Review: MACBETH at Shakespeare On The Sound

Rowayton's Pinkney Park has been transformed into the Scottish Highlands! Shakespeare on the Sound's production of Macbeth is playing from June 15th through July 2nd at 7:30pm. Rather than a typical theatrical experience, Shakespeare on the Sound allows for a more casual and intimate theatrical setting. Theatregoers are encouraged to bring food, blankets, and lawn chairs for picnic style dinner and a show. Unlike past years, Macbeth took this one step further. Macbeth was designed as an immersive show. There are 4 main acting areas in addition to multiple walkways scattered throughout the audience. Every seat is the best seat in the house! Actors walk, fight, and occasionally roll, through the audience en route to each scene.

For those who are unfamiliar, Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies. Macbeth, Thane of Glames is visited by 3 prophetic witches following a bloody battle. The witches inform Macbeth that he shall become the Thane of Cawdor and shortly after, the King of Scotland. No sooner than the witches vanish into air, Macbeth learns of his promotion to the Thane of Cawdor. In disbelief he writes home to his wife, Lady Macbeth, to tell her of the prophecy. Lady Macbeth decides that her husband must kill the current King, Duncan, in order for the prophecy to come true. After this sinister deed is done chaos, corruption, and full blown ensues ultimately ending with Macbeth's demise.

Claire Shannon Kelly, Shakespeare on the Sound's Artistic Director, acts as the director for this production of Macbeth. Kelly has done a wonderful job maintaining the integrity of the classic while still keeping it entertaining and rejuvenated for the audience members.

Graham Stevens has taken on the role of the powerful and traitorous Macbeth. Stevens not only provides a mastery of Shakespearean language but also makes every change to Macbeth's character throughout the show seem so natural. His talent is

unquestionable and has great onstage chemistry with Lady Macbeth, Winsome Brown. Brown also shows a great understanding of her character and easily stands on her own during the performance.

While the murderous royal couple does an outstanding job with their roles, they are not the only two that helped create this wonderful production. The entire ensemble knocks the show out of the park (no pun intended). Between Nicolas Urda's enduring performance as MacDuff and John Hardin's hilarious portrayal as the drunKen Porter, there isn't a second where the audience isn't held captive to the action. In addition to all of the wonderful older actors, there are phenomenal child actors featured in the show. Sean Redahan plays a wonderful teenaged Fleance alongside his father, Banquo, played by Calvin Leon Smith. Additionally, Karsten Rynearson and Owen Tanzar share the role of MacDuff's son alongside Phoebe Bryan, MacDuff's daughter.

Macbeth has always been a timeless classic; Shakespeare on the Sound brings the show to life and makes it an enjoyable outing for friends and family. It is definitely worth seeing- just be sure to bring bug spray and a blanket!

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