BWW Reviews: The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Presents Powerful MACBETH

Since I've become a theatre critic I've had the opportunity to see several productions of William Shakespeare's Macbeth, and most have left me wanting in one way or another. But, just as Roman Polanski's gritty 1971 film adaptation is, for me at least, the best interpretation of the Bard's play that has been made into a movie, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis has produced a staging that is vastly superior to any I have encountered to this point. This dark, bloody, and brooding production of Macbeth provides an excellent evening of theatre, and features a talented cast and powerful design and direction.

Though Macbeth has continually proven his worth in battle, he's easily swayed, as we'll come to see, and not exactly the type of man one might consider "throne worthy". But all that changes when a prophecy is delivered to him by three witches who have seen a vision of his ascension to the throne. Thus emboldened, he forgoes his service to the King in order to cut a bloody swath through those that would stand in the way of his ambitions. Goaded on by his wife, Macbeth makes his play for power, leaving a trail of bodies, both young and old, in his wake.

A superb cast is led by Timothy D. Stickney as Macbeth, who's bold and passionate in the role, even when he begins to question his course of action and seems to be teetering on the brink of madness. He's well matched with Caris Vujcec as the scheming, manipulating, and controlling, Lady Macbeth. In the end, her determination drives the plot and seals both of their fates.

Splendid support is provided by: Jerry Vogel as Duncan, King of Scotland; Jason Cannon as Banqo, whose death will haunt Macbeth, literally; Ben Nordstrom and Greg Fink as Duncan's sons; Nancy Bell as the doomed Lady Macduff; Michael Keyloun, David Graham Jones and Shanara Gabrielle as the witches who set this wicked tale in motion; Christopher Hickey as Ross; and Michael James Reed as Macduff.

Director Paul Mason Barnes has put together a thrilling production that drips with gore and hubris, and he's greatly aided in his efforts by the stark, but effective scenic design of Michael Ganio, which focuses our attention squarely on the action and the actors. Kenton Yeager's lighting and Rusty Wandall's sound design add considerable atmosphere, and Dorothy Marshall Englis contributes the eclectic costumes.

This production of Shakespeare's Macbeth by the St. Louis Repertory Theatre is a mesmerizing powerhouse, and it continues through March 6, 2011 on the main stage at the Loretto-Hilton.

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