with kilts, vests and sashes creating depth and texture.
The men wore kilts with great machismo while wielding weapons. Lady Macbeth appropriately wore red.
The stage is spare. The Wyrd sisters haunt Macbeth as they sing behind a sheer curtain like ghostly apparitions. As the theater darkens for intermission, a glowing Hekate, played by Carla Noack, silently offered an ominous foreshadowing of the bloodshed to come.
Other action behind the curtain at times distracts from the actors on center stage.
Arthur Moss’ voice booms with authority in his role as King Duncan. Moss returns to the stage at the end of the second half as Seyward, Earl of Northumberland. Although it’s common for the same actor to play both Duncan and Seyward, Moss’ impact as the murdered king make his return a little distracting.
GRSF veteran Jonathan Gillard Daly brings humor to his role as Seyton, Macbeth’s porter. Daly has a way of connecting with audiences, whether as the villain king, “Richard III” in season two, or in his more humorous roles. He commands the stage, especially when alone.
As Macduff, Chris Mixon made his character’s anguish real as he heard his slain children sing.
Less was more when we didn’t see Macbeth’s severed head in a burlap bag but heard it thud as it hit the ground.
The sound effects were goose-bump inducing. The clippity cloppity sound of horse hooves made you want to double check to see if indeed a horse was entering stage right.
The fight scenes were good, although they could’ve been bloodier. Maybe they’re saving the blood for tonight. Either way, “Macbeth” is powerful theater and a bloody good time.
Contact Käri Knutson at kknutson@winonadailynews
.com or (507) 453-3523.
If you go
What: “Macbeth”
When: 8 p.m. today
Where: Winona State University’s Performing Arts Center’s Main Stage
Tickets: $20 to $35.
For a complete schedule or for reservations: Visit www.grsf.org. “Macbeth” and “As You Like It” will be performed through
July 29.
Maybe just thinking could......... wrote on Jun 29, 2007 11:31 PM: