If you have ever seen the story of Macbeth, I promise this production at Quintessence Theatre is like anything you have ever seen before. Now until April 21st experience all male cast that embodies Macbeth and takes it to another level. It was abundantly clear on the violence that is Macbeth, powerful, and engaging.
Before you go to see MacBeth at Quintessence Theatre
Keep in mind this is most definitely the production that you do NOT bring younger kids to. For instance, I had my 14-year-oldwho is in theatre, and she was okay. I would preface that most kids ages sixteen and up would benefit from seeing this production especially if they are or have covered in their English classes. The show is about 2 hours and 45 minutes with an intermission. Be prepared for that length. In full transparency there is so much going on that you will not be watching your clock.
The cast is all male. This means even the parts that would be traditionally played by women are not. It brings a new element to the showcase. For instance, Scott Parkinson deserves all the flowers. From the energy to the intensity Scott plays Lady Macbeth and knocks the roll out the park.
What to Expect during Macbeth
The story of Macbeth has been told in so many forms before. One of the biggest undertakings is how the three witches help to convince Macbeth to kill the king and his paranoia surrounding the situation. These are heavy emotions to convey however the use of the entire stage made it easy for the cast to bring these elements to life. The three witches were in part the main characters. They were the puppetry that allowed the story of Macbeth to unfold. All three witches were dynamic from the very beginning any time they were on the stage they had your attention and never let it go.
Uncomfortableness of the themes in Macbeth
There were many moments of uncomfortableness that doesn’t always get conveyed when you read Macbeth. I read this book in high school and then again in college and the visuals that Quintessence Theatre made you feel as it was you that committed the crimes of passion. It was through being uncomfortable that for the first time I was able to feel the paranoia that Macbeth felt.
In addition we have in our own ways had moments of aspiring to things. If you ever allowed greed or jealousy be a driving force trust me you have had an Macbeth moment.
There is a lot of blood and a lot of use of blood packs. I keep saying that because a few people in the audience left talking about if it was necessary for the theatre to focus on it. My takeaway was that it was, there is no passion of love or death without going all, the way in. This is what separates Quintessence from the rest. Instead of an illusion, they allowed the illusion to come to life. Alex Burns is a genius. If you’re going to do Macbeth-do it.
If you are going to see it, make sure that you get your tickets. I have been covering Quintessence Theatre for years now and this was the first time I was able to get there for opening night. Do not miss this powerful story unfold. In addition, I do love the modern elements that are in the dance, and word choices too. Thank you to Quintessence Theatre and Perpetual Motion PR for having me.
All photos are by Linda Johnson and courtesy of Quintessence Theatre
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