The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth

The story

Verdi’s admiration for Shakespeare led to such masterpieces as Othello and Falstaff, and if the earlier Macbeth isn’t on their exalted level it’s still a powerfully dramatic opera that hews closely to the original’s story line. The MET’s production retains the dark aura of the opera while updating it to a vaguely post-modern context. So the witches are bag ladies in various stages of decrepitude, with children in tow. The Banquet Scene features lowered chandeliers, a plethora of chairs, and a slew of extras dressed in tuxedos and party gowns. Macbeth sports a leather coat, the soldiers are in drab brown uniforms and seem to have fingers on their triggers even when they’re supposed to be in non-threatening situations. Director Adrian Noble also has Lady Macbeth do an inordinate amount of writhing around and singing from a lying-down position, adding to the feeling that a less interventionist directorial hand might have generated more impact.

Cast

Ž Željko LučićMacbeth J John RelyeaBanquo M Maria GuleghinaLady Macbeth E Elizabeth Blancke-BiggsLady-in-waiting to Lady Macbeth D Dimitri PittasMcDuff, Thane of Fife M Mary Jo HeathSelf - Special Guest Interviewer R Richard HobsonA Servant of Macbeth R Raymond RenaultDuncan, King of Scotland R Russell ThomasMalcolm, Duncan's Son A Adam Hauser PiñeroFleance, Banquo's Son K Keith MillerA Murderer D David CrawfordA Warrior

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A Ashley EmersonA Bloody Child A Anne-Carolyn BirdA Crowned Child J James CourtneyA Doctor J Joseph TuriA Herald M MET Orchestra