June 17, 2005

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Publication Date: Friday, June 17, 2005

Last chance to see 'Macbeth' up close

This weekend and next will conclude the final six performances of the Pleasanton Playhouse Studio Theatre production of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth." Even if you have seen Shakespeare's most popular tragedy before, you will find this a different experience in the intimacy of a 90-seat theater. There literally is no bad seat in the house, and the audience is almost part of the action as performers pass close by on entrances and exits. Every nuance of facial expression onstage can be clearly seen.

Another reason why this is a "don't-miss" production is because of the exceptional talent of the two leading actors, Matt Davis as Macbeth and Charlie Parker as Lady Macbeth. If you were to drive to San Francisco - or even to Ashland, Oregon - you would not be likely to find two actors who could better portray the ill-fated, ambitious Scottish couple. Lines written four centuries ago become riveting today when spoken by Davis and Parker.

Director Carol Hovey stays faithful to the original wording. Those who have not brushed up their Shakespeare lately need have no fear. Pleasanton Playhouse thoughtfully provides a four-paragraph synopsis of the action-packed drama. Hovey cleverly transformed the "weird sisters" from a threesome to a flurry of six black-robed characters, with excellent choreography. They might be more frightening and less confusing, however, if they kept their hoods up, because the actors portray more than one character in a close setting. This group of witches opens the show with an enigmatic prophecy that ignites the ambition of Macbeth, a successful general in the king's army. Parker (Lady Macbeth) is chillingly effective in goading her husband to fulfill his dreams through violence.

Stars Davis and Parker are superb in delivering the soliloquies that allow the audience to enter the minds of these conspirators, and to know how their deeds affect them when, "what's done cannot be undone."

Kudos to Bruce Cole for his choreography of amazing fight scenes, and to Davis, Jesse Adcock (Siward) and Richard Aiello (MacDuff) for carrying out the sword fights. Excellent use was made of the very small stage area throughout the production.

Others deserving extra applause are Katherine Conrad and Barbara McFadden, who did double duty as witches and as doctor and gentlewoman, respectively; Wayne Johnson as Ross; and also A.J. Hamilton as the porter (his debut role with Pleasanton Playhouse). Use of recorded sound effects (bagpipes and other music, plus some haunting lines) adds to the enjoyment of the 2-hour and 40-minute production.

Don't delay if you want to obtain any of the remaining tickets for this production, which has attracted near-capacity crowds.
One for the money...

For tickets call 462-2121 or visit www.pleasantonplayhouse.com.

Cost is $20 per adult, $18 for over 60 or under 18 and discounts for groups of 20 or more.
...Two for the show

Location: Studio Theatre at 1048 Serpentine Lane, Suite 309

Directions: Travel east on Valley Avenue across Santa Rita Road, then take the first right (Quarry Lane) and the next right (Serpentine Lane). Theater will be on the left side, with a small sign at the driveway entrance.

Show times: 8 p.m. Fridays (June 17 and 24) and Saturdays (June 18 and 25) and 2 p.m. Sundays (June 19 and 26).

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