Roving Pittsburgher Report, "Macbeth" The Power of Prophecy, Betrayal, Assassination, Guilt and Revenge

Macbeth

The Power of Prophecy

 Betrayal, Assassination, Guilt and Revenge

Directed by Alan Stanford

PICT Classic Theater

JoAnn R. Forrester, Review

Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s shortest and darkest plays was first

David Whalen as Macbeth

staged over five hundred years. It’s insights into the human character and the thirst and consequence of greed and power still ring true.

 

The play Macbeth depicts the tale of a brave Scottish General, Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth, who become consumed by a prophecy of glory and power based on the prediction of witches heard shortly shortly after a major victory and promotion.  This prophesy grabs him, twists him and turns into a murderous and paranoid man who retains his power by eliminating all those he  perceives as a threat. 

Lady Macbeth passion for power is ignited when she reads the witches prophesy in a letter from her husband.   She sees herself as Queen of Scotland and what is a little murder or two to get what has been prophesized.  She is his eager partner in the royal murder and cover up.  Unexpectedly her conscience raises it head.  Lady Macbeth is gripped in remorse and guilt, and is driven to commit suicide to escape her pain. 

The witches

Macbeth, the “Scottish Play” is a play that is a great challenge to those who embark on it.  It is the one that actors desire and dread.  David Whelan, as Macbeth, is masterful and he passes the actors test.   Lady Macbeth, played by Gayle Pazerski is accomplished as Lady Macbeth who quickly is gripped by the witch’s prophecy and moves to “incite” her husband to strike while it is the opportune time.  Remind me never to be the guest of anyone who has the name Macbeth.

Alan Stoppard is a great director and has that touch that brings the theater alive, whether it is drama, comedy or tragedy.  One of his unique touches was how the witches are portrayed.  They weave an eerie spell of magic with  sinuous movements and their multi layered costumes weave a spell of first they are there and then they are not.

 The Charity Randall Theater captured my imagination with its dark gray vaulted ceiling setting the scene as medieval Scottish castle.  The use of mist to portray the mysterious atmosphere worked well.  The costumes at first seemed drab to me and I wanted to see more color and splendor.  But it worked and forced me and I believe the actors to project their character.  The choreograph scenes of the battles and murders with mist, drums and lighting conveyed the dark murderous times.

I am fascinated by English, Scottish and Irish history.  I revel in reading about the time when the sword and the pike often settle the score and decided who will reign.   It is a bloody ruthless time that we in the US find difficult to understand.  After all, we believe in the “peaceful transfer of power” and fight our battles at the polls.  Of course, if we are honest, we would admit we now use character assassination to accomplish our drive and thirst for political power.  And unfortunately wars are still fought to gain and keep power today.  Regardless of the “reasons” we have wars today; it is still based on Shakespeare’s reading of the human character. 

As one of my British friends would exclaim, “Good show”   I suggest you make the time to see PICT’S Macbeth.  It is first rate theatre.  We are so fortunate to have this first rate Theatre Company with us. Go, enjoy and be immersed in murder and intrigue at its finest. 

Written By: JoAnn R. Forrester
Host of Empress of Biz
Anchor Internet Radio Show on PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
JoAnn R. Forrester is co-host of the Empress of Biz Talkcast and co-founder, president and partner in S. I. Business Associates, Small Business Solutions, LLC and Celebrate and Share. She is an entrepreneur, writer, business growth specialist, teacher, columnist and award winning writer. JoAnn specializes in helping small businesses grow and prosper. She is the co-developer of the PRICE IT PERFECT™ cost management system for small business, and has secured over 40 million dollars in loans and investment for her clients.
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"Private Lives" Wows the Pittsburgh Public Theatre

Private Lives – by Noel Coward

Pittsburgh Public Theatre – O’Reilly Theatre

Review by RovingPittsburgher Reproter, Tamar Cerafici

There’s a lot of fun in a Noël Coward play, even before the lights dim. My companion for the evening searched the program in vain for a synopsis of the play and was a bit frustrated. I looked through as well, and then explained the plot:

Two couples are on their honeymoon at the same hotel. Wife (Amanda) of one couple was married to husband (Ellyot) of other couple. They bump nto each other on their adjoining balconies. Hilarity ensues.  Roughly, that’s the plot of nearly every Noel Coward comedy.

 

Victoria Mack as Amanda and 
Michael Brusasco as Elyot

            That’s the short version of this review. PPT’s Private Lives is a delightful study in contrasts, from the silky, sinuous lines of the lead couple, to the frumpy gowns and “scratchy” suits of their new mates. Scenery, costuming, and direction all convince us that these supersized, extravagant characters were made to live life together. Who else would have them?

            The PPT’s ensemble performance captured the elegant, if strained, tone of the English upper class, still reeling from the emotional and economic toll of World War I. The Stodgy Victor (played to the hilt by Laird Mackintosh) and the Sensible Sibyl (Amanda Leigh Cobb’s absolutely serious take on the poor jilted girl is sensational) represent the part of society that responded by returning to Victorian England. Amanda and Ellyot are having none of that, and neither is the playwright.

Michael Brusasco as Elyot and
Victoria Mack as Amanda

            The cast is remarkably good at dispensing Coward’s lightning-quick dialogue. It’s accompanied with passionate fights and raw physical comedy that would look rather silly if not played by really skilled actors. Michael Brusasco, as Ellyot, and Victoria Mack, as Amanda, are fleet of tongue and foot. Every invective is sharp; every caress carries the potential of a left hook. (I must add here that much of the humor of this play stems from the fact that Amanda and Ellyot would have at least 10 restraining orders apiece in this century. Private Lives could be a pretty heavy play if it wanted to be.)

Mr. Mackintosh and Ms. Cobb are perfect foils to the passionate leads. If anything, they keep the play from bobbing away like a beach ball on the waves. They absolutely don’t weight the play down, they just do what their character types are supposed to do: be the sea anchor to keep the boat from going completely off course. And they do it so well that the entire ensemble is perfectly balanced, like a well-made champagne cocktail.

Laird Mackintosh (Victor),
Victoria Mack (Amanda),
Michael Brusasco (Elyot),
 Amanda Leigh Cobb (Sibyl)

I must mention the fifth wheel, Louise the maid. Louise’s role is short, and spoken entirely in French. Elena Alexandratos is simply delightful as the French peasant serving the silly English. I was glad I understood what she said. She brings humor into the third act, which could have devolved into Greek tragedy in lesser hands.

The production continues through June 24, and is the perfect early summer entertainment. Get your tickets. Live it up for a change. The stock market and the presidential campaigns will take care of themselves.

Tamar Cerafici is an environmental lawyer whose national practice includes nuclear power and sustainable development consulting. She is the author of “Dominate: How Lawyers Crush Their Competition (with these 4 Powerhouse Marketing Techniques),” and the founder of The-Barefoot-Barrister.com as well as LegalShoe, and The Lawyer’s New Clothes, new media channels on PositivelyPittsburghlivemagazine.com that teach lawyers how to build enterprises and find balance in their practices without selling their souls