Review Roundup: MACBETH at Denver Center For The Performing Arts

To get what he wants, Macbeth will let nothing stand in his way - not the lives of others or his own well-being. As his obsession takes command of his humanity and his sanity, the death toll rises and his suspicions mount. This ambitious reinvention reminds us that no matter what fate is foretold, the man that chooses to kill must suffer the consequences.

This re-imagined version of MACBETH features an all male cast and runs at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts through October 29.

The cast stars Ariel Shafir as Macbeth, Adam Poss as Lady Macbeth, Gareth Saxe as Duncan, Rob Fenton as Malcolm, Skyler Gallun as Donalbain, Alec Hynes as Banquo, Joel Reuben Ganz as Macduff, Daniel Kyri as Lady Macduff, Travis Turner as Lennox, and Danny Zuhlke as Fleance.

The cast also includes Steven Cole Hughes, Erik Kochenberger, Keith D. Gallagher, Jesse Pennington, Joe Goldammer, Kim Fischer, and Thaddeus Fitzpatrick.

MACBETH is directed by Robert O'Hara, with scenic design by Jason Sherwood, costume design by Dede M. Ayite, lighting design by Alex Jainchill, and original music and sound design by Lindsay Jones.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Joanne Ostrow, The Know: While true to the text, this wildly inventive "Macbeth" plays with every aspect of the tragedy, from casting (it's all males, including the superb Adam Poss as Lady Macbeth), to the design elements, the S&M wardrobe and the humor found in oddly modern line readings... While not recommended as a first exposure to "Macbeth," this vision infuses the story with fresh insights and makes the best-known scenes new again... Stylized movement unifies the look and feel, including ninja fight scenes, "Matrix"-like slow-motion bits and break-dance moves. O'Hara's production shines, even as it calls attention to itself.

Juliet Wittman, Westword: The all-male cast actually works pretty well, since this is a very male tragedy, filled with war and warriors and with a murderous struggle for the crown at its center - though it's Lady Macbeth's ambition that spurs her husband to fatal action. As Lady Macbeth, Adam Poss is one of the most successful pieces of casting. He doesn't assume either stereotypically male or female gestures; in a mildly androgynous costume, he asserts power without strutting, admits vulnerability without sentimentality... O'Hara gets points for originality and guts, but he needs to trust more in the words, the subtleties underlying them, and Shakespeare's pulsating silences.

Avery Anderson, Met Media: Macbeth, played by the powerhouse Ariel Shafir, created an iconic and quintessential Macbeth that handled the new elements perfectly. He brought with him the manly drive and passion of Macbeth but also showed a humanistic side by being the friend and lover he is... O'Hara has perfectly helmed his team of designers to create something that is visually stunning, a joy to watch and a sensation for the ears.

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