REVIEW: Macbeth at The Ring

Wayne Ashbury and Emily Karel as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth (Photo by Dan Derby)

WHAT: Macbeth

WHERE: Players' Ring (Produced in collaboration with Glass Dove Productions & Vicious Mole Theatre Collective)

BLURB: Magic to Mayhem

HIGH POINT: The Witches!

Let's get right to it: Ohhh those witches! 

It's pretty fair to say you've never seen a more disturbing version of Shakespeare's cackling Weird Sisters. And the man himself? MacDuff? And so many others? Let's just say you'll be treated to some impressive versions of nearly every character in this production of Macbeth, at the Ring.

Considered by most to be Shakespeare's best and most popular work, Macbeth has it all, magic, and mayhem. There's war, friendship, deceit, madness, evil, and in the end revenge, along with the most iconic witches ever conceived.

Another thing this production has that makes it special is its use of traditional, simple and yet fascinating methods to create impressive storytelling  - its direction, lighting, delicious sounds (back to the witches here), and of course some solid performances.

Bretton Reis and Corrie Owens-Beauschesne as the Witches (Photo by Dan Derby)

Director Andrew Codispoti relies on every no-frills, theater conceit to create dramatic effect.

With only eight actors and the aid of Zhana Morris's smart costuming design, he's able to bring more than two dozen roles to life.

And for the most part each of these characters has a strong presence, and clear persona.

The single drawback is a choice in character for Lady Macbeth, performed by Emily Karel. Whether it is the director's or actor's choice, the Lady, unquestionably one of the most evil female villains in literature, is given a tempered persona. 

While Karel delivers the choice of character with consistency, the staid approach doesn't satisfy the  ruthless, manipulative and ambitious nature that's essential to the tale.

The remaining characters are well conceived and smartly  delivered. Importantly, and across the board, the roles are performed with clear insight of the text making it accessible to the listener.

Wayne Asbury's Macbeth is impeccable and chilling, while Codispoti's Macduff is beautifully nuanced and sympathetic. 

Teddy Speck as Duncan (Photo by Dan Derby)

Bretton Reis, Corrie Owens' Beauschesne, and Teddy Speck give outstanding, rich, curious and interesting performances as the Weird Sisters. What makes this take on the Witches, and the reason it's special, is best experienced. So, enough said.

The trio also deftly perform a  multitude of characters.

Jamie Stinbach as Rosee and Porter is on point, and has that little something special on stage that naturally draws the eye. 

Trevor Gerard Frederick nails Banquo, really moves the heart, and is equally apt at his four additional roles.

The show's effectiveness is certainly aided by Griffinn Gower's lighting design, and, as mentioned, Morris's aptly arranged, transforming costume design. 

If you haven't seen Macbeth this will make for a fine introduction. If you're a Macbeth fan, this one is for you - some truly strong portrayals, and witches not to be missed; it's a perfect time to revisit the Bard. 

WHERE: Players' Ring, 105 Marcy St., Portsmouth NH

WHEN: through April 28

COST: General $28, Student and Senior $25, 12 & under $15

CONTACT: 436-8123, and PlayersRing.org

IMPORTANT NOTE: buy tickets DIRECT from the venue's website.  Outside ticket resellers are adding exorbitant fees to ticket prices.

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