Bay Street Theater’s production of Macbeth is an amazing combination of live theater and creative recording. This effort successfully brings the action and drama right to your device on demand. Right from the start the marriage of the great magic of William Shakespeare’s words and the intensity of the new technology of our times are combined in triumph. This year’s “Literature Live” production of Macbeth stands tall as a well-done production.
The vision of Director Allen O’Reilly, who is also Bay Street Theater’s Director of Education & Community Outreach, is crystallized by wonderful performances by the cast. Without changing a single word of the play Director O’Reilly sets the play in 1963 Scotland. With the panache of modern technology, this recording of a stage production flows with an electricity sometimes lost on live stage productions in a theater.
His adaptation of staging Macbeth as one part Macbeth and one part One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, effectively replaces the lofty setting of Castle Inverness with a set of a chilling and sterile Sanitorium, and works wonderfully. The production will be available for on-demand streaming—without the talkback—starting Tuesday, November 9, through Sunday, December 5.
Matthew Henerson as Macbeth is forceful, and effective in speaking Shakespeare’s words. His movements and energy lead this production to a wonderful level of thrilling actions.
Erin Margaret Pettigrew is dazzling as Lady Macbeth. Her stage presence is magnified even more through the lens of this recorded production.
Joe Pallister handles his four roles in this production with merit, but is most memorable in his red beret as the intense Macduff, a role he was born to play.
Gabriel Portundo also adds a certain gravitas that comes through on the screen in all four of his roles. Genevieve Simon shines as Malcolm with a zestful performance that glows. Director Allen O’Reilly shows his acting talent as Duncan right from the start of this production. Versatile Teresa Deberry adds grace, dignity and Shakespearean grit in her four roles.
Kudos and accolades to Production Stage Manager Kelsey Durkin as well as Assistant Stage Manager Joel Cote and Costume Designer Meghan O’Beirne.
Not enough can be said about the magic Mike Billings brought to this production as Scenic/Lighting/ and Sound Designer. His work on this recorded version of Macbeth is yet another feather in his cap. His editing and visual effects are “Disney-like.”
Rick Sordelet must be applauded for his staging of the swordfight in duties as Fight & Intimacy Director as well as Meg Sexton as Camera Operator. Ms. Sexton’s lens work is superb.
For more info, visit www.baystreet.org
