Short Shakespeare! MacBeth at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago Tribune - Somewhat Recommended

"... It's not easy to feel empathy for Ben Viccellio's troubled Macbeth, in part because he seems to belong in a less-confident world than the rest of the cast. Viccellio's work is intelligent, but the show's worldview isn't always constant, and thus his fate doesn't grip as it should."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...adults may find that director-choreographer David H. Bell's tight, thrilling, intensely rhythmic take on the play -- which, in its way, is every bit as visually and aurally stunning, and as deeply rooted in stylized movement, as the kabuki production -- is equally satisfying. Streamlined it may be, but this turns out to be a strength."

SouthtownStar - Recommended

"...With its pulsating Ping-Pong video action, tattooed punk warriors and slash-and-hack-to-death sword fights, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's "Short Shakespeare! Macbeth" is a terrific way to introduce the younger set to the exciting world of the Bard."

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...the 12 young, fit cast members fully flesh out the play's sound and fury, whether expressed in brooding ritual or explicit violence. (Don't bring children under ten.) As the killer spouses, Ben Viccellio and Cassandra Bissell make the guilt as convincing as the greed and pride. One complaint: an arrogant new ending contradicts Shakespeare's assertion that the cycle of violence ends with Macbeth."

ChicagoCritic - Somewhat Recommended

"...this is an achievement for Chicago Shakespeare Theater as hundreds of Chicago area teens will be introduced to the marvels and wonders of Shakespeare through this short Shakespeare program that plays nine performances per week to teen school audiences. Since I’m not the intended audience for this show, I observed and how the kids in attendance reacted to the show. They loved it. That’s all that counts here."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended

"...Laced with superstitions and real life calamity, the history of "Macbeth" is nearly as dramatic and thrilling as the play itself. And while this staging is far from the best Chicago Shakespeare Theater has to offer, it is exciting to see the diverse and broad crossover appeal this outstanding company has brought to Navy Pier."