MacbethProgram cover
A tragedy by William Shakespeare
Review By Ernest Edwards
Before the play even begins, there’s lots of great information in the program for this production of Macbeth. On the cover is an upside crown that also looks like a bubbling cauldron, which is a reference to Macbeth becoming king, and the prophecies referenced by the Weird Sisters. This production is directed by former Artistic Director of the Guthrie Theatre, Joe Dowling. It was great seeing him back at the Guthrie directing a Shakespeare play. There’s a nice write up in the program about Joe Dowling and this production. Then there is also a nice article about how Shakespeare borrowed the idea for Macbeth from The Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland that was published in 1577 & 1578. Since King James was now on the throne of England Shakespeare made Banquo, who was the founder of the House of Stuart, more favorable in the play since he is an ancestor of King James. Then there is also a nice page about the curse productions have experience while performing the Macbeth, also referred to as the Scottish play. Indeed, some very nice bits of information to read prior to the start of the play.
Macbeth is a dark play. It is a tragedy by Shakespeare after all. When you enter the Wurtle Thrust Stage space, the thrust stage and upstage are not lit at all. The whole space is dark. There are some scenes that are dimly lit, and some of the military costumes are black. Not everything is dark and dismal, there are moments of color in the costumes and moments where the stage is brightly light. I’m saying the darkness does add to the dark moments in the play, very well. Metaphor and reality coming together to create something beautiful together in this production. I need to mention Scenic Designer Riccardo Hernandez and Costume Designer Judith Dolan for their designs for this production. The vision is well executed.
The story follows Macbeth after a victory in Scotland. He is already the Thane of Glamis, and is prophesied to become the Thane of Cawdor, and even King of Scotland. As Fate would have it. Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth are to host King Duncan at their home. You can probably guess what happens next.
This is not the first time I have seen Macbeth on stage. I have seen several film versions too. I think this is only the second production that did not have an intermission. It played for 1 hour and 50 minutes. It was an engaging and fast moving play. The other time I had seen it performed without an intermission at The Park Avenue Armory in NYC. That production was directed by and starred Kenneth Branagh (Macbeth) and Alex Kingston as (Lady Macbeth). I liked not having an intermission. I don’t think there’s a right way and wrong of doing the show with or without an intermission. Depends upon what works best for the production. No intermission was great for production of Macbeth at the Guthrie Theater.
I need to mention some members of the cast for their outstanding work in this play. Bill McCallum as Dunkin the king, Daniel Petzold as his son Malcom, Daniel Jose Molina as Macbeth, Meghan Kreidler as Lady Macbeth, Peter Christian Hansen as Banquo, and John Catron as Macduff.
There were some visually great moments in this production. The appearance of Banquo as a ghost. The coronation scene of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The trees from Birnam Wood as the soldiers approach Dunsinane Castle near the end of the play.
Between those moments, the scenery, costumes and the cast make for an impressive and engaging night at the theater.
The play continues through March 22, 2026. Check out www.guthrietheater.org for tickets.
