Ray Fisher as Macbeth and Aurea Tomeski, Ellie Gossage, & Felix Mayes as the Witches. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
Macbeth – An Overview of a Fabulous Production
Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare's most popular plays. Classified as a tragedy, the play provides a look at the lengths a man goes to in order to obtain and keep power. Power and politics: two things that drive people to do things they might not normally do. Such is the case with the characters and plot of Macbeth. That idea alone would be enough to go to see the play.
However, under the direction of Brian B. Crowe, this production, now playing on the Main Stage of Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in Madison, is a must see during this season of 2024 political goings on. Additionally the play has a flair towards the supernatural and horror effects which makes for good Halloween viewing.
Audiences are treated to special effects which enhance the staging and presentation of the play. Put all of that together along with a strong cast of actors and you have a powerful theatrical production.
The Play Begins as You Enter the Theater
Upon entering the seating area of STNJ’s venue, the stage is set with netted panels and a rich looking display of raised backboards. Thunder and lightning flash and bang as you get to your seat and continues on creating a spooky atmosphere.
Throughout the play, the sound continues with varieties of special effects. Melanie Chen Cole, Sound Designer, provides effects which keeps you on the edge of your seat. At various points in the show, there are drums and dark sounding music.
Andrew Hungerford, Lighting Designer for the show, also helps to create that special feeling of uncertainty. The selection of lighting colors includes orange and hues of blue which radiate the background. When shining on the characters acting on stage, a definite sense of their mission is evident.
The Prophecy of the Three Witches
Excellent use of the three witches throughout the play gives a feeling of the macabre. Played by Ellie Gossage, Felix Mayes, and Aurea Tomeski, the three witches keep an active presence onstage. Their predictions guide the play as they stand at various locations watching what is going on. Their presence is fascinating to watch as we never get to see their faces. But the dark draping of their costumes, and the distortion of the sound of their voices adds a lot to that feeling of dread and horror which hangs over the plot.
As he returns from a battle in Scotland, Macbeth meets these witches in the woods and hears their three prophecies. This moves Macbeth into action as he hears the first prophecy: he will be a Thane.
The Story Moves Forward as the Lust for Power Grows
Ray Fisher as Macbeth. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
Ray Fisher turns in a strong performance as Macbeth. He begins as the victorious general along with Banquo (R. J. Foster) returning home when he meets the three witches. His reaction at hearing their predictions is one of thought and contemplation. But when he gets word that he is now a Thane, he realizes the first prediction has come true. He now begins to think about their second prediction which is that he will be named king.
Playing the role of Lady Macbeth is Erin Partin. Her intense portrayal shows Lady Macbeth move from being a strong woman who wants her husband to become king to the point where she descends into a state of madness. She encourages her husband to kill King Duncan (Earl Baker Jr.) which he does.
Thus begins a series of killings Macbeth does as a mean of holding his power. And as he kills, he steps further into the paranoia of what he is doing. The scenes of the killings are intensely mounted on stage. The sword fights are well choreographed by Doug West and in a few instances, you will hold your breath thinking the fight is getting close.
After Banquo’s death, the appearance of his ghost is startling as the lighting on his face highlights the incandescent glow of his spirit. He appears at a banquet table where only Macbeth can see him bringing him a step deeper into the terror he has created.
The haunting at the end of Act 1 is especially effective and sound distortions to the voices add to the horror.
Erin Partin as Lady Macbeth and Aurea Tomeski, Ellie Gossage, & Felix Mayes as the Witches. Photo by Avery Brunkus.
As Macbeth receives word of his wife’s death, he realizes his end is coming as well. But as he realizes he misinterpreted the witches’ words, he knows that he is doomed to die.
Go to See Macbeth
A hearty round of applause goes out the creatives, cast, crew, and director of Macbeth for producing such an intense play. It is one of Shakespeare’s tragedies. However, additional elements of the macabre bring some extra horror to the show. How far will a man go for power and what price does he pay? See this play for some insights on these questions.
Tickets for Macbeth are on sale now through The Shakespeare Theatre website, ShakespeareNJ.org, or by calling the box office at (973) 408-5600.
Performances run from October 16 through November 17, 2024, at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located on the campus of Drew University in Madison, NJ.
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