Shakespeare, who penned A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Comedy of Errors, The Merry Wives of Windsor and As You Like It, among other cheerful plays, also wrote tragedies. Darkest among the dark plays is his MACBETH. Mirth has been displaced in this maniacal play, with its dancing, singing… and Murder.
In opening scenes three Weird Sisters, witches, brew evil in a pot using scarce ingredients like eye of newt. They cherry pick the future for Macbeth with oracular accuracy, giving over the goods while leaving out important elements.
Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, and lately Thane of Cawdor, his thoughts bolstered by a future foretold, has ambitions, tempered only by boring limitations, such as loyalty and respect. Lady Macbeth’s arguments push aside these petty hindrances, cutting through to the core of the matter. His was the bloody hand, but hers the ruthless mind behind the murder of a king. The Lady’s idea of hospitality involves sharp knives and ended lives. Power can be gained by bold moves, and never mind if the dead pile up. We call this evil, and would-be kings have much to answer for.
Many of the Lantern Theater Company’s fine cast are Philadelphia based and well known to theater goers. This is an outstanding performance of a Shakespeare warhorse, with actors at the top of their game. And in a banquet scene, a gemstone of drama in the midst of theatrical riches, Macbeth’s guilt creates a ghastly horror that causes him to rant and rave. Lady Macbeth tells him, ““You have displaced the mirth, broke the good meeting, with most admired disorder.” You said it, lady. What price a kingdom?
[Lantern Theater Company, 923 Ludlow St] October 30-December 7, 2025; https://www.lanterntheater.org/plays/macbeth.html
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Producing Artistic Director: Charles McMahon
CAST: Rachel Brodeur, Trevor William Fayle, J. Hernandez, Anthony Lawton, Eli Lynn, Jered McLenigan, Karen Peakes, Amanda Schoonover, Frank X
Two hours with a short intermission.