Macbeth at First Folio Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...Sandys' approach to the story keeps the action moving at a smart pace and reveals nuances that are sometimes glossed over in flashier versions. Macbeth's exhortations to the murderers of Banquo cunningly plays off the resentments of the lower classes, making clear that they are pawns manipulated for one man's criminal ambitions. Goldberg's witch deliberately spares the life of Fleance, Banquo's son, during the attack on his father -- and Fleance reappears at play's end, sword raised, as a silent challenge to the legitimacy of Malcolm, Duncan's heir, and as a portent of more bloodshed. At risk of equivocation, I'll say it's not the most poetic or mind-bending "Macbeth," but it raises a shiver and provides some truly provocative moments amid the dark suburban woods."

Daily Herald - Recommended

"...Hosner has a sort of a everyday affability that makes his transformation from loyal soldier to usurper, and ultimately to tyrant, all the more appalling. Hosner's Macbeth was more civil than I'm accustomed to, but his performance reflects perfectly the detached manipulation that underscores the actions of these characters."

Pioneer Press - Highly Recommended

"...Under the stars that provide an unbeatable backdrop to First Folio's summer stage, Sandys anchors the Scottish play firmly in its ancient, heathen roots. Check out Angela Miller's stunning set as you crest the hillside on the lush grounds of the Peabody Estate. Framed by towering, crude obelisks etched with primitive outlines of weird beasts and rune-like patterns, it's evocative of both Stonehenge and the shadowlands of Osiris."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...The production is full of sound and fury, with a massive outdoor stage, overbearing sound design, and suede-fringed costumes--elaborations that eclipse rather than enhance the stark knell of the Scottish play's poetry. Lumbering fight scenes swallow the story in interminable combat worthy of an old Star Trek episode. In a rare moment of minimalism, Sandys deploys Michael Goldberg in five roles with no costume change, creating maximum confusion."

Chicago Free Press - Somewhat Recommended

"...If only by their sheer size, the large cast make us feel that great events are in play. It’s just the top performances that dampen that crisis mentality. It also doesn’t help that Camden Peterson’s harsh lighting sweeps the staging of subtleties, bathing even the smaller dirty deeds in klieg-light intensity."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...Michael Goldberg anchors as the evil Witch #1 while Aaron Graham’s Malcolm, E. B. Smith’s Macduff and Patrick Clear’s Duncan offered fine performances. The production values and the serviceable performances makes this rendering a suitable summer outing. The Bard’s dark tragedy reminds us that we still need a moral basis to keep evil in check. Bring food & drinks and picnic with The Bard and his tragic folks."