Brain Riggs as Macbeth and Kate LaConti as Lady Macbeth.
Photo credit: Michael J. Walline.
The New Phoenix Theatre Proudly Presents
William Shakespeare’s
MACBETH
Directed by Kelli Bocock Natale
March 18 - April 10, 2010
THE BUFFALO NEWS
THREE STARS
"Darker than dark and crackling with violent sexual energy"
"[Kelli] Bocock-Natale's breathless version of the show... succeeds largely on the performances of leads Kate LoConti and Brian Riggs with support from the gifted Eric Rawski as well as Caitlin Coleman, Marie Costa, Darryl Hart, Adam Rath and John Kreuzer...helped with live electric cello music beautifully performed by Emily Elkin."
"The interplay between LoConti and Riggs is as sexually charged as it can get."
"[Rawski's performance] is a demonstartion of excellent chops from an actor too rarely seen in non-comedic roles."
"If it's a night of tense, physical drama you seek,
this production won't disappoint."
-Colin Dabkowski
MACBETH, already Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy, is here pared down to a bare-bones version that allows director Bocock-Natale to present a highly physicalized production featuring an adroit, ensemble cast. Buffalo’s celebrated Brian Riggs and Kate LaConti play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, while the remainder of the ensemble take on multiple roles in a version that traps the principals in a taut mechanism of superstition, paranoia, and of course relentless murders. Eric Rawski, John Kreuzer, Caitlin Coleman, Darryl Hart, Adam Rath and Marie Costa play the witches, murderers, heirs, victims that ensnare the Macbeths in the bloodthirsty drive for power that ultimately, and tragically, turns against them.
With dramaturge Joe Natale, director Bocock-Natale shapes a version that stresses the physicality and versatility of her company and allows the power-driven machine of ambition, murder and resistance to work to its foregone but thrilling climax. The production is typical of the theatre’s mission “to present new and classic works in ways that speak to our community, [and] to rediscover the experience of theatre through the spirit of collaboration.”
Kelli Bocock-Natale is a celebrated local director and radio host (for WBFO) who has helmed some of the New Phoenix Theatre’s most celebrated productions, including Fool for Love and Blackbird. This production rides on the heels of her most recent production, SKIRMISHES, Red Thread Theatre’s inaugural production, currently at the New Phoenix.
MACBETH opens March 18 and plays through April 10.
The New Phoenix theatre is located at 95 Johnson Parkway, Buffalo, NY 14201. Parking is available on streets around the theatre and on Elmwood Avenue, two blocks away from the theatre.
All performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8.00PM
GENERAL ADMISSION $20.00; STUDENTS, SENIORS AND PROFESSIONAL COURTESY (artists and industry) $15.00
ALL THURSDAYS ARE PAY-WHAT YOU CAN